POLITY - NOTES FOR PRELIMS 2019 - Bigo.sg

POLITY - NOTES FOR PRELIMS 2019

PULSEOFFICERS'

MARK BOOSTER NOTES FOR PRELIMS 2019

THE PULSE OF UPSC AT YOUR FINGER TIPS

OFFICERSIASACADEMY–RUNBY4IAS&2IRSOFFICERS.

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HowtoUsethisDocumentDearStudents,

Likealways,letusfirstseehowmanyquestionstoexpectandthengoontodecodethePolityquestionsfromPrelims2018tounderstandthetrend.In2018,therewere13questionsfrompolityascomparedto22in2017and6in2016.WhileIcan’tsayforsureifitwillbehigherthan13thistime,itisunlikelytodropbelow10.

Let’snowtakealookatthequestionsaskedin2018

- Govt.ofIndiaAct1935

- AadharandCitizenship(Heavynewscoverage)

- RighttoPrivacy&FundamentalRights(Newscontext–SCJudgement)

- ILO–Definitionofachild–ChildLabour(NewsContext–IndiaratifiedILOpactonChildLabour)

- PresidentElection(NewsContext–Hon’blePresidentRamNathKovind)

- Immunitiesforthegovernor(NewsContext–Rajasthan’sKalyanSingh)

- ParliamentaryCommittee–Objectives

- SpeakerandLegislativeAssembly

- President’sRuleimplications

- 9thSchedule(Newscontext–SC/STAct)

- LeaderofOpposition(Beeninnewssince2014elections)

- LawandLibertyconnection

- FeaturesofRuleofLaw(Newscontext–RuleofLawIndexbytheWorldJusticeProject)

Fromthisanalysisyoucanseethat8outof13questionshavehaddirectcontemporaryNewsrelevance.Ifyouaresomebodywhoreadsbeyondthenewsitemandunderstandsthe‘polity’behindthetopic,youcanstrikegoldinUPSCPrelims.Sowheneveryoureadanewsarticle,trytoconnectitwithyoursyllabus.Seehowyoucanconnectitwiththeconstitution.Payextraattentiontoyourstaticsyllabusthathasbeeninthenews.

Applythislenstoallthetopicscoveredinthisdocument.

BestWishes,

RAIsraelJebasingh(IAS-2004,Rank59)

Director,OfficersIASAcademy.


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POLITY

POLITY..................................................................1

LEGISLATIVE........................................................6 EVM.............................................................................6 VVPAT........................................................................6 Cashdonations.......................................................7 Electoraloffences..................................................7 BecomingaRajyaSabhaMP.............................7 NOTAforRSpolls.................................................8 ParliamentaryPrivilege.....................................9 Article254(2)......................................................10 SikkimLegislativeAssembly..........................10 ModelCodeofConduct.....................................11 ‘cVigil’App.............................................................13 OnlineAssurancesMonitoringSystem......13 Defamation............................................................14 DisqualificationofMLAs..................................14 PrivatememberBill...........................................15 CasualVacancy.....................................................15 Oncriminalizationofpolitics.........................16 Declaringcriminalantecedents....................17 SpecialCourtsforPoliticians.........................17 NoConfidenceMotion.......................................18 Quorum...................................................................19 Section33ofRPA................................................19 Section126ofRPA.............................................19 LokSabhamemberssuspended...................20 President’sproclamationforJ&K................20 VoterAwarenessForums............................21 Electoralbonds..................................................22 BanonExitPoll....................................................22 ChangingthenameofaState.........................23 Changingnameofcities...................................24 ConstitutionClubofIndia...............................24

ACTS&BILLS....................................................25 ForeignContributionsRegulationAct(FCRA),2010.........................................................25 QuotaforEWS......................................................25 SpaceActivitiesBill,2017...............................26 RERAswithoutjudicialpowers....................27 LSpassesBillbanningcommercialsurrogacy................................................................28 Women'sReservationBill...............................28 WomenEntrepreneurshipPlatform(WEP).....................................................................................29

TheMotorVehicles(Amendment)Bill,2016.........................................................................29 TraffickingofPersons(Prevention,ProtectionandRehabilitation)Bill,201830 CriminalLaw(Amendment)Bill..................31 Anti-lynchingBill................................................31 CitizenshipAmendmentBill..........................32 IndianGorkhas....................................................34 2021census..........................................................35 AlliedandHealthcareProfessionsBill,2018.........................................................................35 RTIAmendmentBill..........................................36 LandacquisitionLaw........................................37 MedicalcouncilBill............................................38 NationalCommissionforHomoeopathy(NCH)Bill,2018..................................................38 BenamiTransactions........................................39 TheDNATechnology(UseandApplication)RegulationBill,2019.........................................39 BeggingAct...........................................................39 AadhaarisMoneyBill.......................................40 PCAAmendments...............................................41 Tripletalaqbillpassed.....................................42 ManualScavenging............................................42 NotimebarforPOSCOCrimes.....................43 MissionBirubala.................................................44 RTIAmendment..................................................44 SCHearingonArticle35A..............................45 PleaagainstArticle370...................................46 Newbroadcastingrules...................................46 TheConsumerProtectionBill,2018..........47 STstatusto6Assamcommunities.............47 India’s1stwitnessprotectionscheme.......48 PermitsforAndaman.......................................48 DisabilitiesAct.....................................................49 ReservationforMarathas...............................50 HighSecurityRegistrationplates..........50 Oxytocin..................................................................51 NationalPolicyonDomesticWorkers......52 Section66A...........................................................52 Lokpal......................................................................52 Lokayukta..............................................................54

JUDICIARY.........................................................54 Appointmentofjudges.....................................54 Oralmentioning..................................................56


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Judicialvacancies................................................56 Masteroftheroster...........................................57 SuccessortoCJI....................................................58 e-CourtsthroughCSC.....................................58 OpenCourtSystem.............................................59 Reviewhearinginopencourt.......................59 Livestreamingofcourtproceedings..........60 iCIS.............................................................................60 Benefitofthedoubt...........................................61 ExecutiveMagistrate.........................................61 SeparateHighCourtforAP.............................61 Increasingretirementageofjudges...........62 Doublejeopardy..................................................62 Section377............................................................63 GreenbenchofSupremeCourt.....................63 PIL&JudicialPendency...................................64 LawCommissionReports................................64 Compensationforminorvictims..................65 Novel:Meesha......................................................66 Article161..............................................................66 Legislatorspracticinglaw...............................67 Aadhar,areasonablerestrictiononprivacy.....................................................................................68 Section497............................................................68 Victimsshallalsodecideonthepunishment............................................................69 DeathPenalty........................................................70 CauveryWaterSharing.....................................70 Mekedatu................................................................70

GOVERNMENTORGANISATIONS...............71 CentralVigilanceCommission(CVC).........71 AppointmentsofheadsofCBI,CIC..............71 CBI.............................................................................72 CIC&SIC.................................................................73 ChiefElectionCommissioner.........................73 CAG............................................................................74 NationalStatisticalCommission...................75 CentralDrugsStandardControlOrganization..........................................................76 LegalstatusforSSC?..........................................76 NHRC&NavodhyaVidyalaya........................77 AnimalWelfareBoardofIndia(AWBI)......77 UIDAI........................................................................78 Autonomousdistrictcouncils........................78 NITIAayog.............................................................79 NHRR,NHP,CBHI,NCD....................................80 UniversityGrantsCommission(UGC)........81 IslandDevelopmentAgency(IDA)..............81 CWMA&CWRC....................................................81 TelecomRegulatoryAuthorityofIndia(TRAI)......................................................................82

NationalCommissionforBackwardClasses(NCBC)....................................................................83 BureauofIndianStandards(BIS)...............83 FSSAI........................................................................84 ScrapingMCI........................................................84 IndianMedicalAssociation............................85 CWCblamesIMD................................................85 Nationaltestingagency...................................86 Govt.scrapsscientificpanels,formscouncil.....................................................................86

GOVERNMENTSCHEMES..............................87 RationalizationofCentralGovernmentschemes..................................................................87 Agricultureextensionservices.....................87 Swayangsiddhascheme...................................88 50world-classrailwaystations...................88 InstituteofEminence.......................................89 MGNREGA..............................................................89 ICDS..........................................................................90 IntegratedRoadAccidentDatabaseProject....................................................................................91 ConsortiumforAcademic&ResearchEthics.......................................................................92 AspirationalDistrictsProgramme...............92 JalCharcha.............................................................93 GangajalProject..................................................93 ParikshaPeCharcha2.0..................................93 RenukajiMultipurposeDamProject..........94 Modelconstructionworkers’welfarescheme....................................................................94 iGOT..........................................................................95 WatankoJano......................................................95 PradhanMantriSwasthyaSurakshaYojana....................................................................................96 GramSwarajAbhiyan.......................................96 Multipleinitiativesineducationsector....96 OperationDigitalboards.................................98 IMPRESSScheme................................................99 SPARCScheme.....................................................99 AtalRankingofInstitutionsonInnovationAchievements(ARIIA)......................................99 BetiBachao,BetiPadhao&KheloIndiaKhelo......................................................................100 POSHANAbhiyaan...........................................100 PRAGATI...............................................................101 Aanchalmother’smilkbank........................101 DISHAinitiative.................................................102 VaranasiMultiModalTerminalonRiverGanga.....................................................................102 DeenadayalAntyodyaYojana.....................103 JanShikshanSansthans.................................104

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Ruralhousing.....................................................106 BhoomiRashiPortal.......................................107 JalMargVikas....................................................107 Liberalisedpromotionscheme..................108 ShahpurkandiDam..........................................108 SoilHealthCard................................................109 PartnersForum2018.....................................110 KalaUtsavNationalCompetitionAboutKalaUtsavNationalCompetition:.............111 Citizen'sCharter&e-Governance.............111 BhashaSangam.................................................111 SwasthNorthEastInitiative.......................112 MissionAntyodaya..........................................112 WatershedDevelopment..............................113 PradhanMantriBhartiyaJanaushadhiPariyojana...........................................................114 SetuBharatamProgramme.........................115 HunarHaat..........................................................115 YuvaSahakar-CooperativeEnterpriseSupportandInnovationScheme”.............115 SwadeshDarshanScheme............................116 DigiYatra..............................................................117 PradhanMantriJanAarogyaAbhiyan(PMJAA)................................................................118 MedWatchApp.................................................119 MissionIndradhanush...................................120 OverseasUDAN.................................................120 AirsafetyinIndia.............................................121 NationalNoFlyList.........................................121 SwachhBharatMission................................122 Curbingopenurination.................................123 WHOonSwachhBharat................................123 WHO’sguidelinesonSanitation................123 BharatKeVeer..................................................124 MaternityBenefit.............................................124 MPLADS................................................................125 NationalSocialAssistanceProgramme(NSAP)..................................................................126 SaubhagyaScheme..........................................126 PMBJP....................................................................127 DoorstepDelivery............................................127 Ro-RotoMajuliIsland....................................128 NationalElectronicsPolicy..........................128 NationalInformationSecurityPolicyandGuidelines(NISPG)..........................................129 BharatNetproject...........................................129 DigitalDevbhoomi...........................................130 Netneutrality.....................................................130 DataLocalisation..............................................130 #OpenGovDataHackNationalChallenge131 UTSonmobileapp...........................................131

HEALTHISSUES............................................132 Fixeddosecombinations(FDC).................132 ‘Leprosy-free’tagforIndia...........................132 SaveHeartInitiative........................................133 Faultyhipimplants..........................................133 Onlinesaleofmedicines................................134 Allhealthconditionsbecovered...............135

REPORT&INDEX.........................................135 UNreportonKashmir...............................135

CompositewaterIndex..................................136 CommonReviewMission(CRM)report.136 PublicAffairsIndex(PAI).............................137 EaseofLivingindex.........................................138 GlobalhungerandGlobalwarming..........138 India’shealthreport.......................................139 WHOreportonalcoholintake....................140 HumanCapitalRankings...............................140 HumanCapitalIndex......................................141 EaseofmobilityIndex....................................143 WorldResourcesInstitute(WRI)Report..................................................................................143

OTHERS...........................................................144 Lateralentryintobureaucracy..................144 Indefiniteleavetoremain............................144 ExtraditionofNiravModi.............................145 Look-OutCircular.............................................145 World’sTallestGirderRailBridge............146 KannurinternationalAirport......................146 GITags...................................................................147 SpecialCategoryStatus(SCS).....................147 ‘EatRightMovement’.....................................148 OperationKaruna.............................................148 Fundamentalrighttoretire.........................149 NDRFaid..............................................................149 InternationalLabourOrganisation(ILO)..................................................................................150 InterpolRedNotice.........................................150 AllIndiaServices..............................................151 Droneregulation..............................................151 WaterManagementofSurat........................152 DamRehabilitationImprovementProject..................................................................................153 RevenueVillage.................................................153 Cyclists&Pedestriansmostvulnerable.155 SDG2030.............................................................155 NationalMonitoringFrameworkonSDG..................................................................................156 SDGIndiaIndex-Report...............................157 MediaRegulatorsinthespot......................158 EDVs.AmnestyInternational.....................159 Cuttingschoolbagweight.............................159



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GlobalCompactforMigration....................160 Agri-priceforecastmodel.............................160 WaterATMs........................................................161 Saleofenemyshares......................................161 IndiaforHumanity..........................................162 POWERGRID.......................................................162 HimalayanStateRegionalCouncil............163 WorldStandardsDay.....................................163 KimberleyProcess...........................................164 OptingoutofAadhar......................................164 InternationalYearofMillets.......................165 StateSurveillance.............................................166 Renamingspree................................................166 FreeDiagnosticFacilitiesatAIIMS...........167

SecondDeltaRanking.....................................168 VoluntaryuseofAadhaar.............................169 MohanReddyCommittee.............................170 Plainpackaging.................................................170 Drivinglicence+Aadhaar............................171 Globalaviationsummit..................................171 SitePotentialDevelopmentReport..........172 E-Prisons..............................................................172 BTcottonpatentcase.....................................173 GlobalHousingTechnologyChallenge....173 Northeastautonomouscouncils................174 KumbhMela........................................................175 FirstCashandCarryStore............................175 ReimbursableAdvisoryServices...............176



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LEGISLATIVEEVM

§ EVMs were introduced to overcome problemsassociatedwithballotpapers like rigging,boothcaptureetcandtotakeadvantageofdevelopmentintechnology.

Whyinnews?§ The Chief Election Commissioner held a meeting will all parties and discussed issues

regardingelections.§ An event claiming to demonstrate EVMs used by ECI can be tamperedwith, has been

organisedinLondonIssuesraisedbyparties

§ ReliabilityofEVMS§ Goingbacktoballotpapers§ Increasingnumberofpollingstations§ Holdingsimultaneouselections§ Ceilingonpartyexpenditure

WhyareEVMsconsideredsafe?§ EVMSinIndiauseone-timeprogrammablechipwhichcannotbealteredortampered

with.§ Themachines are not networked and therefore no possibility of data corruption.

OthercountriesuseEVMsconnectedwithinternetandcouldbevulnerabletohacking.§ EVMs used in elections are manufactured in Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and

ElectronicsCorporationofIndiaLimited(ECIL)underverystrictsupervisoryandsecurityconditionsandtherearerigorousStandardOperatingProceduresmeticulouslyobservedatallstagesunderthesupervisionofaCommitteeofeminenttechnicalexpertsconstitutedwaybackin2010

§ ThesourcecodeforEVMisstoredundercontrolledconditionsatalltimes.§ Thesoftwareissodesignedthatitallowsavotertocastthevoteonlyonce.

IntroductionofTotalizermachines:§ Throughwhich consolidated result of the group of EVMs can be obtained without

disclosing the votes polled by a candidate polling-station-wise, thus, preventingharassmentandvictimizationofvotersfrompreandpostpollintimidation.

VVPATWhatisVVPAT?

§ VVPATis-VoterVerifiablePaperAuditTrail.§ It is an independentmachine attached to a ballotmachinewhich allows voters to

verifythattheirvotewascastproperly.Whyinnews?

§ VVPATmachinesweresuggestedfortheElectionstoBombayParsiPanchayat(BPP)FeaturesofVVPAT

§ Generatesapaperslipcalledballotslipwhenthevoterpressesbuttonagainsthischoice.§ Theslipcontainsname,serialnumberandsymbolofchosencandidate.

SignificanceofVVPAT§ Bringsintransparency.§ Preventsriggingofelection.§ Incaseofmalfunctionofelectronicvotingmachine(EVM)therewillbeaphysicalrecordto

verifythevotescast.



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CashdonationsPresentScenario

§ AtpresentcashdonationtopoliticalpartiesbyapersonisrestrictedtoRs.2000.Whyisnews?

§ ApleahasbeenfiledinSupremeCourttoaskthecourttodirecttheElectionCommissiontode-registerthosepoliticalpartieswhich:

§ Donotcontestelections§ Acceptcashdonationsincashofmorethan2000rupees.

Whypreventcashdonation?§ Blackmoneyisoftenused/launderedbypartiesasapartoftheirelectionexpenditure.§ Bylimitingcashdonations,avenuesforexploitationbypoliticalpartiesarereduced.

Impactondemocracy§ Unchecked money supply in electoral processes distorts the equal playing field

amongstcandidates,againstthespiritofArticle14intheIndianConstitution.§ Italsoviolatesthespiritoffreeandfairelectionsunderarticle19andarticle324.

ElectoraloffencesWhatareelectoraloffenses?

§ Anelectoraloffenseisanyactwhichunderminestheelectoralprocess.§ Itcanrangefrombribery,treatingtofalsestatements,proxyvoting,etc.§ TheElectionCommissionhasagivenawell-definedlistofelectoraloffenses.

Whyinnews?§ Apleahasbeenfiledtomakeelectoraloffencescognisable,withaminimumimprisonment

for2years.§ Notethatpresently,inIndiapolloffencesarenon-cognisable.

Whatiscognisableoffenceandnon-cognisableoffence?§ Cognisableoffencemeansapoliceofficerhastheauthoritytomakeanarrestwithout

awarrantandtostartinvestigationwithorwithoutthepermissionofacourt.§ Whereasforanon-cognisableoffence,apoliceofficerneedsthepermissionofacourt.

Implicationsofmakingpolloffencecognizable§ Variousmalpracticessuchasbribery,undueinfluence,falsestatement,illegalpayments,can

becurbed.§ The punishment of 2 years imprisonment would ban the candidate from contesting in

electionsforaperiodof4yearsundertheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951.

BecomingaRajyaSabhaMPWhatistheRajyaSabha(RS)?

§ Itisthe‘CouncilofStates’andtheUpperHouseoftheIndianParliament.§ TheformationofRScanbetracedtotheMontague-ChelmsfordReportof1918which

wasimplementedintheGovernmentofIndiaAct,1919.§ TheRajyaSabhaisapermanentHouseandisnotsubjecttodissolution.§ Amemberwhoiselectedforafulltermservesforaperiodofsixyears.

Composition&Strength§ Article80laysdownthemaximumstrengthofRajyaSabhaas250§ 12membersarenominatedbythePresidentwhoarepersonshavingspecialknowledgeor

practicalexperienceinrespectofsuchmattersasliterature,science,artandsocialservice§ 238arerepresentativesoftheStatesandofthetwoUnionTerritories§ Thepresentstrengthishowever245(12+233)

Allocationofseatstostates



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§ 4thScheduletotheConstitutionprovidesforallocationofseatstotheStates&UTsinRajyaSabha

§ TheallocationofseatsismadeonthebasisofthepopulationofeachState.QualificationstoRSmembershipArticle84oftheConstitutionlaysdownthequalificationsformembershipofParliament

§ Citizen,Notlessthan30yearsofage§ Mustpossesssuchotherqualificationsasmaybeprescribedinthatbehalfbyorunderany

lawmadebyParliamentGroundsfordisqualificationsArticle102oftheConstitutionlaysdownthegroundsofdisqualificationofeitherhouseoftheparliament

§ NotacitizenofIndiaorhasvoluntarilyacquiredthecitizenshipofaforeignState§ HoldsanyofficeofprofitundertheGovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofanyState§ Unsoundmindandstandssodeclaredbyacompetentcourt§ Anundischargedinsolvent§ DisqualifiedbyorunderanylawmadebyParliament.

ElectiontoRS§ TheRSMPsfromtheStates&theUTsareelectedbyindirectelection.§ TherepresentativesofeachStateandtwoUnionterritoriesareelectedbytheelected

members of the Legislative Assembly of that State and by the members of theElectoralCollegeforthatUnionTerritorybymeansofthesingletransferablevote.

§ TheElectoralCollegefortheNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhiconsistsoftheelectedmembersoftheLegislativeAssemblyofDelhi,andthatforPuducherryconsistsoftheelectedmembersofthePuducherryLegislativeAssembly.

Whyinnews?§ 4peoplewith special knowledgewerenominated toRSby thepresident, as laid out in

Article80.§ RamShakal:Aneminentpeople’sleaderhasdevotedhislifeforthewelfareandwell-being

oftheDalitcommunity§ RakeshSinha:AnacademicwithRSSaffiliationandamemberoftheIndianCouncilofSocial

ScienceResearch§ RaghunathMohapatra:Consideredanauthorityonstonecarvinghascontributedtothe

preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments and has worked on thebeautificationoftheSriJagannathTemple,Puri.

§ SonalMansingh:AnexponentofIndianclassicaldance,performingBharatnatyamandOdissiforoversixdecades

NOTAforRSpollsWhatisNOTA?

§ Itstandsfor‘NoneOfTheAbove’andreferstothechoicegiventoavotershouldthevoterfindallthecandidatesforelectiontothe voter’s constituencyunacceptable/unfavorable.

§ TheapexcourtdirectedtheElectionCommissiontohaveanoptionof'NoneofTheAbove'(NOTA)ontheelectronicvotingmachines(EVMs)andballotpapersinamajorelectoralreformin2013.

§ Earlier,inordertocastanegativeballot,avoterhadtoinformthepresidingofficeratthepollingbooth.ANOTAvotedoesn'trequiretheinvolvementofthepresidingofficer.

Background:



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§ The Election Commission had introduced the concept of NOTA in the Rajya Sabhaelectionsandhadissuedcircularstotheeffect.ThiswaschallengedintheSupremeCourtbytheGujaratCongresswhipShaileshParmartodoawaywiththeoptioninRajyaSabhaelections.

Whyinthenews?

§ The SC struck down the EC’s direction to include NOTA in RS elections andinstructedtheECtoactwithintheframesofthelaw.

SC’sobservation

§ TheSCobservedthattheNOTAoptionisapplicableindirectelectionswhichisbasedonuniversaladultsuffrage(LokSabha,StateAssemblies)andnot inproportionalrepresentation based on the principle of single transferable vote (as is in RajyaSabha).

§ Notingthatpartydisciplineandpurityofdemocracyarecoreissuesinelectoralprocesses,theSCruledthattheNOTAprovisiondilutestheseconceptsandopensthefloodgatesfordefectionandcorruption,andhenceharmstheelectoralprocess.

ParliamentaryPrivilegeWhatisParliamentaryPrivileges?

§ ItreferstocertainspecialrightsandprivilegesenjoyedbytheMPs,MLAsandMLCsintheParliamentandinthestatelegislativeassemblies.

§ These provisions are given to them so that they are able to discharge their dutieseffectively.

§ Itisfairtosaythatwithouttheseprivileges, itwouldbe impossible foreitherHouse tomaintain its independence of actionas they are considered absolutely essential toregulateitsownproceedingsinadisciplined,efficientandundisturbedmannerandinordertoindicateitsauthorityanddignity.

TwotypesofParliamentaryprivileges§ Privileges that are enjoyed by the members individually include, Freedom of speech,

FreedomfromarrestandExemptionfromattendanceasjurorsandwitnesses.§ PrivilegesthatbelongtoeachHouse(LokSabhaorRajyaSabha)ofParliamentcollectively

includetherighttopublishdebatesandproceedings,therighttoexcludestrangers,therighttopunishmembersandoutsidersforbreachofitsprivileges,therighttoregulatetheinternalaffairsoftheHouse

Aretheseprivilegesdefinedunderlaw?§ AccordingtotheConstitution, thepowers,privilegesandimmunitiesofParliament

andMP’saretobedefinedbyParliament.§ Nolawhassofarbeenenactedinthisrespect.§ In the absence of any such law, itcontinues to be governed by British Parliamentary

conventions.WhatisbreachofPrivilege?

§ AbreachofprivilegeisaviolationofanyoftheprivilegesofMPs/Parliament.§ Amongotherthings,anyaction‘castingreflections’onMPs,parliamentoritscommittees;

couldbeconsideredbreachofprivilege.§ This may include publishing of news items, editorials or statements made in

newspaper/magazine/TVinterviewsorinpublicspeeches.§ TheParliamentcantheninitiateproceduresunderthein-houseretributionsystem.Thisis

called"PrivilegeMotion".Whatistheproceduretogoabout?



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1. Anoticeisfirstissuedtothepersonagainstwhomthebreachofprivilege ismadeout,givinghim/heranopportunitytobeheard.

2. Onreceivingtheresponse,theauthorityorSpeakerdecideswhetheracaseofprivilegehasatallarisen

3. IfthereisatallgroundsforprivilegebeinginvolvedthentheSpeakercaneitherputitupbeforetheHouseorsendittotheprivilegescommittee.

4. Thecommitteewhichenjoysquasi-judicialpowersthendiscussesandsubmitsareport,whichisplacedontheflooroftheHouse,totakeadecisiononit.

5. IftheHousefeelsabreachofprivilegehasbeencommitted,thentheHousecansummonthepersonandadmonishhimor,inextremecases,sendhimtoprison.

Whyinnews?§ The Lok Sabha speaker has received privilege motion against Prime Minister

NarendraModiandDefenceMinisterNirmalaSitharamanforallegedlymisleadingtheHouseontheRafaledealduringthedebateonthemotionofno-confidenceagainsttheModigovernment.

Article254(2)Whyinnews

§ Oppositionpartyhasrecentlywrittentopresidentobjectingtothe“indiscriminateuse”ofArticle 254 (2) of the Constitution state government to bypass Parliament-enactedlaws.

§ Forexample,lawspassedbystatelegislaturesallowfortheacquisitionoflandwithouthavingtosatisfyanyoftheCentralsafeguardsbuiltintothe2013Centrallaw,suchasrighttoconsent,socialimpactassessment.

ConstitutionalmeritregardingArticle254(2) § If a law made by the Legislature of a state with respect to matters enumerated in the

concurrentListcontainsanyprovisionnotadheringtotheprovisionsofanearlierlawmadebyParliamentthen,itwillbereservedfortheconsiderationofthePresident,ifreceivedhisassent,wouldprevailinthatState.

§ Therefore,CentrehasinanattempttobypassParliament,encouragedstategovernmentstopasstheirownlawsforlandacquisitionandgetthemapprovedbytheCentreiepresident’sassent.

§ Also, "acquisition and requisitioning of property" is in the concurrent list hence the lawsmadebystateswillsatisfytheconditionsinArticle254(2).

SikkimLegislativeAssemblySikkim

§ It isoneofthe leastpopulatedandsmallest states in India locatedbetweenNepal andBhutan,alsosharingborderswithWestBengalandChina.

§ ItjoinedIndiaasthe22ndstateofIndiain1975afterthepeopleofSikkimdeposedtheMonarchyandvotedtobecomeapartofIndiathroughareferendum.

§ Itisamultilingualandamulti-ethnicstate.Whyinthenews?

§ RecentlythehomeministryrecommendedtheexpansionoftheSikkimassemblyfromthepresent 32 seats to 40 in order to give representation to two scheduled tribecommunitiesLimbooandTamang.

§ This isbecause,asperconstitutionalprovisions, thetotalnumberofseats forSTsshouldbeinproportiontothepopulation.

§ The 2nd schedule of the Representation of people Act will be amended to expand theassemblyaccordingly.



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§ Itisthefirstexpansionofthecabinetsince1975,whenSikkimbecameapartofIndia.

ModelCodeofConductWhatistheModelCodeofConduct?

§ TheModelCodeofConductfortheguidanceofpoliticalpartiesandcandidatesisasetofnorms which has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who haveconsentedtoabidebytheprinciplesembodiedinthesaidcodeandalsobindsthemtorespectandobserveitinitsletterandspirit.

WhyinNews?§ Themodelcodeofconductcameintoforceinpoll-boundTelanganafollowinganElection

Commission directive that henceforth the guidelines would be implementedimmediatelyaftertheearlydissolutionofaLegislativeAssembly.

§ Earlier,therestrictionscameintoforceonlyaftertheannouncementoftheelectionschedulebytheCommission.

§ § Also in another instance The Election Commission of India has written to the Cabinet

Secretary, asking to comply with procedures and norms when communicating with theconstitutional body ,as different Secretaries of Government have beenwriting directly toChiefElectionCommissionerinthewakeofLokSabhaElections.

§ WritingtotheChiefElectionCommissioner(CEC)ortheElectionCommissioners(EC)isnotpermitted, except in rare “important cases” where the head of a department feels thatsomethinghastobebroughttothepersonalnoticeoftheCECorECs.

ElectionCommissionDirective§ TheprovisionsofPart-VIIofthemodelcodeofconduct,whichisforthepartyinpower,will

applyonthecaretakerStategovernmentaswellasontheCentralgovernmentinsofarasmattersrelatingtothatStateareconcerned.

§ The Commission has drawn on legal backing for the directive from the Supreme Court’sobservationinthelandmarkS.R.BommaiandOthersVs.UnionofIndiaandOthers(1994)judgmentthatthecaretakergovernmentshouldmerelycarryonday-to-dayworkanddesistfromtakinganymajorpolicydecision.

Whatisapplicabilityofcodeduringgeneralelectionsandbye-elections?



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§ During general elections to House of People (Lok Sabha), the code is applicablethroughoutthecountry.

§ During general elections to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), the code isapplicableintheentireState.

§ Duringbye-elections,thecodeisapplicableintheentiredistrictordistrictsinwhichtheconstituencyfalls.

WhatistheroleofElectionCommissioninthematter?§ TheElectionCommissionensures itsobservancebypoliticalparty i.e. inpower, including

rulingpartiesattheCentreandintheStatesandcontestingcandidatesinthedischargeofitsconstitutionaldutiesforconductingthefree,fairandpeacefulelectionstotheParliamentandtheStateLegislaturesunderArticle324oftheConstitutionofIndia.

§ Itisalsoensuredthatofficialmachineryfortheelectoralpurposesisnotmisused.Further,itis also ensured that electoral offences, malpractices and corrupt practices such asimpersonation,bribingandinducementofvoters,threatandintimidationtothevotersarepreventedbyallmeans.Incaseofviolation,appropriatemeasuresaretaken.

AboutModelCodeofConduct:§ ElectionCommissionof India'sModelCodeofConduct isasetofguidelines issuedbythe

ElectionCommissionofIndiaforconductofpoliticalpartiesandcandidatesduringelectionsmainlywithrespecttospeeches,pollingday,pollingbooths,portfolios,electionmanifestos,processionsandgeneralconduct.

§ These set of norms has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who haveconsentedtoabidebytheprinciplesembodiedinthesaidcodeinitsletterandspirit.

§ TheModelCodeofConductcomesintoforceimmediatelyonannouncementoftheelectionschedulebythecommissionfortheneedofensuringfreeandfairelections.

§ Much of it is designed to avert communal clashes and corrupt practices. For example,politiciansshouldnotmakehatespeeches,puttingonecommunityagainstanotherormakepromisesaboutnewprojectsthatmayswayavoter.

Mainpoints§ Themainpointsofthecodeofconductare:§ Governmentbodiesarenot toparticipate inanyrecruitmentprocessduring theelectoral

process.§ Thecontestingcandidatesandtheircampaignersmustrespectthehomelifeoftheirrivals

and should not disturb them by holding road shows or demonstrations in front of theirhouses.Thecodetellsthecandidatestokeepit.

§ Theelectioncampaignralliesandroadshowsmustnothindertheroadtraffic.§ Candidatesareaskedtorefrainfromdistributingliquortovoters.Itisawidelyknownfactin

Indiathatduringelectioncampaigning,liquormaybedistributedtothevoters.§ Theelectioncode in forcehindersthegovernmentorrulingparty leaders fromlaunching

newwelfareprogrammeslikeconstructionofroads,provisionofdrinkingwaterfacilitiesetc.oranyribbon-cuttingceremonies.

§ The code instructs that public spaces like meeting grounds, helipads, government guesthouses and bungalows should be equally shared among the contesting candidates. Thesepublicspacesshouldnotbemonopolizedbyafewcandidates.

§ Onpollingday,allpartycandidatesshouldcooperatewiththepoll-dutyofficialsatthevotingboothsforanorderlyvotingprocess.Candidatesshouldnotdisplaytheirelectionsymbolsnearandaroundthepollboothsonthepollingday.NooneshouldentertheboothswithoutavalidpassfromtheElectionCommission.

§ Therewillbepollobserverstowhomanycomplaintscanbereportedorsubmitted.§ Therulingpartyshouldnotuseitsseatofpowerforthecampaignpurposes.§ Therulingpartyministersshouldnotmakeanyad-hocappointmentofofficials,whichmay

influencethevotersinfavourofthepartyinpower.



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§ Beforeusing loudspeakersduringtheirpollcampaigning,candidatesandpoliticalpartiesmustobtainpermissionorlicensefromthelocalauthorities.Thecandidatesshouldinformthe local police for conducting election rallies to enable the police authorities to makerequiredsecurityarrangements.

‘cVigil’AppWhatisit?

§ AnAppreleasedbytheElectionCommissionforcitizenstoreportanyviolationsofthemodelcodeofconductduringelections.

Requirement§ TheapprequiresanAndroidsmartphoneequippedwithacamera,goodinternetconnection

andGPSaccess.Whatistheneedforsuchanapp?

§ ComplaintsaboutviolationsofModelCodeofConductoftencouldnotbefollowedinstantly§ Theviolatorsescapefromactioninmostcases§ ThereisalsoalackofdocumentedevidencefortheECtotakingactionagainstviolators§ Identifying/locatingthesceneoftheviolationhasbeenaproblemearlier.§ cVigilappbridgesallthesegapsandassiststheECtoenforceMCCeffectively.

Howitworks?§ Citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having

witnessedthemandwithouthavingtorushtotheofficeoftheReturningOfficer(RO)tolodgeacomplaint.

§ Photosandvideosofmalpracticescanbeuploadedintheapp§ After reporting, the vigilant citizen gets aUnique ID (for each report) to track and

receivethefollowupupdatesonherorhismobile.§ Theuploadedinformationwillbeusedbyflyingsquadsforfurtheraction§ Theidentityofthecomplainantwillbekeptconfidential.

Preventionfrommisuse§ ItwillreceivecomplaintsonlyaboutModelCodeofConductviolations.§ Theappwillnotallowuploadingofthepre-recordedoroldimagesandvideos§ Theappwillnotallowsavingofthephotosorvideosrecordedusing‘cVIGIL'intothephone

gallery.§ cVigilwill be active only in Stateswhere elections have been announced. Themoment a

citizenexitsanelection-boundState,theappwillbecomeinactive.

OnlineAssurancesMonitoringSystemWhat’sinthenews?

• Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Statistics & ProgrammeImplementation, Vijay Goel, inaugurated the Online Assurances Monitoring System(OAMS),developedbytheUnionMinistryofParliamentaryAffairs.

WhatisOAMS?§ OAMS makes the information regarding assurances given on the floor of the Houses of

Parliamentpaperlessandavailableindigitalformat.Howassurancesweretrackedearlier?

§ DifferentMinisters,whilegivingreplies toquestionsormakingstatements inParliament,giveassurancesontheflooroftheHouse.TheMinistryofParliamentaryAffairscullsoutsuchassurancesfromtheproceedingsoftheHouseandsendstheextractofthoseassurancestotheconcernedMinistriesfortheirfulfilment.

§ Anumberofproblemsariseintheprocessoffulfilmentofassurancesduetohumanfactorsandnon-complianceofguidelines,makingtheprocesslesstransparent.



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HowOAMScanaddresssuchissues?

§ With the inauguration of the OAMS, all assurances being culled out by the Ministry ofParliamentaryAffairswouldbereflectedonthissystemmakingtheprocesspaperlessandtransparent.

§ The online system will track the exact status of pending assurances and expedite theirfulfilment.

DefamationWhatisadefamationcase?

§ AccordingtoSec499oftheIndianPenalCode-Anypersonwhobywordseitherspokenorwrittenorbysignsorbyvisiblerepresentations,makesorpublishesanyaccusationconcerninganypersonintendingtoharmthereputationofsuchperson,isconsideredtobeanactofdefamation.

§ Section 500 of IPC which is on punishment for defamation, reads: “Whoever defamesanothershallbepunishedwithsimpleimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtotwoyears,orwithfine,orwithboth.”

WhyinNews?§ Unionminister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar filed a private criminal defamation

complaintagainsta journalistwhorecently levelledchargesof sexualmisconductagainsthim.

DisqualificationofMLAsConstitutionalProvision

§ The52ndamendmenttotheConstitutionaddedtheTenthSchedulewhichlaiddowntheprocessbywhichlegislatorsmaybedisqualifiedongroundsofdefection.Amemberincursdisqualificationunderthedefectionlaw-

§ IfhevoluntarilygivesupthemembershipofthePoliticalpartyonwhoseticketheiselectedtotheHouse.

§ IfhevotesorabstainsfromvotingintheHousecontrarytoanydirectiongivenbyhispoliticalparty.

§ Ifanyindependentlyelectedmemberjoinsanypoliticalparty.§ Ifanynominatedmemberjoinsanypoliticalpartyaftertheexpiryofsixmonths.

WhyinNews?§ MadrasHighCourthasupheldthedisqualificationof18AIADMKMLAs,whosemembership

werecancelledbyTamilNaduAssemblySpeaker inSeptember lastyearundertheanti-defectionlaw.

Exceptions§ Ifamembergoesoutofhispartyasaresultofamergerofthepartywithanotherparty.A

mergertakesplacewhentwo-thirdsofthemembersofapartyhaveagreedtosuchamerger.

§ If a member after being elected as the Presiding officer voluntarily gives up themembershipofhispartyorre-joinsitafterheceasestoholdoffice.

DecidingAuthority§ ThequestionofdisqualificationundertheTenthscheduleisdecidedbytheChairmanin

caseofRajyaSabhaandSpeakerincaseofLokSabha.§ IntheKihotoHollohanCase,theSupremeCourtdeclaredthatthePresidingofficerwhile

deciding a question under the Tenth Schedule functions as a Tribunal. Hence hisdecisionlikethatofanyothertribunalissubjecttojudicialreviewonthegroundsofmalafide.



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PrivatememberBillAboutprivatebill

§ Ifabillisintroducedinthehousebyaminister,itiscalledgovernmentbillorpublicbill§ .Ifthebillisintroducedbyanyothermemberthanaminister,itiscalledprivatemember

bill.§ AprivatememberbillcanbeintroducedbybothrulingpartyandoppositionMPs.§ Privatemember-AnyMPwhoisnotaMinisterisreferredtoasaprivatemember.§ Parliament’s key role is to debate and make laws. Both Ministers and private members

contributetothelaw-makingprocess.HowisprivatebilldifferentfromGovtbill?

§ WhileGovernmentbillneedsaseven-daynoticeforitsintroduction,privatebillneedsone-monthnotice.

§ WhileGovernmentbillhasmorechancestogetclear,privatebillsaregenerallywithdrawnorgetlapsed.

§ WhilegovernmentBillscanbeintroducedanddiscussedonanyday,privatemember’sBillscanbeintroducedanddiscussedonlyonFridays.

Whyinnews? § NominatedMemberofRajyaSabhaRakeshSinhasaidhewouldbringaprivatemember’sBill

ontheRamTemple.§ Thelasttimeaprivatemember’sBillwaspassedbybothHouseswasin1970.Thiswas

theSupremeCourt(EnlargementofCriminalAppellateJurisdiction)Bill,1968.§ Fourteenprivatemember’sBills-fiveofwhichwereintroducedinRajyaSabhahavebecome

lawsofar.§ In 2015, Rajya Sabha passed The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, a private

member’sBillpilotedbyTiruchiSivaoftheDMK.TheBillisnowpendingbeforeLokSabha.CasualVacancyWhatiscasualvacancy?

§ Inpolitics,acasualvacancyisasituationinwhichaseatinacurrentassemblybecomesvacantduringthatassembly'sterm.

§ Casual vacanciesmay arise through the death, resignation or disqualification of the sittingmember,orforotherreasons.

Whyinnews?§ TherearesomenewspapersthathavereportedthattheCommissionontheonehandannouncedthe

byelectionstofillthethreecasualvacanciesinLokSabhafromKarnatakawhiletheby-electionstofillfivevacanciesinLokSabhafromAndhraPradeshhavenotbeenannounced.

Istheallegationtrue?§ Inthisconnection,itistobenotedthatvacanciesofKarnatakahaveoccurredonMay,2018

respectively, whereas vacancies from the five parliamentary constituencies from AndhraPradeshhaveoccurredonJune,2018.

§ Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 mandates the ElectionCommission to fill the casual vacancies in the Houses of Parliament and StateLegislaturesthroughbyelectionswithinsixmonthsfromthedateofoccurrenceofthevacancy,providedthattheremainderofthetermofamemberinrelationtoavacancyisoneyearormore.

§ ThetermofsixteenthLokSabhaisupto3rdJune,2019.AsthevacanciesfromKarnatakahaveoccurredmorethanoneyearbeforetheexpirationofthetermofHouse,byeelectionsarerequiredtobeheldunderSection151AofR.P.Act1951tofillthesevacancieswithinsixmonthsfromthedateofoccurrenceofvacanciesthatisMay,2018.



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§ InthecaseofvacanciesfromAndhraPradesh,thereisnoneedtoholdbyelectionsastheremainingtermoftheLokSabhaislessthanoneyearfromthedateofoccurrenceofvacanciesthatisJune,2018.

OncriminalizationofpoliticsBackground

§ The verdict by the five-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India referred to the LawCommissionreportswhichpointedoutthatpoliticalpartieshavebeenchieflyresponsibleforcriminalizationofpolitics.

§ ThoughtheRepresentationofthePeopleActdisqualifiesasittinglegislatororacandidateoncertaingrounds,thereisnothingregulatingtheappointmentstoofficeswithintheparty.

WhyinNews?§ TheSupremeCourtrecentlydirectedpoliticalpartiestopublishonlinethependingcriminal

casesof theircandidatesandurgedParliamenttobringa“strong law”tocleansepoliticalpartiesofleadersfacingtrialforseriouscrimes.

SCJudgement§ A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India observed that Rapid

criminalizationofpoliticscannotbearrestedbymerelydisqualifyingtaintedlegislatorsbutshouldbeginby“cleansing”politicalparties.

Highlights-§ First,whilefilingtheirnominations,thecandidatesmustdeclareiftherearependingcriminal

casesagainstthemincourts.§ Second, political parties are also responsible forputtingupdetails of criminal cases filed

againsttheircandidatesontheirwebsites.§ Third, Parliament must legislate on the matter to ensure that candidates with criminal

antecedentsdonotenterpubliclifeorbecomelawmakers.§ Fourth,whilefillingthenominationforms,candidatesmustdeclaretheircriminalpastand

thecasespendingagainsttheminboldletters.§ Lastly,politicalpartiesshouldpublicisethebackgroundoftheircandidatesviatheelectronic

mediaandissuedeclarations.Vohrapanelreport

§ TheN.N. Vohra Committee submitted its report in October 1993 after its study of theproblem of criminalisation of politics and the nexus among criminals, politicians andbureaucratsinIndia.

§ Thecommitteehadconcludedthatagencies, includingtheCBI, IB,RAW,hadunanimouslyexpressed their opinion that the criminal network was virtually running a parallelgovernment.

§ Thecommitteereportmentionedhowmoneypowerwasfirstacquiredthroughrealestateandthenusedforbuildingupcontactswithbureaucratsandpoliticians.

KeyRecommendation

§ SettingupofaParliamentaryCommitteeonEthicsasdistinctfromtheCommitteeofPrivilegeswhichwouldactasaguardianontheactivitiesofmembersofParliament.



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§ AdoptionofaCodeofConductatthelevelofpoliticalpartiestoensureacleanerpubliclife,e.g.,nottogivepartyticketstopersonshavingacriminalrecord.

§ All political parties should have open audited accounts which must be publishedannually.

§ GivingmoreteethtotheNodalGroupsetupasaconsequenceoftherecommendationsoftheVohraCommitteeReport.

§ Changesinthelegalsystem,simplificationoftheprocedureanddispensationofquickjustice.

DeclaringcriminalantecedentsWhyinnews?

§ WithrespecttotherecentSupremeCourtdirectiveoncandidateswithcriminalantecedents,the Election Commission releasedan amended Form 26 for those contesting polls todeclareandpublicisedetailsofthecasesagainstthem.

Supremecourtruling§ TheSupremeCourtdirectedthattheformwouldmentioninboldlettersthecriminalcases.

“Ifacandidateiscontestinganelectionontheticketofaparticularparty,he/sheisrequiredtoinformthepartyaboutthecriminalcasespendingagainsthim/her,”thecourtsaid.

• “Thecandidateaswellastheconcernedpoliticalpartyshallissueadeclarationinthewidelycirculatednewspapersinthelocalityabouttheantecedentsofthecandidateandalsogivewidepublicityintheelectronicmedia,”thecourtsaid.

Declaringthecriminalantecedents§ The polling candidates are required to declare information about criminal cases, assets,

liabilitiesandeducationalqualificationswhentheyfiletheirnominations§ Convictions,ifany,alsohavetobementioned.Politicalpartiesfieldingsuchcandidatesalso

havetopublishtheirdetailsontheirwebsitesandinnewspapersandtheelectronicmedia.§ WithelectionscomingupinthestatesofRajasthan,MadhyaPradesh,Chhattisgarh,Mizoram

andTelanganaAssemblyelections.§ Candidates with criminal antecedents and their political parties can be charged with

contempt of the Supreme Court if they fail towidely publicise the cases against them asprescribed.

SpecialCourtsforPoliticiansBackground:

§ TheSupremeCourtby itsDecember2017orderhaddirected thecentre tosetupspecialcourtsacrossthecountrytofast-trackthelong-pendingtrialsoflawmakers.

§ These courtswould devote themselves for the purpose so that trial in these cases couldconcludeinayear.

SC’sdirections§ Theapexcourthaddirectedthecentretofiledetailsonthenumberofspecialcourtsthat

havebeensetupfollowingitsDecember2017orderandthenumberofcasespendingbeforethesecourts.

Statistics§ Asmanyas1,233criminalcasesinvolvingMPsandMLAsweretransferredtothesecourts.§ Of these1,233cases,136havebeendisposedofand1,097arepending. In theremaining

stateswherethecasesagainstMP/MLAsarelessthan65,theCentrehassaidthesewouldbetriedbyregularcourtsinfast-trackmode.

Responsefromthecentre



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§ Inresponsetothedirections,theMinistryofLawandJusticeinanaffidavittoldthecourtthat12specialcourtshavebeensetupacross11StatesexclusivelytotrysittingMPsandMLAs.

§ Delhihastwosuchcourts,whileAndhraPradesh,Telangana,Karnataka,Kerala,TamilNadu,UttarPradesh,Bihar,WestBengal,MaharashtraandMadhyaPradeshhaveoneeach.Thesecourtswouldfunctionwithintheterritorialjurisdictionofthestatetheyhavebeensetup.

§ TheCentrefurtheraccusedStategovernmentsandHighCourtsofnotpartingwithupdatedinformationonthenumberofcriminalcasespendingordisposedagainsttheMPs/MLAs.Thecentre also asked the SupremeCourt todirect the State governmentsandHighCourts tosubmitthelatestdataonthetrialsofallegedlycorruptandcriminalpoliticians.

§ TakingseriousnoteofthelackofenthusiasmonthepartoftheStates,theSupremeCourtsaiditwouldmonitorthecomplianceofitsorderstoformspecialcourtstotryMPs/MLAsandthefunctioningofthesecourts.

§ TheBenchdirectedtheChiefSecretariesoftheStatesandtheRegistrarGeneralsoftheHighCourts to provide the precise number of cases presently pending and required to betransferredtothespecialcourts.

NoConfidenceMotionWhatisa‘No-confidencemotion’?

§ Article75spellsitoutthat“thecouncilofministersshallbecollectivelyresponsibletotheHouseofthePeople”.

§ ThisimpliesthatthemajorityofLokSabhamembersmustsupporttheprimeministerandhiscabinet.

§ ThemotioncanbemovedonlyinLokSabhaandnotRajyaSabha.§ However, it has to benoted that neither a confidencemotion nor a no-confidence

motionismentionedintheConstitution.Howitworks?

§ As per Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, anymemberofthehousecanmoveano-confidencemotion.

§ Ifthemotionisacceptedbyaminimumof50members,thenthepartyinpowerhastoproveitsmajorityintheHouse.

§ Ifthemotiongetslessthan50votesthenitisnotaccepted.§ Thememberneednotgiveareasonformovingtheno-confidencemotion.§ Within10daysofthemotionisacceptedaday/multipledays/apartofthedayisannounced

bythespeakertodiscussthemotion.Thereafter,adiscussiontakesplaceonthemotion.§ Members who support the motion highlights the government’s shortcomings while the

governmentinpowerrespondstothem.§ Attheendofthemotion,aspecifictimeisallottedtocastthevotes.§ Iftheleadinggovernmentlosesthe‘confidencemotion’thenthegovernmenthasto

resign.Whyinnews?

§ TheTDPofAndhrahasmovedano-confidencemotionagainsttherulingBJPgovernment.History

§ Thefirsteverno-confidencemotionwasmovedbyAcharyaKripalaniinAugust1963againsttheJawaharlalNehruledgovernment

§ TheotherPMswhofacedthemotionareLalBahadurShastri,MorarjiDesai,RajivGandhiand PV Narasimha Rao. Indira Gandhi facedmaximum numbers of no- confidencemotionwhichis15.

Hastheoppositioneverwontheno-confidencemotion?§ In1979,theno-confidencemotionagainstPrimeMinisterMorarjiDesaimovedbyYB

Chavanledtothefallingofthegovernment.



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§ Itwasthefirstno-motionthatledtothefallingofagovernment.Sincethen,everyPrimeMinisterhasbeenabletodefeatano-confidencemotion.

QuorumWhatisQuorum?

§ Theminimumnumberofmembersofanassemblyorsocietythatmustbepresentatanyofitsmeetingstomaketheproceedingsofthatmeetingvalid.

Whyinnews?§ ProceedingsintheRajyaSabhawereadjournedrecentlyduetoalackofquorum.

WhatisquorumforRS?§ Forquorum,aminimumof25MPsmustbepresent.Therewereonly23members.§ Quorumisusuallytheonetenthoftotalnumberofmembersineachhouse,including

thepresidingofficer.§ ForlokSabha—55§ ForRajyaSabha-25

Section33ofRPAWhatisSection33about?

§ Section33(7)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleActof1951allowscandidatestocontestfromamaximumoftwoconstituenciesatthesametime.

Whyisthisinnews?§ AnadvocatefiledapetitionintheSupremeCourtseekingtheinvalidationofSection33.§ Hisargumentisthatallowingapersontocontestfrom2constituenciesoftenleadstoby-

electionswhichisanavoidablelabourandexpenditure.EC’sview

§ EC said to court that the “law should be amended to provide that a person cannotcontestfrommorethanoneconstituencyatatime.”

Government’sview§ Thegovernmentrejectedthepleatostopcandidates fromcontestingfromtwodifferent

constituencies.§ Itsaidthatsuchalimitationinfringesonaperson’srighttocontestthepollsandcurtails

thepolity’schoiceofcandidates.§ The Representation of people Act (RPA), 1951 provides for the rules and regulations regarding

conduct of election to parliament and state legislature, election offences, registration of politicalpartiesetc.

Section126ofRPAWhatisSection126ofRPA?

§ Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act prohibits displaying anyelectionmatterbymeans, inter alia, of televisionor similar apparatus, during theperiodof48hoursbeforethehourfixedforconclusionofpollinaconstituency.

Whatdoestheterm‘electionmatter’mean?§ The expression “election matter” means any matter intended or calculated to

influenceoraffecttheresultofanelection.§ Anypersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsshallbepunishablewithimprisonment

foratermwhichmayextendtotwoyears,orwithfine,orwithboth.WhyinNews?

§ The Election Commission (EC) has set up a 14-member committee headed byUmeshSinhatosuggestchangestoSection126oftheRPAinthewakeofmultifoldexpansionanddiversityofdigitalandelectronicmedia.(termedas“newmedia”)



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§ Thecommitteewillstudytheimpactofnewmediaandsocialmediaduringthe48hours“silenceperiod”anditsimplicationinviewofSection126andsuggestchangestothemodelcodeofconduct(MCC)accordingly.

LokSabhamemberssuspendedSpeaker’spowertosuspendmembers

§ Among the tools available to the Speaker for ensuring discipline, is the power to force amember towithdrawfromtheHouse(for theremainingpartof theday),or toplacehimundersuspension.

§ RuleNumber373oftheRulesofProcedureandConductofBusinessstatesthatincasetheSpeakerisoftheopinionthattheconductofanymemberis“grosslydisorderly”,heorshemay direct thatmember to “withdraw immediately from theHouse”. Themember isrequiredto“dosoforthwith”,andstayawayfromthe“remainderoftheday’ssitting”.

§ TheSpeakermayinvokeRule374A incaseof“gravedisorderoccasionedbyamembercomingintothewelloftheHouseorabusingtheRulesoftheHouse,persistentlyandwilfullyobstructing itsbusinessbyshoutingslogansorotherwise…”.Thememberconcerned, “onbeingnamedbytheSpeaker,standsautomaticallysuspendedfromtheserviceoftheHouseforfiveconsecutivesittingsortheremainderofthesession,whicheverisless”.

§ WhiletheSpeaker isempoweredtoplaceamemberundersuspension, theauthorityforrevocationofthisorderisnotvestedinhim/her.ItisfortheHouse,ifitsodesires,toresolveonamotiontorevokethesuspension.

PowerstotheChairmanofRajyaSabha:§ Chairmanof theRajyaSabha isempoweredunderRuleNumber255 of itsRuleBook to

“directanymemberwhoseconductis inhisopiniongrosslydisorderlytowithdrawimmediately”fromtheHouse.“…Anymembersoorderedtowithdrawshalldosoforthwithandshallabsenthimselfduringtheremainderoftheday’smeeting.”

§ TheChairmanmay“nameamemberwhodisregardstheauthorityoftheChairorabusestherulesoftheCouncilbypersistentlyandwilfullyobstructing”business. Insuchasituation,theHousemayadoptamotionsuspendingthememberfromtheserviceoftheHouseforaperiodnotexceedingtheremainderofthesession.TheHousemay,however,byanothermotion,terminatethesuspension.UnliketheSpeaker,theRajyaSabhaChairmandoesnothavethepowertosuspendamember.

Whyinnews?§ CrackingthewhiponunrulyMPs,SpeakerSumitraMahajanhassuspended45LokSabha

membersbelongingtotheTDPandtheAIADMKaftertheycreatedruckusintheHouseandcontinuouslydisruptedproceedingsfordays.

§ Theactionwastakenunderrule374AoftheLokSabhawhichsaystheycannotattendtheremainingdaysofthesession.

President’sproclamationforJ&KBackgroundofthisissue:

§ President’srulecameintoforceinJammuKashmirfromthemidnightofDecember20,2018,followingtheexpiryofthesix-month-longgovernor'srule.

§ Presidentsignedtheproclamationpavingthewayforimpositionofcentralruleinthestate,whichwasplacedundertheGovernor’sruleonJune20aftertheBJPwithdrewsupporttothePDPgovernmentledbyMehboobaMufti.

§ TheproclamationwassignedaftertheUnionCabinetheadedbyPrimeMinisterNarendraModiapprovedthedecisiononDecember17,2018.

§ Aftertheproclamation,thepowersofthelegislatureofthestateshallbeexercisablebyorundertheauthorityofParliament.



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§ TheJammuandKashmirGovernorSatyaPalMalikhadonNovember21,2018dissolvedtheState Assembly with immediate effect after rival alliances staked claim to form thegovernment.

Governor'sruleinJ&K:§ SincethestatehasaseparateConstitution,insuchcases,sixmonthsofGovernor’sruleis

compulsoryunderArticle92oftheJammuandKashmirConstitution,underwhichallthelegislativepowersarevestedwiththeGovernor.

§ Thestateassemblywaskept in suspendedanimationso thatpoliticalparties couldexplorethepossibilityofforminganewgovernment.

§ Thesix-monthtenureoftheGovernor'sruleendedonDecember18,afterwhichthestatewillbeputunderthePresident’sruletillitgoesintopolls.

§ Thestatewenttopollsattheendof2014andtheAssembly'stenurewastillOctober2020.§ TheGovernorhasdecidedtoholdelectionsatanappropriatetimesothatagovernmentwith

aclearmandateisformed.ParliamentaryapprovalforthePresident’srule:

§ Article356statesthatPresidentrulecanbeimposedinanystateongroundsoffailureofConstitutionalMachinery,andfailureisoftwotypes:-

§ IfPresidentonreceiptofreportbyGovernorofaStateorotherwiseissatisfiedthatasituationhasariseninwhichgovernmentofthatstatecan’tbecarriedinaccordancewithprovisionsoftheConstitutionthenPresidentRulecanbeimposed.

§ Article365statesthateverystateshallcomplywithalldirectionsgivenbyUniononmattersitempowerstodoso.IfanystatefailstocomplywithdirectionsofunionthenPresidentRulecanbeimposed.

§ EveryProclamationtoimposePresidentRuleshallbelaiddownbeforeeachhouseofParliamentandmustgetapprovalwithintwomonthsfromdateofissue.

§ Providedthatifattimeofproclamation,LokSabha(LS)hasbeendissolvedordissolutionofLS takes place in mean time (i.e. within two months from date of issue) then must getapprovalofRSwithin2monthsbutsuchproclamationshallceasetooperateafter30daysfromfirstsittingofLSafteritsreconstitution,ifnotgetapprovalofnewLSin30days.

§ If approvedby both houses of Parliament thenPresidentRule shall continue for 6monthsanditcanberenewedformaximumof3yearsbyapprovalofParliamentafterevery6months.

Whyinnews?§ RajyaSabhaon Jan03,2019passeda resolutionapprovingPresidentRule in Jammuand

Kashmir.TheproclamationisyettobeapprovedinLokSabha.

VoterAwarenessForumsWhatisVoterAwarenessForum:

§ VoterAwarenessForum(VAF)waslaunchedbyElectionCommissionofIndiainNewDelhi.§ Voter Awareness Forums are informal Forums for generating awareness around

electoralprocessthroughactivitieslikediscussions,quizzes,competitionsandotherengagingactivities.

§ AllemployeesoftheOrganisationareexpectedtobecomemembersoftheVAFwiththeHeadoftheOrganisationactingastheChair.

§ The aim of Voter Awareness Forum is to promote informed and ethical electoralparticipation,beginningfromthefirststepievoterregistrationtocastingofvote.

Whyitisinnews:§ The Election Commission of India wants to increase informed and ethical electoral

participationinelection,soitcreatedVoterAwarenessForumtoincreaseawarenessandknowledgeofelectionprocessamongvoters.



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ElectoralbondsWhyitisinnews?

§ FormerChiefElectionCommissionersaidinarecentinterviewElectoralbondsareadampsquib

§ Hesaidsobecausehefeelselectoralbondshavefailedtotackleblackmoneypaidtopoliticalparties.

§ Ithademergedasa“greatermethodofcamouflage”,hesaid.Whatisit?

§ AnelectoralbondisdesignedtobeabearerinstrumentlikeaPromissoryNote—ineffect,itwillbesimilartoabanknotethatispayabletothebearerondemandandfreeofinterest.

§ ItcanbepurchasedbyanycitizenofIndiaorabodyincorporatedinIndia. Howdoyouuseit?

§ Thebondswillbeissuedinmultiplesof₹1,000,₹10,000,₹1lakh,₹10lakhand₹1croreandwillbeavailableatspecifiedbranchesofStateBankofIndia.

§ TheycanbeboughtbythedonorwithaKYC-compliantaccount. § Donorscandonatethebondstotheirpartyofchoicewhichcanthenbecashedinvia

theparty'sverifiedaccountwithin15days Whataretheotherconditions?

§ Everypartythat isregisteredundersection29AoftheRepresentationofthePeoplesAct,1951(43of1951)andhassecuredatleastonepercentofthevotespolledinthemostrecentLokSabhaorStateelectionwillbeallottedaverifiedaccountbytheElectionCommissionofIndia.

§ Electoralbondtransactionscanbemadeonlyviathisaccount. § Thebondswillbeavailableforpurchaseforaperiodof10dayseachinthebeginningof

everyquarter,i.e.inJanuary,April,JulyandOctoberasspecifiedbytheCentralGovernment.§ Anadditionalperiodof30daysshallbespecifiedbytheCentralGovernmentinthe

yearofLokSabhaelections.§ Adonorwillgetataxdeductionandtherecipient,orthepoliticalparty,willgettax

exemption,providedreturnsarefiledbythepoliticalparty.

BanonExitPollWhyinnews?

§ ElectionCommissionofIndia(ECI)notifiedtheperiodduringwhichconductinganyexitpollisprohibitedintheongoinggeneralelectionstotheLegislativeAssembliesofChhattisgarh,MadhyaPradesh,Rajasthan,andMizoram&Telangana.

§ RepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,providessuchauthoritytoECI.Aboutbanonexitpoll

§ Opinionpollsareconductedbypollingagenciesanddisseminatedwidelybytheelectronicandprintmedia

§ Currently,opinionpollsarebarredfrombeingpublishedinelectronicmediafor48hourspriortoanelectioninthatpollingareaunderRPAsection126.

§ Justificationfortheregulationofopinionpollsisthepreservationofthesanctityandintegrityoftheelectoralprocess.

§ Concernsonthiscountariseonthegroundsthatopinionpollsareabletoinfluenceelectoralbehaviouranddistortelectoraloutcomes.

PaidNewsWhatisPaidNews?



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§ TheElectionCommissionhasacceptedadefinitionthatthePressCouncilofIndiacameupwithin 2010. According to the Press Council’s report, the paid news is “any news oranalysis appearing in anymedia (print& electronic) for a price in cash or kind asconsideration”.

WhyinNews?§ TheElectionCommissionofIndiahasmovedtheSupremeCourtchallengingtheMay2018

DelhiHighCourtorderthatsetasidethedisqualificationofanMLAfromMadhyaPradeshonthegroundsofPaidNews.

ElectionCommission’sStand§ Repeatedpublicationofpropagandalaudingtheachievementsofacandidateinanelection

isnothingbut“paidnews”,theElectionCommissionofIndiahastoldtheapexcourt.

StepsTakenbyElectionCommission

§ Starting with June 2010, ECI has issued instructions to state and district officers toscrutinize,identifyandreportcasesofPaidNews.

§ TheCommissionhasappointedaMediaCertification&MonitoringCommittee(MCMC)atDistrictandStatelevelforcheckingPaidNews.

§ TheCommitteehasOfficersfromMinistryofI&BandStateDIPR.§ The Committee will scrutinise all media within its jurisdiction to identify political

advertisementinthegarbofnews.§ MCMC shall also actively consider paid news cases referred to it by the Expenditure

Observers.§ Oncethecasesaredecidedaspaidnews,theprintmediacasesshouldbesenttoECIfor

referringittoPressCouncilforactionagainsttheconcernedMediaHouse.§ Paid News cases related to electronic media are to be referred by the Commission to

NationalBroadcastersAssociationforconsiderationbyNationalBroadcastingStandardsAuthority(NBSA).

ElectoralReformsproposedByECIonPaidNews§ IthasproposedtoamendtheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,(RPA)toinclude“paid

news”inelectoraloffenceswithaminimumtwo-yearjailtermforpublishingorabettingthepublishingofpaidnews.

§ TheEC’sviewsfoundresonanceinthereportoftheLawCommissionofIndiaonelectoralreforms,whichwassubmittedinMarch2015.ThereportrecommendedthatRPAshouldbeamendedtoregulatepaidnewsandpoliticaladvertisements.

ChangingthenameofaStateWhyinnews?

§ TheCentre isnotkeenonchanging thenameofWestBengal to ‘Bangla’as itwas “not innationalinterest.”

Moreonthenews:



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§ TheWestBengalgovernment’sproposaltochangetheState’snameto‘Bangla’hadbeensenttoMinistryofExternalAffairs(MEA)forconsultation,astheproposednameresemblesthatofBangladesh.

§ Thenamechangecouldattractillegalimmigrantsandencouragethemtocrosstheborderduetothesimilarityinnames.

§ WestBengalshares2,217kmborderwithBangladesh.§ NofinaldecisionhasbeentakenandtheywouldawaitaresponsefromtheMEA.

Howthenameofstateischanged? § Article3oftheIndianConstitutionempowerstheParliamenttochangethenameofthestate

throughaConstitutionalAmendmentthroughasimplemajority.§ Butpriortoit,theproposalissenttothePresidentwhogivesittothestateconcerned.State’s

viewisnotbindingonthePresident.ChangingnameofcitiesWhyinnews?

§ Recently,theUttarPradeshCabinethasofficiallyadoptedaproposaltorenamethehistoriccityofAllahabadasPrayagraj.

§ ThecitywasknownasPrayagbefore16th-centuryMughalemperorAkbarbuiltafortneartheconfluenceoftheGangaandtheYamunaandnamedit“Ilahabad”.

§ HisgrandsonShahJahanrenamedtheentirecity“Allahabad”.AnareaneartheconfluenceoftherivercontinuestobeknownasPrayag.

§ ThereisaproposalbyUPGovernmenttorenameFaridabadtoAyodhya.Standardprocedureforrenamingcities

§ RenamingofacitycomesundertheambitofStateLegislators.Tocompletetherenamingof a state, the State Legislator should follow a guideline that will rule the validity of aparticularrenamingdonebythesaidauthority.

§ The first step involves raising of a request in form of a resolution by any Member ofLegislativeAssembly(MLA)whichproposestherenamingofanyparticularcityorstreet.

§ On the basis of the request of the MLA, the issue would be deliberated upon and theconsequencesofthesameshallbediscussedupon.

§ Thefinalstepinvolvesvotingofthevalidityoftheresolution.Iftherearemajorityvotesinfavour of the resolution, the said resolution shall be declared passed. Themajority hereinvolvessimplemajority.

§ RecentexamplebeingrenamingoftheAurangzebRoadinLutyens’sDelhiasDrAPJAbdulKalamRoad.TheresolutionwasunanimouslypassedbytheNewDelhiMunicipalCouncil.

ConstitutionClubofIndiaAboutConstitutionClubofIndia(CCI):

§ ConstitutionClubofIndiaisaclubstartedformembersofIndianConstituentAssembly.§ The Constitution Club acts as a platform for interaction amongst the Past & PresentMembers of

Parliament.§ Theclubwasestablishedasaninformalgroupinyear1947housedatCurzonRoad.Itwasformally

inaugurated by Shri Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, philosopher & academician President in February1965.

Whyinnews?§ The Vice President was addressing the gathering at an event to flag off the Car Rally for

ParliamentariansorganizedbytheConstitutionClubofIndiatopromoteawarenessonroadsafety.



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ACTS&BILLSForeignContributionsRegulationAct(FCRA),2010WhatisFCRA,2010?

§ ItisaregulatingActthatreplacestheForeignContribution(Regulation)Act,1976§ Itregulates/prohibitstheacceptanceof‘foreigncontribution’aswellas‘foreignhospitality’

giventoaspecificlistofindividuals(eg:politicalparties,judges,civilservantsetc)§ TheActaimstoensurethattherearenoforeigninfluencesonIndia’ssovereigntyorinits

decisionmakingWhyinnews?

§ TheSChassoughtresponsefromthegovernmentontherecentamendmentstoFCRAwhichallowsforeignfundingtopoliticalparties.

§ Note:Both the rulingaswellas theoppositionpartyhasbeen foundguiltyofacceptingforeigncontributionsin2014

Background§ TheNGO‘AssociationforDemocraticReforms’haschallengedtheamendmentstotheFCRA

throughFinanceAct2016andFinanceAct2018.§ Theamendmentswerepassedasamoneybillwithretrospectiveeffectfrom1976.§ However,theRepresentationofthePeopleActbarspoliticalpartiesfromreceivingforeign

funds.RegulationofNGOs

§ TheForeignContributionRegulationAct(FCRA)wasintroducedin2010,requiringallNGOstoapplyforalicensetoreceiveforeignfunding.AllNGOsreceivingforeignfundsnowhavetore-registerfortheirFCRAlicense.OrganisationswithpermanentFCRAlicensesnowhavetogettheserenewedeveryfiveyears.

§ It’sestimatedthatatleast10,000FCRAlicenses,neededtoreceiveforeignfunds,havebeenrevoked.§ ThegovernmentbarredseveralprominentNGOsfromreceivingfundsfromforeigncountriesafter

theyfailedtofiletheirannualreturnsforfiveconsecutiveyears.§ TheministrydirectedNGOsacrossthecountrytovalidatethebankaccountsinwhichtheyreceive

foreignfunds.Inacircularissuedin2017,theMHAhadsaidallNGOsregisteredunderFCRAshouldreceiveforeigndonationsinasingledesignatedbankaccount.

QuotaforEWS10%QuotaforEconomicallyWeakerSectionsofSociety:

§ TheConstitution(OneHundredandTwenty-FourthAmendment)Bill,2019wasintroducedin Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to provide for the advancement of “economically weakersections”ofcitizensbyproviding10%reservationforthemineducationalinstitutionsandjobs.

§ Article15oftheConstitutionprohibitsdiscriminationagainstanycitizenonthegroundsofrace, religion, caste, sex, or place of birth. However, the government may make specialprovisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, or forScheduledCastesandScheduledTribes.TheBillseekstoamendArticle15toadditionallypermitthegovernmenttoprovidefortheadvancementof“economicallyweakersections”.Further,upto10%ofseatsmaybereservedforsuchsectionsforadmissionineducationalinstitutions.Suchreservationwillnotapplytominorityeducationalinstitutions.

§ Article16of theConstitutionprohibitsdiscrimination in employment in anygovernmentoffice.However,thegovernmentcanallowreservationforany“backwardclassofcitizens”,iftheyarenotadequatelyrepresentedintheservicesunderthestate.TheBillseekstoamendArticle16topermitthegovernmenttoreserveupto10%ofallpostsforthe“economicallyweakersections”ofcitizens.



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§ Thereservationofupto10%for“economicallyweakersections”ineducationalinstitutionsandpublicemploymentwillbeinadditiontotheexistingreservation.

§ Thecentralgovernmentwillnotifythe“economicallyweakersections”ofcitizensonthebasisoffamilyincomeandotherindicatorsofeconomicdisadvantage.

Whyinnews?§ TheBillhasbeensuccessfullypassedintheParliamentandgetsPresident’sassent.

10%EWSquotatobeimplementedincollegesanduniversities§ UnionHRDMinister, ShriPrakash Javadekarwhile addressingapress conference inNew

Delhitoday,informedthatinalandmarkdecision,theGovernmenthasdecidedthatfromtheacademicyear2019-20itself,10percentEconomicallyWeakerSection(EWS)quotawillbeimplementedacross40,000collegesand900Universitiesinthecountry.

§ This10percentquotaforEWSwillbeoverandabovetheexistingquotasforSCs,STsandOBCsandGeneralseats.

§ Adequateadditionalseatswillbecreatedinthesecollegesanduniversitiestoimplementthequota for EWS. Theminister said , The UGC and AICTEwill be provided the operationalmandatewithinaweektoimplementthequota.

Gujarattoimplementthequota§ Inapressrelease,theStategovernmentofGujaratsaidthenewquotawouldbeimplemented

inadmissionstoeducationalinstitutionsandjobswhichwereadvertisedbeforeJanuary14butforwhichtheactualprocessforrecruitmentoradmissionshadnotstartedbeforeJanuary14.

§ ThismakesGujaratthefirstStatetoimplementthequota.§ Insuchcases,afreshannouncementabouttheadmissionprocessorjobswouldhavetobe

made,thereleaseadded.Whyitisinnews:

§ TheParliamentrecentlypassedConstitution(124thamendment)bill,2019andThePresidentofIndiagaveassenttotheBill.NowstateshavestartedtoimplementtheConstitutionalprovisionsgivenintheBill.

§ Gujarat becomes the 1st state to implement 10% quota for general category poor ingovernmentjobsandinstitutes.

§ Jharkhandbecomesthe2ndstateandUttarPradeshbecomesthe3rdStatetoimplementthe10%quotaforgeneralcategorypooringovernmentjobsandinstitutes.

SpaceActivitiesBill,2017Keyprovisionsofthebill:

§ TheprovisionsofthelegislationshallapplytoeverycitizenofIndia.§ Andalso,toallsectorsengagedinanyspaceactivityinIndiaoroutsideIndia.§ Regulatorymechanism-Thecentralgovernmentisresponsibleforsettingmechanismsand

promotingspaceactivity.§ Thisincludesexplorationanduseofouterspace,anddevelopmentofthesector.§ The central government can: grant, transfer, or terminate licenses to any person for

commercialspaceactivities;provideprofessionalandtechnicalsupport,andauthorisationtolaunchoroperatespaceobjects;regulatetheproceduresforconductandoperationofspaceactivitybymonitoringtheconformitywithinternationalspaceagreementstowhichIndiaisaparty;ensuresafetyrequirementsandinvestigateanyincidentoraccidentinconnectionwiththeoperationofaspaceactivity

§ Licences-Anon-transferablelicenceshallbeprovidedbytheCentralGovernmenttoanypersoncarryingoutcommercialspaceactivity.

§ Alicensegrantedbythecentralgovernmentincludes-



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§ permissionforthecentralgovernmenttoinspectanyspaceactivityanddocumentsrelatedto space activity; obligation on the licensee to insure himself/herself against any liabilityincurredduetoanyactivityauthorisedbythelicense

§ Liabilities-Alicenseeshouldcompensatethecentralgovernmentagainstclaimsbroughtagainstthegovernment.

§ Thiswouldberegardingdamagesarisingoutofcommercialspaceactivitiescoveredunderthelicense.

§ Penalties-ThedraftBillprovidesforpenaltiesincaseof:unauthorisedcommercialspaceactivity; furnishing false informationordocuments;causingenvironmentaldamage;entryintoprohibitedareas;disclosureofrestrictedinformation.

§ Protectionofactiontakenbythecentralgovernmenti.e.nolegalproceedingscanlieagainstthecentralgovernmentwithrespecttoanythingdoneingoodfaithinpursuanceofspaceactivity.

§ IPR - Intellectual property rights developed during the course of space activity will beprotectedunderthelaw.

§ Further,anyintellectualpropertyrightdevelopedonboardaspaceobjectinouterspacewillbedeemedtobethepropertyofthecentralgovernment.

Whyinnews?§ TheGovernmenthasinvitedsuggestionsfromthepublicorstakeholdersregardingthedraft

SpaceActivitiesBill,2017.§ TheobjectiveoftheSpaceBillistofacilitatetheoverallgrowthofthespaceactivitiesinIndia

withhigherorderofparticipationofpublic/non-governmental/privatesectorstakeholders.RERAswithoutjudicialpowersRealEstate(Regulation&Development)Act,2016:

§ StateswillhavetosetuptheRealEstateRegulatoryAuthority’s(RERA)andtheRealEstateAppellateTribunals.

§ RegisterwithRERA:RequirementfordeveloperstonowregisterprojectswithRERApriortoanyadvertisementandsale.

§ ApprovalandSanctions:Developersarealsoexpectedtohaveallsanctionplansapprovedandregulatoryclearancesinplacepriortocommencementofsale

§ UpdatesontheWebsite:TheActstipulatesanelectronicsystem,maintainedonthewebsiteofRERA,wheredevelopersareexpectedtoupdateonaquarterlybasisthestatusoftheirprojects,andsubmitregularauditsandarchitecturalreports

§ Actionfornon-compliance:Ifthereisnon-compliance,RERAhasthepowertoorderuptothreeyearsimprisonmentofthepromotersofaproject

§ SeparateEscrowAccounts:Itrequiresdeveloperstomaintainseparateescrowaccountsinrelationtoeachprojectanddeposit70%ofthecollectionsinsuchanaccounttoensurethatfundscollectedareutilisedonlyforthespecificproject

§ Agents & brokers to register: The Act also requires real estate brokers and agents toregisterthemselveswiththeregulator

DemandforjudicialpowerbyRERA:§ Several Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERAs) are pushing for more enforcement

power,similartowhatisenjoyedbyconsumerforums,includingtheauthoritytoissuearrestwarrants.

§ StateRERArepresentativessaytheyarebecomingtoothless, if theyareunabletoexecutetheirownorders.

§ TheConsumerProtectionAct,1986,allowsconsumerforumstoassumethepowersofafirstclassjudicialmagistrateforthetrialofoffencesundertheAct(Section27.2).



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§ RERAsareaskingthattheRealEstate(Regulation&Development)Act,2016beamendedtogive them similar powers. Currently, real estate regulators must depend on outsidemagistratestoimplementtheirorders.

Whyinnews?§ At the first meeting of a new RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) implementation

committeeheldonJan3rd2019,therewasbroadconsensusthattheRealEstate(Regulation&Development)Act,2016neededtobeamendedtofurtherempowerthem.

LSpassesBillbanningcommercialsurrogacyProvisionsofSurrogacy(Regulation)Bill2016

§ ThebillisapplicabletoallthestatesofIndiaexceptJammuandKashmir.§ ThebillprovidestheconstitutionofNationalSurrogacyboardandStateSurrogacyboardfor

regulationofsurrogacyprocess.§ ThebillisprovidingsurrogacytoonlyIndiancitizens.Thus,Foreigners,NRIandPIOsare

notallowed.§ HomosexualsandSingleparentsarealsonotallowedforsurrogacyandbarsthecouple

whoalreadyhavechildren§ The couple seeking surrogacy should possess a certificate of essentiality issued by

appropriateauthority.§ Thebillprovidesthatwomencanonlysurrogateonceinherlifetimeandherageshouldbe

inbetween25to35years.§ Thecouplewhointendforsurrogacyshouldbeagedbetween23to50yearsandmarriedfor

atleast5years.§ Thebillalsoprovidesprovisionforthecustodyofthechildtobebornwhichwillbepassed

byacourtoftheMagistrateofthefirstclassorabove.§ Thebillcontainstheprovisionofpenaltyandimprisonmentifthepersonviolatedthelaw.

NationalSurrogacyBoard§ Chairperson–Ministerin-chargeofMinistryofHealthandFamilyWelfare§ ViceChairperson–SecretarytotheGovernmentof India in-chargeofDepartmentdealing

withsurrogacymatters.§ Members–ThreewomenmembersofParliament,ThreemembersofMinistriesofCentral

governmentfromWomenandChildDevelopment,LegislativeDepartmentinMinistryofLawand Justice andMinistry ofHomeAffairs not below the rank of Joint Secretary,Director-GeneralofHealthServicesofCentralGovernmentandtenexpertsmembers.

CommercialSurrogacy§ Thesurrogacywhichincludessaleorpurchaseofhumanembryoorgametesorsurrogate

mother.Ifthesurrogatemotherwillberewardedremunerationsorfinancialbenefitsotherthanmedicalexpenses.

AltruisticSurrogacy§ The surrogacywhich includesno financial benefits to the surrogatemother other than

medicalexpenses.Itincludesinsurancecoverageforthemotherandprotectstheethicsofsociety.

Whyinnews?§ TheLok Sabha onDec19,2018 passed aBill banning commercial surrogacywithpenal

provisionsofjailtermofupto10yearsandfineofuptoRs.10lakh.Women'sReservationBillWomenReservationBill:

§ The108thconstitutionalamendmentbill,2008 introduced in theLokSabha included thefollowingkeyprovisionsforwomen.



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- 1/3rdofallseatsinLokSabhaandRajyaSabhashallbereservedforwomen.- SuchreservationshallalsoapplyincaseofseatsreservedforSC/ST's.- Thereshallberotationofseatssoreservedforwomen.

§ TheRajyaSabhapassedthebillon2010.However,theLokSabhanevervotedonthebill.Thebilllapsedafterthedissolutionofthe15thLokSabhain2014.

WomenEntrepreneurshipPlatform(WEP)Objective

§ The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has launched WomenEntrepreneurshipPlatform(WEP)ontheoccasionofInternationalWomen’sday(March8,2018).

§ Buildvibrantecosystemforwomenacrosscountrytohelprealisetheirentrepreneurialaspirations,scale-upinnovativeinitiativesandchalk-outsustainable,long-termstrategiesfortheirbusinesses.

§ Power vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through an enabling network of industrycollaborations,partnerships,mentorsandpeer-to-peerconnect.

§ Address bottlenecks faced by both aspiring and established women entrepreneurs bystreamlininginformationacrossgovernmentandprivatesectorschemesandinitiativeswithinformative,interactivewebsiteasadedicatedresourceandknowledgebase.

§ WomenTransformingIndiaAwards2018,organisedbytheNITIAayog,WEPandUNinIndia.KeyFeatures

§ WEP aspires to substantially increase number of women entrepreneurs to create and empowerdynamicnewIndiabyopeningupavenuesofgrowthandopportunityforwomenentrepreneurs.TheseaspirationsofwomenentrepreneursaremanifestedinthreepillarsonwhichWEPisbuilt:

§ IchhaShakti:Motivatingaspiringentrepreneurstostarttheirenterprise.§ GyaanShakti: Providingknowledge andecosystemsupport towomenentrepreneurs to

helpthemfosterentrepreneurship.§ KarmaShakti:Providinghands-onsupporttoentrepreneursinsetting-upandscalingup

businesses.Whyinnews?

§ Vice President of India while addressing the gathering at the Women EntrepreneurshipPlatformConclaveexpressed theneedofallpoliticalparties tocometogether topass theWomenReservationBill.

TheMotorVehicles(Amendment)Bill,2016AboutMVbill

§ TheBillseekstoamendtheMotorVehiclesAct,1988.§ TheActprovidesforstandardsformotorvehicles,grantofdrivinglicenses,andpenalties

forviolationoftheseprovisions.Salientfeatures

§ TheBillrequiresthecentralgovernmenttodevelopaNationalTransportationPolicy, inconsultationwiththestates.ThePolicywill

§ Establishaplanningframeworkforroadtransport,§ Developaframeworkforgrantofpermitsandschemes,§ Identifyandspecifyprioritiesfortheroadtransportsystem§ TheBillallowsthecentralgovernmenttoorderforrecallofmotorvehiclesifadefectinthe

vehiclemaycausedamagetotheenvironment,orthedriver,orotherroadusers.§ TheBillrequiresthecentralgovernmenttoconstituteaMotorVehicleAccidentFund.The

FundwillprovidecompulsoryinsurancecovertoallroadusersinIndia.§ The central government will develop a scheme for cashless treatment of road accident

victimsduringgoldenhour.TheBilldefinesgoldenhourasthetimeperiodofuptoanhour



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following a traumatic injury, during which the likelihood of preventing death throughpromptmedicalcareisthehighest.

§ The Bill defines a good Samaritan as a personwho renders emergencymedical or non-medicalassistancetoavictimatthesceneofanaccident.Suchapersonwillnotbeliableforanycivilorcriminalactionforanyinjurytoordeathofanaccidentvictim.

§ TheBilldefinesanaggregatorasadigital intermediaryormarketplace.Theaggregator’sservicesmaybeusedbyapassengertoconnectwithadriverfortransportationpurposes.TheBillrequirestheseaggregatorstoobtainlicenses.TheaggregatorswillalsoberequiredtocomplywiththeInformationTechnologyAct,2000.

§ TheBillprovidesforthecomputerizationofcertainservices.Eg:(i)issueorgrantoflicensesor permits, (ii) filing of formsor applications (such as for licenses and registration),(iii)receiptofmoney(suchasfines),and(iv)changeofaddress.

§ TheBillincreasesthepenaltiesforseveraloffencesundertheAct.§ TheBillalsorecognizesoffencescommittedbyjuveniles.Insuchcasestheguardianofthe

juvenileorownerofthemotorvehiclewillbeliablewithcertainexceptions.Whyinnews?

§ TheRajyaSabhahasbegundebateon the long-pendingMotorVehicle (Amendment)Bill2017.

TraffickingofPersons(Prevention,ProtectionandRehabilitation)Bill,2018

§ TheBillprovidesfortheprevention,rescue,andrehabilitationoftraffickedpersons.Salientfeatures

§ ProvidesfortheestablishmentofaNationalAnti-TraffickingBureautoinvestigatetraffickingcasesandimplementprovisionsoftheBill.

§ ItmaytakeovertheinvestigationofanyoffenceundertheBill,thathasbeenreferredtoitbytwoormorestates.

§ TheBureauwillcompriseofpoliceofficers,andanyotherofficersasrequired.§ Further,theBureaumay:§ Requestthestategovernmenttoco-operateintheinvestigationor

Transferthecasetothestategovernmentforinvestigationandtrial,withapprovalfromthecentralgovernment.Keyfunctionsofthebureauinclude:

§ Coordinatingandmonitoringsurveillancealongknownroutes§ Facilitating surveillance, enforcement and preventive steps at source, transit and

destinationpoints§ Maintaining coordination between law enforcement agencies and non- governmental

organisationsandotherstakeholders§ Increasing internationalcooperationwithauthoritiesabroadforintelligencesharing,

andmutuallegalassistance.§ Thestategovernmentwillappoint:§ AStateNodalOfficer§ APoliceNodalOfficeratthestateanddistrictlevels§ DesignateAnti-TraffickingPoliceOfficersforeachdistrict§ ProvidesforthesettingupofAnti-TraffickingUnits(ATUs)atthedistrictlevel.ATUswilldealwith

the prevention, rescue, and protection of victims and witnesses, and for the investigation andprosecutionoftraffickingoffences.

§ Provides for the establishment of Anti- Trafficking Relief and Rehabilitation Committees(ATCs)atthenational,state,anddistrictlevels.TheseCommitteeswillberesponsiblefor:o Providingcompensationtovictims



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o Repatriationofvictimso Re-integrationofvictimsinsociety,amongothers.

§ RequiresthecentralorstategovernmenttosetupProtectionHomes.Thesewouldprovideshelter, food, counselling, and medical services to victims. Further, the central or stategovernment will maintain Rehabilitation Homes in each district, to provide long-termrehabilitationtothevictims.ThecentralgovernmentwillalsocreateaRehabilitationFund,whichwillbeusedtosetuptheseProtectionandRehabilitationHomes.

§ Rehabilitation of victims will not be dependent on criminal proceedings being initiatedagainsttheaccused,ortheoutcomeoftheproceedings.

§ Providesforsettingupdesignatedcourtsineachdistrict,whichwill seek to complete trialwithinayear.

§ TheBillspecifiesthepenaltiesforvariousoffenceswithregardstotrafficking.Whyinnews?

§ LokSabhahaspassedtheanti-traffickingBilllastweek.

CriminalLaw(Amendment)BillBackground

§ TheBillamendstheIPC,Cr.PC,theIndianEvidenceActandtheProtectionofChildrenfromSexualOffencesAct.

§ TheBill, once passed by the RS,will replace the Criminal Law(Amendment)OrdinancepromulgatedinApril2018.

§ Amidsttheincreasinglydisturbingtrendoftherapeshappeninginthecountryandduetoincreased pressure from various quarters of the civil society, this amendment bill waspassed.

KeyFeatures§ Theminimumpunishmentfortherapeofagirlunder12willbe20yearsofrigorous

imprisonment, themaximumbeing thedeathsentenceor life imprisonment, gangrapeattractslifetermordeath.

§ Theminimumpunishment for rapeof a girl under 16 will be 20 years of rigorousimprisonment,extendabletolifeimprisonment,gangrapeattractslifeterm.

§ Theminimum punishment under theBill for the rape of a girl over 16 is 10 years,extendabletolife(underSection376,IPC).

§ TheBill alsoprovides for investigationof rape caseswithin twomonths fromFIRregistration.

§ Noprovisionforanticipatorybailinthecaseofrapeofagirlbelow16.Further,fasttrackspecialcourtsforrapecaseswouldbesetup.

Conclusion:§ Consideringthequantumandbrutalityofrapeshappeninginthecountry,thisisamovein

therightdirection.

Anti-lynchingBillWhatislynching?

§ Itisanunlawfulmurderofapersonbyanangrymobofpeople.Whyinthenews?

§ Recentlythereisanexponentialriseinsuchcasescreatingseriouslawandorderproblems,someinvolvingtheuseofparamilitaryandmilitaryforcetobringtheaffectedareasundercontrol.Thelatestbeing5membersoftheNathjoginomadictribebeingkilledinDhule,Maharashtra,onthesuspicionofbeingchildkidnappers.

§ TheproposedBillseeksdeathpunishmenttoallthosewhoinvolveinlynching.§ Innovativepracticesasadoptedinvariousstates:



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§ Telanganapolicehastrainedateamof500policeofficerstotacklethefakenewsmenace.Theseofficersgotovillagestospreadawarenessaboutsocialissues.Policepersonnelhavealsobeenaddedto localWhatsAppgroups invillagestospotrumorsthatcould leadtoviolence.

§ TheWestBengalpolicetooktoTwittertodispelarumorthatgovernmenthadsanctionedafive-dayholidayonaccountofEid,nixingattemptstoincitecommunaltension.

CitizenshipAmendmentBillAbouttheamendment:

§ ThecontentiousCitizenship(Amendment)Bill,2016,ispendinginParliament,buttheUnionHomeMinistryhasnotifiedamendmentstotheCitizenshipRules,2009,toincludeaseparatecolumninthecitizenship formforapplicantsbelongingtosixminoritycommunities fromPakistan,AfghanistanandBangladesh.

§ Undertheamendments,aseparateentryintheformwillasktheapplicant:Hindus,Sikhs,Buddhists,Parsis,SikhsandChristiansfromtheabove3countries.

Whatistheissue:§ The contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, is pending in Parliament. A

parliamentarycommitteehasbeenexaminingtheBill.§ IthasrunintostrongresistanceinAssambecauseitwillpavethewayforgivingcitizenship

mostlytoillegalHindumigrantsfromBangladeshinAssam,whocameafterMarch1971,inviolationofthe1985AssamAccord.

§ Citizenship rule2009 is a rule to implementCitizenshipAct,1955.This isbeingamendedbecauseCitizenship(Amendment)Bill,2016isunderParliamentscrutiny.

WhatistheCitizenshipAmendmentBill2016?§ The Citizenship Amendment Bill was proposed in Lok Sabha on July 19, amending the

CitizenshipActof1955.§ IfthisBillispassedinParliament,illegalmigrantsfromcertainminoritycommunitiescoming

fromAfghanistan,Bangladesh,andPakistanwillthenbeeligibleforIndiancitizenship.§ In short, illegal migrants belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian

religiouscommunitiesfromAfghanistan,BangladeshorPakistanwouldnotbeimprisonedordeported.

§ Moreover,thesecitizensgainpermanentcitizenshipaftersixyearsofresidencyinIndiainsteadof11years—asmentionedintheCitizenshipAct(1955).

§ TheregistrationofOverseasCitizenofIndia(OCI)cardholdersmaygetcancellediftheyviolateanylaw.

WhatistheCitizenshipAct1995?§ Citizenshipbydescent:PersonsbornoutsideIndiaonorafterJanuary26,1950,butbefore

December10,1992,arecitizensofIndiabydescentiftheirfatherwasacitizenofIndiaatthetimeoftheirbirth.

§ FromDecember3,2004,onwards,personsbornoutsideof India shallnotbeconsideredcitizensofIndiaunlesstheirbirthisregisteredatanIndianconsulatewithinoneyearofthedateofbirth.

§ InSection8oftheCitizenshipAct1955,ifanadultmakesadeclarationofrenunciationofIndiancitizenship,helosesIndiancitizenship.

§ According to the CitizenshipAct (1955), an illegal immigrant is defined as a personwhoentersIndiawithoutavalidpassportorstaysinthecountryaftertheexpiryofthevisapermit.Also,theimmigrantwhousesfalsedocumentsfortheimmigrationprocess.

§ Citizenship is granted to an individual by the government of the country when he/shecomplieswiththelegalformalities,soit’slikeajudicialconcept.

§ InIndia,theCitizenshipAct,1995prescribesfivewaysofacquiringcitizenship:1. Birth



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2. Descent3. Registration4. Naturalization5. Incorporationoftheterritory.

WhatisAssamAccord?§ The Assam Accord (1985) was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between

representativesoftheGovernmentofIndiaandtheleadersoftheAssamMovementinNewDelhion15August1985.

§ TheaccordbroughtanendtotheAssamAgitationandpavedthewayfortheleadersoftheagitationtoformapoliticalpartyandformagovernmentinthestateofAssamsoonafter.

§ Someofthekeydemandswere–AllthoseforeignerswhohadenteredAssambetween1951and1961weretobegivenfullcitizenship,includingtherighttovote.

§ Thosewhohaddonesoafter1971weretobedeported;theentrantsbetween1961and1971weretobedeniedvotingrightsfortenyearsbutwouldenjoyallotherrightsofcitizenship.

§ Though theaccordbroughtanend to theagitation, someof thekeyclausesareyet tobeimplemented,whichhaskeptsomeoftheissuesfestering.

Clause6ofAssamAccord§ Clause6oftheAssamAccord“envisagedthatappropriateconstitutional,legislativeand

administrative safeguards shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote thecultural,social,linguisticidentityandheritageoftheAssamesepeople.”

§ AcommitteehasbeensetupbyCentretorecommendthesafeguardsenvisagedunderClause6

§ ThepurposeoftheCommittee:§ Holddiscussionswithall stakeholdersandassess therequiredquantumof reservationof

seatsintheAssamAssemblyandlocalbodiesforAssamesepeople.§ LookatmeasurestoprotectAssameseandotherindigenouslanguagesofAssam,reservation

instategovernmentjobs,andotherstepstoprotect,preserveandpromotecultural,social,linguisticidentityandheritageofAssamesepeople.

§ Suggest constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards and examine theeffectivenessofactionssince1985toimplementtheclause.

§ LookintoissuesoftheBodopeople,especiallythemeasuresmentionedintheMemorandumof Settlement signedbetween theGovernmentof India,Assamgovernment and theBodoLiberationTigersForcein2003.

Whoarebodos?§ TheBodos,anethno-linguisticgroupbelievedtobetheearliestinhabitantsofAssam,areone

of the Indo-Mongoloid communities belonging to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetanfamily.

§ Atthezenithoftheirthrivingcivilisation,theyruledvastterritoriesencompassingalmosttheentiretyofnortheastIndia,partsofNepal,Bhutan,NorthBengalandBangladesh.

§ The Bodos are recognized as a plains tribe in the Sixth Schedule of the IndianConstitution.

TheirDemand:§ Aseparatestate(Bodoland)(withintheIndianUnion)becreatedbycarvingoutsomeareaof

eightdistrictsofthecurrentStateofAssam,namelyKokrajhar,Dhubri,Bongaigaon,Barpeta,Nalbari,Kamrup,DarangandSonitpurdistricts.

§ BodoAccord§ In2003–Bodomilitantslaydownthearmsandwanttojoinmainstreamandtheysigned

agreementwithGovernment,knownas“BodoAccord”.§ ABTC (BodolandTerritorialCouncil) createdunder6thScheduleof theConstitution,has

beengivenlegislativepowersover40subjects.§ BTAD(BodolandTerritorialAreaDistrict)createdin2003.



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Whyinnews?§ TheUnionCabinetapprovedthesettingupofaHigh-LevelCommitteeforimplementationof

Clause6oftheAssamAccordandmeasuresenvisagedintheMemorandumofSettlement,2003andotherissuesrelatedtoBodocommunity.

AboutNRC:§ NationalRegisterofCitizens,1951§ TheNational Register of Citizens (NRC) is a documentmanufactured by theGovernment

whichcontainsthenamesofIndiancitizens.§ TheupdationoftheNRCisaperiodicalprocess.Itrequirestobeupdatedatregularintervals

so as to ensure proper documentation of the citizens aswell as to check possible illegalmigration.

§ InAssam,theupdationofNRCcouldnotbecarriedoutsince1951duetoseveralpoliticalcompulsions.

§ TheAssamMovementin1980’s,thelanguageMovementandsuchotheridentitymovementsfoughtonethniclineshaveheavilyimpingedonthesystemofgovernanceinthestatetherebyleadingtoastalemateontheNRCupdationissue.

§ Afterfivedecadesofthestalemate,thepresentgovernmenthasinitiatedstepstoupdatetheNRCunderthedirectsupervisionoftheHon’bleSupremeCourtofIndia.

AfterUpdatingNRC§ Closeto40lakhpeoplehavebeen leftout in the recently updated NRC cutting across all divides

including former President FA Ahmed’s nephew, grandchildren of freedom fighters like BahadurGaonburah,amongothers.

§ Linguistic and religiousminority organisations said therewere scores of peoplewhoseancestorsfiguredinthe1951NRC,butweremissingfromtheupdatedregister67yearslater.

§ Manyweremarkedas‘D’voters(Doubtfulvoters)inthisexercise.Whyinnews?

§ UnionHomeMinistryhasnotified amendments to theCitizenshipRules, 2009.TheCentrehasmadethechangesunderSection18oftheCitizenshipAct,1955.

§ Theamendmenthasopenedupapandoraboxofvariousissues.

IndianGorkhasWhoareGorkhas?

§ Gorkhas (orGurkhas)areNepali-originpeople. In India, theword is sometimesused tomakeadistinctionbetweenIndianGorkhas,whoarecitizensofIndia,andNepalicitizenswhoarelivinginIndia.

AbouttheIndianGorkhas§ MostofthemaredescendantsofGorkhassettledinIndiaduringBritishrule.TheBritish

ArmyhadraisedseveralGorkhaunitsinIndia.§ In a notification issued on August 23, 1988, the Home Ministry clarified that Gorkhas

domiciled in India at the timeof commencementof theConstitution, and thoseborn inIndia,orborntooneorbothparentsborninIndia,arecitizensofIndia.

§ WestBengalhasthehighestnumberofNepali-speakingcitizens,andSikkimthehighestdensity.

NepalicitizenslivinginIndia§ Thesearemigrantslegallylivinginthecountry.AccordingtotheExternalAffairsMinistry,

nearly6millionNepalicitizensliveandworkinIndia.§ TheIndo-NepalTreatyofPeaceandFriendship(1950)permits,“onareciprocalbasis,the

nationalsofonecountryintheterritoriesoftheotherthesameprivilegesinthematterofresidence, ownership of property, participation in trade and commerce,movement andotherprivilegesofasimilarnature”.

WhyinNews?



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§ TheHomeMinistryhas issuedacommunicationcitinga1950treatybetweenIndiaandNepalandstatingthatGorkhaslivinginIndiacannotbereferredtoForeignersTribunalsinAssam.

Whatistheissue?§ Ata timewhen theNationalRegisterofCitizens (NRC) isbeingupdated, theAllAssam

Gorkha Students’ Union made a representation to the ministry about members of thecommunitybeingreferredtoForeignersTribunals.

§ Theministrycited theForeignersAct (1946)and the1950 treaty to state thatGorkhascannotbereferredtothesetribunalseffectivelycoveringbothIndianandNepalicitizens.

AretheGorkhaseligibleforinclusionintheAssamNRC?§ TheIndianGorkhasofAssamareeligible,byvirtueofbeingIndiancitizens.TheNepali

citizensarenoteligibleforinclusion,althoughtheyarelegalmigrantsandthe1950treatyprotectsthemfromreferraltoaForeignersTribunal.

2021censusCensusofIndia

§ Census means the official count or survey of the population, where various details ofindividualsarerecorded.

§ Itisconductedevery10yearssince1871andthefirstcompletecensuswastakenin1881.§ AllCensusessinceindependenceareconductedunderCensusofIndiaAct,1948.

WhyisCensusimportant?§ Census is the most credible source of information on Demography, Economic Activity,

Literacy & Education, Housing & Household Amenities, Urbanisation, Fertility andMortality,SC/ST,Language,Religion,Migration,Disabilityandmanyothersocio-culturaldata

§ ItprovidesvaluableinformationforplanningandformulationpoliciesforCentralandtheStateGovernmentsand iswidelyusedbyNationaland InternationalAgencies,Scholars,businesspeople,industrialists,andmanymore.

§ Delimitation/reservationConstituenciesParliamentary/Assembly/Panchayats andotherLocalBodiesisalsodoneonthebasisofthedemographicdatafromtheCensus.

§ Censusisthebasisforreviewingthecountry'sprogressinthepastdecade,monitoringtheongoingSchemesoftheGovernmentandmostimportantly,planforthefuture.

Whyinnews?§ Thedatafromtheupcomingcensusin2021willbestoredelectronically,forthefirsttime.§ ThecensuswillcollectdataabouttheOtherBackwardClassestogetaclearerpictureofthe

socialscenarioofthecommunity.§ AnytamperingoftheelectronicdatawillinvitepunishmentunderITAct,2000.§ Earlier,the“schedules”(atabularformcontainingdetailsofindividuals),werebeingstored

inaphysicalformatthegovernment’sstorehouseinDelhi.ITAct,2000

§ The IT Act of 2000 was developed to promote the IT industry, regulate e- commerce,facilitatee-governanceandpreventcybercrime.

§ TheActalsosoughttofostersecuritypracticeswithinIndiathatwouldservethecountryinaglobalcontext

§ It isbasedon theUnitedNationsModelLaw on Electronic Commerce1996(UNCITRALModel)recommendedbyUnitedNationsGeneralAssembly(UNGA)

AlliedandHealthcareProfessionsBill,2018Objective



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§ It provides for regulation and standardisation of education and services by allied andhealthcareprofessionals.

§ The Bill provides for setting up of an Allied and Healthcare Council of India andcorrespondingStateAlliedandHealthcareCouncilswhichwillplaytheroleofastandard-setterandfacilitatorforprofessionsofAlliedandHealthcare.

Featuresofthebill§ EstablishmentofaCentralandcorrespondingStateAlliedandHealthcareCouncils§ The Bill provides for Structure, Constitution, Composition and Functions of the Central

CouncilandStateCouncils§ E.g. Framing policies and standards, Regulation of professional conduct, Creation and

maintenanceofliveRegisters,provisionsforcommonentryandexitexaminations,etc.§ TheCentralCouncilwill comprise47membersand theStateCouncilswillbemadeof28

members.§ Professional Advisory Bodies under Central and State Councils will examine issues

independentlyandproviderecommendationsrelatingtospecificrecognisedcategories.§ TheStateCouncilwillundertakerecognitionofalliedandhealthcareinstitutions.§ OffencesandPenaltiesclausehavebeenincludedintheBilltocheckmalpractices.§ TheBillalsoempowerstheCentralandStateGovernmentstomakerules.§ CentralGovt.alsohasthepowertoissuedirectionstotheCouncil,tomakeregulationsand

toaddoramendtheschedule.Impact

§ Bringallexistingalliedandhealthcareprofessionalstogether§ Opportunitytocreatequalified,highlyskilledandcompetentjobsinhealthcarebyenabling

professionalism§ Highquality,multi-disciplinarycareinlinewiththevisionofAyushmanBharat,movingaway

froma'doctorled'modeltoa'careaccessibleandteambased’model§ Opportunity to cater to the global demand (shortage) of healthcare workforce which is

projectedtobeabout15millionbytheyear2030,aspertheWHOGlobalWorkforce,2030report

Whyinnews?§ TheUnionCabinethasapprovedtheAlliedandHealthcareProfessionsBill,2018

RTIAmendmentBillProposedamendment

§ TheamendmentsproposedistoprovideforenablingprovisionundertheRTIActtoframeRules regarding salaries, allowances and conditions of service for Chief InformationCommissionersandInformationCommissionersandStateInformationCommissioners.

§ Presently,therearenosuchprovisionsavailableundertheRTIAct.§ Therewascontroversysurroundingtheproposedamendmentsasitwasseenasamoveto

weakentheRTIAct.AboutRTIAct:

§ RighttoInformationAct2005mandatestimelyresponsetocitizenrequestsforgovernmentinformation

§ The basic object of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, promotetransparencyandaccountabilityintheworkingoftheGovernment,containcorruption,andmakeourdemocracyworkforthepeopleinrealsense.

§ Underthisact,anycitizenofIndiamayrequestinformationfromapublicauthoritywhichisrequiredtoreplyexpeditiouslyorwithinthirtydays.

§ The Act also requires every public authority to computerize their records for widedisseminationandtoproactivelycertaincategoriesofinformationsothatthecitizensneedminimumrecoursetorequestforinformationformally.



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§ The act empowers citizens’ access to almost all information under public sphere exceptsensitiveinformationthatrelatestoacountry’ssecurity.

ExemptionsunderRTI§ InformationrelatedtofollowingisexemptedunderRTI:1. Nationalsecurityorsovereignty2. Nationaleconomicinterests3. Relationswithforeignstates4. Lawenforcementandthejudicialprocess5. Cabinetandotherdecisionmakingdocuments6. Tradesecrets&commercialconfidentiality7. Individualsafety8. Personalprivacy

Whyinnews?§ ThecentralgovernmenthasdeniedaRighttoInformationrequestforacopyoftheRightto

Information(Amendment)Bill,2018LandacquisitionLawAmendmentstoLandacquisitionRehabilitationandResettlementAct,2013:

§ ASCBenchhad issuednotice to theTamilNadu,Gujarat,AndhraPradesh,TelanganaandJharkhandgovernmentsforamendingtheirlandacquisitionlaws.

§ Thesestatesamendedthelawstotheextentthatconsentoffarmersorlandownersisnotrequiredbeforetheirlandisacquiredforprojectslikeindustrialcorridors,expresswaysandhighways.

§ The petition filed states that the States allow land acquisition without participation ofrepresentativelocalbodieslikegramsabhainsocialimpactassessmentstudies.

§ TheStateshaveremovedtheconsentclauseofPPP,pavingthewayformanyprivateprojectsthatarerunningunderthegarbofPPP.

§ There are no provisions for expert appraisal processes, public hearings, objections, andsafeguardprovisionstoensurefoodsecurity.

§ Thepetitionsaidtheamendmentsviolatethe“corespirit”oftheRighttoFairCompensationandTransparencyinLandAcquisitionRehabilitationandResettlement(LARR)Actof2013.

AboutLARRAct,2013:§ Itmandatesthat70%oftheaffectedlandownersshouldconsenttotheacquisitionofland

forapublicprivateparticipationproject.§ The 2013 Act replaced its colonial predecessor of 1894 andwas intended to uphold the

farmers’righttodignityandlife.Recentissue:

§ OfficialsoftheJapanInternationalCooperationAgency(JICA),whichisfundingtheMumbai-Ahmedabadbullettrainproject,haveapparentlyfoundviolationsoftheagency’sguidelinesintheprocessoflandacquisition.

§ The officials held a series of meetings with farmers and their representatives and alsoactivists,whoareopposinglandacquisitionforbullettrainproject.

§ The JICA found that the government authorities followed a unilateral approach in landacquisitionwhichledtoprotest.

Whyinnews?§ The Supreme Court decided to examine a plea challenging the legality of amendments

broughtinbyTamilNaduandfourotherStates.§ Thepresentlawallowsauthoritiestobypasstheneedtotakefarmers’consentbeforetheir

landisacquiredforlargeinfrastructureprojects.



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MedicalcouncilBillProvisionsofIndianMedicalCouncil(Amendment)Ordinance,2018:

§ Itamends the IndianMedicalCouncilAct,1956whichsetup theMCI(MedicalCouncilofIndia)thatregulatesmedicaleducationandpractice.

§ TheOrdinanceprovidesforthesupersessionoftheMCIforaperiodofoneyear.§ Intheinterimperiod,thecentralgovernmentwillconstitutea7-memberBoardofGovernors

(BoG).§ ThepowersoftheCouncilhavebeenvestedintheBoGledbyNITIAayogMemberDr.V.K.

Paul.§ The BoG will continue to perform till an alternative comes into place as per the legal

provisionsinoneyeartime.§ AseparateBill(NationalMedicalCommissionBill,2017)toreplacetheMCIwiththeNational

MedicalCommissionispendinginParliament.Whyinnews?

§ The Lok Sabha passed the IndianMedical Council (Amendment) Bill to allow a panel ofeminentprofessionalstorunthescam-taintedMedicalCouncilofIndia(MCI)sothatmedicaleducationcanberegulatedinthebestmanner.

§ TheBillseekstoreplaceanordinanceissuedinSeptember2018.NationalCommissionforHomoeopathy(NCH)Bill,2018Salientfeaturesofthebill:

§ The draft National Commission for Homoeopathy, Bill, 2018, which seeks to replace theexisting regulator Central Council for Homoeopathy (CCH) with a new body to ensuretransparency.

§ ThedraftbillprovidesfortheconstitutionofaNationalCommissionwiththreeautonomousboards entrusted with conducting overall education of Homoeopathy by HomoeopathyEducationBoard.

§ The Board of assessment and rating to assess and grant permission to educationalinstitutions of Homoeopathy and Board of ethics and registration of practitioners ofHomoeopathytomaintainNationalRegisterandethicalissuesrelatingtopracticeareundertheNationalCommissionforHomoeopathy.

§ Italsoproposesacommonentranceexamandanexitexamwhichallgraduateswillhavetocleartogetpracticinglicenses.Further,ateacher'seligibilitytesthasbeenproposedtoassessthestandardofteachersbeforeappointmentandpromotions.

§ ItfurtheraimsatbringingreformsinthemedicaleducationofHomoeopathyinlineswiththeNationalMedicalCommissionproposedforsettingupforAllopathysystemofmedicine.

AboutCentralCouncilofHomeopathy(CCH):§ CentralCouncilofHomeopathy(CCH)isastatutoryapexbodyundertheMinistryofAYUSH,

Govt.ofIndia.§ ItwassetupbytheGovernmentofIndiain1973,andpartoftheProfessionalCouncilsof

University Grants Commission (UGC), formed tomonitor higher education in the field ofHomeopathyIndia.

§ Anyinstitutiondesiringtograntaqualification inhomeopathy isrequiredtoapplytotheCouncil,whichprescribescoursecurriculumandmaintainscentralregistersofhomeopaths.

Whyinnews?§ TheUnionCabinetchairedbyPrimeMinisterShriNarendraModihasapproved thedraft

National Commission for Homoeopathy, Bill, 2018, which seeks to replace the existingregulatorCentralCouncilforHomoeopathy(CCH)withanewbodytoensuretransparency.



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BenamiTransactionsWhatareBenamiTransactions?

§ Theacquiringofanyeconomicassetbyapersoninanotherperson’snamesoastoescapelegalobligationsistermedasabenamitransaction.Itmisuses/abuseslegalloopholesinthesystemtomakeanillegalactivityappearfullylegal.

Whyinthenews?§ Intheabsenceofspecialcourtstohearbenamitransactioncases,assetsworthmorethan

INR5000 crore fromat least100 confirmed cases remain hanging despite the IT deptattachingtheassets.

AbouttheBenamiTransactions(Prohibition)Act§ Providesforestablishmentofcourtstohearbenamicasesthathavetobedisposedin6

monthstimeframe.§ Personsindulginginbenamitransactionsmayfaceupto7years’imprisonmentandfine.§ Furnishing false information is punishable by imprisonment up to 5 years and fine

Propertiesheldbenamiareliableforconfiscationbygovernmentwithoutcompensation§ InitiatingOfficermaypassanordertocontinueholdingpropertyandmaythenrefercase

toAdjudicatingAuthoritywhichwillthenexamineevidenceandpassanorder.TheDNATechnology(UseandApplication)RegulationBill,2019KeyFeaturesoftheBill:

§ ItallowslawenforcementagenciestocollectDNAsamples,create“DNAprofiles”andspecialdatabanksforforensic-criminalinvestigations.

§ ItstatesthatallDNAdata,includingDNAsamples,DNAprofilesandrecords,willbeonlyusedforidentificationofthepersonandnotforanyotherpurpose.

§ ItcreatesDNAProfilingBoard(DPB)thatwillbefinalauthoritythatwillauthorisecreationof State-level DNA databanks, approve the methods of collection and analysis of DNA-technologies.

§ ItmakesaccreditationandregulationmandatoryforDNAlaboratories.§ ItallowsgovernmenttosetupDNAdatabanksacrossIndiatostoreprofiles.§ These banks will maintain national database for identification of victims, accused,

suspects,undertrials,missingpersonsandunidentifiedhumanremains.§ Italsoempowersgovernmenttoimposejailtermofupto3yearsandfineofuptoRs.1

lakhonthosewholeakinformationstoredinsuchfacilities.§ It prescribes similar punishment for those who seek information on DNA profiles

illegally.Whyinnews?

§ LokSabhapassedtheDNATechnology(UseandApplication)RegulationBill–2019onJan8,2019.

BeggingActWhatisit?

§ Thebeggingact, incorporatedsince theBritishEra in1871entitlesamagistrate toplacepeoplecaughtforbeggingasdefinedundertheactinadetentioncenterpunishableiffoundguiltybyatermofupto3yearsforthefirsttimeand10yearsforsecondoffence.

§ ‘ActsofBegging’asdefinedbytheact:Thisincludessolicitingorreceivingalms,inapublicplacewhetherornotunderanypretensesuchassinging,dancing,fortunetelling,performingorofferinganyarticleforsale,havingnovisiblemeansofsubsistenceandwanderingaboutorremaininginanypublicplaceinsuchconditionormanner,asmakesitlikelythatthepersondoingsoexistsolicitingorreceivingalms.



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§ Other infamous penalties include fingerprinting of individuals, detention of dependent of theindividual, separation of children above 5 years, forced labour, among others, failure to complywouldlandthepersoninjail,effectivelymarginalizingthem

Whyinnews?§ TheDelhiHighCourtrecentlystruckdowntheBeggingAct,citinggraveinhumanity

arbitrarinessandambiguityoftheact.Court’sview

§ The very definition of the actmakes it a grey area and includes a high degree ofvagueness.Thisprovidesgroundforexcessarbitrariness.

§ Citingitunconstitutionalasitviolatedthefundamentalrights14and21(equalityoflawandrighttolifeandpersonalliberty),itpointedthatbeggingisaresultofthefailureofthestatetoprovidebasicamenitiestoallitscitizens.

AadhaarisMoneyBillWhyinNews?

§ ThemajorityjudgementoftheConstitutionbenchheldthatAadharwasaMoneyBill.Background

§ TheAadhaarAct,2016waspassedasaMoneyBill.AMoneyBillonlyneedstobepassedbyLokSabha,whileRajyaSabhamaymakenon-bindingrecommendationsonit.IncaseoftheAadhaarAct,RajyaSabhamadesomerecommendationsthatwererejectedbyLokSabha.

§ IthasbeenarguedbeforethecourtsthattheAadhaarActdoesnotqualifyasaMoneyBillbecauseitcontainsprovisionsunrelatedtogovernmenttaxationandexpenditure.

SCJudgement§ ThemajorityviewjustifiedthatAadhaarwasvitaltoensurethatgovernmentaidreachedthe

targetedbeneficiaries,andhence,theActwasvalidlypassedasaMoneyBill.DissentingOpinion

§ IntheMinorityjudgementitwasheldthat-AMoneyBillmustdealwiththedeclaringofanyexpendituretobeexpenditurechargedontheConsolidatedFundofIndia.Section7oftheActdoesnotdeclaretheexpenditureincurredtobeachargeontheConsolidatedFund.

§ Itonlyprovidesthatinthecaseofsuchservices,benefitsorsubsidies,Aadhaarcanbemademandatorytoavailofthem.

§ ItalsopointedoutthattheothersectionsoftheAadhaarActwhichdealtwithseveralaspectsrelatingtotheAadhaarnumberswerealientothescopeofArticle110oftheConstitutionwhichdefinedaMoneyBill.

§ TheLokSabhacannotintroduceandpassalegislativemeasureinthegarbofaMoneyBill,whichcouldotherwisehavebeenamendedorrejectedbytheRajyaSabha.Bicameralismisafoundingvalueofourdemocracy.

§ ItisapartofthebasicstructureoftheConstitution.IntroductionandpassingofaBillasaMoneyBill,whichdoesnotqualifytobeaMoneyBillunderArticle110(1)oftheConstitution,isplainlyunconstitutional.

WhatisaMoneyBill?Article110oftheConstitutiondealswiththedefinitionofMoneyBills.ItstatesthataBillisaMoneyBillifitcontains"only"theprovisionsdealingwithalloranyofthefollowingmatters-

1. Theimposition,abolition,remission,alterationorregulationofanytax.2. TheregulationoftheborrowingofMoneybytheUnionGovt.3. ThecustodyoftheConsolidatedFundofIndiaorthecontingencyfundofIndia,thepayment

ofmoneyintoorthewithdrawalofMoneyfromanysuchfund.4. TheappropriationofMoneyoutoftheConsolidatedFundofIndia5. Declaration of expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or increasing the

amountofanysuchexpenditure.



41

6. ThereceiptofMoneyonaccountoftheConsolidatedFundofIndiaorthePublicaccountofIndia.

7. Anymatterincidentaltoanyofthemattersspecifiedabove.PointstoRemember-

§ IfanyquestionariseswhetheraBillitisaMoneybillornotthedecisionoftheSpeakeroftheLok Sabha is final.Her decision cannot be questionedby any court or in eitherHouse ofParliamentoreventhePresident.

§ ItcanonlybeintroducedintheLokSabha.§ ItcanbeintroducedonlybytheMinister,ontherecommendationofthePresident.§ ItcannotbeamendedorrejectedbytheRajyaSabha.§ ItcanonlybedetainedbytheRajyaSabhaforamaximumperiodof14days.§ It is sent forPresident's assent even if it is approvedonlyby theLok Sabha.There is no

provisionforJointSittingincase.§ ItcanberejectedorapprovedbythePresidentbutcannotbereturnedforconsiderationby

thePresident.§ ItsdefeatintheLokSabhaleadstotheresignationofthegovernment.

PCAAmendmentsPreventionofCorruption(Amendment)Bill2018

§ The Parliament has passed Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2018 to enhancetransparencyandaccountabilityofthegovernment.

§ TheBillamendsvariousprovisionsofPreventionofCorruptionAct(PCA),1988.Keyamendments

§ TheBillintroducesoffenceof‘givingabribe’asdirectoffence.§ The bill redefines provisions related to criminal misconduct to only cover two types of

offencessuchasaccumulateillegalassetsandfraudulentmisappropriationofproperty.§ It makes mandatory for taking prior approval of relevant Government to conduct any

investigationintooffenceallegedtohavebeencommittedbyapublicservant.§ Suchapprovalwillbenotnecessaryincasesthatinvolvearrestofpersononspotoncharge

oftakingabribe.§ It also introduces powers and procedures for attachment of property of public servants

accusedofcorruption.PublicInterestLitigation

§ PublicInterestLitigationmeanslitigationfortheprotectionofthepublicinterest.§ Itislitigationintroducedinacourtoflaw,notbytheaggrievedpartybutbythecourtitself

orbyanyotherprivateparty.§ Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar was the first PIL case filed by advocate Kapila

Hingoraniandfocusedontheinhumanconditionsoftheprisons.Thecaseledtoreleaseofmorethan40,000undertrialprisoners.

Whyinnews?§ A new Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in Supreme Court opposing two

amendmentsofthePreventionofCorruptionAct(PCA).§ Theamendmentswhichareopposedare:-1. The bill redefines provisions related to criminal misconduct to only cover two types of

offencessuchasaccumulateillegalassetsandfraudulentmisappropriationofproperty.Theearlieracthadthepublicservantusinghispositionforadvantageofthirdparty.

2. It makes mandatory for taking prior approval of relevant Government to conduct anyinvestigationintooffenceallegedtohavebeencommittedbyapublicservant.Asitmayleadtofurtherlobbyingtodestroytheevidencesagainstthepublicservants.



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§ TheSupremeCourthasaskedtheUniongovernmenttofiletheresponseregardingthisissueinthecourt.

TripletalaqbillpassedKeyprovisionsoftheBill:

§ TheBillmakesalldeclarationoftalaq,includinginwrittenorelectronicform,tobevoid(i.e.notenforceableinlaw)andillegal.

§ Definition:Itdefinestalaqastalaq-e-biddatoranyothersimilarformoftalaqpronouncedbyaMuslimmanresultingininstantandirrevocabledivorce.Talaq-e-biddatreferstothepracticeunderMuslimpersonallawswherepronouncementoftheword‘talaq’thriceinonesittingbyaMuslimmantohiswiferesultsinaninstantandirrevocabledivorce.

§ Offenceandpenalty:TheBillmakesdeclarationoftalaqacognizableoffence,attractingupto threeyears’ imprisonmentwitha fine. (Acognizableoffence isone forwhichapoliceofficermayarrestanaccusedpersonwithoutwarrant.)Theoffencewillbecognizableonlyifinformationrelatingtotheoffenceisgivenby:(i)themarriedwoman(againstwhomtalaqhasbeendeclared),or(ii)anypersonrelatedtoherbybloodormarriage.

§ TheBill provides that theMagistratemay grant bail to the accused. The bailmay begrantedonlyafterhearingthewoman(againstwhomtalaqhasbeenpronounced),andiftheMagistrateissatisfiedthattherearereasonablegroundsforgrantingbail.

§ The offence may be compounded by the Magistrate upon the request of the woman(againstwhomtalaqhasbeendeclared).Compoundingreferstotheprocedurewherethetwosidesagreetostoplegalproceedings,andsettlethedispute.ThetermsandconditionsofthecompoundingoftheoffencewillbedeterminedbytheMagistrate.

§ Allowance: A Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared, is entitled to seeksubsistenceallowance fromherhusband forherselfand forherdependentchildren. TheamountoftheallowancewillbedeterminedbytheMagistrate.

§ Custody:AMuslimwomanagainstwhomsuchtalaqhasbeendeclared, isentitledtoseekcustodyofherminorchildren.ThemannerofcustodywillbedeterminedbytheMagistrate.

Whyinnews?§ TheLokSabhahaspassedtheMuslimWomen(ProtectionofRightsonMarriage)Bill,2018,

alsoknownas,TripleTalaqBillamidstprotestbymanyparties.§ TheBillmakes instant triple talaqvoidand illegal. It seeks tomake thepracticeof

instanttripletalaqapunishableoffencewithimprisonmentofuptothreeyears.

§ HoweverasthetermofLokSabhaisgoingtoendandthebillnotbeingpassedinRajyaSabha,thebillcametoanendwiththelastsessionofLokSabha.

ManualScavengingProhibitionofEmploymentasManualScavengersandTheirRehabilitationAct,2013

§ TheActprohibitstheemploymentofmanualscavengers,themanualcleaningofsewersand septic tanks without protective equipment, and the construction of insanitarylatrines.

§ TheDistrictMagistrateandthelocalauthorityaretheimplementingauthoritiesundertheactwhichalsoaimsatcomprehensiverehabilitationoftheidentifiedmanualscavengers.

§ NationalCommissionofSafaiKaramcharisisstatutorybodyestablishedunderNationalCommission for SafaiKaramcharisAct, 1993. Itwas established in1994 todealwith thegrievancesofpersonsengagedinmanualscavenging.

§ It aims to promote and safeguard interests and rights of Safai Karamcharis andManualScavengersandworksforwelfareofthem.



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Why in News?§ Recently,the6thMeetingoftheCentralMonitoringCommitteetoreviewtheimplementation

of theManual ScavengersAct, 2013was held under the chairmanship of Thaawar chandGehlot,UnionMinisterofSocialJusticeandEmpowerment.

§ TheministerhighlightedthatthegovernmentisimplementingaSelf-EmploymentSchemefortheRehabilitationofidentifiedmanualscavengersunderwhichone-timecashassistance,skill development training and loan subsidy are provided for rehabilitation of identifiedmanualscavengers.

§ TheNationalSafaiKaramcharisFinance&DevelopmentCorporation(NSKFDC)hasheldanumberof awareness camps tomotivate themanual scavengers and their dependents toundertakeskilldevelopmenttrainingsothattheyaresuitablyequippedforemploymentonsustainablebasisorstarttheirself-employmentventures.

NotimebarforPOSCOCrimesBackground

§ TheMinistryofLaw,afterexaminingtheprovisionsofPOCSOActhasstatedthatunliketheCodeofCriminalProceedings (CrPC), theProtectionofChildren fromSexualOffencesAct(POCSO),2012,doesnotlaydownatimelimitforreportingcrimescoveredunderit.

§ Section19ofthePOCSOAct,whichdealswithsexualcrimesagainstchildren,laysdowntheprocedureforreportingacrimebutdoesn’tspecifyatimelimitorstatuteoflimitationforreportingit.

WhyinNews?§ Thegovernmentclarifiedthatthereisnotimebaronreportingcrimes,underthePOSCOact.

ThismeansthatSurvivorsofchildsexualabusecanfileapolicecomplaintaftertheybecomeadults.

POCSOAct2012§ TheProtectionofChildrenfromSexualOffences(POCSO)Act,2012dealswithsexualoffences

againstpersonsbelow18yearsofage,whoaredeemedaschildren.§ TheActforthefirsttimedefines“penetrativesexualassault”,“sexualassault”and“sexual

harassment”.§ Theoffence is consideredgraver if it is committedbyapoliceofficer,public servant, any

member of the staff at a remand home, protection or observation home, jail, hospital oreducationalinstitution,orbyamemberofthearmedorsecurityforces.

§ TheActisacomprehensivelawtoprovidefortheprotectionofchildrenfromtheoffencesofsexualassault,sexualharassmentandpornographywhilesafeguardingtheinterestsofthechildateverystageofthejudicialprocess.

§ TheAct incorporates child-friendlyprocedures for reporting, recording, investigationandtrial offences, and speedy trial of offences through the appointment of Special PublicProsecutorsanddesignatedSpecialCourts.

WHOGuidelinesonRespondingtoChildSexAbuse§ Theyputforwardrecommendationsforthefrontlinehealthcareproviderswhomaydirectly

receiveavictimofsexualabuseormayidentifysexualabuseduringthecourseofdiagnosisandtreatment.

§ Ithighlightsthatchildsexualabusehasashort-termaswellaslong-termmentalandphysicalhealthimpacts.

§ The guidelines are crucial because of various avoidable mistakes committed duringexaminationlikethere-traumatizationofthevictim.

§ Theyalsoproviderecommendationstopreventtherecurrenceofchildmaltreatment.



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MissionBirubalaWhatisMissionBirubala?

§ Formedin2011,MissionBirubalaisanon-profitprogressiveorganizationfoundedbysome conscious people of Assam (from Guwalpara, Kamrup districts), committedtowards providing support to the survivors of witch hunting and developing ascientificoutlookamongthecommunitymemberswhobelieveinsuchsuperstitiousacts.

§ The chief functionaryof thisorganization,Ms.BirubalaRabha,hadbeen solelyworkingsince1985 toeradicate social evils like Witch hunting in different parts of Assam andMeghalaya.

§ Also, ‘Project Prahari’, a brainchild of Director-General of Police Kuladhar Saikia, wasinstrumental in checking the menace of witch hunt, through policing with socialcampaigns

Whyinnews?§ ThePresident clears Bill against witch- hunting. This iscelebratedas a stepagainstsuperstition

Featuresofthebill§ Ms. Rabha’s inputs had gone into the legislation, making every offence underthe Act

“cognizable,non-bailableandnon-compoundable.”§ TheActprescribesaprisontermofuptosevenyearsanduptoRs.5lakhinfinefor

callingapersonwitch.§ It also has provisions to comewith Section 302 of the IPC (punishment formurder) if

someoneiskilledafterbeingbrandedawitch.

RTIAmendmentWhyinthenews?

§ The RTI Amendment Bill, as a result of recommendations of the Justice SrikrishnaCommittee,aims to exempt certain informationunder section8 (suchaspersonalinformationwhichisirrelevanttopublicinterest),citingreasonsofdataprotectionandprivacy,whichresultsincausingmoredamagethatexceedspublicinterests.

§ In short, itwidens the scope to deny revealing of information as opposed to therelativelynarrowareaofsuchinformationdenialofthepresentact.

§ TheChiefInformationCommissionerhadobjectedtothefindingsoftheSrikrishnapanelasitwasnotconsultedinitssphereofactivityandhighlightedthattheverywordingsoftheproposedamendmentgiveahugeambiguityintheirinterpretation,effectivelyleadingtothedecreaseofpowersoftheRTIact.



45

AboutRTIAct:

§ RighttoInformation(RTI)isanActoftheParliamentofIndiatoprovideforsettingoutthepractical regimeof the right to information for citizens,where any citizenof Indiamayrequest information fromapublic authoritywhich is required to reply expeditiouslyorwithinthirtydays.

§ The Act also requires every public authority to computerize their records for widedisseminationandtoproactivelycertaincategoriesofinformationsothatthecitizensneedminimumrecoursetorequestforinformationformally.

§ Theact empowers citizensaccess toalmost all information under public sphere exceptsensitiveinformationthatrelatestoacountry’ssecurity.

SCHearingonArticle35AWhyinthenews?

§ WiththedeathoftwomilitantsinpoliceencounterandtheissueofchallengingtheArticle35AintheSupremeCourt,Kashmirhasbeenparticularlyrestive.

§ Mostpoliticalpartiesprotestedanymovetoinvalidateormodifythearticle.WhatisArticle35A?

§ Article35Aof the IndianConstitution isanarticle thatempowers the JammuandKashmirstate'slegislaturetodefine“permanentresidents”ofthestateandprovidespecialrightsandprivilegestothosepermanentresidents.

WhysuchprovisionsonlyforJammuandKashmir?§ ItisduetothefactthatthestateofJammuandKashmirhasauniquespecialstatusthat

isn’tapplicabletoanyotherterritory/stateofIndia.§ SuchprovisionsareenshrinedintheconstitutionofIndia,underArticles370and152,

thatenableaseparateconstitutionforJ&KandthatlawsapplicableelsewhereintheUnionofIndiaarenotdefactoapplicabletothestateofJ&Kexceptintheareasofmilitary,foreignrelations,communicationandeconomy.

§ Suchlawsareapplicableonlywithconcurrenceofthestate.Inshort,forthestateofJ&K, state lawsgenerallyprevail over central laws shouldany conflictbetween the twoarise.



46

§ Further,thisshowsthatstatelawshavehigherpriorityasopposedtootherstateswherecentrallawsprevail.ThissignifiesconsiderableautonomythatisnotenjoyedbyanyotherstateintheunionofIndia.

PleaagainstArticle370WhatisArticle370?

§ Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is a ‘temporary provision’ which grants specialautonomousstatustoJammu&Kashmir.Accordingtothisarticle,exceptforforeignaffairs,defence,financeandcommunications,Parliamentneedsthestategovernment’sconcurrenceforapplyingallotherlaws.

§ Under Article 370, the Centre has no power to declare financial emergency underArticle360inthestate.

§ IndianParliamentcannotincreaseorreducethebordersoftheJ&Kstate.§ ThereisnoStatelistfortheStateofJammuandKashmir.§ Eventheresiduarypowersoflegislationlieswithstategovernment.§ The power to make laws related to preventive detention in Jammu and Kashmir

belongstotheLegislatureofJ&KandnottheIndianParliament.§ EventhePartIV(DirectivePrinciplesoftheStatePolicy)andPartIVA(Fundamental

Duties)oftheConstitutionunderthisarticlearenotapplicabletoJ&K.WhatisArticle35A?

§ Article35AoftheIndianConstitutionisanarticlethatempowerstheJammuandKashmirstate'slegislaturetodefine“permanentresidents”ofthestateandprovidespecialrightsandprivilegestothosepermanentresidents.

WhyinNews?§ TheSupremeCourtonMondayrecentlyrejectedapetitionchallengingArticle370.

Arguments:§ Article 370 was only a ‘temporary provision’ which can help to bring normalcy. The

Constitution makers didn’t intend to male Article 370 as a tool which bring permanentamendments,likeArticle35A,intheConstitution.

§ Article35Aisagainstthe“veryspiritofonenessofIndia”whichviolatesfundamentalrightsbyrestrictingcitizensfromotherStatesfromgettingemploymentorbuyingpropertyinJ&K

NewbroadcastingrulesWhatarethenewrules?

§ Thenewframeworkonbroadcastingandcablerules,whichcomesintoforcefromDecember29,2018,allowsconsumerstoselectandpayonlyforthechannelstheywishtoview,andrequirestheTVbroadcasters todisclosemaximumretailpriceofchannels individuallyaswellasofbouquets.

§ Keeping in view the interest of the subscribers and to enable a smooth transition, theAuthorityispreparingadetailedMigrationPlanforalltheexistingsubscribers.

§ Themigrationplanwillprovideampleopportunitytoeachandeverysubscriberformakinganinformedchoice.

§ Theframeworkstipulatesanetworkcapacityfeewithupperceilingof₹130for100channels.Network capacity fee for 100 channels includes Free to Air channels or Pay channel orcombinationofboth.

§ Any subscriberwhoopts formore than100 channels a rare choiceof less than10-15%consumers,accordingtoTRAIcanchooseadditionalchannelsineachslabof25channelswithatamaximumpriceof₹20perslab.

§ TheAuthoritymaintainedthatthecosttoconsumerswillnotincrease.Whysuchamove?



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§ TRAIhasreasonedthatafterdigitizationofcableTVnetworksinMarch2017,therewasanurgentneed to improve transparencyasmanystakeholderswerenotprovidingchoice toconsumers.

§ Itsaidtheconsumerbecomestherealdecision-makernow,bychoosingthechannelstheywant.

§ The new framework stipulates that the subscribers will not be pushed with unwantedchannels;rathershe/hewillhavefreedomtochooseonlythoseTVchannelsthattheywanttoseeandpayaccordingly.

Whyinnews?§ TRAIhasannouncednewbroadcastingandcablerulestoensuretransparencyinthesector.

TheConsumerProtectionBill,2018KeypointsabouttheConsumerProtectionBill,2018

§ TheConsumerDisputesRedressalCommissionswillbesetupatDistrict,StateandNationallevelsasperthebillpassed.

§ TheDistrictCommissionswillhavethemandatetohearcomplaintshavingclaimworthonecrorerupees.IntheConsumerProtectionAct,1986thislimitwas20lakhrupees.

§ ThelimitoftheCommissions’attheStatelevelenhancedfrom1crorerupeesto15crorerupees.

§ Complaintsabove15crorerupeesworthofclaimwillbesettledbytheNationalCommission.§ TheConsumerProtectionBill,2018hasprovisionsforstringentpunishmentsinthematters

offoodadulterations.§ TheBillhastheprovisionstoprotectthoseconsumerswhousenewdigitaltechnologieslikes

e-commerceandonlineshopping.§ TheBill seeks to establish a central consumerprotection authority (CCPA)whichwill be

taskedwithpromoting,protectingandenforcingconsumerrights.Whyinnews?

§ TheLokSabhahaspassedtheConsumerProtectionBill,2018on20thDecember2018,whichwillreplacetheConsumerProtectionAct,1986.

§ TheBillseekstoenforceconsumerrightsandtoofferamechanismforcomplaintredressalrelatedtothedeficienciesingoodsandservices.

§ ThebillwillnowmovetoRajyaSabhaforpassage.STstatusto6AssamcommunitiesWhyinnews?

§ TheUnionCabinethasapprovedScheduledTribe(ST)statustosixcommunitiesofAssamnamelyTaiAhom,KochRajbongshi,Chutia,TeaTribes,MoranandMatak.

Benefitofthemove:§ Full safeguardswill be provided to protect the interests, rights andprivileges of existing

ScheduledTribesofAssam.§ AseparateBillwillbebroughttograntSTstatustoBodoKacharisinHilldistrictsofAssam

andKarbisintherestofAssam.§ Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is also proposed to be amended to strengthen the

AutonomousDistrictCouncils.§ The Constitution of India makes special provisions for the administration of the tribal

dominatedareasinfourstatesviz.Assam,Meghalaya,TripuraandMizoram.Asperarticle244and6thSchedule,theseareasarecalled“TribalAreas“,whicharetechnicallydifferentfromtheScheduledAreasunderfifthschedule.

Whatdoestheconstitutionsay?



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§ TheConstitutiononlystatesthatSTsarespecifiedbythePresidentafterconsultationwiththeGovernor.

§ Itdoesnotdefineorspecifyaparticularcriterion.

India’s1stwitnessprotectionschemeAboutWitnessProtectionScheme,2018:

§ Victims andwitnesses of serious crimes are particularly at risk when the perpetrator ispowerful,influential,orrich.

§ Also,witnessesneedtohavetheconfidencetocomeforwardtoassistlawenforcementandprosecutorialauthorities.

§ Thewitnesswill be given protection by the law enforcement agencywhichwill be fromsimplepoliceprotectiontoevenprovidingtemporaryresidency.

Challengesassociatedwiththescheme:§ Witnessprotectionorder is tobegrantedbyancompetentauthority, so theprotection is

underthediscretionoftheauthority.§ Fundingforwitnessprotectionisonlyfromstates,whiletheLawcommissionrecommended

thatthefundhastobesharedbycentreandstate.§ Expansionofinfrastructureliketransportfacilities,temporaryhousinghastobedone.

Background:§ The issue cameupwhen the SupremeCourtwas hearing a public interest litigation plea

seekingprotectionforwitnessesinrapecasesinvolvingself-styledpreacherAsaramBapu.§ TheBenchsaidwitnessesfearedseriousconsequencesiftheydeposedagainstAsaram.

Whyinnews?§ The Supreme Court of India has directed all the states to implement the draft Witness

protectionscheme,2018immediatelyacrossallstates.PermitsforAndamanDifferenttypesofpermit:

§ ProtectedAreaPermit(PAP)-TheForeigners(ProtectedAreas)Order1958statesthataProtectedAreaPermit(PAP)isrequiredfornon-IndiancitizenstovisitcertainareasinIndia(mainlyintheNorth-East).

§ RestrictedAreaPermit(RAP)-theForeigners(RestrictedAreas)Order1968statesthataRestrictedAreaPermit(RAP)isrequiredfornon-IndianstovisitcertainareasinIndia.Asof2009,RAParerequiredforallvisitstotheUnionTerritoryoftheAndamanandNicobarIslandsandpartsofthestateofSikkim.

§ InnerLineofPermit(ILP)-InnerLinePermit(ILP)isanofficialtraveldocumentissuedbytheGovernmentofIndiatoallowinwardtravelofanIndiancitizenintoaprotectedareaforalimitedperiodincertainNorthEasternStates.

§ ItisobligatoryforIndiancitizensfromoutsidethosestatestoobtainapermitforenteringintotheprotectedstate.

Whatistheissue?§ TheCentremaythinkofrevisitingitsdecisiontolifttheRAPfrom29islandsofAndamanand

NicobaraftertheallegedkillingoftheUScitizenbytheSentinelesetribe.§ TheRestrictedAreaPermitregimewasliftedthisAugustfrom29islands,includingNorth

Sentinel,topromotetourism.§ Thoughtheregimewaswithdrawn,atouristisrequiredtotakepermissionfromtheForest

DepartmentandthelocaladministrationasitisprotectedundertwootherpermittingActs.Whyinnews?



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§ TheCentremayrevisititsdecisiontolifttheRestrictedAreaPermit(RAP)systemfrom29islandsofAndamanandNicobar,afterthedeathofU.S.citizenJohnAllenChaubytheSentinelTribesofAndaman.

DisabilitiesActImportantprovisionsofRightsofPersonswithDisabilitiesAct,2016(RPwDact,2016):

§ ItbroughttheIndianlawinlinewiththeUnitedNationalConventionontheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities(UNCRPD).

§ Thetypesofdisabilitieshavebeenincreasedfromexisting7to21.§ Itprovides forpenalties foroffencescommittedagainstpersonswithdisabilitiesandalso

violationoftheprovisionsofthenewlaw.§ TheUnionandStategovernmentswillensurethatatleast4%ofthevacanciesinidentified

establishmentshaveemployedpersonsorclassofpersonswithatleast40%ofanyofthedisabilities.

§ Thelawmandatesstricterpunishmentforharassingpersonswithdisabilities.Underthenewlaws,anyassaultonadisabledgirlorwomanisconsideredas“aggravatedassault”,whichamountstomorepunishment.

Reportofimplementation:

§ AstudyconductedbytheDisabilityRightsIndiaFoundation(DRIF)ontheimplementation

of theRightsofPersonswithDisabilities (RPWD)Act, across24States,has revealed thatmorethanhalfhavenotnotifiedtheStaterules,despiteasignificantlapseoftime.

§ Thestudy,whichconcentratedontheStates’administrativemachinerywithrespecttotheAct,foundthat79.2%oftheStateshadnotconstitutedthefundsforimplementationoftheRPWDAct.

§ Though62.5%oftheStateshaveappointedCommissionersforPersonswithDisabilitiestheprogresshasnotbeensubstantial.

§ AndamanandNicobarIslandsalongwithJammuandKashmirrankedthelowest.§ While58.3%oftheStateshavenotnotifiedSpecialCourtsinthedistrictsfortryingoffences

undertheAct,87.5%havenotappointedaSpecialPublicProsecutorsasmandatedbythelaw,thestudysaid.

§ AnNGOsurveyofWestBengalfoundthatwomenwithdisabilityweremorepronetosexualharassment,35outof100caseswerefromdisabledwomen.

Whyinnews?§ A study was conducted by the Disability Rights India Foundation (DRIF) which

analysedtheperformanceofstatesinimplementationofRPwDact,2016.



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ReservationforMarathasReservationtoMarathas:

§ Thestate legislativeassemblyofMaharashtraonNovember29,2018passed theMarathaReservationBill,approving16percentreservationfortheMarathacommunityineducationandjobsectors.

§ Reservation to the Maratha community will be given under a new category called SEBC(sociallyandeconomicallybackwardcategory).

§ TheMarathaswillgetthereservationfromanindependentquotaanditisnotexpectedtoaffectthereservationsgiventotheOtherBackwardClass(OBC).

Legalityofreservation:§ Article15of Constitutionof IndiadealswithProhibitionof discriminationongroundsof

religion,race,caste,sexorplaceofbirth.§ Reasonablerestrictiontoart15-Statecanmakeanyspecialprovision,bylaw, forthe

advancementofanysociallyandeducationallybackwardclassesofcitizensorfortheScheduledCastesortheScheduledTribes.

§ Article 16 of Constitution of India dealswith Equality of opportunity inmatters ofpublicemployment.

§ ReasonablerestrictiononArt16-Residence,backwardclassofcitizens,SCandSTcanbegivenreservation.

§ TheSupremeCourtofIndiainIndraSwahneycase,1992ruledthatreservationscouldnotexceed50percent.

Whatisacaveatpetition?§ Section148AoftheCivilProcedureCode,1908.§ ACaveatisaLatintermwhichmeans,'letapersonbeware'.§ Inlaw,itmaybeunderstoodasanotice,especiallyinprobate,thatcertainactionsmaynot

betakenwithoutinformingthepersonwhogavethenotice.§ CaveatpetitionbyMaharashtragovernmentistoensurenotonlythattheStatecounselgets

a“fairchance”todefendtheproposedBill,butheisheardevenbeforeanyinterimreliefisgrantedbythecourts.

Whyinnews?§ A petition was filed in Supreme court challenging the reservation given to the Maratha

community.§ TheMaharashtragovernmentmovedswiftlytolodgeacaveatclaimingarighttobeheard

firstinthematter.HighSecurityRegistrationplatesWhatisHSRP(HighSecurityRegistrationPlate)?

§ Featuresincorporatedincludethenumberplatehavingapatentedchromiumhologram.§ Alasernumberingcontainingthealpha-numericidentificationofboththetestingagencyand

manufacturers.§ Aretro-reflectivefilmbearingaverificationinscription"India"ata45-degreeinclination.§ Thecharactersareembossedontheplateforbettervisibility.§ Theletters"IND"wereprintedinalightshadeofblueontheobserversleftsideunderthe

hologram.§ However it has yet to be implemented since the various state Governments has not yet

appointed an official source for manufacture of these plates, due to disputes which arecurrentlyinvariousIndiancourts.

§ TheHSRPhelpsinkeepingtrackofthevehicle,andmakesiteasiertotracealostorstolenvehicle.



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AboutCentralMotorVehicleAct,1989:§ TheMotorVehiclesAct,1989isanActoftheParliamentofIndiawhichregulatesallaspects

ofroadtransportvehicles.§ The Act provides in detail the legislative provisions regarding licensing of

drivers/conductors, registration of motor vehicles, control of motor vehicles throughpermits, special provisions relating to state transport undertakings, traffic regulation,insurance,liability,offencesandpenalties,etc.

Whyinnews?§ Allnewvehicleswillbesoldpre-fittedwithHighSecurityRegistrationPlates–HSRPfrom

the1stofAprilnextyear.§ The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has notified amendments in Central Motor

VehiclesRules,1989tothiseffect.

OxytocinWhatisOxytocin?

§ Itisafemalehormone§ Ithasalsobeendubbedthelovehormone,hughormone,cuddlechemical,moralmolecule,

andtheblisshormoneduetoitseffectsonbehaviour,includingitsroleinloveandinfemalereproductivebiologicalfunctionsinreproduction.

§ Oxytocinisahormonethatismadeinthebrain,inthehypothalamus.§ Itistransportedto,andsecretedby,thepituitarygland,whichislocatedatthebaseofthe

brain.§ Itactsbothasahormoneandasabrainneurotransmitter.§ The release of oxytocin by the pituitary gland acts to regulate two female reproductive

functions:ChildbirthandBreast-feeding.Whyitssaleisbeinglimited?

§ Thedrugisusedbydiaryownersandfarmerstoboostmilkproductionandmakevegetableslookbiggerandfresher.

§ But,itwasfoundthatindiscriminateuseofOxytocininmilchanimalsandbyfarmerswascausingirreversiblehormonedamage.

HCobservation:§ TheBenchofHCsetaside thegovernment’snotificationonApril2018 imposing theban,

sayingitwas“arbitraryandunreasonable”.§ ThegovernmentdidnotadequatelyweighinthedangertotheusersofOxytocin,norconsider

thedeleteriouseffecttothepublicgenerallyandwomenparticularly.§ Ofpossiblerestrictedsupplyifmanufactureisconfinedtooneunit,tothepregnantwomen

andyoungmothers,ofapotentiallylife-savingdrug.§ ItsaidtheCentre’sdecisiontoallowonlyasingle,state-runentitywithnopriorexperience

inmanufacturingOxytocintomakeandsell thedrug,was“fraughtwithpotentialadverseconsequences”.

§ Correspondinglytherewasnoscientificbasis,andinsufficientdatatosupporttheconclusionthatthedrug’sexistingavailabilityormannerofdistributionposedarisktohumanlife.

HCpowertoquashCentre’sorder:§ Article13ofConstitutionofIndiadealswithLawsinconsistentwithorinderogationofthe

fundamentalrightsshallbestruckdownonthegroundsofviolatingtheconstitution.§ InthiscaseWomen’srighttolifeunderArt21isbeingviolatedduetotheban.

Whyinnews?§ The Delhi HC quashed the Centre’s decision to ban the manufacture and sale of

Oxytocin,adrugwhichinduceslabourandcontrolsbleedingduringthechildbirth.



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NationalPolicyonDomesticWorkersSalientfeaturesofthepolicy:

§ InclusionofDomesticWorkersintheexistinglegislations§ Domesticworkerswillhavetherighttoregisterasunorganizedworkers.Suchregistration

willfacilitatetheiraccesstorights&benefits.§ Righttoformtheirownassociations/unions§ Righttominimumwages,accesstosocialsecurity§ Righttoenhancetheirskills§ ProtectionofDomesticWorkersfromabuseandexploitation§ DomesticWorkerstohaveaccesstocourts,tribunalsforgrievanceredressal§ Establishmentofamechanismforregulationofprivateplacementagencies.§ Establishmentofagrievanceredressalsystemfordomesticworkers

Whyinnews?§ AccordingtoNationalSampleSurvey(NSSOStatistics-2011-2012,68thround)itisestimated

39lakhpeopleareemployedasdomesticworkersbyprivatehouseholds,ofwhich26lakhsarefemaledomesticworkers.

§ The Ministry of Labour & Employment is considering formulating a National Policy onDomesticWorkerswhichisinthedraftstage.

Section66AAboutSection66AofITAct2000:

§ Itgivespower togovernmentauthorities to issuedirections toblockpublicaccessofanyinformationthroughanycomputerresource.

§ It also allows authorities to arrest a person for posting allegedly offensive content onwebsitesandimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtothreeyearsandwithfine.

SCverdictonsec66A:§ TheSupremeCourt(SC)on24March2015struckdowntheSection66AoftheInformation

andTechnologyAct 2000 calling it unconstitutional anduntenable in the popularShreyaSingalvsUnionofIndiacase.

§ SC in its ruling held that Section 66A interferes with freedom of speech and expressionenvisagedunderArticle19ofConstitutionofIndiaandalsohittherootoftwocardinalpillarsofdemocracylibertyandfreedomofexpression.

Whyinnews?§ Over three years after it struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act as

unconstitutional,theSupremeCourtsaiditwasshockedtohearthatauthoritiesstillcontinuetobookpeopleunderthisextinctanddraconianprovisionandaskedCentretorespondontheissue.

LokpalWhatisLokpal?

§ LokpalisthecentralgoverningbodywithjurisdictionoverallMembersofParliamentandcentralgovernmentemployeesincasesofcorruption.

WhataboutLokpal?§ Theword "Lokpal" is derived from the Sanskrit word "loka"meaning people and "pala"

meaningprotectororcaretaker.Togetheritmeans"protectorofpeople"§ TheaimofpassingsuchalawisittoeradicatecorruptionatalllevelsoftheIndianpolity.§ TheAdministrativeReformsCommission,(1966-70),hadrecommendedthecreationofthe

LokpalattheCentreandLokayuktainthestates.StructureofLokpal

§ Astatutory,multi-memberbodymadeupofonechairpersonandmaximumof8members.



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§ The members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of a selectioncommittee.

§ TheselectioncommitteeiscomposedofthePrimeMinisterwhoistheChairperson;SpeakerofLokSabha,LeaderofOppositioninLokSabha,ChiefJusticeofIndiaoraJudgenominatedbyhim/her,andOneeminentjurist.

§ ThepersonwhoistobeappointedasthechairpersonoftheLokpalshouldbeeithertheformerChiefJusticeofIndiaortheformerJudgeofSupremeCourtOraneminentpersonwith impeccable integrityandoutstandingability,havingspecialknowledgeandexpertiseofminimum25yearsinthemattersrelatingtoanti-corruptionpolicy,public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and banking, law andmanagement.

§ Outofthemaximumeightmembers,halfwillbejudicialmembers.§ MinimumfiftypercentoftheMemberswillbefromSC/ST/OBC/Minoritiesand

women.JurisdictionofLokpal

§ ThejurisdictionoftheLokpalwillincludethePrimeMinister§ Exceptonallegationsof corruption relating to international relations, security, thepublic

order,atomicenergyandspaceandunlessaFullBenchoftheLokpalandatleasttwo-thirdsofmembersapproveaninquiry.

§ Itwillbeheldin-cameraandiftheLokpalsodesires,therecordsoftheinquirywillnotbepublishedormadeavailabletoanyone.

§ The Lokpal will also have jurisdiction over Ministers and MPs but not in the matter ofanythingsaidinParliamentoravotegiventhere.

§ Lokpal’sjurisdictionwillcoverallcategoriesofpublicservants.§ Any corruption complaint against Group A and B officers, after inquiry,will come to the

Lokpal.§ However, in the case of Group C and D officers, the Chief Vigilance Commissioner will

investigateandreporttotheLokpal.PowersofLokpal

§ Ithaspowerstosuperintendenceover,andtogivedirectiontoCBI.§ If ithasreferredacasetoCBI,theinvestigatingofficerinsuchcasecannotbetransferred

withoutapprovalofLokpal.§ PowerstoauthorizeCBIforsearchandseizureoperationsconnectedtosuchcase.§ TheInquiryWingoftheLokpalhasbeenvestedwiththepowersofacivilcourt.§ Lokpal has powers of confiscation of assets, proceeds, receipts and benefits arisen or

procuredbymeansofcorruptioninspecialcircumstances§ Lokpalhasthepowertorecommendtransferorsuspensionofpublicservantconnectedwith

allegationofcorruption.§ Lokpalhaspower togivedirections topreventdestructionof recordsduringpreliminary

inquiry.SalientFeaturesoftheLokpalandLokayuktaAct2013

§ TheLokpalistoconsistofachairpersonwithamaximumof8membersofwhich50%shallbejudicialmembers.

§ TheSelectionoftheChairpersonandmembersoftheLokpalshallbethroughaselectioncommitteeconsistingofthe-

§ PrimeMinister§ SpeakeroftheLokSabha§ TheleaderofOppositionintheLokSabha§ TheChiefJusticeofIndiaorasittingsupremecourtjudgenominatedbytheCJI§ An eminent jurist to be nominated by the President of India on the basis of the

recommendationofthefirstfourmembersoftheselectioncommittee.


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§ Asearchcommitteewillassisttheselectioncommitteeintheprocessofselection.§ TheLokpalwillcoverallcategoriesofpublicservants,includingthePrimeMinister.

ButthearmedforcesdonotcomeundertheambitofLokpal.§ The Act also incorporates provisions for attachment and confiscation of property

acquiredbycorruptmeans,evenwhiletheprosecutionispending.§ TheStateswillhavetoinstituteLokayuktawithinoneyearofthecommencementoftheAct.§ Government has constituted eight-member search committeeheadedby former Supreme

Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to recommend names for posts of Lokpalchairpersonandmembers.TheselectionprocessofLokpalisunderwayasperguidelinesoflaiddowninLokpalandLokayuktasAct,2013.

LokayuktaWhatis‘Lokayukta’?

§ Lokayuktaisananti-corruptionauthorityconstitutedatthestatelevel§ Itinvestigatesallegationsofcorruptionandmal-administrationagainstpublicservantsand

istaskedwithspeedyredressalofpublicgrievances.§ HowisitdifferentfromLokpal?§ WhileLokayuktahaspowersatthestatelevel,theLokpalisthecentralgoverningbodywith

jurisdictionoverallMembersofParliamentandcentralgovernmentemployeesincasesofcorruption.

Origin§ TheAdministrativeReformsCommission,(1966-70),hadrecommendedthecreationofthe

LokpalattheCentreandLokayuktainthestates.Whyinnews?

§ The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted a legislation for constituting the anti- corruptionpanel.

PowersofLokayukta§ LokayuktawillhaveallthepowersofacivilcourtundertheCodeofCivilProcedure,1908,§ Itwillhave jurisdictionoverallMLAs, formerMLAs,Ministers, formerMinistersand all

publicservantsdefinedinthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.§ Onreceiptofacomplaint, theLokayuktawould initiallydecidewhether toproceed

withthematterandeventuallyorderapreliminaryinquiry.

JUDICIARYAppointmentofjudgesWhoappointsSC&HCjudges?

§ TheappointmentofjudgesofSupremeCourtandHighcourtisdonebythePresidentafterconsultationwiththecollegium.

Whyinnews?§ Thegovernmenthassentbacktherecommendationofthecollegiumsof

SupremeCourtforreconsideration.§ AlsoTheCollegiumrecentlychangeditsearlierdecisionoverappointmentofcertainjudges

toSupremeCourtandrecommendednamesofnewjudgesforappointmenttothetopcourt.Whatiscollegium?

§ TheCollegiumsystemisonewheretheChiefJusticeofIndiaandaforumoffoursenior-mostjudgesoftheSupremeCourtrecommendappointmentsandtransfersofjudges.

§ IncaseofHighCourt,itiscomposedoftheChiefJusticeofHighCourtandthetwoseniorsmostjudgesofthatHighCourt.

§ ThecurrentsystemwasadoptedaspertheThirdJudgesCase.


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HistoryofevolutionofCollegium:§ First Judges Case, 1981 or S P Gupta Case: The Supreme Court ruled that the

recommendationmadebytheCJItothePresidentcanberefusedfor“convincingreasons”,therebygivinggreatersaytoexecutive.

§ Second Judges Case, 1993: It is also known as Supreme Court Advocates-on RecordAssociationvsUnionofIndia.CJIonlyneedtoconsulttwosenior-mostjudgesoverjudicialappointments and transfers. However, on objection raised by executive on appointment,Collegiummayormaynotchangetheirrecommendation,whichisbindingonexecutive.

§ ThirdJudgesCase,1998:CJIsshouldconsultwithfoursenior-mostSupremeCourtjudgestoformhisopiniononjudicialappointmentsandtransfers.

ControversywiththeCollegium§ TheCollegiumrecentlychanged itsearlierdecisionoverappointmentofcertain judges to

SupremeCourtandrecommendednamesofnewjudgesforappointmenttothetopcourt.§ TheCollegiumdroppingthenamesoftwojudgesconsideredearlierandthereasonsgiven

forchangingitsdecision.§ Several reasons have been assigned as to why the Collegium led by Chief Justice Gogoi

changeditsmindafterDecember12.§ Theseincludeunauthorisedmedialeaks,“additionalmaterials”,interveningWintervacation

and subsequent change in the composition of the Collegium on the retirement of JusticeMadanB.Lokurduringtheholidays.

§ Finally, it has been reported that the CJI has the last word in recommendations forappointmenttotheSupremeCourt

§ InthebackdropofthecontroversyovertheappointmentofJusticeSanjivKhanna,a1998opinionbytheSupremeCourtmayshedlightonthequestionsraisedbytheepisode.

§ The Second Judges Case (Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association versusUnionofIndia)judgmentinOctober1993,andlaterthecourt’sopinioninthe1998SpecialReference,confirmthat“strongcogentreasons”shouldbethebasisforappointingajudgetotheSupremeCourtbysupersedingothersseniortohim.

§ Finally,boththe1993judgmentand1998opinionhaveheldthattheCJI’s“finalopinion”isnot merely his individual opinion. The CJI’s opinion “must necessarily have theelementofpluralityinitsformation”

§ The1998SpecialReferencecaseexplainsthatwhenaCollegiumjudgeretiresinthemidstofanappointmentprocessandreasonsarelatermadeavailableforthenon-appointmentoftheperson under consideration, such reasons should be placed before the newly constitutedCollegium.

§ Itisnotclearthatwhethersuchstrongreasonsfornon-appointmentareplacedbeforethenewly constituted collegium, and the recent episode of controversy in collegium overappointmentisafirstofit’skindforchangingit’searlierdecisions.

§ DuetomanycontroversiesemergingoutoftheCollegiumSystem,theParliamentpassedtheNationalJudicialAppointmentsCommissionAct,whichwaslaterstruckdownbySupremeCourt.

AboutNJAC:§ NationalJudicialAppointmentsCommission(NJAC)wasaproposedbodywhichwouldhave

beenresponsiblefortheappointmentandtransferofjudgestothehigherjudiciaryinIndia.§ TheCommissionwasestablishedbyamendingtheConstitutionofIndiathroughtheninety-

ninthconstitutionamendmentwiththeConstitution(Ninety-NinthAmendment)Act,2014§ It replaced the collegium systemof appointing the judges of SupremeCourt and24High

Courts.§ A new article, Article 124A, (which provides for the composition of theNJAC)was to be

insertedintotheConstitution.


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§ TheBillprovidedfortheproceduretobefollowedbytheNJACforrecommendingpersonsforappointmentasChief Justiceof IndiaandotherJudgesoftheSupremeCourt(SC),andChiefJusticeandotherJudgesofHighCourts(HC).

NJACMembers:§ ChiefJusticeofIndia(Chairperson,exofficio)§ TwootherseniorjudgesoftheSupremeCourtnexttotheChiefJusticeofIndia–exofficio§ TheUnionMinisterofLawandJustice,ex-officio§ Twoeminentpersons(tobenominatedbyacommitteeconsistingoftheChiefJusticeofIndia,

PrimeMinisterofIndiaandtheLeaderofoppositionintheLokSabhaorwherethereisnosuchLeaderofOpposition,then,theLeaderofsinglelargestOppositionPartyinLokSabha),providedthatofthetwoeminentpersons,onepersonwouldbefromtheScheduledCastesorScheduledTribesorOBCorminoritycommunitiesorawoman.Theeminentpersonsshallbenominatedforaperiodofthreeyearsandshallnotbeeligibleforre-nomination.

SCverdictonNJAC:§ On 16 October 2015, in a 4-1 majority verdict, the Supreme Court held that both the

Constitution(Ninety-ninthAmendment)Act,2014,andtheNationalJudicialAppointmentsCommission (NJAC) Act, 2014, were unconstitutional as it would undermine theindependenceofthejudiciary.

§ The majority said the two laws affect the independence of the judiciary, and judicialappointments,amongotherthings,shouldbeprotectedfromexecutivecontrol.

OralmentioningWhyitisinnews?

§ ChiefJusticeofIndiaRanjanGogoiinformedrecentlyinacourtroomthatnewguidelineshavebeensettledbywhichurgentcaseswouldautomaticallycomeupbeforeaBenchforhearingwithinfourdaysoftheirbeingfiled.

§ “Wearetryingtogetridofurgentmentioningbeforethecourt,whichunnecessarilytakesawaytime,"theChiefJusticesaid.

§ Ifsuchcasesdidnotcomeupforhearing,thelawyersconcernedcouldmakeamentionbeforetheRegistrartohavetheircaseslisted,TheCJIsaid.

Whatisoralmentioning?§ Oralmentioningisaconventionbywhichlawyersfindawaytoshort-circuitthelong-winded

filingproceduresandmakeadirectappealtotheCJI,whoisthecourt'sadministrativeheadandmasterofroster,forearlyhearing.

§ TheCJItakesacallonthespot,afterglancingthroughthecasepapers,whetherthecasedeservestobeheardout-of-turn.Hearingacaseout-of-turnwouldmeanpushingothercasesoffthelist.

§ The CJI has often complained about how a case orally represented by a lawyer duringmentioningdoesnotlater,whenthejudgesreadthepapersindetail,turnouttobenotasurgentasitwasinitiallymadeouttobebythelawyer.

§ "Foroveranhoureveryday,theCJIismadetoreadthecasepapersjusttoseewhetheracasementionedisimportantenoughtodeserveanurgenthearing...thisisawasteofjudicialtime,"ChiefJusticeGogoihadoncecomplainedincourt.

JudicialvacanciesWhyitisinNews?

§ TheSupremeCourthaswarnedstategovernmentsandhighcourtsthatitwilltakeovertheprocessoffillingupvacanciesinthelowerjudiciaryiftheyfailtoexpeditetheexercise.

§ Thedirectionscameinthebackgroundofmorethan5,000judicialpostslyingvacantinthesubordinatecourtswhichhasledtonearly2.8crorependingcases.


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Currentstatusofappointments§ Atpresent,allappointmentsof judges indistrictandsubordinatecourtsare inthe

domainofstategovernmentsandhighcourtsconcerned. § Inordinatedelaysinholdingregularexaminationhaveledtoalmost25%postslying

vacantinthelowerjudiciary. § InMalikMazharv.U.P.PublicServiceCommission(2008)case,theSupremeCourtlaid

down stage-wise timelines for lower judicial appointments — for civil judges (juniordivision)anddistrictjudges(directrecruitment)in321daysand183days,respectively.However,theyareseldomfollowedbystatesandHCs.

§ In2017,theCentreproposedacentralizedexaminationtofilltheover5,000judicialpostslyingvacantinthelowerjudiciary.Butstatesandhighcourtshaveopposedthesuggestion.

Procedureforappointmentinlowerjudiciary: § ThejudgesofsubordinatecourtsareappointedbytheGovernorinconsultationwith

thechiefjusticeoftheHighCourtoftheconcernedState.§ Aminimumofsevenyearsofpracticeasalawyeratbarisanecessaryqualificationfor

directentryleveltobecomeaDistrictJudge.§ Upon awritten examination andoral interviewby a committee ofHigh court judges, the

appointmentofdistrictjudgesisnotifiedbythestateGovernment.§ Thisisreferredtoasdirectrecruitment.§ District judges are also appointed by way of elevation of judges from courts

subordinatetodistrictcourtsprovidedtheyfulfiltheminimumyearsofservice.Reasonsfordelayinrecruitment:

§ Poorinfrastructure.§ Conductingprocesstakestime.§ Corruptioninrecruitmentprocess.§ LackofcoordinationbetweenHighcourtandStatePublicServiceCommission.

ImportanceofLowerjudiciary:§ Mostcrucialjudicialsystemavailableforacommonman.§ Poorlitigantsandundertrialsarelargelydependent.§ Conductsinitialtrials.§ Settlescivildisputes.§ Reducesjudicialdelay.

MasteroftherosterWhatdoes'masteroftheroster'mean?

§ ItreferstotheprivilegeoftheChiefJusticetoconstituteBenchestohearcases.§ It means, the Chief Justice decides the method of organization of judges and the

allocatingthecasestospecific‘benches’.Whyinnews?

§ TheSCrecentlyheld that theCJI is the ‘spokespersonof thecourt’and the ‘masterof theroster’.

§ Itsaysthathe/shehastheultimateauthoritytodistributejudicialworkamongjudges.§ This isthe3rdtimetheSCisrulingthattheCJI is the ‘masteroftheroster’ inthepast 8

months.§ Thisjudgementwasgiveninresponsetoapetitionthatsaidthatthemasterofrostermay

endupbeinga“absolute,singularandarbitrarypower”.§ Topreventmisuseof thepower, thepetitionasked that the collegiumshould collectively

allocatethecasesinsteadofonemandeciding.CantheCJIbeaccountable?


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§ ThejudgementclearlyimpliesthatthemoralresponsibilitytheCJIowestohiscolleaguesandthepublicat largewhileexercisinghispowersasmasterofrostertoallocatecases intheSupremeCourtissufficienttopreventanymisuseofpower.

SuccessortoCJIWhatistheconventioninappointingCJI?

§ Aspertheconvention,theoutgoingCJInominatesthenameoftheseniormostjudgeoftheSupremeCourtconsideredfittoholdtheposttotheunionlawminister.

§ OnreceivingtheCJI’srecommendation,theLawMinisterputstheproposalbeforethePrimeMinisterwho,inturn,advisesthePresidentofIndiaontheappointment.

§ Incaseofadoubtaboutthefitnessofthesenior-mostJudgetoholdtheofficeoftheChiefJusticeofIndia,otherJudgeswouldbeconsultedbeforetheappointmentofthenextChiefJusticeofIndia.

Whyinthenews?§ ThepresentChiefJusticeofIndia,DipakMishrahasbeenaskedbytheunionlawminister,

Ravi Shankar Prasad to name his successor as the next CJI keeping in line with thememorandumofprocedurethathasbeenfollowedtonamethenextChiefJustice.

§ Afterthisprocess,thepresentChiefJusticeofIndiaisRanjanGogoi.

e-CourtsthroughCSCWhyitisinnews?

§ Courtcaseinformationsuchasjudicialproceedings/decisions,caseregistration,causelist,casestatus,dailyorders,andfinal judgmentsofallcomputerizeddistrictandsubordinatecourtsofthecountrywillnowbeavailableacrossallCommonServiceCentersinthecountry.

Aboute-Courtsproject:§ TheE-CourtsProjectwasconceptualisedonthebasisof"NationalPolicyandActionPlanfor

ImplementationofInformationandCommunicationTechnology(ICT)intheIndianJudiciary-2005"submittedbye-CommitteeoftheHon'bleSupremeCourtofIndia.

Themainobjectivesofthee-CourtProjectareasfollows:§ Toprovideefficient&time-boundcitizencentricservicedelivery.§ Todevelop,install&implementdecisionsupportsystemsincourts.§ ToautomatetheprocessestoprovidetransparencyofInformationaccesstoitsstakeholders.§ To enhance judicial productivity both qualitatively & quantitatively, to make the justice

deliverysystemaffordable,accessible,costeffective&transparent.§ The eCourts project hasmade significant progress under the guidance of e-Committee of

Supreme Court of India in computerizing district and subordinate courts of the countrythroughinstallationofcaseinformationsoftware,hardwareandlocalareanetworkincourts.TheyarealsobeingconnectedonWideAreaNetworkthroughadedicatednetworkofferingbandwidthupto100Mbps.eCourtsserviceshavenowbeensuccessfullyrolledoutthroughSMS,email,web,mobileappetc.benefitingmillionsoflitigantsandadvocates.

§ Inordertoprovideefficientandtime-boundaccesstotheCourtsservicestolitigantpublic,who are on the other side of the digital divide and don’t have access to internet, theDepartmentofJusticehasdecidedtodelivereCourtsservicestothemthrougharound2lakhCommonServiceCentres(CSCs).

§ Therural reachof theCSC's isextensive,envisagingaminimumofoneCSC ineachGramPanchayat,thusenablingeCourtsservicestoreachallcornersofthecountry.

§ ThecollaborationbetweenDepartmentofJusticeandCommonServiceCenterswouldthusmeanthatlitigantscanaccesseasily,andreadilycasestatusinformationavailableoneCourtsdatabasefromanyCSC.


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§ TheeCourtsdatabasecontainscaseinformationinrespectofover10crorecasesandmorethan7croreorders/judgments.

§ Toensureaffordability,Departmentof Justicehasdecidednot tochargeany fee fromthecustomers for eCourts related servicesdelivered throughCSC's.However towards costofservice,CSC'shasbeenauthorizedtochargeRs.5/-foranyofthe23servicesavailableonCourtsportal.PrintingchargeswillbeRs.5/-perpage,ifitismorethanonepage.

OpenCourtSystemWhatisan"OpenCourtSystem"?

§ Theopen court systemof judicial administration entails court proceedings to be open topublicandmediaatlarge.SuchproceedingsarecommonfeatureUS,CanadaandAustralia.The open court system is found to be a necessary condition for a fair trial, which is afundamentalprincipleofruleoflaw.

WhyinNews?§ TheSupremeCourtupheldthepleaforlive-streamingofitsproceedings,observingthatthe

useoftechnologyisto“virtually”expandthecourtbeyondthefourwallsofthecourtroom.Rationale

§ Live-streamingofcourtproceedingshasthepotentialofthrowingupanoptiontothepublictowitness proceedingswhich they otherwise could not have due to logistical issues andinfrastructuralrestrictions.

§ Thelive-streamingwouldbethetruerealizationofthe“opencourtsystem”inwhichcourtsareaccessibletoall.

Conditions§ Priorconsentofpartiesrequired.§ Thefocusofthecamerasinthecourtroomwillbedirectedonlytowardstwosetsofpeople–

thejudgesandthearguinglawyersfromthefrontside.§ TheSupremeCourtmustretaincopyrightoverthebroadcastedmaterialandhavethefinal

sayinrespectoftheuseofthecoveragematerial.§ Reproduction,re-broadcasting,transmission,publication,re-publication,copying,storageof

theoriginalbroadcastofcourtproceedingsshouldbeprohibited.

ReviewhearinginopencourtWhyisthesituation“exceptional”?

§ Thedecisionofafive-judgeBenchledbyChiefJusticeofIndiaRanjanGogoitohaveanopencourthearingofthereviewpetitionsfiledagainstanotherfive-judgeConstitutionBench’sSabarimalajudgmentis“exceptional”,legalexpertssay.

§ Earlier, the open court hearing of the review happened 43 years ago in KeshavanandaBharathiCasein1973.

§ TheKesavanandaBharati judgmentwasdeliveredbya13-judgeBench, the largestConstitutionBenchinthehistoryoftheSupremeCourtonApril24,1973.

§ Throughawafer-thinmajorityof7:6, the13-judgeBench formulated that theBasicStructure of the Indian Constitution cannot be altered by Parliament throughamendments.

§ TheSupremeCourtdecisionintheCentralBoardofDawoodiBohraCommunitycaseheldthataBenchofco-equalstrengthonitsowncannotoverruleajudgmentofaBenchofco-ordinatenumberofjudges.

§ Andhence the present bench under CJIwill decidewhether a higher bench is needed toreviewthejudgementornot.

Whyinnews?§ SCtohearreviewpetitionsonSabarimalacaseonJanuary22inopencourt.


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LivestreamingofcourtproceedingsWhat’sinthenews?

§ TheSupremeCourtsaidthatitisreadytogoliveoncameraasitobservesthat‘live-streamisonlyanextensionofthe‘opencourt’system,wherethepubliccanwalkinandwatchcourtproceedings.’

§ ThegovernmenthasmootedaseparateTVchannelforlive-streamingcourtproceedings.Rationale

§ The move by the apex court is towards bringing transparency in governance andadministration.

§ Litigants, law students and the public canwatch the proceedings from all corners of thecountry.

§ ThisespeciallymeansthatthelitigantscanfollowupontheirpetitionsfromfarflungplacesinsteadoftravellingallthewaytoDelhi.

Implications§ Courtproceedings takingplace livewould imply that citizenscanwatchgovernancereal-

time.§ Also,thisempowersthepeoplewhocannottravelduetotheirsocio-economicrestrictions.§ Thewholeexerciseinspireshope,confidenceandtrustinthesystemamongthepeople.§ Moreover,litigantscanviewtheirlawyer’sconductinsidethecourts.

Previously§ Earlier,in2017,theSCallowedtheinstallationofCCTVvideorecordingwithaudiointrial

courtsandtribunalsofeachstatetobringintransparency.Wordofcaution

§ TheSChowever,saidthatproceedingsinvolvingmaritaldisputesandrapecasescannotbestreamedliveasitgoesagainsttherighttoprivacy.

§ Also,proceedingswhichinvolvecountervailinginterestsofwitnessescannotbeaired.Government’sview

§ TheCentralgovernmenthasagreedwith live streamof courtproceedingandproposedadedicatedchannelliketheRajyaSabhaTVandtheLokSabhaTVfortheSupremeCourt.

Inothercountries§ InWesterncountrieslivestreamingofcourtproceedingsisalreadyinplace§ The live streaming of the court proceedings of the International Court of Justice is also

availableontheYouTube.

iCISAboutInteroperableCriminalJusticeSystem(iCJS):

§ The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (iCJS) has been developed for the process ofspeedyjusticebyfacilitatingdata-exchangebetweenthecourts,police/prosecution,jailsandtheforensiclabs.

§ TheapplicationhasbeendevelopedbyNICfortheDistrictcourts,prisonsandPolicestations,namelyCaseInformationSystem,e-Prisons.

AboutNIC:§ TheNationalInformaticsCentreisthepremierscienceandtechnologyorganisationofthe

GovernmentofIndiaininformaticsservicesandinformationandcommunicationtechnology(ICT)applications.

§ ItispartoftheIndianMinistryofElectronicsandInformationTechnology'sDepartmentofElectronics&InformationTechnology.

§ Itplaysapivotalroleinsteeringe-governanceapplicationsinthegovernmentaldepartmentsatnational,stateanddistrictlevels,enablingtheimprovementin,andawidertransparency


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of,governmentservices.AlmostallIndian-governmentwebsitesaredevelopedandmanagedbyNIC.

Whyinnews?§ TelanganabecamethefirstStateinthecountrytohavealiveelectronicexchangeof

databetweenthecourtsandthepolice,asInteroperableCriminal JusticeSystem(ICJS)chairman and Supreme Court Judge Justice Madan B. Lokur, launched it through videoconferencingfromDelhionDec15,2018.

BenefitofthedoubtSCobservationonflawedinvestigation:

§ Thebenefit of the doubt in cases based on a flawedpolice investigationmust favour theaccusedirrespectiveofthegravityofthecrime.

§ Thecourtagreedthatacase“whichisriddenwithmultipleinvestigativelapsesandflaws,whichgoestotherootofthematter”.

§ Inarecentjudgmentina17-year-oldcaseofmurderandriotinginUttarPradesh.Thecourtobservedthattherewerenotadequateevidencestoprovecrime.

§ AndhenceSCobservedthattheaccusedmustbedeclaredinnocentirrespectiveofthegravityofthecrime,ifadequateevidenceisnotgiven.

Whyinnews?§ Thebenefit of the doubt in cases based on a flawedpolice investigationmust favour the

accusedirrespectiveofthegravityofthecrime,theSupremeCourtheldinarecentjudgmentina17-year-oldcaseofmurderandriotinginUttarPradesh.

ExecutiveMagistrateWhoisanexecutivemagistrate?

§ AnExecutiveMagistrateisanofficeroftheExecutivebranch(asopposedtotheJudicialbranch)whoisinvestedwithspecificpowersunderboththeCriminalProcedureCode(CrPC)andtheIndianPenalCode(IPC).

§ ItincludespostslikeDM(DistrictMagistrate),ADM(AdditionalDistrictMagistrate)andSDM(Sub-divisionalDistrictMagistrate).

What’stheissue?§ AnexecutivemagistratehasnopowerundertheCodeofCriminalProcedure(CrPC)to

directthepolicetoregisteranFIRonaprivatecomplaintfiledbeforehim,theSupremeCourthasruled.

§ TherecentjudgmentconcernedadirectionpassedbytheUnnaoSub-DivisionalMagistratetofileanFIRonaprivatecomplaintfromastudentwhoallegedthatshewascheatedintotakingadmissiontoathree-yearlawcourseatanunrecognisedinstitute.

§ Thepolicefiledacaseofcheatingandmisrepresentationagainsttheinstitutemanagement.§ AftertheAllahabadHighCourtrefusedtoquashtheFIR,theinstitutemanagersmovedthe

SupremeCourt.§ However, the court said it was up to the complainant to lodge her grievance with the

jurisdictionalmagistrateunderSection200oftheCrPC.SeparateHighCourtforAPConstitutionalprovisionsrelatedtoHighCourtinIndia:

§ Article214providesthateveryStateshallhaveaHighCourt,however,Article231statesthatArticle214shallnotbeabarforconstitutingacommonhighcourtfortwoormoreStates.

§ OnlyParliamentmaybylawestablishaCommonHighCourtfortwoormoreStates.


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§ Thismeansthat,unlessParliamentbylawestablishesaCommonHighCourtfortwoormoreStates,everyStatehastohaveaHighCourt,i.e.,uponformationofanewState,anewHighCourtisalsoformed.

Separatehighcourts§ WiththeenactmentoftheAndhraPradeshReorganisationAct,2014,AndhraPradeshwas

bifurcatedintotwoStates,viz.,StateofAndhraPradeshandStateofTelangana.§ TheAct,whichhadcomeintoeffectfromJune2,2014hasalsoaprovisionforseparatehigh

courtsforStateofTelanganaandStateofAndhraPradesh.§ ThenewHighCourtforAndhraPradeshwillbethe25thHighCourtinthecountry.The

newAndhraHCisexpectedtofunctionfromatemporarystructureinAmaravatitillapermanentbuildingissetupatthe‘JusticeCity’beingplannedinAmaravati.

Whyinnews?§ Inpursuanceofarticle214oftheConstitutionandtheOrderissuedbytheSupremeCourtof

IndiaandinexerciseofpowersconferredtheAndhraPradeshReorganisationAct,2014,thePresident has constituted a separate High Court for the State of Andhra Pradesh,namely,theHighCourtofAndhraPradesh,fromthe1stdayofJanuary,2019withtheprincipalseatofsuchHighCourtatAmaravatiintheStateofAndhraPradeshandtheHighCourtof JudicatureatHyderabadshallbecome theHighCourt for theStateofTelangana.

IncreasingretirementageofjudgesLawministryresponsetotheParliamentaryStandingCommittee:

§ The committee, in its report tabled in Parliament raised concern over the large

numberofvacanciesofjudgesinHighCourts.§ Raisingtheretirementageofjudgeswouldhelpretaintheexistingjudges,whichin

turnwould help in reducing both vacancy and pendency of cases in short run, theParliamentaryStandingCommitteesuggested.

§ TheLawMinistrysaid therewasnoproposalasofnowto increase theretirementageofSupremeCourtjudgesfrom65to67andofHighCourtjudgesfrom62to65.

Whyinnews?§ TheLawMinistrysaid therewasnoproposalasofnowto increase theretirementageof

SupremeCourtjudgesfrom65to67andofHighCourtjudgesfrom62to65.§ TheMinistrywasrespondingtotherecommendationofaParliamentaryStandingCommittee

thatraisingtheretirementageofjudgeswouldhelpretaintheexistingjudges.

DoublejeopardyWhyinnews

§ Supreme Court recently held that double jeopardy does not arise if an accused wasdischargedofacriminaloffence,evenbeforethecommencementoftrial,onthebasisofaninvalidsanctionforprosecution.

§ ItwashearingacaseunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct.


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AboutdoublejeopardyinIndianconstitution § Doctrineofdoublejeopardy-meaningthatamanmustnotbepunishedtwotimesforthe

sameoffence.§ Whenapersonhasbeenconvictedforanoffencebyacompetentcourt,theconvictionserves

asabartoanyfurthercriminalproceedingsagainsthimforthesameoffence.§ Article 20 (2) of the Constitutionmandates that a person cannot be prosecuted or

punishedtwiceforthesameoffence.

Section377WhatisSection377?

§ Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, is a colonial era provision thatcriminalizes certain types of consensual sexual acts (“unnatural” acts) even in private,betweenadults.

§ Unnaturaloffences:Whoevervoluntarilyhascarnalintercourseagainsttheorderofnaturewith any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or withimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtotenyears,andshallalsobeliabletofine.

§ Thus, it criminalises sexual activities “against the order of nature”, arguably includinghomosexualintercourse

Whatisthecurrentquestion?§ DoesSection377standinconformitywithArticles21(righttolife),19(righttoliberty)and

14(righttoequality)oftheConstitution?SCobservation

§ Choiceofapartnerisaperson’sfundamentalright,anditcanbeasame-sexpartner,SupremeCourtsaidrulingoutSection377andsaiditseriouslyinfringesrighttoprivacy.

§ Discriminationagainstanindividualonthebasisofsexualorientationisdeeplyoffensivetothedignityandself-worthoftheindividual.

Earlierruling§ TheSC in2014hadruled that sinceonlyaminiscule fractionof thecountry’spopulation

compriseoftheLGBTcommunityandonlylessthan200peoplehavebeenprosecutedinthepast150years,Sec.377canberetained.

Overruling§ The SC has overruled its own previous ruling stating that ‘a minuscule fraction of the

country’spopulationconstitutesLGBT’isnotasustainablebasistodenytherighttoprivacy.§ Hencetherationalethatprosecutionofafewisnotanindexofviolationisflawedandcannot

beaccepted.§ Theguaranteeofconstitutionalrightsdoesnotdependupontheirexercisebeingfavourably

regardedbymajoritarianopinion.Government’sresponse

§ Thegovernmentchosenottotakeastandandratherleaveittothe“wisdomoftheCourt”insofarasSection377criminalisesgaysexbetweenconsentingadults.

GreenbenchofSupremeCourtWhatare‘GreenBenches’?

§ GreenbenchesarethoseconstitutedbytheChiefJusticeoftherespectiveHighCourtseitheron theirownorondirections fromtheChief Justiceof theSupremeCourt toconstituteexclusivelyabench(quorumconsistingofmorethanoneJudge)todealwithmattersrelatingtoenvironmentandconnectedtherewith.

§ The Green Bench in the respective High Courts deals with matters relating toEnvironmenteitheronaparticulardayoftheweekexclusivelyorwhenandwherethesituationdemandsimmediateaction.


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§ West Bengal and TamilNadu are examples of some stateswhich have constitutedGreenBenches.

Whyinnews?§ TheSCgreenbenchlashedoutatthecentreforimportingpet-coke,ahightoxicfuelusedin

hazardousindustries.Context

§ The court has been urging the government sinceDecember 2017 tomove forwardtowardsanationwidebanontheuseofpetcokeandfurnaceoiltopowerupindustriesinabidtofightpollution.

Whatispetcoke?§ Petcokeisaby-productcreatedwhenbitumenisrefinedintocrudeoil.§ Highgradepetcokewhich is low inSulphurandheavymetalscanbeused tomake

electrodesforthesteelandaluminumindustry.§ Butthemajorityofpetcokemanufacturedglobally,approximately75-80%,isofamuchlower

grade,containinghigherlevelsofSulphurandheavymetalsandisusedsolelyasfuel.§ Duetoitshighcarboncontentwhenitdoescombustitreleasesupto10%moreCO2per

unitofenergythatnormalcoal(higherthananyotherenergysourceinexistence).§ Despite the environmental concerns connected to themanufacture anduse of petcoke, it

remainspopulardueitscosteffectiveness.§ In2016,IndiawasthelargestimportedofPetcokefromUStofuelitsindustries.

PIL&JudicialPendencyWhatisPIL?

§ TheacronymforPublicInterestLitigation,PILisaJudicialInnovationoftheSupremeCourtinorder toensurequickandeffective legal solutions toan issue that requires immediateattentionconcerningthepublic,by-passingordinaryjudicialprocedures.

Whyinthenews?§ ComesunderthebackdropofaBJPMPraisingtheissuewhetherPILsarecontributingtothe

pilingofcasesinvariouscourtsofthecountryatQuestionhourinLokSabha.§ Answeringthequestion,LawMinisterRaviShankarPrasadsaid thatPILsare intendedto

securecitizens’rightsandpullupcorruptpublicservantsandnotadevicetogetlegislativeworkdone,whichistheexclusivedomainoftheparliament,bythejudiciary.

§ AccordingtothelatestNationalJudicialDataGridstatistics,over3crorecasesarependingacrosscourtsinIndia.

§ OfallthependingcasesinIndia,60%aremorethantwoyearsold,while40%aremorethanfiveyearold.IntheSupremeCourt,morethan30%ofpendingcasesaremorethanfiveyearsold.

LawCommissionReportsWhatisSeditionLaw?

§ Theseditionlaw(Section124A)oftheIndianPenalCodewasintroducedbytheBritishtoquellanydissentagainsttheBritishadministrationofIndia.

§ ThelawcontinueseveninIndependentIndia,andcallsforimprisonmentofevenforlifeforanyactivitythatisagainstthegovernment.

Lawcommissiononsedition§ TheCommissionmaintainedthatfreedomofexpressionanddissentionareessentials ina

democracyandwasoftheopinionthateitherthesectionconcernedshouldbemodifiedorrepealedaltogether.


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§ Anti-Governmentactivitiesarenotnecessarilyanti-nationalactivitiesinademocracyandthecommission questionedwhen there is a provision for punishment for contempt of court,shouldsuchaprovisionexistforcontemptofthegovernment?

Lawcommissiononsimultaneouspolls§ The law commission pointed out the simultaneous polls for centre and state legislatures

could be done in 2019 elections citing saving of expenses and the fact that some stateelectionsarealreadysynchronouswithnationalelections.

§ Suchanexercisewouldbearealityonlyifallthestatesvoluntarilyagreedforthesameandextendcooperation.

WhatisUniformCivilCode?§ A uniform civil code administers the same set of secular civil laws to govern all people

irrespectiveoftheirreligion,casteandtribe.§ Theneedforsuchacodetakesintoaccounttheconstitutionalmandateofsecuringjustice

andequalityforallcitizens.§ Auniformcriminalcodeisapplicabletoallcitizensirrespectiveofreligion,caste,genderand

domicileinourcountry.§ TheconstitutionhasaprovisionforUniformCivilCodeinArticle44asaDirective

PrincipleofStatePolicywhichstatesthat“TheStateshallendeavourtosecureforthecitizensauniformcivilcodethroughouttheterritoryofIndia.”

IssueswithUCC§ Thepersonallawsvarywidelyintheirsources,philosophyandapplication.§ Therefore, there is an inherent difficulty and resistance in bringing people together and

unifyingthemwhendifferentreligionsandpersonallawsgovernthem.§ Asaresult,acodepertainingtomarriage,divorce,successionandotherfamilymattershas

notbeenbroughtintoeffect.LawcommissiononUCC

§ Thelawcommissionpointedoutthattheneedforauniformcivilcodeinthecountryisnotnecessaryordesirableatthispoint.

§ EmphasisingonthemultiplediversitiesinIndia, itsaidthatabasiccommonlawcouldbeappliedtoallcommunitiesandnotnecessarilyauniformapplicationoflaws.

CompensationforminorvictimsWhat’sinthenews?

§ The Supreme Court extending to minor children the National Legal Services Authority’s(NALSA)‘CompensationSchemeforWomenVictims/SurvivorsofSexualAssault/OtherCrimes-2018’ directed that Special Judges under the Protection of Children from SexualOffences(POCSO)Actshoulddisbursecompensationtominorvictimsofsexabuseasperthecompensationscheme.

§ TheNALSA schemewouldbemade applicable tominor victims fromOctober 2 until theCentreframescompensationguidelinesunderthePOCSOAct.

CompensationSchemeforwomenVictims/SurvivorsofSexualAssault/otherCrimes§ TheschemeprovidesauniformpaymentofRs.5lakhstoamaximumRs.10lakhsfor“lossof

life”andtogangrapesurvivorsinanypartofthecountry.§ Incaseofrapeandunnaturalsexualassault,thevictimwouldgetaminimumofRs.4lakh

andamaximumofRs.7lakhsascompensation.§ Ifavictimsuffersthelossoffoetus,thatis,bymiscarriageasaresultofassaultorlossfertility,

theNALSAschemeoffersacompensationofRs.2lakhstoRs.3lakhs.§ Avictimofacidattacks,incaseofdisfigurementofface,wouldgetaminimumcompensation

ofRs.7lakhs,whiletheupperlimitwouldbeRs.8lakhs.AboutNALSA


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§ TheNationalLegalServicesAuthority(NALSA)hasbeenconstitutedundertheLegalServicesAuthoritiesAct,1987toprovidefreeLegalServicestotheweakersectionsofthesocietyandtoorganizeLokAdalatsforamicablesettlementofdisputes.

§ TheChiefJusticeofIndiaisthePatron-in-ChiefofNALSA.§ IneveryState,StateLegalServicesAuthorityhasbeenconstitutedtogiveeffecttothepolicies

anddirectionsoftheNALSAandtogivefree legalservicestothepeopleandconductLokAdalatsintheState.

§ TheStateLegalServicesAuthorityisheadedbytheChiefJusticeoftherespectiveHighCourtwhoisthePatron-in-ChiefoftheStateLegalServicesAuthority.

§ IneveryDistrict,DistrictLegalServicesAuthorityhasbeenconstitutedtoimplementLegalServicesProgrammesintheDistrict.

§ The District Legal Services Authority is situated in the District Courts Complex in everyDistrictandchairedbytheDistrictJudgeoftherespectivedistrict.

Novel:MeeshaWhatwasthecontroversy?

§ N.Radhakrishnan,callinghimselfa“proudHindu”,allegedthatthebookcontained“offendingparts”,whichinsultBrahminpriestsandamountstoa“casteist/racistslur”,andpetitionedseekingtobantheMalayalamnovelMeeshawrittenbyS.Hareesh,inthecourt.

§ Thenovel hadbeen serialised inMalayalammagazineMathrubhumiwhichwithdrew theserialfollowingprotests

What’sinthenews?§ TheSupremeCourtrejectedthepleatobanthenovel.Theapexcourtsaidthecreativityand

imaginationofanauthorcannotbeheldhostagetothevagariesofsubjectiveperceptions,whimsorfanciesofindividuals.

Judgement§ The judgment said, “Awriter shouldhave freeplaywithwords, likeapainterhas itwith

colours.Thepassionofimaginationcannotbedirected.”Itisforthereadertoreadacreativework with a mature spirit, catholicity of approach, objective tolerance and a sense ofacceptabilityfoundedonreality.

§ ThecourtassuredthatitwouldsafeguardthefreeflowofideasinademocracybyquotingVoltaire’s“Imaydisapproveofwhatyousay,butIwilldefendtothedeathyourrighttosayit.”

Article161WhatdoesArticle161say?

§ It says a governor shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites orremissionsofpunishmentortosuspend,remitorcommutethesentenceofanypersonconvictedofanyoffenceagainstanylawrelatingtoamattertowhichtheexecutivepowerofthestateextends.

Background:§ Mr.RajivGandhiwasassassinatedonthenightofMay21,1991atSriperumbudurinTamil

Nadubyawomansuicidebomberatanelectionrally.Theconvicts—Murugan,Santhan,A.G.Perarivalan, Jayakumar, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Nalini Sriharan—have all spentmorethan27yearsinjailforhavingorchestratedthekilling.

Previousstepsbythestategovernment:§ In 2014, then chiefminister J Jayalalithaa had announced in the assembly that the state

governmentwillgoaheadwiththepowersvestedwithittoreleasetheconvicts.§ However,aConstitutionBenchoftheSupremeCourt,byinterpretingSection


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435 (2)of theCrPC,held that it isnecessary toget theCentre’s concurrence in thereleaseoftheseconvictsowingtotheinvolvementofcentralagencieslikeCBI.

§ Followingthejudgement,thestategovernmentwrotetotheCentreonMarch2,2016,proposingthegrantofremissionfortheconvicts.ItwantedtheCentretoconcur.

§ ButtheCentrerefusedtoreleasetheconvictsstatingthatsettingtheconvictsfreenowwouldbea“dangerousprecedentandleadtointernationalramificationsbyothersuchcriminalsinfuture.”

WhyintheNews?§ Inamove toovercome thehurdleof requiringCentre’snod,TheTamilNaducabinethas

recommended the release of all seven convicts serving life terms in the Rajiv Gandhiassassinationcasetothegovernorunderarticle161oftheConstitution.

RecentSCorder§ TheSupremeCourt,initsorderofSept6,2018,statedthattheTamilNaduGovernorwasat

libertyto takeadecisiononthemercypetitions filedunderArticle161andaskedhimtoconsiderthemercypetitionofAGPerarivalan,aconvictintheRajivGandhiassassinationcase,filedonDecember30,2015.

LegislatorspracticinglawWhyinNews?

§ AbenchheadedbyChief Justiceof Indiasaidthat theBarCouncilof IndiaRulesdoesnotprohibitlegislatorsfrompractisingaslawyers.

Background§ APILwas filed in the SC seeking to bar lawyer-lawmakers (MPs,MLAs, andMLCs) from

practisingincourtsduringtheirtenureinthelegislature.§ Itstatedthatwhileapublicservantcannotpracticeasanadvocate,legislatorsarepractising

invariouscourtswhichwereaviolationofArticle14oftheConstitution.IthadalsosaidthattheMPshadthepowerofvotingontheimpeachmentofjudgesoftheSupremeCourtandthehighcourts,andiflegislatorswereallowedtopracticeaslawyersitwouldleadtoaconflictofinterest.

SupremeCourtVerdict§ The apex court said therewas no express provision either under the Rules and the law

regulating the profession of the lawyers to restrict them from practising on becomingmembersofParliament,stateassembliesorstatecouncils.


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§ The apex court said that although the legislators are deemed to be public servants, theirstatus is unique and certainly not one of a full-time salaried employee of any person,government,firm,corporationorconcernassuch.

§ Similarly,theconfermentofpoweronthelegislators(MPs)tomoveanimpeachmentmotionagainstthejudge(s)oftheConstitutionalCourtsdoesnotperseresultinconflictofinterestoracaseofimpactingconstitutionalmoralityorforthatmatterinstitutionalintegrity

Aadhar,areasonablerestrictiononprivacyWhyinNews?

§ TheSupremeCourt, inamajorityopiniononWednesday,upheldAadhaarasareasonablerestriction on individual privacy that fulfils the government’s “legitimate aim” to providedignitytoalarge,marginalisedpopulationlivinginabjectpoverty.

SCJudgement§ UpholdingthepassageoftheAadhaarActasaMoneyBill,theSupremeCourtsaidneither

were individuals profiled nor their movements traced when Aadhaar was used to availgovernmentbenefitsunderSection7oftheAadhaarActof2016.

§ Thestatuteonlysought“minimal”biometricinformation,andthisdidnotamounttoinvasionofprivacy.

§ Themajorityopinionupheld thePAN-Aadhaar linkage,butdeclared linkingAadhaarwithbankaccountsandmobileSIMcardsunconstitutional.

§ The court insulated children from the Aadhaar regime. The card was not necessary forchildrenagedbetweensixand14undertheSarvaShikshaAbhiyanasrighttoeducationwasafundamentalright.StatutorybodieslikeCBSEandUGCcannotaskstudentstoproducetheirAadhaarcardsforexaminationslikeNEETandJEE.

§ ThecourtfurtherdirectedthegovernmentandtheUniqueIdentificationAuthorityofIndia(UIDAI) to bring in regulations to prevent rightfully entitled people from being deniedbenefits.

§ It readdownSection33 (1),whichallowed thedisclosureofAadhaar informationon theordersofaDistrictJudge.Thiscannotbedonenowwithoutgivingthepersonconcernedanopportunitytobeheard.

§ The SupremeCourt struck down Section 33(2),which allowed the disclosure of Aadhaarinformation for national security reasons on the orders of an officer not below a JointSecretary.

§ ThecourthasstruckdownSection47,whichallowsonlytheUIDAItofilecriminalcomplaintsofAadhaardatabreach.

§ Finally,itquashedthatpartofSection57oftheActwhichpermitsprivatecompaniesfromusingAadhaardatatoauthenticateaperson.ItsaidamerecontractbetweenaprivateentityandanindividualwasnotenoughtodemandAadhaarfromthelatter.

DissentingOpinion§ JusticeD.Y.Chandrachud,whowrotethe lonedissentingopiniondeclaringAadhaar

unconstitutional,heldthattheuniqueidentityschemereducesapersontoa12-digitnumber.

§ ThejudgeheldthepassageoftheAadhaarActasaMoneyBillunconstitutional.PassingoftheAadhaarActasaMoneyBillbysupersedingtheRajyaSabhawasa“fraudontheConstitution.”

Section497WhatisSection497ofIPC?

§ Section497of the IndianPenal Code criminalisesAdultery. This sectionpenalizes sexualintercourseofamanwithamarriedwomanwithouttheconsentofherhusband.


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§ Thecrimedoesnotamounttorapebutentailsapunishmentofuptofiveyearsinjailorfineorwithbothfortheman.Thewomaninsuchcaseisnotpunishedasanabettor.

WhyinNews?§ The Supreme Court unanimously struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code that

makesadulteryapunishableoffenceformen.Background

§ ApetitionseekingtherepealofSection497IPCwasfiled,whichtermedthe158-year-oldlaw enacted by the Britishers as “unjust, illegal and arbitrary and violative of citizens’fundamentalrights”.QuestioningthegenderbiasintheprovisiondraftedbyLordMacaulayin1860,italsochallengedSection198(2)oftheCrPC.

§ uSCJudgement

§ Thefive-judgebenchoftheSupremeCourtsaidthe158-year-oldlawwasunconstitutionalandfellafoulofArticle21(Righttolifeandpersonalliberty)andArticle14(Righttoequality).

§ TheapexcourtalsodeclaredSection198(1)and198(2)oftheCrPC,whichallowsahusbandtobringchargesagainst themanwithwhomhiswifecommittedadultery,unconstitutional.

§ The apex court held that section 497 was a clear violation of fundamental rightsgrantedintheConstitutionandtherewasnojustificationforthecontinuationoftheprovision.

§ Itsaidwhileadulterycouldbeagroundforcivilissues,includingdissolutionofmarriage,itcouldnotbeacriminaloffence.

CJIopinion§ TheCJIDipakMisrahasobservedthatadultery,whichisacivilwronghasacivilremedyof

divorceandcan’tbe treatedasacrime that is tobedealtundercriminal lawattractingapunishmentof5yearsinjail.

§ The CJI clearly drew a line between adultery and rape and opined that the former wasconsensualandhenceneedstobedealtinthecivilspherewhilethelatterisagainstone’swillandhenceamountstocrimeforwhichcriminalremediesexist.

VictimsshallalsodecideonthepunishmentWhyinNews?

§ SupremeCourthasheldthatpunishmentshouldbe“meaningful”tothevictimalso.Background

§ In a criminal prosecution, the State takes the front seat while the victim becomes aprosecutionwitness.

§ Thecrimeisprimarilyconsideredawrongagainstsocietyandthepunishmentisconsideredadeterrentforprospectiveoffenders.

RecentJudgement§ Aspertherecentjudgement,avictimimpactstatementmustbegivenduerecognitionsothat

anappropriatepunishmentisawardedtotheconvict.


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§ Withitsorder,theSupremeCourthasmadeitclearthatthevictimorherfamilywhohassufferedthecrimeshouldhaveanequalsayinthepunishmentoftheperpetrator.

DeathPenaltySCobservation:

§ The SC bench while hearing a death penalty review petition of case of accused calledBabasahebMaruthiKhamble,tostayawayfromdeathpenalty.

§ SCpointedoutlapsesinthewayjusticeisadministeredindeathpenaltycases.§ CJIobservedthatanumberoffrivolousPILdueto100’sofdeathpenaltycasespending.§ CJIalsoremarkedthateverydaytheprisonerswakeupuncertainofwhethertheyhavedeath

penaltyornot.§ ItruledthattheSpecialleavepetitionsfiledincaseswherethedeathsentenceisawardedby

thecourtsbelowshouldnotbedismissedwithoutgivingreasons.§ The apex court also laid down that in death penalty cases, the court was obliged to

independentlyexamine thecase, “unboundby the findingsof the trial courtand theHighCourt.”

§ Thecourtalsobattedfortherightsoftheprisonerswithdeathpenaltythattheyshouldbeallowedtomeettheirfamiliesandconsultthelawyersperiodically,becauseaslongastheylive,theyhaverighttolivewithdignity.

Whyinnews?§ TheCJIledbenchofSCheardthereviewpetitionfiledbyadeathpenaltyconvictKamble.§ Kamblehad filed a reviewagainst the apex court’s earlierdismissal ofhis appeal against

deathwithatwo-lineorderwhichmerelysaid:“Delaycondoned.Dismissed.”

CauveryWaterSharingWhatisCWMA(CauveryWaterManagementAuthority)?

§ TheCWMAhasbeenformedbytheCentre.§ Thisistoimplementthewater-sharingawardoftheCauveryWaterDisputeTribunal.§ TheCWMAisexpectedtomeetonceevery10daysduringthemonsoonmonths.

AboutCWC:§ CentralWaterCommissionisapexTechnicalOrganizationofIndiainthefieldofWater

Resources.§ ItispresentlyfunctioningasanattachedofficeofUnionMinistryofWaterResources,River

DevelopmentandGangaRejuvenation.§ Itischargedwiththegeneralresponsibilitiesofinitiatingandcoordinatingschemesof

control,utilizationandconservationofwaterresourcesthroughoutthecountry.§ These schemes are meant for purpose of Flood Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking

WaterSupplyandWaterPowerDevelopment.§ It also undertakes the investigations, construction and execution of any such schemes as

required.Whyinnews?

§ TamilNadumovedtheSupremeCourtchallengingtheCentre’sdecisiontogiveCentralWaterCommission (CWC) chief S.MasoodHusain additional charge as chairmanof theCauveryWaterManagementAuthority(CWMA).

§ TheStatetoldthetopcourtthatMr.Husain’sappointmentsmackedofconflictofinterest.

MekedatuAboutMekedatudamproject:

Being set up by the Karnataka government, the project is nearMekedatu, in Ramanagaramdistrict,acrosstheriverCauveryfromTamilNadu.


71

Its primary objective is to supply drinking water to Bengaluru and recharge thegroundwatertableintheregion.

Abouttheconflict:TamilNaduhasmovedtheSupremeCourt.Its main argument is that the project violates the final award of the Cauvery River WaterTribunal,andthatthe“constructionofthetworeservoirswouldresultinimpoundingofthe flows in the intermediate catchment below the Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabinireservoirs,andBilligunduluinthecommonborderofKarnatakaandTamilNadu”.Karnatakasays,theprojectwillnotcomeinthewayofreleasingthestipulatedquantumofwatertoTamilNadu,norwillitbeusedforirrigationpurposes.

Whyinnews?§ TheSupremeCourtaskedtheCentreandtheKarnatakagovernmenttorespondonapetition

filedbyTamilNaduagainsttheunilateralapprovalgrantedbytheCentralWaterCommission(CWC)toKarnatakatoproceedwiththepreparationofDetailedProjectReport(DPR)fortheMekedatuproject inviolationofthedecisionsofthetribunalandapexcourtforequitableapportionmentofCauverywater.

GOVERNMENTORGANISATIONSCentralVigilanceCommission(CVC)WhatisCVC?

§ TheprimaryagencyforpreventingcorruptionintheCentralGovernment§ TheCentralVigilanceCommission(CVC)wasestablishedon1964byaresolutionof

Government of India as an apex body for prevention of corruption in CentralGovernment institutions. Later, in 2003, the Parliament enacted a law conferringstatutorystatusontheCVC

WhyinNews?§ Sharad Kumar, Retd. IPS has been appointed as a Vigilance Commissioner in the Central

VigilanceCommissionCompositionandWorkingofCVC

§ TheCVCconsistsofCentralVigilanceCommissionerandnotmorethantwoVigilanceCommissioners.

§ Theyholdofficeforatermoffouryearsoruntiltheyattaintheageofsixtyfiveyears,whicheverisearlier

§ ToinquireorcauseaninquiryorinvestigationtobeconductedonareferencemadebytheCentral governmentwherein it is alleged that apublic servant, has committedanoffenceunderthePreventionofCorruption.

§ To exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special PoliceEstablishment (CBI) insofar as it relates to the investigation of offences under thePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.

WhoappointstheCentralVigilanceCommissioner?§ Presidentappointsallofthemontherecommendationofthe3-membercommitteeheaded

by thePrimeMinister(head), theUnionMinisterofHomeAffairsandtheLeaderofOppositioninLokSabha.

AppointmentsofheadsofCBI,CICAppointmentofCBI(CentralBureauofInvestigation):

§ CBIistheforemostinvestigativepoliceagencyinIndia.§ Itisnon-constitutionalandnon-statutorybody.§ ItderivespowertoinvestigatefromtheDelhiSpecialPoliceEstablishmentAct,1946.


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§ ItisheadedbyDirector,anIPSofficerofDGPrank.§ HeisselectedaspertheprovisionsofCentralVigilanceCommission(CVC)Act,2003.§ TheCBIDirector is selectedby a collegium comprisingPrimeMinister, Chief Justiceof

India and Leader of Opposition or leader of the largest party in opposition in LokSabha.

AppointmentofLokpal:§ The ‘Lokpal’ is the central governing body that has jurisdiction over all members of

parliamentandcentralgovernmentemployeesincaseofcorruption.§ The2013Lokpalactstipulatedtheselectionpanelwillbeheadedbytheprimeministerand

will includethe leaderoftheopposition, thespeakeroftheLokSabha,thechief justiceofIndiaandaneminentjurist.

AppointmentofCIC(CentralInformationCommission):§ CICwasestablishedin2005byCentralGovernmentunderprovisionsofRighttoInformation

(RTI)Act(2005).§ TheChiefInformationCommissionerheadstheCentralInformationCommission.§ TheChiefInformationCommissionerandInformationCommissionersareappointedbythe

Presidentontherecommendationofacommitteeconsistingof—§ ThePrimeMinister,whoshallbetheChairpersonofthecommittee.§ TheLeaderofOppositionintheLokSabha.§ AUnionCabinetMinistertobenominatedbythePrimeMinister.

Whyinnews?§ SCaskedcentretogiveitsresponsetoapleawhichthattheappointmentprocessoftheCBI

Director and the heads of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Central InformationCommission(CIC)andtheLokpal–thefourregulatorsofgovernmentalexcess–wasflawedfromtheverystart.

CBIWhyinnews

§ Recently inOctober2018, twoof the topofficialsof theagencyhavebeenreported tobeinvolvedinamajorfeud.ThishasledtheGovernmentofIndiatointerveneinordertorestoretheinstitutionalintegrityandcredibilityofCBI.

AboutCBI § TheCBIstartedworkingundertheDelhiSpecialPoliceEstablishmentin1941toenquireinto

casesofcorruptionintheprocurementduringtheSecondWorldWar.§ Later, based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of

corruption,CBIwasestablishedbyaresolutionoftheMinistryofHomeAffairs.§ Later,itwastransferredtotheMinistryofPersonnelandnowitenjoysthestatusofan

attachedoffice.§ TheCBI isnot a statutorybody. It derives itspowers from theDelhi SpecialPolice

Establishment Act, 1946. The CBI is the main investigating agency of the CentralGovernment.

§ ItworksundertheoverallsuperintendenceofCentralVigilanceCommissioninmattersrelatedtothePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.

AppointmentprocedureofCBIDirector § TheappointmentprocedureofCBIDirectorhasundergoneseveralchangesovertime.§ Initially,appointmentsweremadeasperDelhiSpecialPoliceEstablishmentAct,1946.§ In2003DSPEActrevisedbasedonSupremeCourt’srecommendation.Acommitteethathad

membersfromCentralVigilanceCommission,secretariesfromHomeMinistry,MinistryofPersonnelandPublicGrievanceswouldsendrecommendationstoCentralGovernmentforappointmentofCBIDirector.


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§ In2014TheLokpalActprovidedacommitteeheadedbyPrimeMinisterasachairperson,Leaderofopposition,ChiefJusticeofIndiaforappointmentofCBIDirectorwasformed.

§ Also,directorofCBIhasbeenprovidedsecurityoftwo-yeartenureinofficebytheCVCAct,2003(VineetNarainCase).

§ Aftertheirtenure,theyarenoteligibleforfurtheremploymentunderthecentralorastategovernment.

CIC&SICAboutRTIAct,2005:

§ Theactenablestoseekandgetinformationfromgovernmentauthorities.§ Thelawalsopromotedtransparencyandaccountabilityinpublicauthorities.§ Informationrequestedmustbegivenwithin30days.§ TheactisapplicabletowholeofIndiaexceptJammuandKashmir.§ Bodies applicable under RTI: Constitutional bodies at centre and state (Legislature,

Executive,Judiciary),bodies/NGOsowned/financedbygovernment,privatizedpublicutilitycompanies.

§ Bodies excluded underRTI : Central Intelligence and Security Agencies, agencies of statespecifiedthroughnotification.Theexclusionisnotabsolute.

§ To implement theactCentral InformationcommissionandState informationCommissionwerecreated.

AboutCentralInformationCommission(CIC):§ TheChiefInformationCommissionerand10otherInformationCommissionersarepresent

inCIC.§ CIC hears appeals from information-seekers who have not been satisfied by the public

authority,andalsoaddressesmajorissuesconcerningtheRTIAct.§ CICsubmitsannualreporttoUniongovernment,whoplacesthisreportbeforeeachhouseof

Parliament.§ TheChiefInformationCommissionerandInformationCommissionersareappointedbythe

Presidentontherecommendationofacommitteeconsistingof—1. ThePrimeMinister,whoshallbetheChairpersonofthecommittee.2. TheLeaderofOppositionintheLokSabha.3. AUnionCabinetMinistertobenominatedbythePrimeMinister.

StateInformationCommission(SIC):§ The Commission consists of a State Chief Information commissioner and ten State

InformationCommissioners.§ They are appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the committee

consistingof theChiefMinisterasChairperson, theLeaderof theOpposition in theLegislativeAssemblyandastateCabinetMinisternominatedbytheChiefMinister.

Whyinnews?§ SCremarkedthatpostsofCICandSICarevacantandnostepshasbeentakentofillit.§ Thevacancyanddelayinappointmenthascausedpendencyof26,037RTIcases.

ChiefElectionCommissionerAppointmentofCEC:

§ Fortheconductoffreeandfairelections,anindependentElectionCommissionhasbeenprovidedforinArticle324.

§ InIndia,theElectionCommissionconsistsofoneChiefElectionCommissionerandtwootherelectionCommissioners.

§ TheseallareappointedbythePresidentforatermwhichisfixedbythePresident.


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§ Theappointmentofthechiefelectioncommissionerandotherelectioncommissionersshallbemadebythepresident,inconsultationwithPrimeMinisterandCouncilofministers.

§ However,conditionsofserviceandtenureofofficeofthechiefelectioncommissionerandotherelectioncommissioneraredeterminedbyanactofparliamenttitledTheChief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Conditions ofService)Act,1991.

RemovalofCEC:§ Thechiefelectioncommissionerisprovidedwiththesecurityoftenure.§ Hecannotberemovedfromhisofficeexceptinsamemannerandonthesamegrounds

asajudgeoftheSupremeCourt.§ Inotherwords,hecanberemovedbythepresidentonthebasisofaresolutionpassedtothat

effectbyboththeHousesofParliamentwiththespecialmajority,eitheronthegroundofprovedmisbehaviourorincapacity.

§ Thus,hedoesnotholdhisofficetillthepleasureofthepresident,thoughheisappointedbyhim.

§ Anyotherelectioncommissioneroraregionalcommissionercannotberemovedfromofficeexceptontherecommendationofthechiefelectioncommissioner.

Whyinnews?§ Sunil Arora assumed charge as the 23rd Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India

succeedingShriO.P.RawatonDec2,2018.CAGAboutCAG

§ TheComptrollerandAuditorGeneral(CAG)ofIndiaisanauthorityestablishedbyArticle148oftheConstitutionofIndia,whichauditsallreceiptsandexpenditureoftheGovernmentof India and the state governments, including those of bodies and authoritiessubstantiallyfinancedbythegovernment.

§ TheCAGisalsotheexternalauditorofGovernment-ownedcorporationsandconductssupplementaryauditofgovernmentcompanies,i.e.,anynon-banking/non-insurancecompanyinwhichUnionGovernmenthasanequityshareofat least51percentorsubsidiarycompaniesofexistinggovernmentcompanies.

§ ThereportsoftheCAGaretakenintoconsiderationbythePublicAccountsCommittees(PACs) and Committees on Public Undertakings (COPUs), which are specialcommitteesintheParliamentofIndiaandthestatelegislatures.

§ TheCAGisalsotheheadoftheIndianAuditandAccountsDepartment,theaffairsofwhicharemanagedbyofficersofIndianAuditandAccountsService,andhasover58,000employeesacrossthecountry.

Whyinthenews?§ TheCAGhasgivenmultiplereportswithregardstotheperformanceofvariousgovernment-

controlledinstitutions.OnRailways

§ Comingdownheavilyontheinefficienciesoftherailways,theCAGcriticizedtherailwaysforits focus on improvingmere appearance of railway stations and passenger facilities andneglectingthemostimportantfactorsthatincluderemovingofconstraintstopunctualityoftrains,increasingplatformlengths,enhancingandoptimizingyardutilities.

§ The fact that the railways,despitebeingamonopolyandcoveringalmostall areasof thecountryisaccruinglossespromptedtheCAGtofindtheareasduetowhichtherailwaysarerunningintolosses.

OnCoastGuard§ TheCAGfoundseriouslapsesininfrastructureandefficiencyintheIndianCoastGuard.§ It found that adequate number of air stations and enclaves, berthing facilities for patrol

vessels.


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§ Itsuggestedthatinordertoacquireadequatelandforthepurposes,itcouldrequestthenavy.OnSubmarinetraining

§ Despitetwomajoraccidentsoverthelast5yearsclaimingthelivesof20navymenintotal,no adequate training had been provided for distress situations such as fire-fighting anddamagecontrol.

§ Besidesthis,thereportalsoflaggeddelaysinthecompletionoftheNavalAcademyProjectatEzhimala,Kannurdistrict,Kerala,non-availabilityoftrainingequipmentfornewinductionplatformsandadeficiencyinqualityoftraining.

NationalStatisticalCommissionWhyitisinnews?

§ Twomembers of the Commission resigned recently citing reasons like side-lining of theCommissionbytheCentralGovernment

AboutNationalStatisticalCommission:§ ACommissionsetupbytheGovernmentinJanuary2000undertheChairmanshipof

Dr. C. Rangarajan reviewed the statistical system and the entire gamut of OfficialStatisticsinthecountry.

§ TheRangarajanCommissionsubmitteditsreporttotheGovernmentinAugust2001.Oneofthe key recommendations of this Commission was to establish a permanent NationalCommissionon Statistics to serve as a nodal and empoweredbody for all core statisticalactivitiesofthecountry,evolve,monitorandenforcestatisticalprioritiesandstandardsandtoensurestatisticalco-ordinationamongthedifferentagenciesinvolved.

§ The Rangarajan Commission also recommended that the Commission be set up initiallythroughaGovernmentorder.

§ InlinewiththerecommendationsoftheRangarajanCommission,on1stJune2005,theGovernmentofIndiaresolvedtosetupaNationalStatisticalCommission(NSC).

§ The Commission has a part-time Chairperson, four part-timeMembers and an ex-officioMember.

§ TheChiefStatisticianofIndia,thepostcreatedspecificallyastheHeadoftheNationalStatisticalOfficeistheSecretaryoftheCommission.

§ Heisalso theSecretaryto theGovernmentof India in theMinistryofStatisticsandProgramme Imple

mentation.


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CentralDrugsStandardControlOrganizationAboutCDSCO:

§ The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), under Directorate General ofHealthServices,MinistryofHealth&FamilyWelfare,isthenationalregulatorybodyforIndianpharmaceuticalsandmedicaldevices.

§ UndertheDrugsandCosmeticsAct,1940,CDSCOisresponsibleforapprovalofNewDrugs,ConductofClinicalTrials, layingdownthestandardsforDrugs,controloverthequalityofimported Drugs in the country and coordination of the activities of State Drug ControlOrganizationsbyprovidingexpertadvice.

§ WithintheCDSCO,theDrugControllerGeneralofIndia(DCGI)regulatespharmaceuticalandmedicaldevices,underthegamutofMinistryofHealthandFamilyWelfare.

§ TheDCGIisadvisedbytheDrugTechnicalAdvisoryBoard(DTAB)andtheDrugConsultativeCommittee(DCC).

§ It isdividedintozonalofficeswhichdopre-licensingandpost-licensing inspections,post-marketsurveillance,andrecallswhenneeded.

AboutFDA:§ TheFoodandDrugAdministration(FDAorUSFDA)isafederalagencyoftheUnitedStates

Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executivedepartments.

§ TheFDAisresponsibleforprotectingandpromotingpublichealththroughthecontrolandsupervisionoffoodsafety.

Whyinnews?§ SamplesofJohnsonandJohnsontalcumpowderwerepickedbytheCentralDrugsStandard

ControlOrganisationandFDAafterreportsthatthefirmknewfordecadesthattheproductcontainedcancer-causingasbestos.

LegalstatusforSSC?AboutSSC:

§ StaffSelectionCommission(SSC) isanorganizationunderGovernmentof India to recruitstaffforvariouspostsinthevariousMinistriesandDepartmentsoftheGovernmentofIndiaandinSubordinateOffices

§ Thiscommission isanattachedofficeof theDepartmentofPersonnelandTraining(DoPT).

§ TheEstimatescommitteeintheParliamentrecommendedthesettingupofaServiceSelection Commission in its 47th report (1967–68) for conducting examinations torecruitlowercategoriesofposts.

§ TheSSCwascreatedtoeasetheburdenoftheUPSCbytakingovertherecruitmentforpostsbelowtheGroup‘A’level.

Whystatutorystatus?§ While theworkloadandresponsibilitiesof theSSChave increasedexponentiallyover the

years,ithasremainedan“attachedbody”undertheDepartmentofPersonnelandTraining(DoPT),andhastodependentirelyonthegovernmentforallitsneeds,withnoautonomy.

§ AccordingstatutorystatustotheSSCwouldcontributetoo Greaterfunctionalautonomyo Fasterdecision-makingo Efficiencyintheoverallperformanceo DeliveryofresultsbytheSSCintherecruitmentprocess.

Whyinnews?§ A Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) has recommended that the Centre accord

statutorystatustotheStaffSelectionCommission(SSC).


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NHRC&NavodhyaVidyalayaAboutNationalHumanRightsCommission:

§ NHRCisanapexstatutorywatchdogofhumanrightsinthecountry,i.e.therightsrelatedtolife,liberty,equalityanddignityoftheindividualguaranteedbyConstitutionorembodiedintheinternationalconvents.

§ ItwasestablishedonOctober12,1993asperthestatutoryprovisionsofProtectionofHumanRightsAct,1993.

§ It isamultimemberbodyconsistingofChairman,fourfulltimemembersandfourex-officiomembers.

§ The fourex-officiomembersare theChairpersonsofNationalCommission forMinorities,NationalCommissionforScheduledCastes,NationalCommissionforScheduledTribesandNationalCommissionforWomen.

§ President appoints Chairman and members of NHRC on recommendation of high-poweredcommitteeheadedbyPrimeMinister.

§ ItsheadquartersislocatedinNewDelhi.§ NHRC can either take suo motu cognisance of cases through media reports or

complaintfiledbyvictimoranyotherpersononhisorherbehalforonbasisofreportsreceivedfromthepolicedepartment.

AboutNavodyaVidyalaya:§ NavodyaVidyalayaswereestablishedwiththeprimaryobjectiveofprovidinggoodquality

moderneducationtothetalentedchildrenpredominantlyfromtheruralareas,comparableto thebest inaresidentialschoolsystem,withoutregardto their family’ssocio-economiccondition.

§ Navodaya Vidyalayas are run by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomousorganisation under theDepartment of School Education and Literacy,Ministry ofHumanResourceDevelopment,Govt.ofIndia.

§ TheChairmanoftheSamitiistheHon’bleMinisterofHumanResourceDevelopment.Whyinnews?

§ TheNationalHumanRights Commission (NHRC) servednotice to theMinistry ofHumanResourceDevelopmenton thereportedsuicidesof49studentsof theresidential JawaharNavodayaVidyalayas(JNVs)overfiveyears.

NHRCFindings:§ Takingsuomotucognisanceofamediareportthat49studentshadcommittedsuicideonJNV

campusesfrom2013to2017,theNHRCaskedtheSecretaryoftheMinistryforareportinsixweeks.

§ Accordingtothereport,halfofthe49studentsbelongedtoDalitortribalcommunities,andthemajoritywereboys.

AnimalWelfareBoardofIndia(AWBI)WhatisAnimalWelfareBoardofIndia?

§ ItisastatutoryadvisorybodyestablishedunderthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimalsAct,1960.

§ Itwasestablishedin1962.§ AnEnvironmentalMinistryOfficialheadstheorganisation.

Purpose§ Ensurethatanimalwelfarelawsinthecountryarediligentlyfollowed.§ Providegrantstoanimalwelfareorganisations.§ AdvisingtheGovernmentofIndiaonanimalwelfareissues.

Whyinnews?


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§ TheAnimalWelfareBoardof Indiahassaid that thestatesshallberesponsible forprotectionofstrayanimalslikecattle,dogs,catsandmonkeys.

§ Recentlyfewstates(Kerala&UP)havehadproblemswithstrayanimals.§ UnionWomenandChildDevelopmentMinisterManekaGandhihaveaccusedAnimal

WelfareBoardofIndia(AWBI),forbeinglaxinenforcementofrulesthatspecifyhowwildanimalscanbedepictedinfilmsandtelevisionprogrammes.

UIDAIWhatisUIDAI?

§ TheUniqueIdentificationAuthorityofIndia(UIDAI)isastatutoryauthorityestablishedundertheprovisionsoftheAadhaarAct,2016

§ ItcomesundertheMinistryofElectronicsandInformationTechnology(MeitY),withheadquartersinNewDelhiand8regionaloffices.

Objectives&ResponsibilitiesofUIDAI§ ToissueUniqueIdentificationnumbers(UID),namedas"Aadhaar",toallresidentsofIndia

toavoidduplicatesandcanbeverifiedeasily.§ UIDAIisresponsibleforenrolment,authentication,verificationandmanagementofallstages

oftheAadhaarLife-Cycle§ ItisalsorequiredtoensurethesecurityofAadhaardata

WhyinNews?§ Bankersarequestioningthe”Exorbitant”chargesappliedbyUIDAIforAadhaar

authenticationservices.UIDAIonAADHARprotection

§ UIDAIhasaskedpeopletorefrainfrompostingtheirAadhaarnumberonpublicplatformssuchassocialmedia,sendingmail,etc.

§ It said that the Aadhaar number is a personally sensitive information like bank accountnumber,passportnumberandPANnumber,whichshouldbesharedonlyonaneedbasisforalegitimateuseforestablishingidentityandforlegitimatetransactions.

§ Thiscomesata timewhenreportsofdata leakageononesideandassurancesby formerUIDAIchiefclaimingAadhaarasfool-proofontheothersideexist,leadingtoconfusionamongpeople.

Aadhaarforidentifyingbodies?▪ UIDAI in Delhi High court said that it is not possible to match the fingerprints of an

unidentifiedbody.▪ UIDAIsaidthatmatchingofbiometricsrequiresprintsofallfingers,irisscan.Ifwegobyonly

onethumbimpressionitmaymatchwithmultiplerecord.▪ ThoughitwasbelievedthatwithcomingofAadharwewillbeabletoidentifythemissingand

unidentifieddeadbodies,UIDAIsaysitsnotpossible.

AutonomousdistrictcouncilsWhatareautonomousdistrictcouncils?

§ The6thscheduleoftheconstitutiondealswithadministrationoftribalareasof4NorthEasternstates(Assam,Tripura,MeghalayaandMizoram)andthetribalareasinthese4stateshavebeenconstitutedasautonomousdistricts.

SalientfeaturesofADCs§ Thegovernorisempoweredtoorganiseandre-organisethesedistricts.§ Each autonomous district has a district council of 30 members of which 4 are

nominatedand26areelected.§ Thedistrictandregionalcouncilscanmakelawsoncertainsubjectslikeland,forests,

marriage,socialcustomsetcandtheycanalsoadministerjustice.


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§ Thecouncilscanestablishprimaryschools,dispensaries,marketsetcandassessandcollectlandrevenueandimposecertaintaxes.

§ Theactsofparliamentorstatelegislatureeitherdonotapplytoautonomousdistrictsorapplywithcertainmodifications.

Whyinnews?§ TheChiefExecutiveofMizoramChakmaAutonomousDistrictCouncilmettheMinisterfor

DevelopmentofNorthEast.§ TheagendaincludeddiscussionsabouttheBorderAreaDevelopmentProgramme(BADP).§ Chakma Autonomous Development Council is situated on the International Border with

BangladeshintheWestandMyanmarintheSouth,whichmakesitstrategicallyimportantarea,callingforspecialattention.

WhoareChakmas?§ ChakmasareethnicpeoplepredominantlyBuddhistsfoundinnortheastIndia,West

Bengal,Bangladesh,andMyanmar.TheyarealsoknownasChangma.WhatisBorderAreaDevelopmentProgramme(BADP)?

§ Latertheschemewasintroducedinallborderareas,includingtheNorthEast.§ BADPwaslaunchedin1987.§ Tomeetthespecialdevelopmentneedsofthepeoplelivinginremoteandinaccessibleareas

neartheinternationalwesternborderwithPakistan.ObjectivesofBADP

§ Createinfrastructureinborderareas.§ Provideeconomicopportunitiestopeoplelivinginthevicinityoftheborder.§ Instilasenseofsecurityamongthepeoplelivinginborderareas.

NITIAayogWhatisNITIAayog?

§ TheNational Institution forTransforming India (NITIAayog) is thepremierpolicy ‘ThinkTank’oftheGovernmentofIndia.

§ FormedthrougharesolutionoftheUnionCabinetin2015.§ Replacedtheplanningcommission.§ Anextra-constitutional,non-statutoryandadvisorybody.§ Providesbothdirectionalandpolicyinputs.

Whyinnews?§ ThefourthgoverningcouncilmeetingofNitiAayogwasconducted.

CompositionofNITIAayog§ PrimeMinister(Chairperson)§ GoverningCouncil(CMsofalltheStatesandUTswithlegislatures,andLt.Governorof

otherUTs)§ RegionalCouncils§ Formedonneedbasis,toaddressspecificissuesimpactingmorethanonestateora

region.§ Hasaspecifiedtenure.§ ConvenedbythePM&compriseoftheCMsofStatesandLt.GovernorsofUTsinthe

region.§ ChairedbytheChairpersonoftheNITIAayogorhisnominee.§ Experts, specialists and practitioners with relevant domain knowledge as special

inviteesnominatedbythePrimeMinister.Thefull-timeorganizationalframework:

§ Vice-Chairperson:appointedbyPrimeMinister§ Members:Full-time


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§ Part-timemembers:Maximumof2fromleadinguniversities&relevantinstitutions,onarotationalbasis.

§ ExOfficiomembers:Maximumof4membersfromtheUnionMinisters,nominatedbythePM.

§ Chief Executive Officer: Appointed by the PM, for a fixed tenure, in the rank ofSecretary.

§ Secretariatasdeemednecessary.DifferencewithPlanningCommission:

§ IthasastructuresimilartothePlanningCommission,butitsfunctionswillbelimitedtoonlyactingasapolicythinktankrelievingitofthetwomorefunctionsviz.formationoffiveyearplansandtheallocationoffundstotheStates.

§ The major difference in approach to planning, between NITI Aayog and PlanningCommission,isthattheformerwillinvitegreaterinvolvementofthestates,whilethelattertookatop-downapproachwithaone-size-fits-allplan.

NHRR,NHP,CBHI,NCDNationalHealthResourceRepository(NHRR)

§ Country’s first ever national healthcare facility registry of authentic, standardized andupdatedgeo-spatialdataofallpublicandprivatehealthcareestablishments

WhatNHRRdoes?§ Creates a reliable, unified registry of Country’s healthcare resources showing the

distributionpatternofhealthfacilitiesandservicesbetweencitiesandruralareas.§ Identifieskeyareasofimprovementbyupgradingexistinghealthfacilitiesorestablishing

newhealth facilities keeping in view thepopulationdensity, geographic nature, healthcondition,distance,etc.

§ Generatesreal-worldintelligencetoidentifygapsinhealthandserviceratios,andensuresjudicioushealthresourceallocationandmanagement.

NationalHealthProfile(NHP)-2018§ PreparedbyCentralBureauofHealthIntelligence(CBHI)§ Coversdemographic, socio-economic,healthstatusandhealth finance indicators,along

withcomprehensiveinformationonhealthinfrastructureandhumanresourcesinhealth.§ NHP is an important tool in designing various programmes such as Free Drugs and

DiagnosticsandMissionParivarVikas.CentralBureauofHealthIntelligence(CBHI)

§ Establishedin1961undertheDirectorateGeneralofHealthServices,MinistryofHealth§ TostrengthenHealthInformationSystem(HIS)toensureevidencebaseddecisionmaking

intheHealthSector.Non-CommunicableDisease(NCD)

§ Anon-communicabledisease(NCD)isamedicalconditionordiseasethatisnotcausedbyinfectiousagents(non-infectiousornon-transmissible).

§ NCDscanrefertochronicdiseaseswhichlastforlongperiodsoftimeandprogressslowly.§ Sometimes, NCDs result in rapid deaths such as seen in certain diseases such as

autoimmunediseases, heartdiseases, stroke, cancers, diabetes, chronickidneydisease,osteoporosis,Alzheimer'sdisease,cataracts,andothers.

Whyinnews?§ UnionMinisterofHealthreleasedtheNationalHealthProfile(NHP)-2018preparedbythe

Central Bureau ofHealth Intelligence (CBHI) andNationalHealthResourceRepository(NHRR).


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UniversityGrantsCommission(UGC)WhatisUniversityGrantsCommission?

§ UGCisstatutorybodysetupbyUniongovernmentinaccordancetoUGCAct1956.§ ItfunctionsunderMinistryofHumanResourceDevelopment

ObjectivesofUGC

§ Coordination,Determinationandmaintenanceofstandardsofteaching,examinationandresearchinhighereducation

WhyinNews?§ CentralGovernmenthasproposedHigherEducationcommissionofIndia(HECI)toreplace

UGCObjectiveofHECI

§ ToreformtheeducationsectorandtherebytocomplywithSustainableDevelopmentGoal4,thatensuresinclusive,equitableandqualityeducation

UGCvs.HECI:§ UGCmonitorsacademicqualityandprovidesgrantswhileHECIfocusesonqualityofthe

academicsalonewhileprovidinggrantsrestswithHumanResourcesMinistry.§ UGC doesn’t take any actions on bogus institutions but only releases a list of such

institutions, whereas HECI is empowered to fine or order closure of substandard andbogusinstitutions.

PrimaryfunctionsofUGC§ overseeingdistributionofgrantstouniversitiesandcollegesinIndia§ providingscholarshipsandfellowshipstobeneficiaries§ monitoringconformitytoitsregulationsbyuniversitiesandcolleges.

IslandDevelopmentAgency(IDA)WhatisIDA?

§ IDAwasformedin2017fortheholisticdevelopmentofislands.§ ItischairedbytheUnionHomeMinister.§ Atpresent,26islandshavebeenlistedforfocused,holisticdevelopment.§ The IDAhad identified10 islands fordevelopmentwhich include5 islands inA&N Islands (i.e.

Smith, Ross, Long, Avis and Little Andaman) and 5 in Lakshadweep (i.e. Minicoy, Bangaram,Thinnakara,Cheriyam,Suheli).

Whyinnews?§ ThePMreviewedtheprogresstowardsholisticdevelopmentoftheislands§ Emphasiswasgivenonstepstakentopromoting‘LakshadweepTuna’asabrand.

CWMA&CWRCCauveryWaterManagementAuthority(CWMA)

§ CWMAistheumbrellabodytoimplementtheSCverdictontheCauverywaterdispute.§ CWMAisofthesamenatureandtemplateofthe‘CauveryManagement Board’

(CMB),recommendedbytheCauveryWaterDisputesTribunal(CWDT)in2007§ Itisatwo-tierbodywithatechnicalarm:CauveryWaterRegulationCommittee(CWRC)§ ItconsistsofaChairman,2whole-timeMembers(onefromMinistryofWaterResources

andanotherfromMinistryofAgriculture),2Part-TimeMembers(onefromMinistryofWaterResourcesandanotherfromMinistryofAgriculture)and4part-timemembersfrompartystates

SignificanceofCWMA


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§ ItisapermanentbodyundertheUnionMinistryofWaterResourcesanditsdecisionsarefinalandbindingonallthepartyStates.

§ Theshareofeachstatewillbedeterminedonthebasisoftheflowssoassumedtogetherwiththeavailablecarry-overstorageinthereservoirs.

CauveryWaterRegulationCommittee(CWRC)

§ CWRCwillreporttoCWMA§ Thecommitteewillmonitorday-to-dayactivities, includingobserving thewater inflow

andoutflowofCauverybasinreservoirsandreleaseofwatertoirrigationcanals§ Ensuringimplementation,thefinalAwardbyperiodicallycollectingdataregardinglevels,

inflows,storagesandreleaseofwater.§ Preparingseasonal/annualreportofthewateraccountforSWmonsoon,NEmonsoon,Hot

weather.Whyinnews?

§ CWMAhasdirectedKarnatakatorelease34tmcftofwater

TelecomRegulatoryAuthorityofIndia(TRAI)WhatisTRAI?

§ TheTelecomRegulatoryAuthorityofIndia(TRAI)isastatutorybodysetupbytheGovernmentofIndiaundertheTelecomRegulatoryAuthorityofIndiaAct,1997.

§ ItistheregulatorofthetelecommunicationssectorinIndia.§ ItconsistsofaChairpersonandnotmorethantwofull-timemembersandnotmore

thantwopart-timemembers.Whyinnews?

§ TRAIhassaidinitsrecommendationson‘privacy,securityandownershipofthedatainthetelecomsector’,thateachuserownedhisorherdatacollectedbyorstoredwiththeentitiesinthedigitalecosystemthatincludesdevicesandapplications.

§ Whiletherighttochoice,consent,dataportability,andtherighttobeforgottenoughttobegiventoconsumers,theentitiesaremerecustodiansofthedata

WhatisTRAI’sopinion?§ TRAI has also opined that the existing framework for protecting the personal data of

telecomusersisnotsufficient.§ Additionally,TRAIsuggeststhatallentitiesinthedigitalecosystemthatcontrolorprocess

users’personaldatasuchasdevices,operatingsystems,browsersaswellasapplications,bebroughtunderadataprotectionframework.

Government’sstanceondataprotection§ AcommitteeheadedbyformerSupremeCourt judgeB.N.Srikrishna,undertheMinistry

and Electronics and IT, is currently working on the country’s first data protectionframework.

OtherSuggestionsfromTRAI§ TRAIproposesastudytoformulatethestandardsforanonymization,orde-identification,of

personaldatageneratedandcollectedinthedigitalecosystem.§ It suggests that entities should be restrainedfromusingmeta-data to identify individual

users.§ Consumerawarenesscampaignwouldhelp in reducing theexposureof consumerdata to

misuse.§ Prohibitionoftheuseof“pre-tickedboxes”togainusers’consent.§ Devicemanufacturersshouldincorporateprovisionssothatuserscandeletepre-installed

applicationsiftheysodecide§ Incorporationofmultilingual,easytounderstand,shorttemplatesofagreementsorterms

andconditionsshouldbemademandatory


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§ DoT should re-examine the encryption standards of TSPs to align them with therequirementsofothersectorregulators

§ Creationofacommonplatformforsharingofinformationrelatingtodatasecuritybreachincidencesbyallentitiesinthedigitalecosystem.

§ National Policy for encryption of personal data, generated and collected in the digitalecosystem,shouldbenotifiedbythegovernment.

NationalCommissionforBackwardClasses(NCBC)WhatisNCBC?

§ ApermanentbodyinthenatureofaCommissionorTribunalforentertaining,examiningand recommending upon requests for inclusion and complaints of over-inclusion andunder-inclusioninthelistofOBCs.

§ TheCommissionwascreatedduetothejudgementpassedintheIndraSawhney&Ors.Vs.UnionofIndiacasewhichledtotheenactmentoftheNationalCommissionforBackwardClassesAct,1993.

Composition&Term§ 5Members

o AChairperson(whoisorhasbeenajudgeofSCorHC)o Asocialscientisto 2 persons who have special knowledge in matters relating to backward

classeso AMember-Secretary,whoisorhasbeenanofficeroftheCentralGovernment

intherankofaSecretarytotheGovernmentofIndia.§ TheirtermisofThreeyears.

Whyinthenews?§ Asthe123rdconstitutionalamendmentbillispassedintheparliament,adedicatedpanel

toaddressall issuespertainingtotheOtherBackwardClasses (OBCs)becomesareality due to the establishment of a National Commission for BackwardClasses(NCBC).

§ Earlier,allsuchgrievanceswerehandledbytheNationalCommissionofScheduledCastesandthepresentNCBCpanelwastaskedonlywiththeinclusionandexclusionofcastesonsocialandeconomiclines.

§ ThemandategivesmorepowerstotheNCBC,relievingtheSCCommissionofsomeburdenandisbeneficialasthepanelscanconcentratebetteronissuesrelatingtotherespectivepeoplesunderthecategories.

BureauofIndianStandards(BIS)WhatisBureauofIndianStandards(BIS)?

§ BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 1986 and isheadquarteredinNewDelhi.

Whyinnews?§ TheBureauofIndianStandards(BIS)issettoformulateaframeworkforqualityservices

that shouldbeprovided to consumers and also talk about thebenchmarks todealwithconsumer complaintsoraftersalesserviceinaneffort to ensure quality in the servicessector.

Objective§ Harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality

certificationofgoodsBenefitsofBIS

§ Providingsafereliablequalitygoods


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§ Minimizinghealthhazardstoconsumers§ Promotingexportsandimportssubstitute§ Controloverproliferationofvarietiesetc.throughstandardization,certificationandtesting.

Activities§ StandardsFormulation§ ProductCertificationScheme§ CompulsoryRegistrationScheme§ ForeignManufacturersCertificationScheme§ HallMarkingScheme§ LaboratoryServices§ LaboratoryRecognitionScheme§ SaleofIndianStandards§ ConsumerAffairsActivities§ PromotionalActivities§ TrainingServices,National&Internationallevel§ InformationServices

FSSAIAboutFSSAI:

§ TheFoodSafetyandStandardsAuthorityofIndiaisanautonomousbodyandstatutorybodyestablishedunderFoodSafetyandStandardsAct,2006,whichconsolidatesvariousacts&ordersthathavehithertohandledfoodrelatedissuesinvariousMinistriesandDepartments.

§ MinistryofHealth&FamilyWelfareistheAdministrativeMinistryfortheimplementationofFSSAI.

§ It has been created for laying down science-based standards for articles of food and toregulate theirmanufacture,storage,distribution,saleand import toensureavailabilityofsafeandwholesomefoodforhumanconsumption.

WhyitisinNews?§ FSSAI has envisaged audits of food business operators by third party private auditing

agenciesrecognisedbytheregulator.Forthesame,theFSSAIhasnotifiedtheFoodSafetyandStandards(FoodSafetyAuditing)Regulation,2018.

§ Themoveisaimedatstrengtheningthefoodsafetysurveillancesysteminthecountry.TheFSSAIhasprovisionallyrecognised22auditagencieslikeDNV,BureauVeritas,IntertekandMS Certification, in accordance with the draft Food Safety and Standard (Food SafetyAuditing)Regulation,2017.

§ Thethird-partyagencieswillbeworking inclosecoordinationwith thegovernment foodsafetydepartment.

ScrapingMCIWhatisMCI?

§ TheMedicalCouncilofIndia(MCI)wasestablishedundertheIndianMedicalCouncilAct,1933.

§ Itgrantsrecognitionofmedicalqualifications,givesaccreditationtomedicalschools,grantsregistrationtomedicalpractitioners,andmonitorsmedicalpracticeinIndia.

TheNationalMedicalCommissionBill,2017§ Amid allegations of corruption against MCI office bearers and its opaque accreditation

process, the Government had presented a bill in parliament to replace the MCI with aNationalMedicalCommission.


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§ ThegovernmentclaimsthattheBillprovidesforsimplificationofproceduresandisexpectedtospurrapidgrowthinthenumberofUndergraduate(UG)andPostGraduate(PG)seatsinthecountrybesidesenhancingthegovernanceandqualityofmedicaleducation.

IndianMedicalCouncil(Amendment)Ordinance,2018§ AstheNMCbillispendingintheParliament,thegovernmenthasissuedtheIndianMedical

Council(Amendment)Ordinance,2018,tosupersedeMCIwaspromulgated,andthepowersofthecouncilhavebeentransferredtoaboardofgovernors(BoG).

§ TheBoGwillcontinuetoperformtillacouncilisconstitutedinlinewiththeprovisionsoftheActinoneyear.

CondemnedbyIMA

§ The Indian Medical Association (IMA), a national voluntary organisation of Doctors ofModernScientificSystemofMedicine,hascondemnedthesupersessionoftheMCIclaimingthat the eminent clinicians appointed to the BoG have little exposure to the day-to-dayadministrationoftheMCI.

§ TheAssociationhasalsodemandedthattheBoardshouldrefrainfromtakingmajorpolicydecisionsoramendmentschangingthecharacteroftheIMCAct.

IndianMedicalAssociationIndianMedicalAssociation

§ Itistheonlyrepresentative,nationalvoluntaryorganisationofDoctorsofModernScientificSystemofMedicine.Itcoversmorethan2.5lakh,oraboutathird,ofthecountry’sdoctorsasitsmembers.

WhyinNews?§ Markingabolddeparturefromtheexistingcodeofethicsthatcoversthemedicalprofession,

the IMA is in the process of redefining existing code of ethics that covers the medicalprofessioninordertoensureamuchmorecontemporaryoutlook.

§ ThecurrentcodeofmedicalethicsbytheMedicalCouncilofIndiadatesbackto2002.Revisionsunderconsideration

§ Including Ethical issues around Assisted Reproductive Technology and surrogacy in thesyllabusofMBBScourse.

§ Compulsorycadaverorgandonationsforallunlessanindividualspecificallystatesthatheorshedoesnotwanttobecomeanorgandonor.

§ Allowingindividualdoctorstohaveawebsitetoadvertise/promotetheirpractice.

CWCblamesIMDWhatisCWC?

§ TheCentralWaterCommission (CWC) isapremierTechnicalOrganisation in the fieldofwaterresourcesfunctioningundertheMinistryofWaterResources,RiverDevelopmentandGangaRejuvenation.

§ Itischargedwiththegeneralresponsibilitiesofinitiating,coordinatingandfurthering,inconsultation with the State Governments concerned, schemes for control,conservationandutilizationofwaterresourcesthroughoutthecountry,forpurpose


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of Flood Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking Water Supply and Water PowerDevelopment.

WhatisIMD?§ TheIndiaMeteorologicalDepartment,whichwasestablishedin1875,isanagencyof

theMinistryofEarthSciences.§ Itistheprincipalagencyresponsibleformeteorologicalobservations,weatherforecasting

andseismology.Whyinnews?

§ TheCWCblamedIMDforthedevastatingfloodsinKerala,asit failedtoissueanyspecialwarningsinthelightofitsforecast.

§ InAugust,ChiefMinisterofKeralaPinarayiVijayanalsosaidthatthefailureonthepartoftheIMDtoprovidepreciseforecastabouttheintensityofrainfallhadresultedinthefloodsthatravagedtheState.

Nationaltestingagency§ UnionMinistryofHumanResourceDevelopment(HRD)hasannouncedNationalTesting

AgencyasanautonomoustestingorganizationtoconductentranceexaminationsforhighereducationalinstitutionsinIndia.

§ ThenewbodywilltakeoverallexaminationsfromtheCBSE,exceptthe10thand12thboardexaminations.

§ ItwillbeheadedbyaDirectorGeneralwithtenureof5years.Whyinnews?

§ TheNationalTestingAgencyfromnowon,willalsotrainpapersetterstosetbetterquestionpapersandprovidebettermodelanswers.

§ NTA was approved by Union cabinet in November 2017 as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for highereducationalinstitutionsinIndia.

§ ItisregisteredassocietyunderIndianSocietiesRegistrationAct,1860.

Govt.scrapsscientificpanels,formscouncil.Background:

§ Earlier,ScientificAdvisoryCommittees(SACs)weretheretoadvicethePMandthecabinetonvariousmatters.

§ These committees, which were first set up in 1999 under the Atal Bihari Vajpayeegovernment,hadatermrunningconcurrentlywiththegovernments.

§ In2014,thenewNDAgovernmentdecidednottoconstitutethiscommittee.§ Accordingtogovernmentofficials,thescientificadvisorybodieshadbeendefunctingfora

whilenow.Whyinthenews?

§ Such scientific committees have been replaced by a single team consisting of 9members called thePrimeMinister’s Science,Technologyand InnovationAdvisoryCouncil(PM-STIAC).

§ The9-member teamwillconsistofeminentpersonswellknown invariousscientificandtechnicalfields.

§ Thenewlyconstitutedbodyisproposedtobeahigh-leveladvisorybodytoseveralministriesandexecutemission-orientedprogrammes.

§ Thenewcouncilwillnotgooutwiththecurrentgovernment.Thiscouncilisconcernedwiththenationaleffortandwillremaininofficetillitisreconstituted


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GOVERNMENTSCHEMESRationalizationofCentralGovernmentschemes

§ Government schemes are broadly divided into two categories: Central Sector Schemes,CentrallySponsoredSchemes

CentralSectorSchemes§ Theyaretheschemesthatareentirelyanddirectlyfundedandexecutedbythecentral

government.§ Theschemesareformulatedbythe Centre,basedonsubjectsfromtheUnionList.

Examples-NamamiGange,CropInsuranceScheme,recapitalisationofpublicsectorbanks.CentrallySponsoredSchemesorCSS

§ Theyareschemesthatareimplementedbystategovernmentswithcentralassistance.Thecostoftheseschemesisborneonasharedbasisintheratioof50:50,70:30,75:25or90:10.

§ Underthecostratio,thelargerportionisalwaysbornebytheCentre.§ SchemesunderCSSare formulatedon theareascoveredunder theStateList.Examples-

MGNREGA,PradhanMantriGramSadakYojana,SwachhBharatMission.MergerofCSSs

§ TheproliferationoftheCentralSectorSchemesskeptonrisinguntiltheNinthFive-YearPlan,when the total number of schemes shot up to 360, accounting for about 60%of Centralassistance.

§ In2013,thePlanningCommissionannouncedthemergerofseveralCSSs,reducingthecountto66.

§ Thesewerefurtherreducedto27followingthereportofacommitteeofCMsledbyShivrajSinghChauhanin2015.

Demandforuntiedfiscalallocation§ Even though the 14th Finance Commission had recommended devolution of a

significantlyhighershareof42%of thedivisiblepool toStates comparedwith the32%recommendedbythe13thFC,StategovernmentsarestilldemandinganincreasedflowofuntiedfiscalresourcesinplaceoftiedresourcesthatcomewithCSS.

§ Unlikedivisiblepooldevolution,CSSaretiedtoparticularschemeswherestatesdon’thavemuchflexibility.

WhyinNews?§ The 15th FC noted that the outcome of CSSs are uncertain and called for urgent

rationalisationoftheCSSs.§ The pruning of such schemes would give the State governments’ greater measure of

flexibilityinfinancing.

AgricultureextensionservicesKrishiVigyanKendra(KVK)

§ ThefirstKVKwasestablishedin1974atPuducherry.§ KVKs provide several farm support activities like providing technology dissemination to

farmers,training,awarenessetc.§ Thereare642KVKs,outofwhich,435areunderStateAgriculturalUniversities(SAU)and

CentralAgriculturalUniversity (CAU), 55 areunder ICAR Institutes, 100underNGOs, 35underStateGovernments,andtheremaining17underothereducationalinstitutions.

DDKisan§ DDKisanisanIndianagriculture24-hourtelevisionchannel,ownedbyDoordarshanWas

launchedon26May2015.


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§ Disseminatesreal-timeinputstofarmersonnewfarmingtechniques,water§ conservationandorganicfarmingamongotherinformation.

CommonServiceCentre§ CommonServiceCentres(CSC)isoneofthemissionmodeprojectsundertheDigital

IndiaProgramme.§ The access points for delivery of essential public utility services, socialwelfare schemes,

healthcare,financial,educationandagricultureservices,apartfromhostofB2Cservicestocitizensinruralandremoteareasofthecountry.

§ Apan-Indianetworkcateringtoregional,geographic,linguisticandculturaldiversityofthecountry,thusenablingthemandateforasocially,financiallyanddigitallyinclusivesociety.

§ Apan-Indianetworkcateringtoregional,geographic,linguisticandculturaldiversityofthecountry,thusenablingthemandateforasocially,financiallyanddigitallyinclusivesociety.

Whyinnews?§ PrimeMinisterwillinteractdirectlywithfarmersacrossthecountrythroughvideobridge.§ It will be broadcast directly by Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s, Common Service Centres (CSC),

Doordarshan,DDKissanandAakashvaanifromalloverthecountry.

SwayangsiddhaschemeWhyinnews?

§ More than a hundred schools inWest Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district have installedcomplaintsboxesintheirpremisesundertheWestBengal’sSwayangsiddhascheme.

AboutSwayangsiddhascheme:§ InordertocurbhumantraffickinginBengal,statepolicehascomeupwithaself-reliance

schemeknownasSwayangsiddha.§ Theinitiativewillencourageyouth-ledactionandpartnershipwhichwillempoweryoung

girlsandboyswithknowledgeandskillstomakethemlessvulnerabletoviolationandabuseoftheirrights.

§ Itwillachieveabovetargetthrough-o Raisingawarenessonhuman,genderandchildrightsandstrengtheningpreventionof

humantraffickingandchildmarriageusingconvergingapproach.o Engagingyouthfromdifferentschoolsandcollegestocombathumantraffickingandchild

marriage.o Strengthening response mechanism in collaboration with police and protection

committeestobuildsafecommunityo Strengtheningaccesstoschemesandentitlementsoneducation,training,livelihoodand

foodsecurityforvulnerablegroups.

50world-classrailwaystationsWhyinnews?

§ IndianRailways’firsttwoworld-classrailwaystationswithstate-of-the-artamenitiesHabibganjinMadhyaPradeshandGandhinagarinGujaratwillbereadybyearly2019.

§ Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) also said that 50 world classrailway stations modelled on airport-like retail spaces for commuters to wait, will becompletedby2022.

Significanceoftheproject:§ TheHabibganjrailwaystation is the first in India toberedevelopedunder thePPP

(Public-Private Partnership) model. The station is being developed on the lines ofGermany’sHeidelbergrailwaystation.

§ TheworkisbeingjointlydonebyIRSDCandprivatefirmBansalPathwaysHabibganjPrivateLtd.


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§ The redeveloped Gandhinagar station, taken up in the EPC mode, is planned to becommissionedinFebruarynextyear.

INVESTMENTMODELS:§ EPCModel: Engineering Procurement Construction, private players provides engineering

services,ownership,tollcollectionandmaintenanceisresponsibilityofgovernmentagency.§ BOTModel : Build operate transfer, Private sector entity builds, operates andmaintains

infrastructure, then hands it over to government after specific number of years, privateplayersearnrevenue.

§ HAM:HybridAnnuityModel,itisamixofEPCandBOTmodel,privateentityarranges60%contribution,40%isputinbyNHAIinmilestonerelatedtranches.

InstituteofEminenceWhyitisinnews?

§ TheCentrehasdecidedtoputoffonInstitutesofEminenceasthesearchpanelrecommendedmoreinstitutesforthetagof“InstitutesofEminence”.

AboutInstitutesofEminence:§ Thescheme isaimedatdevelopingworld-class institutionswhichwouldput Indiaon the

globaleducationmap.§ Institutionswereofferedgreaterautonomyandfreedomtodecidefees,coursedurationsand

structures.§ The10selectedpublicinstitutionswouldalsoreceiveagrantof₹1000crore,whilethe10

privateinstitutionswouldnotreceiveanyfinancialassistanceMGNREGAWhyitisinnews?

§ AccordingtotheCentre,thestatesmayhavetofundMGNREGAwages.§ The financial statementofMGNREGAschemeshows thatason January30,19Statesand

UnionTerritorieshadliabilities.§ Nationally,theschemehasanegativenetbalanceof₹4,101crore.§ TheRuralDevelopmentMinistryreceivedasupplementaryadditionalallocationof₹6,084

crore.However,thisisnotadequateasafterpayingoffliabilities,stateswouldbeleftwithasmallamount.

§ The fund crunchhas already resulted in extensivewagepaymentdelays.MGNREGAdatashowsthat81%ofFundTransferOrders(FTOs)generatedinJanuary2019and43%ofFTOsfromDecember2018stillremainunprocessedbytheCentre.


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§ ThismightnecessitatestatestofundMGNREGAthemselves.WestBengal,MadhyaPradeshandKarnatakaareamongtheStatesthatarelikelytousetheirownfundstopayworkers

AboutMNREGA:§ TheMahatmaGandhiNationalRuralEmploymentGuaranteeAct(MGNREGA),alsoknownas

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) is IndianlegislationenactedonAugust25,2005

§ TheMGNREGAprovidesalegalguaranteeforonehundreddaysofemploymentineveryfinancial year to adultmembers of any rural householdwilling to do publicwork-relatedunskilledmanualworkatthestatutoryminimumwage.

§ The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Govt of India is monitoring the entireimplementationofthisschemeinassociationwithstategovernments

§ Thisactwasintroducedwithanaimofimprovingthepurchasingpoweroftheruralpeople,primarilysemiorun-skilledworktopeoplelivingbelowpovertylineinruralIndia.

§ Itattemptstobridgethegapbetweentherichandpoorinthecountry.§ Roughlyone-thirdofthestipulatedworkforcemustbewomen.§ Adultmembersofruralhouseholdssubmittheirname,ageandaddresswithphototothe

GramPanchayat.§ TheGramPanchayatregistershouseholdsaftermakingenquiryandissuesajobcard.§ Thejobcardcontainsthedetailsofadultmemberenrolledandhis/herphoto.Registered

personcansubmitanapplicationforworkinwriting(foratleastfourteendaysofcontinuouswork)eithertoPanchayatortoProgrammeOfficer.

§ ThePanchayat/Programmeofficerwillacceptthevalidapplicationandissuedatedreceiptof application, letter providing work will be sent to the applicant and also displayed atPanchayatoffice.

§ Theemploymentwillbeprovidedwithinaradiusof5km:ifitisabove5kmextrawagewillbepaid.

KeyfactsaboutMNREGA§ MGNREGAguaranteeshundreddaysofwageemploymentinafinancialyear,toarural

householdwhoseadultmembersvolunteertodounskilledmanualwork.§ IndividualbeneficiaryorientedworkscanbetakenuponthecardsofScheduledCastes

andScheduledTribes,smallormarginalfarmersorbeneficiariesoflandreformsorbeneficiariesundertheIndiraAwaasYojanaoftheGovernmentofIndia.

§ Within 15 days of submitting the application or from the day work is demanded, wageemploymentwillbeprovidedtotheapplicant.

§ Right to get unemployment allowance in case employment is not provided withinfifteendaysofsubmittingtheapplicationorfromthedatewhenworkissought.

§ Receiptofwageswithinfifteendaysofworkdone.§ VarietyofpermissibleworkswhichcanbetakenupbytheGramPanchayaths.§ MGNREGAfocusesontheeconomicandsocialempowermentofwomen.§ MGNREGAprovides“Green”and“Decent”work.§ Social Audit of MGNREGA works is mandatory, which lends to accountability and

transparency.§ MGNREGAworksaddresstheclimatechangevulnerabilityandprotectthefarmersfromsuch

risksandconservenaturalresources.§ The Gram Sabha is the principal forum forwage seekers to raise their voices andmake

demands.ItistheGramSabhaandtheGramPanchayatwhichapprovestheshelfofworksunderMGNREGAandfixtheirpriority

ICDSAboutICDS:


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Children in the age group 0-6 years constitute around 158 million of the population of India (2011 census). These Children are the future human resource of the country. Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing various schemes for welfare, development and protection of children. Launched on 2nd October, 1975, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is one of the flagship programmes of the Government of India and represents one of the world’s largest and unique programmes for early childhood care and development. It is the foremost symbol of country’s commitment to its children and nursing mothers, as a response to the challenge of providing pre-school non-formal education on one hand and breaking the vicious cycle of malnutrition, morbidity, reduced learning capacity and mortality on the other. The beneficiaries under the Scheme are children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Objectives of the Scheme are:

• to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years; • to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child; • to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout; • to achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child

development; and • to enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through

proper nutrition and health education. Services under ICDS The ICDS Scheme offers a package of six services, viz.

• Supplementary Nutrition • Pre-school non-formal education • Nutrition & health education • Immunization • Health check-up and • Referral services

The last three services are related to health and are provided by Ministry/Department of Health and Family Welfare through NRHM & Health system. The perception of providing a package of services is based primarily on the consideration that the overall impact will be much larger if the different services develop in an integrated manner as the efficacy of a particular service depends upon the support it receives from the related services. For better governance in the delivery of the Scheme, convergence is, therefore, one of the key features of the ICDS Scheme. This convergence is in-built in the Scheme which provides a platform in the form of Anganwadi Centres for providing all services under the Scheme. Boneofcontention:

§ The disagreement between Ms. Gandhi and Ministry’s officials centred around theapproachestofoodprocuredastake-homerationsandthehotcookedmealsservedto10crorebeneficiariesundertheICDSscheme.

§ WhileMs.Gandhirecommendedthattake-homerationsbeprocuredeitherfromself-helpgroups(SHGs)thathaveadequatemanufacturingfacilitiesorfromgovernmentorprivateundertakings,theofficialshadfavouredsourcingfooditemspreparedwithlocallyavailableingredients,solelyfromSHGs.

§ Ms.GandhialsoproposedtoreplaceHot-cookedmealsservedatanganwadiswithnutritionpacketsasthefoodbeingservedatthecentresisnotcalorie-dense.

§ However, several rights groups had protested against the Minister’s proposal to go forprocessedfoods,whichhavebeenlinkedtoriseinnon-communicablediseases.

§ They claim that packaged foodwould alsomark a shift to centralised control by privatecontractors,whichhasbeenbannedbytheSupremeCourt.

WhyitisinNews?§ The NITI Aayog has approved the supplementary nutrition guidelines, prepared by the

Ministry for Women and Child Development, bypassing Minister for Women and ChildDevelopmentManekaGandhifollowinginterventionbythePrimeMinister’sOffice(PMO).

IntegratedRoadAccidentDatabaseProjectWhyinnews?


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§ TheMinistryofRoadTransport&Highwaysis intheprocessof implementing ‘IntegratedRoadAccidentDatabaseProject(IRAD)’whichwillbeapplicableacrossthecountry.

Abouttheproject:§ ITbasedsystemforcapturingthespotaccidentdatausingmobileappandtabletsconfigured

forthispurpose.§ Thisdatacanthenbeutilizedforvariouspurposeslikefindingthecausesoftheaccidents

andremedialmeasurestoimprovetheroadinfrastructure,torecordtheaccidentsdatafortheuseofpolice,healthservicesandotherconcerneddepartments.

ConsortiumforAcademic&ResearchEthicsWhyinnews?

§ To maintain the Credibility of Research Publications UGC has decided to establish aConsortiumforAcademicandResearchEthics(CARE).

AboutCARE:§ The good quality Research Journals in disciplines under Social Sciences, Humanities,

Languages,Arts,Culture, IndianKnowledgeSystemsetc.,willbemaintainedbyCAREandreferredtoas‘CAREReferenceListofQualityJournals’.

§ Thiswillbeusedforallacademicpurposes.The‘CAREReferenceListofQualityJournals’willberegularlyupdatedandpublishedbytheUGCandtheMembersoftheConsortiumattheirrespectivewebsites.

AspirationalDistrictsProgrammeWhatisAspirationalDistrictsProgramme?

§ LaunchedinJanuary2018.§ Aims to quickly and effectively transform selected (backward) districts: 115/712

districtsfrom28states(exceptGoa)§ Includes35LeftWingExtremism-affecteddistricts

Abouttheprogramme§ Focusesonimprovingpeople’sabilitytoparticipatefullyintheburgeoningeconomy.§ Theschemehasnoadditionalfinancialburden§ Ranking isundertakenon thebasisof49 indicators (81datapoints)acrosshealth,

education,infrastructure,agriculture,financialinclusionandskilldevelopment§ Real-time ranking is expected to bring in competition among districts, resulting in

improvementofsocialparameters.Agenciesinvolved

§ An Empowered Committee convened by the CEO of NITI Aayog will help in theconvergenceofvariousgovernmentschemesandstreamliningofefforts.

§ OfficersatthelevelofJointSecretary/AdditionalSecretaryhavebeennominatedtobecomethe‘CentralPrabhariOfficers'

§ Stateshaveappointedstate-nodalandPrabhariofficersWhyinnews?

§ HRDMinisterhasurgedtheDistrictEducationOfficers toplayakeyrole in transformingAspirationaldistrictsintodevelopeddistricts.

Therationalebehindtheinitiative§ India is on a high growth trajectory that is expected to liftmillions out of poverty.

However,presentlythequalityoflifeofmanyofitscitizensisnotconsistentwiththisgrowthstory,afactreflectedinUNDP’s2017HumanDevelopmentIndexwhereinweareranked131(130in2018)outof188countries.

§ AcloserlookatthedatarevealshighheterogeneityinthelivingstandardsinIndia.Therearesignificant inter-state and inter-district variations. Launched in January 2018, the


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‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ initiative aims to remove this heterogeneitythroughamassmovementtoquicklyandeffectivelytransformthesedistricts.

StepstakentoimproveHealthindicators§ 117 districts have been identified for rapid transformation and inclusive growth. The

ReproductiveMaternalNew-bornChildandAdolescentHealth(RMNCH+A)programisanimportantpillarwhichwillbestrengthenedunderAspirationalDistrictsProgramme.

§ Thee-Mitra(MobileIntegratedToolkitRMNCH+A)apphasbeendesignedtocomplementtheAspirationalDistrictProgrammeandoffersonestopsolutiontoaccessRMNCH+Arelatedstatisticsfromdifferentsourcesthroughacombinationofapproaches.

§ The operational guidelines on Aspirational Districts will provide a framework forimplementing action to be undertaken for various health initiatives to guide all thestakeholders.

JalCharchaPurposeofJalCharcha:

§ ItaimstoengagewiththepeopleofIndiaininformeddecision-makingatthecentrallevel.

§ Themagazinewill be sharedwithpeoplenot just at the state level, but also at thegrassrootlevel.

§ Themagazineisalsoanefforttobringbestpracticesinwatersectortothenationalstageandmoveaheadinthedirectionofcreatingwaterconsciousnessinthemindsofthepeopleofthecountry.

§ Differentthemesonwaterconservationwillbefocussedoneachmagazine,sothatdifferentstakeholderscanparticipateandgivetheirviewsonwaterconservation.

Whyinnews?§ UnionMinisterforWaterResources,RiverDevelopmentandGangaRejuvenationShriNitin

Gadkari released the inaugural issue of the monthly magazine Jal Charcha, on waterconservation.

GangajalProjectAbouttheproject:

§ ThePrimeMinisterlaunchedGangajalproject,whichwillprovideAgrawithbetterandmoreassuredwatersupply,atanestimatedcostofRs.2880crores.

§ Gangajalprojectaimstobring140cusecsofGangawatertoAgra.Thiswillhelpmeetthedrinkingwaterdemandsinthecity.

ParikshaPeCharcha2.0Salientfeaturesof“ParikshaPeCharcha2.0”:

§ Itisauniqueinteractionwherestudents,parents,teachersandPrimeMinister,ShriNarendraModiwillcometogethertodiscussissuesrelatingtoexamlifeandstressconnectedwiththat.

§ An online competition has been organized from 7th January to 17th January, 2019, forstudentsofclasses9to12,graduateandundergraduatecollegestudents,theirparentsandtheirteachers,inwhichtheycanparticipatethroughvariousthemes.

§ Thethemesforstudentsincludetheexcitinglearningexperiencefromclass9-12andtheirgoalsforgraduationandpostgraduation;teachersthemesonthoughtsandexperiencesinteachingandforparentsitsaboutwhattheylearntfromtheirchildreninthoseyears.

Whyinnews?§ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will be interacting with a cross section of Students,

Teachers andParents for another exciting edition - ParikshaPeCharcha2.0 atTalkatoraStadium,NewDelhion29thJanuary’19.


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§ ThiseventisasequelofthelastyearParikshaPeCharchaevent,whenPMinteractedwiththestudentstodriveawaytheexamfearsofthestudents.

RenukajiMultipurposeDamProjectRenukajiMultiPurposeProject:

§ Beneficiaries:Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

§ ThreestorageprojectsareproposedtobeconstructedontheriverYamunaandtwoofitstributaries-TonsandGiriinthehillyregionsofUttarakhandandHimachalPradeshofUpperYamunaBasin.

§ These includeLakhwarproject on riverYamuna inUttarakhand,Kishauon riverTons inUttarakhandandHimachalPradeshandRenukajionriverGiriinHimachalPradesh.

§ These three projects were identified as National Projects in 2008 under which 90%fundingofthecostofirrigation&drinkingwatercomponentwillbeprovidedbytheGovt.ofIndia as central assistance and the rest 10% cost of the irrigation and drinking watercomponentwillbebornebythebeneficiarystates.

Whyinnews?§ AnagreementforRenukajiDamMultipurposeProjectwassignedonJan11,2019amongsix

statesinthepresenceofUnionMinisterforWaterResources.

Modelconstructionworkers’welfareschemeWhyinnews?

§ Centre’smodelconstructionworkers’welfareschemereleasedrecentlyasksStatestodecideontheprovisionofpension.

§ There are no mandatory pension benefits in the final version of the Centre’s modelconstructionworkers’welfarescheme.

§ But government had suggestions that 20%of the construction cess fund be set aside forretiredworkers.

Background


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§ TheSupremeCourtofIndiaonMarch19,2018directedtheUnionGovernmenttoframeamodelschemetoaddressissuesconcerningthewelfareofconstructionworkers.

§ Themodelschemeisexpectedtoincludetheissuesandconcernsofeducation,health,socialsecurity,oldageanddisabilitypensionandotherbenefits.

§ Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996 (BOCW Act) formally regulates theprofessionofconstructionworkers.

iGOTAbouttheiGOT

§ TheiGOT(IntegratedGovernmentOnlineTrainingProgramme)developedbyDepartmentofPersonnelandTraining,MinistryofPersonnel,PublicGrievances&Pensions,waslaunched.

§ To provide a broad training eco-system creating synergies across various premiertraininginstitutesofthecountryandtocaterthetrainingneedswhichcanencompassalltheofficialsintheentirehierarchyofCentralandStateGovernments.

§ The IGOTwill augment the existing trainingmechanismwith onlinemodule-basedtrainingcoupledwithcertificationonflexitimebasis.

§ Thetrainingwillbefocussedandtargetedtotherequirementoftheofficials.HighlightsoftheIGOTProgramme:

§ The e-Learning mode provides unparalleled opportunities for training to a largenumberofcivilservantsscatteredalloverthecountry.

§ Thelatesttechnologiesmakeavailablevastresourcesoflearningmaterialandonlinecourses,providingtheindividualsenormouschoicesandflexibilityinlearning.

§ Itwillprovideasinglepointofaccesstotherepositoryoftrainingresources.§ ThetrainingcoursesunderthisprogrammewillbeaccessiblethroughDoPT’swebportal.§ Theinitiativeaimsat“CompetentCivilServicesforGoodGovernance”.

Whysuchmove?§ TheNational Training Policy-2012mandates that all civil servantswill be providedwith

trainingtoequipthemwiththecompetenciesfortheircurrentorfuturejobs.§ ThecurrentstructureoftrainingforGovernmentservants includingdomesticandforeign

trainingismostlyavailabletoverysmallsectionofthegovernmentservants.§ Theoutreachof the existing training setup is very limited inviewof the largeworkforce

employedinvariousStates/UTGovernments.Whyinnews?

§ TheiGOT(IntegratedGovernmentOnlineTrainingProgramme)developedbyDepartmentofPersonnelandTraining,MinistryofPersonnel,PublicGrievances&Pensions,waslaunchedonDec20,2018.

WatankoJanoWatanKoJano:

§ Theprogramme is sponsored jointlybyMinistryofHomeAffairs,CentralGovernment(KashmirCell)andJ&KStateRehabilitationCouncilSocialWelfareDepartment.

§ It aims togive exposure to youth and childrenof J&Kabout the cultural and socio-economicdevelopmenttakingplaceinotherpartsofcountry.

§ YouthandchildrenhitbymilitancyandfromweakersectionsfromJ&Kareselectedfortheprogramme.

Whyinnews?§ TheUnionHomeMinisterShriRajnathSinghmetagroupofschoolchildrenfromJammuand

KashmirundertheYouthExchangeProgramme“WatankoJano”.


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PradhanMantriSwasthyaSurakshaYojanaAboutPradhanMantriSwasthyaSurakshaYojana:

§ Ministry/Department:MinistryofHealth&FamilyWelfare

Objective:§ Tocorrectregional imbalances in theavailabilityofaffordable/reliable tertiaryhealthcare

servicesandalsotoaugmentfacilitiesforqualitymedicaleducationinthecountry.§ Startedin2003§ Ithastwocomponents:§ settingupofAIIMSlikeinstitutionsand§ upgradationofGovernmentmedicalcollegeinstitutions.

Whyinnews?§ The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved

establishmentoftwonewAllIndiaInstituteofMedicalSciences(AIIMS)atMadurai,TamilNaduatacostofRs1,264croreandBibinagar,TelanganaatacostofRs1,028crore.

§ TheAIIMSwillbesetupunderPradhanMantriSwasthyaSurakshaYojana(PMSSY).

GramSwarajAbhiyanWhatisGramSwarajAbhiyan?

§ Ahigh-intensity outreachprogramme to deliverwelfare schemes to select villageswhichneedparticularattention.

§ Aims for 100% coverage of seven schemes launched by Central Government foreligiblebeneficiaries.

SchemesunderGramSwarajAbhiyan1. PradhanMantriUjjwalaYojana

§ ToprovidefreeLPGconnectionstoBPLhouseholds2. Ujalascheme

§ Topromoteefficientlighting&enhanceawarenessonusingefficientequipment3. SaubhagyaScheme

§ Freeelectricityconnectionstoallruralhouseholds&totheurbanpoor.4. PradhanMantriJanDhanYojana

§ Tomakeaffordableaccesstofinancialservicesandforfinancialinclusion.5. PradhanMantriJeevanJyotiBimaYojana

§ Agovernment-backedLifeinsurancescheme6. PradhanMantriSurakshaBimaYojana

§ Agovernment-backedaccidentinsurancescheme7. MissionIndradhanush

§ Toacceleratetheprocessofimmunizationbycovering5%andmorechildreneveryyear

MultipleinitiativesineducationsectorWhyinnews?

§ HRDMinistersays,33newinitiativeshavebeentakenbytheGovernmentinthelastfouryears to strengthen the education system: NAS, SWAYAM, Smart India Hackathon, GIAN,NIRF,SamagraSikshaScheme

NationalAchievementSurvey(NAS)§ Aresearchstudyundertakeninthetoassessthequalityandhealthoftheschooleducation

inthecountrybasedonstudentlearningoutcomes.§ It is the largest ever national assessment survey, and it focuses on government and

governmentaidedschools.


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§ Itisconductedthroughoutthecountry§ Itisatransparentandcredibleexercisedoneunderthirdpartyverification.

Usesofthefindings§ Willhelpinunderstandingtheefficiencyoftheeducationsystem.§ TodesignClassroominterventions.§ Help guide education policy, planning and for improving learning levels of children and

bringingaboutqualitativeimprovements.StudyWebsofActive–LearningforYoungAspiringMinds(SWAYAM)

§ A programme of Ministry of HRD, designed to achieve the three cardinal principles ofEducationPolicyviz.,access,equityandquality.

§ Aninstrumentforself-actualisationprovidingopportunitiesforalife-longlearning.§ Allcourseswouldbeofferedfreeofcostunderthisprogrammehoweverfeeswouldbelevied

incaselearnerrequirescertificate.Objective

§ Totakethebestteachinglearningresourcestoall,includingthemostdisadvantaged.§ Tobridgethedigitaldivideforstudentswhohavehithertoremaineduntouchedbythedigital

revolution.SmartIndiaHackathon

§ LaunchedbyMHRD§ Toreachouttoalltechnologyinstitutionsinthecountryandchallengestudentstooffer

innovativesolutionstosomeofthedauntingproblemsfacedbyourcountry.§ Harnessing creativity and technical expertise from technology institutes in remote

partsofIndia.§ Helpbuildafunnelfor‘StartupIndia,StandupIndia’campaign.§ Institutionalizeamodelforharnessingthecreativityandskillsofyouthfornation-building.

GlobalInitiativeofAcademicNetworks(GIAN)Scheme§ ToboostthequalityofhighereducationinIndiathroughinternationalcollaboration.§ Facilitateparticipationofhighqualityinternationalacademiciansfordeliveringshort-

termcoursesandprogramsinIndianinstitutions.NationalInstitutionalRankingFramework(NIRF)

§ NIRFwasapprovedbytheMHRDandlaunchedin2015.§ Outlinesamethodologytorankinstitutionsacrossthecountry.§ Theparametersusedtomeasuretherankingofaninstitutebroadlycovers:

o Teaching,LearningandResourceso ResearchandProfessionalPracticeso GraduationOutcomeso OutreachandInclusivityo Perception

InstitutionsofEminence(IoE)§ Itisaschemetohelpthetop20highereducationinstitutesofIndia(10govt&10private)to

breakintothetop500globalranking.§ ItwasannouncedbytheUGC§ InstitutesunderIoEwillhave:

o Moreautonomywithregardstorunningtheinstituteo Exemptions from approvals for academic collaborations with foreign

instituteso EachGovtinstitutionsselected,willreceiveRs.1000croreunderthescheme

§ However,onlythoseinstitutesintheglobaltop500rankingortop50inNIRFcanapply.§ Privateinstitutesasgreenfieldventureswith15yearsofsponsorshipcanalsoapply.

SamagraShikshascheme


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§ Aimsatunifying learning frompre-school to class12 levelsby treatingeducationholisticallyascontinuumfrompre-schooltoclass12.

§ EncapsulateselementsofpreviousschemeandfocusesondigitaleducationbygivingemphasisonintegrationoftwoTs–TeacherandTechnology.

Objectives§ Qualityeducation§ Enhancinglearningoutcomes§ Bridgingsocialandgendergapsinschooleducation§ Promotingvocationalisationofeducation§ Strengtheningteachereducationinstitutions§ Providingannualgrantforstrengtheningoflibraries

LEAP: ▪ LeadershipforAcademiciansProgramme.▪ LEAPisa3weektrainingprogramme(2weekstraininginIndiaand1weekinforeign)

tothepotentialsecondtieracademicheadswhoarelikelytotakeupleadershiproleinthepublicfundedacademicinstitute.

▪ Theywouldbetrainedonleadership,managementandcommunicationtraining.▪ This step is to increase the leadership quality in the management of higher education

institutes.ARPIT:

▪ AnnualRefresherProgrammeInTeaching.▪ Itisamajoranduniqueinitiativeofonlineprofessionaldevelopmentof15lakhhigher

educationfacultyusingtheSWAYAMplatform.▪ ForimplementingARPIT,75discipline-specificinstitutionshavebeenidentifiedandnotified

asNationalResourceCentres(NRCs)inthefirstphase.▪ Theyaretaskedtoprepareonlinetrainingmaterialwithfocusonlatestdevelopments

in the discipline, new & emerging trends, pedagogical improvements andmethodologiesfortransactingrevisedcurriculum.

▪ Thisonlinecontentwillbeinvideoandnon-videoformatwhichwillbeavailableinflexible timing toupdate the facultieswith latestdevelopment in theirdisciplineofhighereducation.

SWAYAMportal ▪ UnderSWAYAMorStudyWebsofActive–LearningforYoungAspiringMindsprogrammeof

MinistryofHumanResourceDevelopment.▪ The professors and faculties of centrally funded institutions like IITs, IIMs, central

universitieswillofferonlinecoursestocitizensofIndia.▪ Herelearnercanchoosefromhundredsofcourses,virtuallyeverycoursethatistaughtatthe

university/college/schoollevelandtheseshallbeofferedbybestoftheteachersinIndiaandelsewhere.

OperationDigitalboards‘OperationDigitalBoard’

§ The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) has passed a resolution to take stepstowardsOperationDigitalBoardonthelinesofOperationBlackboardof1987,whichwasstartedwiththepurposeofprovidingminimumbasicfacilitiestoallprimaryschools.

§ The idea of Operation Digital Board is aimed at providing better digital education in allschools.Itwilloffernewopportunitiesandnewwaysofteachingandlearningtoschools.

§ Operation Digital Board will be launched with the involvement of the Central and Stategovernments,CSIRandcommunitysupport.

WhyinNews?


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§ TheGovernmentissettolaunch‘OperationDigitalBoard’across15lakhclassroomsinthecountryinthenextfouryears.

CentralAdvisoryBoardofEducation(CABE)§ CABE is the policy-making advisory body of the HRB Ministry. The committee has

representativesofcentralorganisations,universities,state,NGOsandcivilsociety.§ TheCABEcommitteeheadedbyHRDMinisterisgenerallymadeforthreeyears.

IMPRESSSchemeAbouttheScheme

§ UndertheScheme,1500researchprojectswillbeawardedfor2yearstosupportthesocialscienceresearchinthehighereducationalinstitutionsandtoenableresearchtoguidepolicymaking.

§ IndianCouncilofSocialScienceandResearch(ICSSR)willbetheprojectimplementingagency.

WhyinNews?§ TheUnionMinisterforHumanResourceDevelopmentlaunchedthewebportaloftheScheme

“ImpactfulPolicyResearchinSocialSciences(IMPRESS)”Significance

§ ResearchinsocialscienceisessentialfortheprogressofthesocietyandtheresearchcarriedoutundertheIMPRESSschemewillbeusedtounderstandandsolveproblemsfacingsociety.

Objectives§ To identify and fund research proposals in social scienceswithmaximum impact on the

governanceandsociety.§ To focus research on (11) broad thematic areas such as -State and Democracy, Urban

transformation,Media,CultureandSociety,Employment,SkillsandRuralTransformation,Governance,etc

§ Toensureselectionofprojectsthroughatransparent,competitiveprocessononlinemode.§ Toprovideopportunityforsocialscienceresearchersinanyinstitutioninthecountry

SPARCSchemeWhyinNews?

§ The Minister of Human Resource Development launched the web portal of the Scheme“SchemeforPromotionofAcademicandResearchCollaboration(SPARC)”

AbouttheScheme§ SPARCschemeaimsatimprovingtheresearchecosystemofIndia’shighereducational

institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between IndianInstitutionsandthebestinstitutionsintheworld.

§ Under this Scheme,600 joint researchproposalswill be awarded for2 years to facilitatestrongresearchcollaborationbetweenIndianresearchgroupswiththebestinclassfacultyandrenownedresearchgroupsintheleadinguniversitiesoftheworld.

§ IndianInstituteofTechnologyKharagpuristheNationalCoordinatingInstitutetoimplementtheSPARCprogramme.

AtalRankingofInstitutionsonInnovationAchievements(ARIIA)WhatisARIIA?

§ Itisarankingofeducationalinstitution,basedontheirlevelofinnovation.Whyinthenews?

§ CalledARIIA-AtalRankingofInstitutionsonInnovationAchievements,itwillbelaunchedonOctober15thandtheresultoftheexercisewillbedeclaredonFebruary28th2018coincidingwithScienceDay.


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§ This index will concentrate on budget expenses, revenues generated; facilitatingaccess to advance centres; ideas of entrepreneurship; innovation ecosystemssupported through teaching and learning; and innovative solutions to improvegovernanceoftheinstitution.

AtalInnovationMission(AIM)§ ItisNITIAayog’sflagshipinitiativetopromotecultureofinnovationandentrepreneurship

inthecountry.§ Itismandatedtocreateumbrellastructuretooverseeinnovationecosystemofcountryand

revolutionizinginnovationeco-system–touchinguponentireinnovationlifecyclethroughvariousprograms.

Objectives§ Develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of

economy.§ Provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create

awareness.§ Createumbrellastructuretooverseeinnovationecosystemofthecountry

BetiBachao,BetiPadhao&KheloIndiaKheloWhatIsBetiBachao,BetiPadhao?

§ ANationalinitiativejointlyrunby:MinistryofWomenandChildDevelopment(alsothe nodal agency), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of HumanResourceDevelopment.

§ Themainobjectiveistopreventgenderbiasedsexselection.§ Itpronouncesstrictenforcementoflawswithstringentpunishmenttoviolators§ Italsoaimstoaddressthedecliningchildsexratio.

KheloIndiaKhelo:§ AprogrammebyMinistryofSports&Youthaffairs§ AimstorevivesportscultureinIndiaatgrass-rootlevel§ Its objective is to build strong framework for all sports played in our country and

establishIndiaasgreatsportingnation§ AHighpowercommitteewillidentifytalentedsportspersonsinvarioussports,whowillbe

providedwithanannualfinancialassistanceofRs.5lakhfor8years.Whyinnews?

§ UnionMinister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated a 3-day PhotoExhibitionon‘BetiBachao,BetiPadhaocampaign,SwachhBharatAbhiyanandKheloIndiaKhelo’inChandigarh.

POSHANAbhiyaanWhatisPoshanAbhiyaan?

§ POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) is a flagship programme of theMinistryofWomenandChildDevelopment(MWCD)

§ ThegoalsofNNMaretoachieveimprovementinnutritionalstatusofChildrenfrom0-6 years,AdolescentGirls, PregnantWomenandLactatingMothers in a timeboundmannerduringthenextthreeyearsbeginning2017-18.

§ Acomprehensiveapproachtowardsraisingnutritionlevelinthecountryonawarfooting.Targets

§ NNM targets to reduce stunting, under- nutrition, anaemia (among young children,womenandadolescentgirls)andreducelowbirthweightby2%,2%,3%and2%perannumrespectively.


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§ Although the target to reduce Stunting is at least 2% p.a., Missionwould strive toachievereductioninStuntingfrom38.4%(NFHS-4)to25%by2022(Mission25by2022).

Whyinnews?§ ItwasannouncedthatinSeptember,‘POSHANmonth’wouldbecelebratedwhereall

Ministries,departmentsandcommunitywillcometogether.RecommendationsofthereviewmeetingheldatDelhi

▪ PMrecentlyannouncedthatpaymentforAnganwadiworkerswillberaisedsoonwhichwillfastenthefightagainstmalnutrition.

▪ Earliestpossibledistributionof smartphones to the ICDS frontlineworkers to increasingmonitoringgrowthofchildren.

▪ Rolloutof e-ILA (e-incremental learningapproach-Technologydeveloped to support thefieldfunctionariestoimprovetheirknowledgeandskillsinanongoingincrementalmanner)andmanyotherissuesconcerningeffectiveimplementationofPoshanAbhiyan.

PRAGATIWhatisPRAGATI?

§ PRAGATI(Pro-ActiveGovernanceandTimelyImplementation)isamulti-purposeandmulti-modalplatformexistinginthePrimeMinister’sOffice.

§ ItisusedexclusivelybythePrimeMinistertogivesuitabledirectionsforredressalofgrievancesandalsooncomplianceontheprojectsandprogrammesandtomotivateallofficerstoworkincoordinatedmannerfortheoutcome.

§ Threemajorobjectivesoftheprogram§ Grievanceredressal§ Projectimplementation§ ProjectMonitoring§ ThePRAGATIplatformuniquelybundlesthreelatesttechnologies:Digitaldatamanagement,

video-conferencingandgeo-spatialtechnology.§ Theword“PRAGATI”inSanskrit/Hindimeans"Progress"§ PRAGATIisnotapublicwebplatform.

Whyinnews?§ PMinteractsthroughPRAGATItoaddressgrievancesrelatedinPostOffices.§ Thisisthe26thPRAGATIinteractionbythePM.§ Intheprevious25PRAGATImeetings,thePMhasreviewedtheprogressofover227projects.

Aanchalmother’smilkbankWhatisit?

§ Itisamother’smilkbank,setupin18districtgovernmenthospitalsofRajasthanin2016forthefirsttimeinIndia

Whyisthereaneedforsuchabank?§ Sometimesmothersareunabletofeedtheirinfantsduetoclinicalreasons.§ Incertaincases,wheretheinfantsareorphansorabandoned,theyhavenoscopeforgetting

breastmilk.§ Ifthebabyispremature,itisunabletosuck.

Whyisbreastmilkimportant?§ Breastmilk fightspotential infectionsandalsodiseases likediabetes&canceratanearly

stage§ Itsuppliesallnecessarynutrientsneededforthebabyandpreventsanypotentialallergies§ Mother’smilkreducesneonatalmortalityby22%§ Recoveryofnewbornsadmittedtointensivecareunitsincreasesby40%


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§ Breastfeedinghaspositivehealthimplicationsforthemothersaswell.§ WorldBreastfeedingWeek(WBW)iscelebratedbyWorldAllianceforBreastfeedingAction,

UNICEF,WHO,heldeveryyearfrom1stto7thAugust.Whyinnews?

§ Theproject has seen tremendous growth from800donors in 2016 tomore than 16,000donorsin2017.

§ Morethan20,000infantshavebenefitedfromtheprogramme.DISHAinitiativeWhatisDISHAinitiative?

§ ComesundertheMinistryofRuralDevelopment.§ It is initiated with a view to ensure better coordination amongst all elected

representativesinthecentre,State&LocalGovernments.§ Itwillalsohelpinmonitoringgovernmentschemesbygeographyinrealtime.§ Thisistoensureefficientandtime-bounddevelopmentofdistrictsinourcountry.§ Willbeusedineffectivedevelopmentcoordinationforalmostalltheprogrammesof

Central Government, whether it is for infrastructure development or Socialdevelopment

Whyinnews?§ Centre recently renamedDistrictDevelopmentcoordinationandMonitoringcommittee is

namedas(DISHA)§ It announced that the initiative is for effective development coordination and timely

implementationoftheschemes.§ Currently41CentralGovernmentSchemesarelistedunderDISHA

VaranasiMultiModalTerminalonRiverGangaWhyinnews?

§ PMwilldedicatetothenationthenewlyconstructedMultiModalTerminalonRiverGangaatVaranasi.

AboutVaranasiMulti-modalterminal: § VaranasiportorVaranasiMulti-ModalTerminalisariverportintheVaranasicityof

UttarPradesh.TheportisbeingbuiltontheGangesriver.§ Thisportisbeingbuiltunderthegovernment'sJalMargVikasproject.§ Whentheconstructionoftheportiscompleted,thedirectconnectionofthePortofKolkata

andHaldiaPortalongwithVaranasicitywillbecreated.§ Thereare twoships toanchorat theportsimultaneously. In theport, therewillbeother

facilitiesincludingdepositarea,commoditytransitshade,parkingarea.§ Therewillalsobeafloatingjettywithterminalforpassengertransport.

AboutJalMargVikasProject: § ItaimstobuildNationalWaterways1withWorldBankfunding.§ Theprojectaimstobringdownthelogisticscostinthecountry.§ The project will cover states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West

BengalandmajordistrictssuchasVaranasi,Ghazipur,Ballia,Buxar,Chhapra,Vaishali,Patna, Begusarai, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur, Sahibganj, Musrhidabad, Pakur,HooglyandKolkata


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DeenadayalAntyodyaYojanaNationalRuralLivelihoodMission-ReducingPovertythroughLivelihoodDiversificationWhyitisinnews?

§ ThepaceofreductionofpovertyinIndiahasspeededupinrecentyearsaspertheGlobalMulti-dimensional Poverty Index 2018 as also the note published by the BrookingsInstitution.

§ DeenadayalAntyodyaYojanaisalsofoundtobeoneofthereasonforreducingpovertyinruralareasthroughLivelihoodDiversification

AboutDeenadayalAntyodyaYojana-NationalRuralLivelihoodMission:

§ TheDeendayalAntodayaYojana–NationalRuralLivelihoodsMission(DAY-NRLM)isaimedat alleviationof ruralpoverty throughbuilding sustainable community institutionsof thepoor.

§ It seeks tomobilizeabout9 crorehouseholds intoSHGs and link them tosustainablelivelihoodopportunitiesbybuildingtheirskillsandenablingthemtoaccess formalsourcesoffinance,entitlementsandservicesfrombothpublicandprivatesectors.

§ Itenvisagedthattheintensiveandcontinuouscapacitybuildingofruralpoorwomenwillensuretheirsocial,economicandpoliticalempowermentanddevelopment.

KeyFeatures• UniversalSocialMobilisation-Atleastonewomanmemberfromeachidentifiedruralpoor

household,istobebroughtundertheSelfHelpGroup(SHG)networkinatimeboundmanner.Special emphasis is particularly on vulnerable communities such as manual scavengers,victimsofhumantrafficking,ParticularlyVulnerableTribalGroups(PVTGs),Personswith


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Disabilities(PwDs)andbondedlabour.NRLMhasdevisedspecialstrategiestoreachouttothesecommunitiesandhelpthemgraduateoutofpoverty.

• ParticipatoryIdentificationofPoor(PIP)-TheinclusionofthetargetgroupunderNRLMis determined by a well-defined, transparent and equitable process of participatoryidentificationofpoor,atthelevelofthecommunity.Allhouseholdsidentifiedaspoorthroughthe PIP process is the NRLM Target Group and is eligible for all the benefits under theprogramme.TargetGroupisidentifiedthroughtheParticipatoryIdentificationofPoor(PIP)method.TheNRLMTargetGroup(NTG)derivedthroughthePIPisde-linkedfromtheBPL.

• CommunityFundsasResourcesinPerpetuity-NRLMprovidesRevolvingFund(RF)andCommunityInvestmentFund(CIF)asresourcesinperpetuitytotheinstitutionsofthepoor,to strengthen their institutional and financialmanagement capacity and build their trackrecordtoattractmainstreambankfinance.

• FinancialInclusion-NRLMworksonbothdemandandsupplysidesoffinancialinclusion.On thedemandside, itpromotes financial literacyamong thepoorandprovidescatalyticcapitaltotheSHGsandtheirfederations.Onthesupplyside,theMissioncoordinateswiththefinancialsectorandencouragesuseofInformation,Communication&Technology(ICT)basedfinancialtechnologies,businesscorrespondentsandcommunityfacilitatorslike‘BankMitras’. It alsoworks towardsuniversal coverageof ruralpooragainst riskof lossof life,healthandassets.Further, itworksonremittances,especiallyinareaswheremigrationisendemic.

• Livelihoods-NRLMfocusesonstabilizingandpromotingexistinglivelihoodportfolioofthepoor through its three pillars – ‘vulnerability reduction’ and ‘livelihoods enhancement’throughdeepening/enhancingandexpandingexistinglivelihoodsoptionsandtappingnewopportunitiesinfarmandnon-farmsectors;‘employment’-buildingskillsforthejobmarketoutside; and ‘enterprises’ - nurturing self-employed and entrepreneurs (for micro-enterprises).

• Convergenceandpartnerships• Convergence:NRLMplacesahighemphasisonconvergencewithotherprogrammes

of the MoRD and other Central Ministries. Convergence is also sought withprogrammes of state governments for developing synergies directly or indirectlywithinstitutionsofthepoor.

• Partnerships with NGOs and other CSOs: NRLM has been proactively seekingpartnerships with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and other Civil SocietyOrganizations(CSOs),attwolevels-strategicandimplementation.ThepartnershipsareguidedbyNRLM’scorebeliefsandvalues,andmutualagreementonprocessesandoutcomes.PartnershipguidelinestopartnerwithNGOs,CSOshavebeenfinalizedandapprovedthisyear.

• Linkages with PRIs: In view of the eminent roles of Panchayat Raj Institutions(PRIs), it isnecessarytoconsciouslystructureandfacilitatesamutuallybeneficialworkingrelationshipbetweenPanchayatsandinstitutionsofthepoor,particularlyatthe levelofVillagePanchayats.Formalplatformswouldbeestablished forregularconsultations between such institutions and PRIs for exchange of mutual advice,supportandsharingofresources.

JanShikshanSansthansWhyitisinnews?

§ ShriDharmendraPradhanMinisterforSkill&DevelopmentMinistrylaunchesnewreforms,guidelinestostrengthenJanShikshanSanthans(JSS)

AboutJanShikshanSansthans:


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§ JanShikshanSansthans(JSSs)areestablishedtoprovidevocationaltrainingtonon-literate,neo-literate,aswellasschooldropoutsbyidentifyingskillsaswouldhaveamarketintheregionoftheirestablishment.

§ FormerlyundertheMinistryofHumanResourcesDevelopment,JanShikshanSansthanhasbeentransferredtotheMinistryofSkillDevelopment&Entrepreneurshipin2018.

ScopeofWork:TheScopeofWorkofJanShikshanSansthans(JSSs)willincludethefollowing:

§ Develop/Sourceappropriatecurriculumandtrainingmodulescoveringvocationalelementsgeneralawarenessandlifeenrichmentcomponents.

§ Whereverpossible,JSSareencouragedtoundertake§ Training equivalent to courses designed by the Directorate of Adult education, National

InstituteofOpenSchoolingandDirectorGeneralEmployment&Training.§ Providetrainingtoapoolofresourcepersonsandmastertrainersforconductingtrainingas

alsoavailabilityofinfrastructureandtraining–specificequipment.§ Administersimpletestsandawardcertificates§ Networkwithemployersandindustriesfortraineestogetsuitableplacements.§ Inabidtoboostskilltrainingandentrepreneurshipintheremotestcornersofthecountry,

ShriDharmendraPradhan,MinisterofSkillDevelopmentandEntrepreneurship,PetroleumandNaturalGas(MSDE)announcedcomprehensivereformsforJanShikshanSansthan(JSS), to further strengthen the skills ecosystem benefiting those in the underprivilegedsectionsofsociety.§ The Ministry considers Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) has been instrumental in skill

training and introducing avenues of entrepreneurship among the socio-economicallybackwardandeducationallydisadvantagedgroupssuchasneo-literates,semi-literates,SCs,STs,womenandgirls,slumdwellers,migrantworkers.

§ Bybringingthemundertheaegisofthenationalskillframework,theagendaoftoday’seventwastoalignallskillingactivitiestoacommoncauseofskilldevelopmentatthedistrictandgramlevel.

ReleaseofNewGuidelines§ ThelaunchofthesestrategicguidelinesisanattemptbytheMSDEtore-energizeandreinvigoratethe

JanShikshanSansthans.Byaligning JSSs to theNationalSkillFramework, theGovernmentaims toprovidestandardisedtrainingacrosssectors.Keyhighlightsoftheguidelinesare:

§ AlignmentofJSScourseandcurriculumtoNationalSkillQualificationFramework(NSQF)tostandardizetraining

§ DecentralizationofpowersforJSSs-givingmoreaccountabilityandindependencetodistrictadministration

§ Toidentifyandpromotetraditionalskillsinthedistrictthroughskilling/upskilling;§ Evidencebasedassessmentsystem§ EasyOnlinecertification§ Linking JSS to PFMS (Public FinanceManagement system)maintaining transparency and

accountabilityoftheecosystem§ Creatinglivelihoodlinkages§ Training of Trainers to develop the capacity through NSTIs (National Skills Training

Institutes)


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Ruralhousing

Whyitisinnews?

§ TheGovernment’sflagshipprogramHousingforAllinruralareashasonlyachieved66%oftarget.

§ The government had aimed to complete 10 million houses in the first phase under thePradhanMantriAwasYojana-Gramin(PMAY-G),theruralcomponentofthescheme,bytheendofthecurrentfiscal.Sofar,about6.7millionhouseshavebeencompletedand1.7millionareinthefinalstagesofconstruction.

AboutPradhanMantriAwasYojana(Grameen):

§ Housingisoneofthebasicrequirementsforhumansurvival.Foranormalcitizenowninga

houseprovidessignificanteconomicandsocialsecurityandstatusinsociety.Forashelterlessperson,ahousebringsaboutaprofoundsocialchangeinhisexistence,endowinghimwithanidentity,thusintegratinghimwithhisimmediatesocialmilieu.

§ Inpursuancetothegoal-Housingforallby2022,theruralhousingschemeIndiraAwasYojanahasbeenrevampedtoPradhanMantriAwaasYojana–GraminandapprovedduringMarch2016.

§ Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided for construction of pucca house to allhouseless and households living in dilapidated houses. It is proposed that one crorehouseholdswouldbeprovidedassistanceforconstructionofpuccahouseundertheprojectduringtheperiodfrom2016-17to2018-19.

§ The scheme would be implemented in rural areas throughout India except Delhi andChandigarh.ThecostofhouseswouldbesharedbetweenCentreandStates.

FundingPattern:


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§ Under PMAY, the cost of unit assistance is to be shared between Central and StateGovernmentsintheratio60:40inplainareasand90:10forNorthEasternandhillystates.

§ TheunitassistancegiventobeneficiariesundertheprogrammeisRs1,20,000inplainareasandtoRs1,30,000inhillystates/difficultareas/IntegratedActionPlan(IAP)forSelectedTribalandBackwardDistricts.PresentlytheNEStates,StatesofHP,J&KandUttarakhandandall82LWEdistrictsare identifiedasdifficultandhillyareas.Theunitsize is25sq.mincludingadedicatedareaforhygieniccooking.

§ Thebeneficiaryisentitledto90daysofunskilledlabourfromMGNREGA.§ ThebeneficiarywouldbefacilitatedtoavailloanofuptoRs.70,000/-forconstructionofthe

housewhichisoptional.§ Fundswillbetransferredelectronicallydirectlytotheaccountofthebeneficiary.

Whyprobleminachievingthetarget?§ Duetounavailabilityof land, thestatesareunabletoallocate landtothebeneficiaries for

houseconstruction.§ However,theCentrehadwrittentothestatesaboutalargenumberoflandlesspoornotbeing

sanctionedhousesbecauseoflandunavailability,andaskedStatestospeeduptheprocessoflandallocation.

BhoomiRashiPortalWhyinnews?

▪ Bhoomi Rashi Portal is used for Land Acquisition process for roads and highwayssectorinthecountry.

▪ ThesuccessoftheportalwasspokenaboutinaneventbyUnionMinisterofRoadTransport.Abouttheportal:

▪ BhoomiRashiportalbelongstoMinistryofRoadTransport&Highways.▪ The portal allows for totally digital and paper-less processing and has resulted in

transparent,corruption-freeanderror-freehandling.▪ Ithasalsomadethepossiblereal-timetrackingofactivitiesandgenerationofreports.▪ This digital change has drastically reduced the time taken from3-6months to 1-2

weeks.▪ Earlier the approved compensation amount used to be parked with the CALA

(CompetentAuthorityforLandAcquisition)butwithBhoomiRashiportalthisamountdirectlytransferredintotheaccountofthepersonconcerned,throughPublicFinancialManagementSystemwhichisanintegralpartoftheportal.

▪ In addition to this, the process is also environment friendly since there is no physicalmovementoffiles–allworkisdonedigitally.

▪ ThisportalisconsideredasasuccessofDigitalIndia.JalMargVikasAboutJalMargVikasProject:

§ JalMargVikasProject(JMVP) forcapacitybuildingofnavigationonNationalWaterway-1(NW-1)atacostofRs5000crore.

§ ThetechnicalassistanceandinvestmentsupportoftheWorldBank.§ ImplementedbyMinistryofShipping.§ TheProjectisexpectedtobecompletedbyMarch,2023.

ContainercargosectorinIndia:§ India’s first container cargo on Inland Vessel on post-Independence India moved from

KolkatatoVaranasionriverGanga(NationalWaterway-1)onOct,2018.


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§ AfterthesuccessofcontainercargobeingshippedfromKolkatatoVaranasiearlierthisyear,Kolkata-PatnabecomesIndia’ssecondcontainercargosectoronInlandWaterways.

Benefits:§ Thecargomovementtotheeastandnortheasternstateswillbecomeeasierwiththenew

modeoftransportationthroughwaterways.§ Thecontainercargotransportreduceshandlingcost,allowsforeasiermodalshift,decreases

pilferageanddamage,besidesenablingcargoownerstolessentheircarbonfootprints.AboutNW-1:

§ ThecentralgovernmentisdevelopingNW-1(RiverGanga)underJalMargVikasProjectformHaldia to Varanasi (1,390 km) at about Rs 5,369 crore with the technical and financialassistancefromtheWorldBank.

§ Theprojectwouldenablecommercialnavigationofvesselswithacapacityof1,500-2,000Tonnes.

§ States:UttarPradesh,Bihar,Jharkhand,WestBengal.Whyinnews?

§ India’ssecondcontainercargowasinauguratedon6thDec2018.LiberalisedpromotionschemeAbouttheliberalisedpromotionscheme:

§ MinistryofRailwayshasformulatedaliberalizedpolicyforpromotionofthesportspersons\andcoachestotheofficer’sgrade.

§ AsperwhichoutofturnpromotionshallbegrantedtosportspersonstoOfficerGradebasedontheiroutstandingsportsachievementswhichinter-aliaincluderepresentingthecountryin Olympics on at least two occasions with either at least one medal in CommonwealthGames/AsianGames/OlympicsorbeingtheArjuna/RajivGandhiKhelRatnaAwardees.

AboutArjunaAward:§ TheArjunaAwardsaregivenbytheMinistryofYouthAffairsandSports,GovernmentofIndia

torecognizeoutstandingachievementinsports.§ Startedin1961,theawardcarriesacashprizeofRs.500,000,abronzestatueofArjunaand

ascroll.§ Tobeeligible for theAward,a sportspersonshouldnotonlyhavehadgoodperformance

consistentlyforthepreviousfouryearsattheinternationallevel.AboutRajivGandhiKhelRatnaAward:

§ ItisthehighestsportinghonouroftheRepublicofIndia.§ ItisawardedannuallybytheMinistryofYouthAffairsandSports.§ TherecipientsareselectedbyacommitteeconstitutedbytheMinistryandishonouredfor

their"spectacularandmostoutstandingperformanceinthefieldofsportsoveraperiodoffouryears"atinternationallevel.

§ Theawardcomprisesamedallion,acertificate,andacashprizeofRs.7.5lakh.Whyinnews?

§ UnderthenewliberalisedpromotionschemeofMinistryofRailwaysforsportsperson,Ms.Sakshi Malik, Bronze medallist of Rio Olympics and many other significant sportspersonalitieshavebeengivenpromotions.

ShahpurkandiDamRiverRavi

§ RiverRavihasthesourcenearRohtangpassinHimachalPradesh.§ ItflowsthroughIndia-Pakistanboundary.§ ItcrossestheDhaolaDharrangeandittakesasouth-westerlydirectionandmeetsthe

SatlujriveratHarikeinPunjab.


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Whyinnews?§ TheUnionCabinethasapprovedthe implementationofShahpurkandidamprojectonthe

RaviriverinPunjabTheDamProject

§ TheprojectwouldbeimplementedbyGovernmentofPunjabwithCentralAssistanceandisexpectedtobecompletedby2022

§ ThemajoraimistominimizethewaterofRiverRaviwhichatpresentisgoingwastethroughtheMadhopurHeadworksdownstreamtoPakistan.

§ Itmaygivelargescaleirrigationandhydropowertothesurroundingregions.§ ABilateralagreementwassignedbetweenPunjabandJ&KinJan,1979.§ Aspertheagreement,constructionofRanjitSagarDam(TheinDam)andShahpurkandiDam

wastobetakenupbyPunjabGovt.§ RanjitSagarDamwascommissionedinAug,2000.

IndusWaterTreaty§ IndusWatersTreatywassignedbetweenIndiaandPakistan in1960 forsharingof Indus

waters.§ According to theTreaty, Indiagot the full rights forutilizationofwatersof the three

EasternRiversnamelyRavi,BeasandSatluj.

SoilHealthCardNeed

§ Withconstantdeteriorationofsoilinvariouspartsofthecountryduetovariousreasons.§ Themajorreasonsareoveruseofchemicalfertilizers,ImproperIrrigationmethodsetc.§ So, the government introducedSoil health card scheme tohelp farmers to overcome this

issue.SoilHealthCardScheme

§ Thisschemeprovidessoilhealthcardtoeveryfarmerinthecountry.§ Central Government provides assistance to State Governments for setting up Soil

TestingLaboratoriesforissuingSoilHealthCardstofarmers.§ Under the scheme, State Governments should adopt innovative practices like

involvement of agricultural students, NGOs and private sector in soil testing,determiningaveragesoilhealthofvillages,etc.,

SoilHealthCard§ The Soil health card gives comprehensive information about type of soil, nutrient

content, fertilizer required, crop suitability to ambient temperature and rainfallcondition.

§ TheCardwouldcarrycrop-wiserecommendationsofnutrientsandfertilizersrequiredforfarmsinaparticularvillage


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§ Withtheissueofthecard,thefarmerswillgetawell-monitoredreportofthesoilwhichischosenforcultivationofcrops.

§ Themonitoringwillbedoneonaregularbasis.§ Thefarmerswillbeguidedbyexpertstocomeupwithsolutionstoimprovethequality

ofthesoil.§ GPS enabled soil sampling is done to create a systematic database and allow

monitoringofchangesinthesoilhealthovertheyears.Whyinnews?

§ SoilHealthCardSchemehasbeen takenup for the first time inacomprehensivemanneracrossthecountry.

§ To enable quick soil sample testing and distribution of soil health cards, the soil testinfrastructurehasbeenupgraded,9263soiltestinglabshavebeensanctionedtoStates.

§ In addition, 1562 village level soil testing projects have been sanctioned to generateemploymentforruralyouth.

PartnersForum2018AboutPartnersForum:

§ Partners’ Forum is a global health partnership launched in September 2005 toaccelerateeffortstoreducechildandmaternalmortality,improveadolescent,child,newbornandmaternalhealth.

§ Thispartnershipisanallianceofmorethan1,000plusmembers,across10constituenciesin92countries:academic,researchandteachinginstitutions;donorsandfoundations;healthcare professionals; multilateral agencies; non-governmental organizations; partnercountries;globalfinancingmechanismsandtheprivatesector.

AboutPMCHmission:§ PartnershipforMaternal,NewbornandChildHealth(PMNCH).§ PMNCH'smissionistosupporttheglobalhealthcommunitytoworksuccessfullytowards

achievingtheSustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs),particularlythehealthrelatedSDGsasarticulated in the Strategy forWomen’s Children’s and Adolescents’ Health in support of‘EveryWomanEveryChild’(EWEC)movement.

Agendaofthemeeting:§ TheGovernmentof India, inassociationwiththePartnership forMaternal,Newbornand

Child Health (PMNCH), is hosting a two-day international conference on 12th and 13thDecember2018.

§ The invited countries have been selected from across all regions and income levels andincludecountries thatarecurrently chairingkeyglobalandregionalbodies (e.g.G7,G20,BRICS,etc.).

§ This is the fourth in a series of global high-levelmulti-country,multi-stakeholder eventsaimedatsustainingglobalmomentumforissuesrelatedtohealthofwomen,childrenandadolescents.

§ Theeventhaschosenvariousthemefromvariouscountriesthatwouldbegivenaspecialfocus, From India, IntensifiedMission Indradhanushhasbeen selected asoneof the casestudies.

Whyinnews?§ ThePrimeMinister,inauguratedthefourthPartners’Forumon12thDecemberatNewDelhi.


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KalaUtsavNationalCompetitionAboutKalaUtsavNationalCompetition:

§ Kala Utsav National Competition was launched in 2015 with a view to promote arts ineducationbynurturingandshowcasetheartistictalentsofschoolstudents,childrenwithspecialneedstoowillhavetheopportunitytodisplaytheirtalents.

§ Almoststudentsfromallstatesparticipatein4dayeventwithcompetitiononmusic,danceandpainting.

§ KalaUtsavisaninitiativeoftheDepartmentofSchoolEducationandLiteracyoftheMinistryofHumanResourceDevelopment.

Whyinnews?§ UnionMinisterofHRDinaugurated“KalaUtsav”(FestivalofArts)atBalBhavan,NewDelhi

on12thDecember,2018.

Citizen'sCharter&e-GovernanceAboutCitizenscharter:

§ TheCitizens’ Charter is an instrumentwhich seeks tomake an organization transparent,accountableandcitizenfriendly.

§ ACitizens’Charterisbasicallyasetofcommitmentsmadebyanorganizationregardingthestandardsofservicewhichitdelivers.

§ TheDepartmentofAdministrativeReforms&PublicGrievance(DAPRG)givesguidanceonhowtoformulatecitizen’scharter.

§ SevottamisaServiceDeliveryExcellenceModelwhichprovidesanassessment-improvementframeworktobringaboutexcellenceinpublicservicedeliverythroughciti

§ Threecomponentsofsevottommodel:Effectivedisplayofcharterbeforethepublic;Publicgrievanceredressalandachievingexcellencethroughaction.

AboutE-Governance:§ E-Governanceisinessence,theapplicationofInformationandCommunicationsTechnology

togovernment functioning inordertocreate ‘Simple,Moral,Accountable,ResponsiveandTransparent(SMART)governance.

§ ThegovernmentefforttopromoteDigitalIndiaandonlinetransactiontoreducecorruptionandincreaseefficiencyareallpartofthee-Governanceinitiative.

Whyinnews?§ TheDepartmentofAdministrativeReforms&PublicGrievance (DAPRG) isgoing tohold

Inter-MinisterialmeetingsonCitizensCharterande-Governance.BhashaSangamAboutBhashaSangam:

§ “BhashaSangam”isanattemptbyMHRDtofamiliariseeverychildinthecountrywithsimpledialoguesinallthe22languages,includingKashmiri,underSchedule8oftheConstitution.

Whatistheissue:§ LinguistsandexpertshaveexpressedconcernoverthewithdrawingofKashmiri language

fromMHRDlanguage-promotingportal,BhashaSangamafterKashmiriPandits(KP)objectedtotheversionofthelanguageused.

§ TheKashmirilanguageusedbytheKashmiriHindusandMuslimsaredifferent.§ ThismoveoftheCentralGovernmentmayfurtheralienatetheKashmiripeople.

Whyinnews?§ MHRD recently removed Kashmiri from Basha Saman portal after a demand from few

KashmiriPandits.


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SwasthNorthEastInitiativeWhatisSwasthNorthEastInitiative?

§ ItisaninitiativeofMinistryofhealthandfamilywelfareandMinistryofDevelopmentofNorthEastRegion.

§ Aimstobuildmedical,educationandhealthcarefacilitiesandinfrastructureinNorthEastRegion.

§ NorthEastSpecialInfrastructureDevelopmentScheme(NESIDS),whichisfullyfundedbytheCentralGovernmentisthesourceoffund.

§ NorthEastCouncil(NEC)isresponsibleforsanctionandapprovalofproject.AboutNorthEastCouncil(NEC):

§ NorthEasternCouncilisastatutory,advisorybodyestablishedin1972viatheNorthEasternCouncilAct,1971.

§ Thethreekeyobjectivesviz.balanceddevelopmentoftheNorthEasternRegion;effectingbetterinter-statecoordination;andmaintainingsecurityandpublicorderintheregion.

§ The eight States of Northeast India viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,Meghalaya,Mizoram,Nagaland,TripuraandSikkim,aremembersofthecouncil,withtheirrespectiveChiefMinistersandGovernorsrepresentingthem.

§ WorksundertheChairmanshipofMinistryofHomeAffairs.Whyinnews?

§ 56new infrastructuredevelopmentprojectshasbeen takenupunderSwasthNorthEastInitiative.

MissionAntyodayaWhatisMissionAntyodaya?

§ Aschemetoalleviatethestrugglesoftheruralpoorbyconvergenceofallgovernmentinterventionschemes.

§ ItassumesGramPanchayatsasthebasicunitforplanningandfollowsa ‘saturationapproach’.

§ It is a state-led rural-transformation initiative aiming to target 1 crore ruralhouseholdsin50,000GramPanchayats.

Whatis‘saturationapproach’?§ SaturationApproachsignifiestotalcoverageofatargetedpopulation(ruralpoorinthiscase)

withanumberofinterventionsordevelopmentalschemes,sothatwiththepassageoftime,everyhousehold,withthesupportofsuch interventions; isabletoovercomepovertyanddeprivation,andthecoveredpopulationoftheareaisabletoleadasocially&economicallydignifiedlife.

§ Mission Antyodaya strives to saturate its targeted area in line with its developmentalactivitiesandcovertheentirepopulationunderitsdifferentinterventionsdependingupontheneedsandrequirementsofthecommunity.

Whyinnews?§ Asmanyas166villageshavebeenidentifiedfortheUniongovernment’sMissionAntyodaya

schemeinDakshinaKannada.


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WatershedDevelopmentWhatisWatershed?

§ Awatershedisanareaoflandwhereallofthewaterthatisunderitordrainsoffofitgoesintothesameplace.

Whatiswatersheddevelopment?§ Watersheddevelopmentreferstotheconservationregenerationandthejudicioususeofall

theresources–natural(likeland,waterplants,animals)andhuman–withinthewatershedarea.

§ WatershedManagementtriestobringaboutthebestpossiblebalanceintheenvironmentbetweennaturalresourcesontheonesideandmanandanimalsontheother.

Whyiswatersheddevelopmentimportant?§ The changes in the environmentdirectly affect the lives of thepeopledependingon it. A

degradedenvironmentmeansadegradedqualityoflifeofthepeople.§ Environmentaldegradationcanbetackledeffectivelythroughtheholisticdevelopmentofthe

watershed.§ A watershed provides a natural geo- hydrological unit for planning any developmental

initiative.§ Inrainfedareas,itistheonlyprogrammetosaveandstorewater.

Whyinnews?§ Thestatusof‘watersheddevelopment’,acomponentofPradhanMantriKrishiSinchaiYojana,

islaggingbehindbadly,accordingtoaParliamentaryStandingCommittee(PSC)report.§ Not a single one of the 8,214 projects sanctioned between 2009 and 2015 had been

completed.PradhanMantriKrishiSinchaiYojana(PMKSY)

§ PradhanMantriKrishiSinchayeeYojana(PMKSY)hasbeenformulatedwiththevisionofextendingthecoverageofirrigationandimprovingwateruseefficiencyinafocusedmannerwithendtoendsolutiononsourcecreation,distribution,management,fieldapplicationandextensionactivities

§ ‘HarKhetkopani’or‘Morecropperdrop'isitsslogan.§ It is a nationalmission to improve farmproductivity and ensure better utilization of the

resourcesinthecountry.


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§ PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating ongoing schemes viz. AcceleratedIrrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry of Water Resources, RiverDevelopment & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR,RD&GR), Integrated WatershedManagementProgramme(IWMP)ofDepartmentofLandResources(DoLR)andtheOnFarm Water Management (OFWM) of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation(DAC).

Ministriesinvolved§ Theschemewillbe implementedbyMinistriesofAgriculture,WaterResourcesandRural

Development.§ MinistryofRuralDevelopmentistomainlyundertakerainwaterconservation,construction

offarmpond,waterharvestingstructures,smallcheckdamsandcontourbundingetc.§ MoWR,RD&GR,istoundertakevariousmeasuresforcreationofassuredirrigationsource,

construction of diversion canals, field channels, water diversion/lift irrigation, includingdevelopmentofwaterdistributionsystems.

§ Ministry of Agriculture will promote efficient water conveyance and precision waterapplication devices like drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns in the farm “(Jal Sinchan)”,construction of micro- irrigation structures to supplement source creation activities,extension activities for promotion of scientific moisture conservation and agronomicmeasures.

Programmearchitecture§ A ‘decentralized State level planning and projectized execution’ structure that will allow

StatestodrawuptheirownirrigationdevelopmentplansbasedonDistrictIrrigationPlan(DIP)andStateIrrigationPlan(SIP)

§ Itwillbeoperativeasconvergenceplatformforallwatersectoractivitiesincludingdrinkingwater&sanitation,MGNREGA,applicationofscience&technologyetc.

§ TheprogrammewillbesupervisedandmonitoredbyanInter-MinisterialNationalSteeringCommittee(NSC)willbeconstitutedundertheChairmanshipofPrimeMinisterwithUnionMinistersfromconcernedMinistries.

§ ANationalExecutiveCommittee(NEC)willbeconstitutedundertheChairmanshipofViceChairman,NITIAayogtooverseeprogrammeimplementation,allocationofresources,inter-ministerialcoordination,monitoring&performanceassessment,addressingadministrativeissuesetc.

PradhanMantriBhartiyaJanaushadhiPariyojanaAboutPMBJP

§ PradhanMantriBhartiyaJanaushadhiPariyojanaisacampaignlaunchedin2008bytheDepartmentofPharmaceuticals.

§ Theobjectiveistoprovidequalitymedicinesataffordablepricestothemasses. § PMBJPstoreshavebeensetuptoprovidegenericdrugs,whichareavailableatlesserprices

butareequivalentinqualityandefficacyasexpensivebrandeddrugs. § BureauofPharmaPSUsofIndia(BPPI)istheimplementationagencyforPMBJP.

WhocanopenaJanAushadhistore?§ StateGovernmentsoranyorganization/reputedNGOs/Trusts/Privatehospitals

/charitableinstitutions/Doctors/Unemployedpharmacist/individualentrepreneursareeligibletoapplyfornewJanAushadhistores.

§ TheapplicantsshallhavetoemployoneBPharma/DPharmadegreeholderasPharmacistintheirproposedstore.

WhyinNews?§ AsperarecentsurveyconductedbytheBureauofPharmaPSUsofIndia(BPPI),thenumber

ofJanaushadhistoresinthecountryhasgrowntomorethan4300in640districts.Thishas


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ledtototalsavingsofapproximatelyRs.600croresforcommonpeople,asthesemedicinesarecheaperby50%to90%ascomparedtoaveragemarketpriceofbrandedmedicines.

BureauofPharmaPSUsofIndia(BPPI)§ Itwasestablishedin2008andcomesundertheDepartmentofPharmaceuticals.§ BPPIgotregisteredasanindependentsocietyin2010undertheSocietiesRegistrationAct,

1860§ BPPI primarily focuses on coordinatingmarketing of the generic drugs through the Jan

AushadhistoresandsourcingofmedicinesfromPharmaCPSUsandPrivateSector.§ ItalsomanagesthesupplychainandensuresproperrunningoftheJanAushadhistores.

SetuBharatamProgrammeAboutSetuBharatamProgramme

§ ItaimstomakeallNationalHighwaysfreeofrailwaylevelcrossingsby2019. § Thisisbeingdonetopreventthefrequentaccidentsandlossoflivesbyconstructing208

RailwayoverBridges(ROB)/RailwayunderBridges(RUB)atthelevelcrossings. § The UnionMinistry of Road Transport andHighways is the implementing agency of the

project. WhyinNews?

§ According to the latest governmentdata,3402UnmannedLevelCrossings (UMLCs)havebeen eliminated in last sevenmonths. Balance 77 UMLCs have also been planned to beeliminatedbyDecember2018.

§ Most of the UMLCs have been eliminated either by provision of Subway/RUBs or bymanning.

HunarHaatWhyinnews?

▪ UnionMinisterforMinorityAffairswillinauguratethe“HunarHaat”on15thNovember,2018atIndiaInternationalTradeFair(IITF)atNewDelhi.

AboutHunarHaat: § Hunar Haat has been successful in providing national and international markets and

employment-marketingopportunitiestomasterartisansandcraftsmen.§ Ithasprovidedplatformtomasterartisansandcraftsmentodisplaytheirrichheritageand

skills.§ ItisbeingimplementedbyMinistryofMinorityAffairs.

YuvaSahakar-CooperativeEnterpriseSupportandInnovationScheme”Whyinnews?

▪ Tocatertotheneedsandaspirationsoftheyouth,theNationalCooperativeDevelopmentCorporation(NCDC)hascomeupwithayouth-friendlyscheme‘YuvaSahakar-CooperativeEnterpriseSupportandInnovationScheme”forattractingthemtocooperativebusinessventures.

Moreonthescheme: § The newly launched scheme would encourage cooperatives to venture into new and

innovativeareasandbeapartof‘StartUp’Indiainitiativeofthegovernment.§ TheschemewillbelinkedtoRs1000crore‘CooperativeStart-upandInnovationFund

(CSIF)’createdbytheNCDC.It isadedicatedfundwithliberal featuresenablingyouthtoavailthescheme.

§ ItwouldhavemoreincentivesforcooperativesofNorthEasternregion,AspirationalDistrictsandcooperativeswithwomenorSCorSTorPwDmembers.


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§ Thefundingfortheprojectwillbeupto80%oftheprojectcostforthesespecialcategoriesasagainst70%forothers.

§ Theschemeenvisages2%lessthantheapplicablerateofinterestontermloanfortheprojectcostuptoRs3croreincluding2yearsmoratoriumonpaymentofprincipal.

§ Alltypesofcooperativesinoperationforatleastoneyearareeligible.AboutNCDC(NationalCooperativeDevelopmentCorporation):

▪ NCDCworksundertheMinistryofAgriculture.▪ Itisresponsibleforfinancingtheruralcooperativesociety.

AboutCooperatives: ▪ 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 gave constitutional status to cooperative

societies.▪ Itaddednewpart,PartIX-B(Art243ZH-243ZT).▪ Itmadetherighttoformcooperativesocietyafundamentalright(Art19).▪ ItincludedanewDPSPonpromotionofcooperativesocieties(Art43B).

SwadeshDarshanSchemeWhyinnews?

▪ Two important projects from North East India under Swadesh Darshan Scheme ofMinistryofTourism,GovernmentofIndia.

▪ These projects are “Development of North East Circuits: Bhalukpong- Bomdila - TawangProject&Nafra-Seppa-Pappu,Pasa,PakkeValleys-Sangdupota-NewSagalee-Ziro-YomchaProject”.

AboutSwadeshDarshanscheme: ▪ Tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value,

competitivenessandsustainabilityinanintegratedmanner▪ Theywillbedevelopedbysynergizingefforts to focusonconcernsandneedsofall

stakeholderstoenrichtouristexperienceandenhanceemploymentopportunities▪ Underthisscheme,13thematiccircuitshavebeenidentifiedfordevelopment▪ TheyareBuddhistCircuit,North-EastIndiaCircuit,CoastalCircuit,HimalayanCircuit,

KrishnaCircuit,DesertCircuit,EcoCircuit,WildlifeCircuit,TribalCircuit,RuralCircuit,SpiritualCircuit,RamayanaCircuitandHeritageCircuit

▪ Theschemeis100%centrallyfundedfortheprojectcomponentsundertakenforpublicfunding

▪ It also leveragesCorporate SocialResponsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public SectorUndertakingsandcorporatesector.

OtherSchemesofTourismdevelopmentPilgrimageRejuvenationandSpiritualAugmentationDrive(PRASAD)

▪ Itaimstodevelopspiritualcentersfortourismdevelopment.▪ ItisdonebyMinistryoftourism▪ Under it, 13 cities Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Dwarka, Gaya, Kamakhaya, Kancheepuram,

Kedarnath, Mathura, Patna, Puri, Varanasi and Velankanni have been identified fordevelopment.

HeritageInfrastructureDevelopmentandAugmentationYojana(HRIDAY)▪ HRIDAYisaCentralSchemethataimstopreserveandrejuvenatetherichculturalheritage

ofthecountry.▪ ItisunderMinistryofUrbanDevelopment▪ TheschemewillbecompletelyfundedbytheCentralGovernmenttocreateinfrastructure

andprovidefacilitiesaroundtheheritagesitestoattractmoretourists.AdoptAHeritage


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▪ This scheme was launched by Tourism Ministry in close collaboration with Ministry ofCultureandArchaeologicalSurveyofIndia(ASI).

▪ Itenvisagesatdevelopingmonuments,heritageandtourist sitesacross Indiaandmakingthemtouristfriendlyandenhancetheirtourismpotentialandculturalimportanceinplannedandphasedmanner.

▪ ItisdonewiththehelpofCorporateSocialResponsibility(CSR)activities

DigiYatraWhatisDigiYatra?

§ AfacilitydevelopedbytheMinistryofCivilAviation§ TheDigiYatra initiativeenvisagesprovidingairlinetravellers in India,apioneering

‘digitallyunifiedflyingexperience’acrossallstagesoftheirjourney§ This will also facilitate walk-through security scanners swiftly owing to advanced

biometricsecuritysolutions.§ Theplatformwillbebuilton4keypillars,likeConnectedPassengers,ConnectedAirports,

ConnectedFlyingandConnectedSystemsIntroductionoftheinitiative

§ Vijayawadaairportsbutwillbeintroducedelsewhere.Howdoesitwork?

§ ApassengerneedstoenrollintoDigiYatraprogramthroughAirSewaappandaDigiYatraverifiedpassengerwillgethasslefreeentryatairportthroughE-Gates.

§ TheIDverificationwillbedonebytheBureauofCivilAviationSecurity(BCAS)-approvedGovernmentID.

§ Attheentrygateasingletokenforthepassengerwillbecreated.Benefits

§ Itaimsatgivingthetravelerahassle-freeairportexperiencerightfromenteringtheplace till theboardinggate, thus cuttingdown longqueues that are so infamous inalmostallairportsinIndia.

§ Plantheirtripsefficientlybyidentifyingpricetrendsandestimatefutureairfaresatthetimeofticketbooking

§ OptionallylinktheirAadhaartoairlinesandotherecosystemplayersatthetimeofbookingforfasterairportentryandautomatedcheck-inswithoutrequiringanypaper-basedinterventions

§ Walk-through security scanners swiftly owing to advanced biometric securitysolutions

§ Receiverelevantinformationpertainingtovariousfacilities,protocols,airlinetimings,queuelengthsatairportsetc

§ Engageincustomiseddigitalofferingsatexperiencezones§ Getrealtimenotificationsaboutcongestionanddelaystohavegreatervisibilityonthenext

stepofjourney§ Convenientlynavigatethroughtheairportusingdigitalguidancesystems,interactivekiosks

andaugmentedrealityapps§ Stay connected during flights and indulge in immersive experiences. Also book in- flight

servicesanddestination-basedofferingsdigitally§ Getapromptwhentheirluggagereachesthebaggageclaimbelt§ Submitgrievances,shareexperiencesandprovidefeedback

FacialRecognition

§ TheMinistryofCivilAviationhasunveiledtheDigiYatrainitiativewhichwillsoonofferAirpassengerstoenterairportsinIndiaviafacialrecognitiontechnology.

§ Theinitiativeseekstopromotepaperlessandhassle-freeairtravel.


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§ ThetechnologywillsoonbeoperationalatBengaluruandHyderabadairports.TheAirportsAuthority of India (AAI) plans to roll out the initiative at Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune andVijayawadaairportsbyAprilnextyear.

Howitworks?§ Thefacility,whichisvoluntary,wouldrequirepassengerstoinitiallyregisterthemselvesat

awebportalbyprovidinganidentityproof.§ The travellers would then be required to undergo a one-time verification at an airport.

Followingwhich,theindividual’sfacialidentitywouldbecapturedandmappedontoanewlycreatedDigiYatraprofileandadistinctidentificationnumberwouldbegenerated.

§ Passengerswouldthenhavetoprovidethisidentificationnumberatthetimeofpurchasinganairticket,toavailtheDigiYatrafacility.

§ ThefacilitywouldenabletravellerstoentertheairportbuildingbyscanningaQRcodeon

theirmobilephones,afterundergoingfacialrecognition.§ Once inside the airport, a passenger would be able to self-check-in, drop baggage, pass

through e-gates to access security and embarkation areas with just a facial scan, thusobviatingtheneedtoproduceaboardingpassateverystep.However,travellerswouldstillhavetoundergomandatorysecuritychecksincludingfrisking.

§ Apassenger’stravelhistorywouldbepurgedafterthecompletionofajourneyandthattheDigiYatraprogrammewouldcomplywiththeGeneralDataProtectionRegulation(GDPR)-EuropeanUnion’sDataProtectionRegulation.

PradhanMantriJanAarogyaAbhiyan(PMJAA)WhatisPMJAA?

§ TheschemeprovidesanannualinsurancecoverofINR5lakhperfamilyandissupposedtobenefitmorethan10crorepoorfamilies.

§ Thishealth insurance cover scheme comesunder theAyushmanBharathealthcarepolicyumbrella.

§ Itissupposedtobetheworld’slargesthealthcarescheme.AyushmanBharat

§ AyushmanBharat-NationalHealthProtectionMissionwillsubsumetheon-goingcentrallysponsoredschemes-RashtriyaSwasthyaBimaYojana(RSBY)andtheSeniorCitizenHealthInsuranceScheme(SCHIS).

§ Theschemeaimstoincreasetheavailability,affordability,andaccessibilitytohealthcaretoawidersectionofthesociety.

HealthandWellnessCentres§ Underthis1.5lakh,existingsub-centreswillbringhealthcaresystemclosertothehomesof

peopleintheformofHealthandwellnesscentres.§ These centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable

diseasesandmaternalandchildhealthservices.NationalHealthProtectionMission(AB-PMJAY)

§ AB-PMJAYwillhaveadefinedbenefitcoverofRs.5lakhperfamilyperyear.Thiscoverwilltakecareofalmostallsecondarycareandmosttertiarycareprocedures.


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§ Toensurethatnobodyisleftout(especiallywomen,childrenandelderly)therewillbenocaponfamilysizeandageinthescheme.

§ The benefit cover will also include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. All pre-existing conditionswill be covered fromdayoneof thepolicy.Adefined transportallowanceperhospitalizationwillalsobepaidtothebeneficiary.

§ Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country and a beneficiary coveredundertheschemewillbeallowedtotakecashlessbenefits fromanypublic/privateempanelledhospitalsacrossthecountry.

§ AB-PMJAY isanentitlement-basedschemewithentitlementdecidedon thebasisofdeprivationcriteriaintheSECCdatabase.

§ Thebeneficiariescanavailbenefitsinbothpublicandempanelledprivatefacilities.§ OneofthecoreprinciplesofAB-PMJAYistoco-operativefederalismandflexibilitytostates.

ThereisprovisiontopartnertheStatesthroughco-alliance.§ Stateswillbefreetochoosethemodalitiesforimplementation.Theycanimplementthrough

insurancecompanyordirectlythroughTrust/Societyoramixedmodel.§ For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States, it is

proposed to set up Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC)atapexlevelChairedbyUnionHealthandFamilyWelfareMinister.

§ InpartnershipwithNITIAayog,arobust,modular,scalableandinteroperableITplatformwillbemadeoperationalwhichwillentailapaperless,cashlesstransaction.

§ Tocontrolcosts,thepaymentsfortreatmentwillbedoneonpackagerate(tobedefinedbytheGovernmentinadvance)basis.

§ ToensurethatthefundsreachSHAontime,thetransferoffundsfromCentralGovernmentthroughAyushmanBharat-NationalHealthProtectionMissiontoStateHealthAgenciesmaybedonethroughanescrowaccountdirectly.

HealthandWellnessCentres§ Under this1.5 lakh,existingsub-centreswillbringhealthcaresystemcloser to the

homesofpeopleintheformofHealthandwellnesscentres.§ These centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable

diseasesandmaternalandchildhealthservices.

MedWatchAppWhatisMedWatch?

§ TheMedWatchmobilehealthappisanIndianAirForceinitiativewhichwillprovidecorrect,ScientificandauthentichealthinformationtoairwarriorsandallcitizensofIndiaalso.

§ It comprises of host of features like informationonbasic FirstAid,Health topics andNutritionalFacts;remindersfortimelyMedicalReviewEtc

WhyinNews?

§ IntheIndianAirForceDay,theIndianAirForcehaslaunchedaninnovativemobilehealthAppnamed‘MedWatch’

BackgroundofthisMove:§ Inthevisionof‘DigitalIndia,AyushmanBharatandMissionIndradhanush’.Theappisconceivedby

thedoctorsofIAFanddevelopedinhousebyDirectorateofInformationTechnology(DIT)withZEROfinancialoutlay.

OtherMobileApplicationforHealth:TheFollowingWebsiteArethem-HealthinitiativeofGovernmentofIndia

• NationalHealthPortalOfIndia• AIIMS-WHOCCENBC


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• HealthyYouCard• 1mg• SafePregnancyandBirth• Mswasthya-CDAC

MissionIndradhanushWhatisimmunization?

§ Immunizationistheprocesswherebyapersonismadeimmuneorresistanttoaninfectiousdisease,typicallybytheadministrationofavaccine.

§ Vaccinesaresubstancesthatstimulatethebody’sownimmunesystemtoprotectthepersonagainstsubsequentinfectionordisease

WhatisMissionIndraDhanush?§ Itisavaccinationprogrammewhichaimsatachievingfullimmunizationcoverage(FIC)of

90%byDecember2018throughfocusonunvaccinatedandpartiallyvaccinatedchildrenandpregnantwomen

§ Itvaccinatespeopleagainstsevenvaccinepreventablediseases.§ ItisincludedasoneoftheschemesunderGramSwarajAbhiyan(GSA).

WhatisUniversalImmunizationProgramme?§ MissionIndradhanushisthemainprogrammeundertheUIP.§ UnderUIP,11vaccinesareadministered.Theseare:

o Diphtheria,Pertussis,Tetanus(DPT),Polio,Measles,BacillusCalmette-Guerin(BCG),HepatitisB,JapaneseEncephalitis(JE)(inendemicdistricts),Rotavirus,Rubella,Polio(injectable)

WhyinNews?§ Minister of health&FamilyAffairsReviews thepreparedness of States for theupcoming

roundofMissionIndradhanush(MI)WithstatehealthMinisters&heAssuresfullsupporttotheStatesforfulfillingtargets

OverseasUDANUDAN

§ UDAN-RCS, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a regional airport development and"RegionalConnectivityScheme"(RCS)ofGovernmentofIndia,withtheobjectiveof"Letthecommoncitizenofthecountryfly",aimedatmakingairtravelaffordableandwidespread,toboostinclusivenationaleconomicdevelopment,jobgrowthandairtransportinfrastructuredevelopmentofallregionsandstatesofIndiatothemaximumextentpossible.

§ UDANhasauniquemarket-basedmodel.Interestedairlineandhelicopteroperatorscanstartoperationsonhithertoun-connectedroutesbysubmittingproposalstotheImplementingAgency.

§ Allsuchrouteproposalswouldthenbeofferedforcompetitivebiddingthroughareversebiddingmechanism.

§ Airlineshavetosetaside50%ofthetotalaircraftcapacityforcheaperfarestobeofferedattherateofRs.2,500perhourofflight,inreturnforwhichairlinesaregivenasubsidybytheCentreandtheStategovernmentconcerned.

WhatisOverseasUDAN?§ According to this central government proposal, State Governments can offer subsidy to

domesticairlinesfor3yearsbyidentifyingtheproposedinternationalroutes.§ Then theAirportsAuthorityof India (AAI)willdeterminea subsidyamountper seatand

invitebidsfromdomesticcarriers.§ The airlineswill then submit their proposals,whichwill include the routes theywish to

connectaswellasthesubsidyneededbythem.


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§ The airlineswill bid on the percentage of flight capacity forwhich they require financialassistanceupto60%oftheflightcapacity.Theentitythatquotesthelowestamountwillbeawardedsubsidyforaparticularroute.

§ Thegovernmentwillgrantfinancialaidonlyfortheactualnumberofpassengerseatsthatareunsold,eveniftheairlinehadsoughtsubsidyforahigherpercentageofseatingcapacityatthetimeofbidding.

§ Theairlinewhichwasawardedaparticularroutewillhaveexclusiverightstoasubsidyonthatroutefor3years.

DifferencebetweenUDANandOverseasUDAN§ Themaindifferencebetweenthisschemeandtheregionalconnectivityscheme(RCS)fordomestic

routesisthatthereisnocappingoffares(inRCS,faresarecappedatINR2500foronehourofflightonafixedwingaircraft)

§ Thismoveisaimedatencouragingtourisminstates.SeaplanesinUDANIII

§ Seaplanesmay soon be operating commercial passenger flights in India with the Centreinvitingbids for connecting selecteddestinationsunder the regional connectivity scheme(RCS).

§ Major destinations that the government proposes to connect through seaplanes are therecentlyunveiledStatueofUnityatSardarSarovarDam,SabarmatiRiverfrontinAhmedabad,TehriDaminUttarakhandandNagarjunaSagarinTelangana.

AirsafetyinIndiaWhat’sinthenews?

§ In the aviation-safety audit conducted by theUnitedNations' International Civil AviationOrganisation(ICAO),Indiahasslippedbelowitspreviousrankingof66%to57%.

Whyisthisimportant?§ The ICAOUniversalSafetyOversightAuditProgrammeseeks to identify if countrieshave

consistentlyimplementedasafety-oversightsystem.§ Indiaisoneofthe15countriesthatarebelowtheminimumtargetrates.India'sairsafety

oversightscore is lower than thatofMyanmar,Bangladesh,Maldives,Pakistan,SriLanka,NepalandevenNorthKoreaintheAsia-Pacificregion.

§ The lowscorecanhaveseriousrepercussions, includingapotentialdowngradebytheUSaviationregulatorFederalAviationAdministration(FAA).

§ AdowngradewouldmeanIndianairlineswon’tbeabletomountnewflightstotheUSorformallianceswithUSairlines.

§ Also,IndiancarrierswhichflytotheUSwouldfacemorecheckswhentheirplaneslandthere.§ ThisdevelopmentdoesnotcomeaswelcomenewsforIndianairlinesthathavebeentrying

toexpandglobally.

NationalNoFlyListWhatisaNo-Flylist?

§ Alistwhichisusestobanpeopleconsideredasthreatfromusingairplaneservices.§ CreatedandusedwidelybyUSafterthewakeof9/11bombings.§ Itiswidelyusedbymanycountriestostrengthensecurityissues.

Howisitused?§ Itisusedtoidentifyandbanunrulyordisruptivepassengersfromboardingairplanes§ Thebanperiodmayrangefrom3monthstolifetime§ A No-Fly-List is created in India in September 2017, following a politician’s unruly act

towardsanairlinestaffer,bytheMinistryofcivilaviation.§ India’sno-flylististhefirstintheworldtobebasedonsafetyandnotjustonsecurity.

Categoriesof‘unruly’


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§ Verballyunruly–debarmentupto3months§ Physicallyunruly–debarmentupto6months§ Life-threateningbehavior–debarmentforlife.

Whyinnews?§ IntroductionofNo-FlyListinIndiahelpedreductionintravelofunrulypassengerandtheir

threat.SomecountrieshavingNo-Flylist:

§ US,UK,CanadaandIndiahaveNo-FlyListsandallhavetheirownrulesanddetentionsforthepeopleonthelist.

SwachhBharatMissionWhatisSwachhBharatMission?

§ Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean IndiaMission is a nationwide initiative aimed toinspirethepublictovoluntarilycleanpublicspacesasaservicetothenation.

§ Themostimportantobjectiveofthemissionistoendopendefecationforeverinallvillagesby2October2019–the150thbirthanniversaryofMahatmaGandhi.

Howarevillagesdeclaredas‘opendefecation-free’?Villagesareconsidered‘opendefecation-free’:

1. Whennofaecesareopenlyvisible2. Andeveryhouseholdandpublic/communityinstitutionusessafetechnologytodisposeof

faeces§ Inthefirststep,agrampanchayatdeclaresthevillagetobeODF.Within3monthsofODF

declaration, State/UT conduct verification using different process. ODF sustainabilityverification,whichprimarilyfocusesontoiletusageisalsoconductedafteraperiodof270days.

WhyinNews?§ Whenavillageor State isdeclaredODF, it alsomeans that all householdshaveaccess to

sanitarytoiletsandalldrylatrineshavebeenremovedandconvertedintosanitarytoilets.§ However,activistsclaimthatmanyODFdeclaredvillagesarestillusingdrylatrineswhich

are being emptied by manual scavengers, which is a crime under the Prohibition ofEmploymentasManualScavengersandtheirRehabilitationAct,2013.

§ Fewdaysback,theComptrollerandAuditor-GeneralfoundthatinGujarat,whichhasbeendeclaredasODF,29%ofhomesinthesamplevillagesdidnothaveaccesstotoilets.

TheworldcomestoappraiseSwachhBharat• Recently,MahatmaGandhiInternationalSanitationConventionwasheldinNewDelhi,which

wasattendedbydelegatesfrom68countriestolearnfromIndia’ssanitationsuccesses.SwachhataHiSeva

§ PrimeMinisterNarendraModihaslaunchedthe“SwachhataHiSeva”(“cleanlinessisservice”)campaign.

§ Helaunchedtheexercisetopushforgreaterpublicparticipationinthe“SwachhBharat”programmelaunchedonOctober2,2015.

§ ThesanitationcoverageinIndiahadincreasedfrom40%toover90%inthefouryearsofthe “SwachhBharat”project. In addition to it, nine crore toiletswerebuilt and4.5 lakhvillagesdeclaredopen-defecation-free(ODF)inthelastfouryears.

NorthEasternStatesasODFby2018Whyinnews?

§ AregionalreviewmeetingoftheNorthEasternStateswasheldinAssam.§ Theworkshop comprised discussions on sustainingOpenDefecation Free (ODF) status,

SolidandLiquidWasteManagement(SLWM),andruralwatersupply.§ TeamsfromArunachalPradesh,Assam,Manipur,Meghalaya,Mizoram,Nagaland,Tripura

andSikkimjoinedthereview.


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Moreonthemeeting:§ SikkimbeingthefirststatetobedeclaredasODFhighlightedthatthesolidandliquidwaste

managementinitiativessuchasproperdrainagealongwithproperconstructionoftoiletsiswhatisimportanttoachievesuccessinODF.

§ TheteamalsofeltthatitisveryimportanttosustaintheODFstatusoveralongrun.§ Key aspects of sustainability are geo-tagging, verification of ODF villages, conversion of

dysfunctionaltoilets,andpeopleengagementweretobereviewedoften.§ Theimportanceliesincontinuedfocusonbehaviourchangecommunicationandperiodic

verificationstoensurethatthesafesanitationhabits

CurbingopenurinationWhat’sinthenews?

§ After the initiative of Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Swachh Bharat Mission(Clean India Mission), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aims to stop OpenUrinationbyprovidingaccessible,cleantoiletsinpublicspaces.

§ Suchanactionisexpectedtobringinbehaviouralchangeinthepublicattitudetowardssanitationandcleanliness.

§ JharkhandwillbecomeOpenDefecationFreeonitsfoundationdayonNovember15.ODF+status

§ ODF+statuswillbeassignedtothosecitieswhichhavecurbedopenurinationODF++

§ ODF++statuswillbeassignedtothosecitiesthatachieved,apartfromopendefecationandurinationfree,manageandtreatfecalsludge/matterandsewagewithoutdumpingthemindrains,waterbodiesandotheropenareas.

WHOonSwachhBharatWHO

§ TheacronymforWorldHealthOrganisation.§ WHOisanagencyoftheUnitedNationsthatspecializesininternationalpublichealth§ Establishedin1948,withitsheadquartersisinGeneva,Switzerland.

Whyinthenews?§ The rural component of themission SBM- Gramin has been lauded by theWorld Health

Organisation(WHO)whichestimatesanincreaseinruralhealthlifequality.§ Itprojectseliminationofalmost3 lakhdeathsduetocommondiseasessuchasdiarrhoea

and protein-energymalnutrition.§ Thesehavebeenpossibleduetodrasticreduction incasesofOpendefecation,which isa

maincauseforprevalenceofdiseaseslikediarrhea,jaundice,hepatitis,etc.§ Thereportfurtherestimatedthat14millionDisabilityAdjustedLifeYears(DALYs)canbe

avoidedbetween2014and2019AboutSBM-G

§ TheSwachhBharatMission-Gramin,aimsatimprovingthelevelsofcleanlinessthroughSolidandLiquidWasteManagementactivitiesandmakingvillagesOpenDefecationFree(ODF),cleanandsanitizedinRuralIndia.

§ Thishasdirectpositiveconsequencesmainlyaffectingthehealthofthepublicasawhole,makingthemhealthier,moresociallyaware.

WHO’sguidelinesonSanitationGlobalguidelinesonsanitationandhealth

§ TheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO)launcheditsfirstglobalguidelinesonsanitationandhealth.


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Significanceoftheguidelines§ TheUNagencyestimatesthat,basedoncurrenttrends,90countriesareunlikelytoachieve

SDG target of universal sanitation coverage by 2030. It calls on countries to makecomprehensivepolicyshiftsandinvestmorefundstoachieve“sanitationforall”.

§ ByadoptingWHO’snewguidelines,countriescansignificantlyreducethediarrhoealdeathsduetounsafewater,sanitationandhygiene.ForeveryUS$1 invested insanitation,WHOestimatesanearlysix-foldreturnasmeasuredbylowerhealthcosts,increasedproductivityandfewerprematuredeaths.

KeyrecommendationsTheguidelinesoutlinefourmainrecommendations:

1. Ensuringthatcommunitieshaveaccesstotoiletsthatsafelycontainexcreta2. Assessing health risks to protect people fromexposure to excreta, such as through leaky

storage3. Integratingsanitationintolocalgovernmentplanningandserviceprovision4. Encouragingthehealthsectortoinvestmoreandcoordinatesanitationplanningtoprotect

publichealthWHOCommendsIndia

§ WHOcommendedsomecountriesontheiractionsonsanitation,includingIndiaforitslaunchoftheSwachhBharatMission,tocoordinateactionforsanitationaccess,andSenegalforitsworkwiththeprivatesectortoensurepitlatrinesandseptictanksareemptiedandtreated.

BharatKeVeerAbout‘BharatKeVeer’

§ Bharat KeVeer is an initiative launched by theMinistry ofHomeAffairs in 2017, on thesuggestionof actorAkshayKumar, to allowcitizens to transfermoneydirectly to thebankaccountsoffamiliesofparamilitarypersonnelkilledinaction.

§ TheBharatKeVeerwebsitecanbeusedtodonatedirectlytoindividualBraveheart’saccount(uptomaxofRs.15lakhs)ormaydonatetotheBharatKeVeercorpus.

Howarethefundsdivested?§ Toensuremaximumcoverage,acapofRs.15lakhsisenvisagedperbraveheartandthedonor

wouldbealertediftheamountexceedsRs.15lakhs,sothattheycanchoosetoeitherdecreasetheircontributionordivertpartofthecontributiontoanotherBraveheart’saccount,ortotheBharatKeVeercorpus.

BharatKeVeercorpus§ BharatKeVeercorpuswouldbemanagedbyacommitteemadeupofeminentpersonsof

reputeandseniorgovernmentofficials,inequalnumber,whowoulddecidetodisbursethefundequitablytotheBraveheart’sfamilyonneedbasis.

WhyinNews?§ Thegovernmenthasgrantedthestatusofatrustto‘BharatKeVeer’andcontributionsto

BharatKeVeerhavebeenexemptedfromIncomeTax.

MaternityBenefitWhyinnews?

§ In order to encourage employers especially from private sector to implement 26 weekmaternityleave,theLabourMinistryplanstorefundthemforsevenweeks.

§ ThisincentiveisapplicabletowomenworkerswithwageceilinguptoRs.15,000amonth.§ Thismovehasbeentakenupbecauseofpoorimplementationof26weekleaveinprivate

sector.ProvisionsofMaternityBenefitAct:


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§ Expectingmotherswhoareworkingintheorganisedsectorcannowavail26weeksofpaidmaternityleaveinsteadof12weeks.

§ Billallows12weeksofpaidmaternityleavetomotherswhoareadoptingachildbelowtheageofthreemonthsandalsotocommissioningmotherswhooptforsurrogacy.

§ Thisentitlementisapplicableonlyuptofirsttwochildren.Forthirdchild,theentitlementwillbeforonly12weeks.Theleavesfurtherreducetosixweeksifthewomanwantstobecomeamotherforthefourthtime.

§ Itmakesitmandatoryforemployerswith50ormoreemployeestoprovidecrèchesinclosevicinityoftheworkplace,andbyallowingwomenuptofourdailyvisitstothecrèche.

§ Itappliestoestablishmentsemploying10peopleormore.§ Theorganisationsmustcommunicatetheserightstofemaleemployeesviawriting.§ Anemployercanpermitawomantoworkfromhome,ifthenatureofworkassignedpermits

hertodoso.PradhanMantriMatritvaVandanaYojana

§ PMMVYisimplementedbytheMinistryofWomen&ChildDevelopmentincollaborationwithStateGovernments.

§ ItisCentrallySponsoredSchemeunderwhichthecostsharingratiobetweentheCentreandtheStates&UTswithLegislatureis60:40,forNorth-EasternStates&threeHimalayanStates,itis90:10and100%CentralassistanceforUnionTerritorieswithoutLegislature.

§ Itisaconditionalcashtransferschemeforpregnantandlactatingwomenof19yearsofageoraboveforfirsttwolivebirths.

§ It provides a partial wage compensation to women for wage-loss during childbirth andchildcareandtoprovideconditionsforsafedeliveryandgoodnutritionandfeedingpractices.

§ In2013,theschemewasbroughtundertheNationalFoodSecurityAct,2013toimplementtheprovisionofcashmaternitybenefitof₹6,000statedintheAct.

§ Nearly37lakhwomenhavereceivedcashincentivesundertheCentre’smaternitybenefitsprogrammesincethelaunchofMatruVandanaYojanalastyear.

§ Theschemehasanestimated51.6lakhbeneficiariesayear.Asmanyas48.11lakhwomenhavebeenenrolledintheschemeandtheCentrehasdisbursedanamountofRs.1,168.63crorestovariousStates.

§ Indiaaccountsfor17%ofallmaternaldeathsintheworld.§ Thecountry’smaternalmortalityrateispeggedat167per100,000livebirths,whereasinfant

mortalityisestimatedat43per1,000livebirths.§ Amongtheprimarycausesofhighmaternalandinfantmortalityarepoornutritionand

inadequatemedicalcareduringpregnancyandchildbirth.

MPLADSMPLADS

§ Underthescheme,eachMemberofParliamenthasthechoicetosuggesttothedistrict-leveladministration for works to the tune of Rs.5 Crores per annum to be taken up in theirconstituency.TheschemeisfundedandadministeredthroughtheUnionMinistryofStatisticsandProgrammeImplementation(MoSPI).

What’sintheNews?§ TheCentralInformationCommission(CIC)hasaskedtheLokSabhaSpeakerandtheRajya

SabhaChairman tocomeoutwitha legal framework toensure its transparencyandholdparliamentariansandpoliticalpartiesaccountablefortheirobligationsundertheMembersofParliamentLocalAreaDevelopmentScheme(MPLADS).

WhatpromptedCICtoissuedirections?§ IntwoRTIapplicationswhichhadrequesteddetailsonMPLADS,MoSPItoldthattheCentre

doesnotmaintainconstituency-wiseandwork-wisedetails.CIC’sdirections


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§ Theframeworkmustprovidecomprehensivereportonthenumberofapplicationsreceivedfortheirconstituency,worksrecommended,worksrejectedwithreasons,progressofworksanddetailsofbeneficiariestopublicandparliament.

§ Liabilitiesforanybreachofdutiesshouldalsobeimposed.Further,theframeworkshouldprohibitandpreventMPsusingthefundsfortheirprivateworks,ordivertingthemtoprivatetrustsortotheirownrelatives.

§ Districtadministrationsmustprovideregularinformation-work-wise,MP-wise,andyear-wisedetailsonprogress-whicharetobecompiledbytheMoSPIandmadeavailabletothepublic.

Unspentcorpus§ TheCICalsonotedthat₹12,000croreoftheMPLADSfundsremainsunspent.

NationalSocialAssistanceProgramme(NSAP)WhatisNationalSocialAssistanceProgramme?

• National Social Assistance Programme is a social security and welfare programme to provide support to aged persons, widows, disabled persons and bereaved families on death of primary bread winner, belonging to below poverty line households.

• NSAPatpresent,comprisesof:o IndiraGandhiNationalOldAgePensionScheme(IGNOAPS),o IndiraGandhiNationalWidowPensionScheme(IGNWPS),o IndiraGandhiNationalDisabilityPensionScheme(IGNDPS),o NationalFamilyBenefitScheme(NFBS)o Annapurna.

SignificanceofNSAP§ TheNationalSocialAssistanceProgramme(NSAP)representsasignificantsteptowardsthe

fulfilmentoftheDirectivePrinciplesinArticle41and42oftheConstitutionrecognizingtheconcurrentresponsibilityoftheCentralandtheStateGovernmentsinthematter.

§ In particular, Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State to provide publicassistancetoitscitizensincaseofunemployment,oldage,sicknessanddisablementandinothercasesofundeservedwantwithinthelimitofitseconomiccapacityanddevelopment.

Whyinnews?§ TheCentrehastakenstepstoevaluatethestepsneededtodoublethenumberofpeopleto

becoveredinthepensionscheme.§ TheSupremeCourtrecentlyobservedthatthroughNationalSocialAssistanceProgrammeis

a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the contribution made by the Central government isminuscule(Rs.200),andtheamounthasnotbeenrevisedforthepast11years.

§ TheCourtaskedtheUnionofIndiatoobtainallnecessaryinformationregardingtheamountofpensionandcoveragefromeachoftheStates.

SaubhagyaSchemeAboutSaubhagyaScheme

§ Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – “Saubhagya” is a scheme to ensureelectrificationofallwillinghouseholdsinthecountryinruralaswellasurbanareas.

WhyinNews?§ MinisterofState(IC)forPowerandNew&RenewableEnergyannouncedanawardscheme

underSaubhagyaheretodaytofelicitatetheDISCOMs/PowerDepartmentoftheStatesandtheir employees for achieving 100 per cent household electrification in their area ofoperations.

Objective


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§ The objective of the ‘Saubhagya’ is to provide energy access to all by last mileconnectivityandelectricityconnectionstoallremainingun-electrifiedhouseholdsinrural as well as urban areas to achieve universal household electrification in thecountry.

Beneficiariesoftheproject§ The beneficiaries for free electricity connections would be identified using Socio Economic and

CasteCensus(SECC)2011data.§ However,un-electrifiedhouseholdsnotcoveredundertheSECCdatawouldalsobeprovided

electricityconnectionsundertheschemeonpaymentofRs.500.Implementationprocess

§ ForeasyandacceleratedimplementationoftheScheme,moderntechnologyshallbeusedforhouseholdsurveybyusingMobileApp.

§ TheRuralElectrificationCorporationLimited (REC)will remain thenodal agency for theoperationalisationoftheschemethroughoutthecountry.

Expectedoutcomesofthescheme§ EnvironmentalupgradationbysubstitutionofKeroseneforlightingpurposes§ Improvementeducationservices§ Betterhealthservices§ Enhancedconnectivitythroughradio,television,mobiles,etc.§ Increasedeconomicactivitiesandjobs§ Improvedqualityoflifeespeciallyforwomen

PMBJPPradhanMantriBhartiyaJanaushadhiPariyojana(PMBJP)

§ It is acampaign launchedby theDepartmentofPharmaceuticals toprovidequalitymedicinesataffordablepricestothemasses.

§ PMBJPstoreshavebeensetuptoprovidegenericdrugs,whichareavailableatlesserpricesbutareequivalentinqualityandefficacyasexpensivebrandeddrugs.

§ ItwaslaunchedbytheDepartmentofPharmaceuticalsinNovember2008underthenameJanAushadiCampaign.BureauofPharmaPSUsofIndia(BPPI)istheimplementationagencyforPMBJP.

WhyinNews?§ TheDigitalCashManagementSystemwasrecentlyinaugurated.

DigitalCashManagementSystem§ DigitalCashManagementSystemforPradhanMantriBhartiyaJanaushadhiPariyojana

(PMBJP)willbeimplementedasapartnershipbetweenBPPIandBankofBaroda.§ This System will be implemented at all PMBJP Kendras for purchasing medicines and

cashlesspaymentsystemwithBPPI.§ BankofBarodawillalsoprovide loan toallPMBJPKendra forpurchasingmedicines.The

cashlesstransactionswillbedoneonlythroughuniquevirtualaccountsopenedbyBankofBarodaforeachandeveryPMBJPKendra,acrossthecountry.

DoorstepDeliveryWhyisinNews?

§ TheDelhigovernmenthas launched itsambitiousproject todeliverpublicservicesat thedoorstepofresidentsofthenationalcapital.

§ Currentlytheprojectincludes40publicservicesincludingapplicationsfordrivinglicences,marriagecertificatesandwaterconnections.

§ Theapplicantwouldhavetocall1076andfixanappointmentwithamobilesahayak,whowillgototheirhomeandhelpwithfillingforms,paymentoffeesandcollectionofdocuments.


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§ Themobilesahayakwouldthensubmitthedocumentsatthegovernmentofficeconcerned,whichwouldpostthecertificateorlicenceonceissued.TheseservicescanbeavailedatafeeofRs50.

§ DelhichiefministerArvindKejriwalsaidthatthenumberofservicestobehomedeliveredwouldbeincreasedto100withinthreemonths.

Ro-RotoMajuliIslandWhatisRo-RoService?

§ Roll-on & Roll-off (“Ro-Ro”) waterways projects comprise of Ro-Ro ships/vesselswhicharedesignedtocarrywheeledcargo,suchascars,trucks,semi-trailertrucks,trailersandrailroadcarsthataredrivenonandofftheshipontheirwheelsorusingaplatformvehicle.

§ LastYearPmModiInauguratedRoRoservicefromGhoghainBhavnagarandDahejintheStateOfGujarat.

WhatisMajuliIsland?§ MajuliisLocatedinAssam&isoneofthebiggestriverineislandsintheworld,located

onBrahmaputra§ ThisIslandFacesseriousconnectivitychallenges.

WhyinNews?§ InlandWaterwaysAuthorityofIndia(IWAI)willbestartinganewRollon-Rolloff(Ro-

Ro)facilitytoMajuliIslandincollaborationwiththeGovernmentofAssam.Benefitofthismove:

§ This Ro-Ro facilitywill cut down the circuitous road route of 423 KMsMajuli Island viaTezpurRoadBridge&ReplacewiththeNewdistanceof12.7KMbyusingofriverroute.

§ ThismoveaugmentingconnectivitynotonlyinAssambuttheentireNorthEasternRegion.§ IWAIisalsoplanningtoprocuremoresuchRo-RovesselsforuseonriverBrahmaputra.

NationalElectronicsPolicyWhat’sinthenews?

§ ThegovernmentreleasedadraftNationalElectronicsPolicyunderwhichitistargetingaturnoverof$400billionfortheelectronicssystemdesignandmanufacturing(ESDM)sector.

NationalElectronicPolicy:§ Thisshallincludetargetedproductionofonebillionmobilehandsetsby2025,valuedat$190

billion (approx.Rs. 13 lakh crore), including600millionmobilehandsets valued at $110billion(aboutRs.7lakhcrore)forexportthedraftpolicysaid.

§ ThepolicyalsosuggestsreplacingtheModifiedSpecialIncentivePackageScheme(M-SIPS)withonesthatareeasiertoimplementsuchasInterestsubsidyandcreditdefaultguaranteetoencouragenewunitsandexpansionofexistingunitsinelectronicsmanufacturingsector.

§ Taxbenefits-Italsorecommendsprovidingsuitabledirecttaxbenefits,includinginvestment-linkeddeduction,forsettingupofamanufacturingunitorexpansionofanexistingunit.

§ ThedraftpolicyalsopitchesforsupportforinfrastructuredevelopmentthroughformulationofanewschemeorsuitablemodificationsintheexistingElectronicsManufacturingClusters(EMC)Scheme,forsupportingbothgreenfieldandbrownfieldmanufacturingclusters.

§ It also talks about establishing standards setting body in theMinistry of Electronics andInformation Technology (MeitY) to develop standards for electronics, IT, e-governance,amongothers.

WhatistheModifiedSpecialIncentivePackageScheme?§ TheMSIPschemegivesspecialincentivepackagetopromotelargescalemanufacturinginthe

ElectronicSystemDesignandManufacturing(ESDM)sector.


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§ Theincentiveundertheschemeisintheformofsubsidyforcapitalexpenditure.Thesubsidyis20%forinvestmentsinSpecialEconomicZones(SEZs)and25%innon-SEZs.

§ Forsomeofthehighcapitalinvestmentprojectslikefabs,itprovidesforreimbursementofCentralTaxesandDuties.

§ Unitsallacrossthemanufacturingvaluechainarecoveredunderthescheme.Foreachoftheproductcategory,aninvestmentthresholdisprescribedwhichanapplicanthastoincurforgettingeligibleforincentives.TheinvestmentthresholdvariesfromRs1CroretoRs5000Croresdependinguponthetypeofproject.

§ Theincentivesareprovidedonreimbursementbasisandareavailableforaperiodof5yearsfromthedateofapproval.

§ Thetermoftheschemehasbeenextendedupto27-07-2020.

NationalInformationSecurityPolicyandGuidelines(NISPG)WhatisNISPG?

§ AsetofpolicyguidelinespreparedbytheMinistryofHomeAffairs,whichestablishesthe framework for information security policy, concepts and best practices for thegovernmentministriesanddepartmentstofollowinprotectingclassifiedinformation.

Whyinnews?§ Governmentisconcernedaboutsensitivegovernmentinformationmakingitswayintothe

internet.Therefore,itisupgradingtheNationalInformationSecurityPolicyandGuidelinestocountertheevolvingcyber-threats.

§ ThenewpolicywouldcoverissuespertainingtotheOfficialSecretsAct.Thethreat

§ Thereareissuesrelatingtothephysicalsecurityofacomputer.Aswellasissuesrelatingtothenetwork.

§ Iftheinformationisridingonowncybercable,theneverythingcanbeencrypted,butifitisridingonacommercialcable,thenitwillhavetomakesurethatguidelinesarecompliedwith.

BharatNetprojectBharatNet

§ BharatNetisaprojectofnationalimportancetoestablish,by2017,ahighlyscalablenetwork infrastructure accessible on a non-discriminatory basis, to provide on-demand,affordablebroadbandconnectivityof2Mbpsto20Mbpsforallhouseholdsand on-demand capacity to all institutions, to realise the vision of Digital India, inpartnershipwithStatesandtheprivatesector.

§ TheentireprojectisbeingfundedbytheUniversalServiceObligationFund(USOF),The objective is to facilitate the delivery of e-governance, e-health, e-education, e-banking,InternetandotherservicestoruralIndia.

UniversalServiceObligationFund(USOF)§ TheNewTelecomPolicy(NTP)1999ofDepartmentofTelecom,GoIhadUniversalServiceas

oneofitsmainobjectives§ ItaimedtoprovideabalancebetweentheprovisionofUniversalServicetoalluncovered

areas,includingtheruralareas,andtheprovisionofhigh-levelservicescapableofmeetingtheneedsofthecountry'seconomyandencouragethedevelopmentoftelecommunicationfacilitiesinremote,hillyandtribalareasofthecountry.

§ TheIndianTelegraph(Amendment)Act,2003givingstatutorystatustotheUniversalServiceObligationFund(USOF)waspassedbybothHousesofParliamentinDecember2003.

§ Themoneyforthisfundcomesthrougha‘UniversalAccessLevy,’chargedfromthetelecomoperatorsasapercentageofvariouslicensesfeesbeingpaidoperatorsasapercentageofvariouslicensesfeesbeingpaidbythem.


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WhyinNews?§ ThenewcorporateofficeofBharatBroadbandNetworkLimited(BBNL)wasinaugurated

inNewDelhirecently.DigitalDevbhoomiDevbhoomi

• Uttarakhandisoftenreferredtoasthe‘Landofgods’orDevbhoomi.Whyinnews?

• Reliance Jio, has announced that it wanted to convert the ‘Devbhoomi Uttarakhand’ into‘DigitalDevbhoomi’byconnectingmostof itsgovernmentschoolsandcollegeswithhigh-speedinternet.

• Thecompanyalsotriestoensurethateverycitizenhastheaccesstothebestqualityinternet.Significance

§ Ifconnected,itwillimprovethedeliveryofhealthcare,educationandgovernmentservicesandimprovethelifeofeverycitizen.

§ Itwillalsoboostsustainabletourism.§ Itwill also promote environment-protecting industries and businesses, boost sustainable

tourismand improve thedeliveryofhealthcare,educationandgovernmentservices, thusimprovingthelifeofeverycitizen.

NetneutralityWhatisNetNeutrality?

§ ItmeansthattelecomandInternetserviceprovidersmusttreatalldataontheInternetequally,andnotdiscriminateorchargedifferentlybyuser,content,site,platform,orapplication.

§ They cannot engage in practices such as blocking, slowing down or granting preferentialspeedstoanycontent.

Exceptions§ AcommitteehasbeensetupundertheDepartmentofTelecom(DoT)tochartoutcertain

emergingandcriticalservicestobekeptoutofthepurviewofNetNeutrality.§ Thesemayincludeautonomousvehicles,digitalhealthcareservicesordisastermanagement.

Whyinnews?§ TheTelecomCommission,whichisthehighestdecision-makingbodyintheDepartmentof

Telecom,recentlyapprovednetneutralityasrecommendedbyTRAI.Background

§ In2017TRAIupheldthebasicprincipleofnetneutralitybykeepingtheInternetopenandprohibitinganyInternetserviceproviders(ISPs)fromdiscriminationonbasisofcontentbyeither blocking, throttling or fast-laning anywebsites, apps orweb services,consists of aChairpersonandnotmore than two full-timemembers andnotmore than twopart-timemembers.

TRAI§ The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a statutory body set up by the

GovernmentofIndiaundertheTelecomRegulatoryAuthorityofIndiaAct,1997.§ ItistheregulatorofthetelecommunicationssectorinIndia.ItconsistsofaChairpersonand

notmorethantwofull-timemembersandnotmorethantwopart-timemembers.DataLocalisationWhatislocaldatastorage?


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§ OnApril2018,RBIaskedallpaymentplayerstoensurethattheentiredatarelatingtopaymentsystemsoperatedarestoredinasystemonlyinIndia.

§ The data should include the full end-to-end transaction details, and informationcollected,carriedandprocessedaspartofthemessageorpaymentinstruction,RBIhadsaid.

§ Paymentsystemplayersweregivensixmonths’time,whichendsonOctober15,tocomplywiththeguidelines.

Whyinnews?§ TheReserveBankofIndia(RBI)hasaskedpaymentsystemplayerstoadheretotheOctober

15deadlineforstoringdatalocally.Whatisthecurrentstatus?

§ According to sources aware of the discussion, 80% of the 78 players, including Amazon,AlibabaandWhatsApp,havealreadycompliedwiththeRBInorms,whileonlyafewplayers,includingsomecardecosystemcompanies,areyettocomply.

§ AheadoftheOctober15deadlinetocomplywithRBI’sdatalocalisationnorms;Facebook-ownedWhatsAppsaidithadbuiltasysteminIndiatostorepaymentsrelateddatalocally.

§ “InresponsetoIndia’spaymentsdatacircular,we’vebuiltasystemthatstorespayments-relateddatalocallyinIndia,”aWhatsAppspokespersonsaid.

#OpenGovDataHackNationalChallengeBackground

§ In2017,OpenGovernmentData(OGD)PlatformofNationalInformaticsCentre(NIC), inassociationwith Internet&Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) launched a nationwidehackathoncalled#OpenGovDataHack.

§ The hackathon aimed to enable participants develop their ideas intoapps/infographicsprimarilybytheuseofopengovernmentdataavailableintheOGDplatform.

§ Ontheopengovernmentdataportal,thedataproducedorcommissionedbythegovernmentorgovernmentcontrolledentitiescanbefreelyused,reusedandredistributedbyanyone.

§ Thehackathonwasconductedin7citiesaroundthethemesofWater&Sanitation,Transport,Education,CrimeandHealth.

WhyinNews?§ UnionMinisterforElectronics&InformationTechnologyRaviShankarPrasadhasrecently

felicitatedthewinnersofthe#OpenGovDataHackNationalChallenge. NationalInformaticsCentre(NIC)

§ TheNICisthepremierscience&technologyorganisationofGovernmentininformaticsservicesandinformationandcommunicationtechnology(ICT)applications.

§ It is a part of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Department ofElectronics&InformationTechnology.

§ Itwasestablishedin1976.§ Itplaysapivotalroleinsteeringe-governanceapplicationsingovernmentaldepartmentsat

national,stateanddistrictlevels.

UTSonmobileappWhyinnews?

§ Ministry of Railways has introduced Unreserved Mobile Ticketing app to help inseamlessbookingofunreservedticketsalloverIndia.

§ Ithasbeenintroducedtopromote3C’s-Cashlesstransactions,ContactlessticketingandCustomerconvenience.

§ Itwillhelpineliminatingthelongqueueforpassengerstogetthetickets.


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§ This app helps in promoting environment friendly nature among public by cashlesstransaction.

§ Ithasbeenmadeavailableinalltypesofmobileplatforms. Otherfacts

§ TheapplicationhasbeendevelopedbyCentreforRailwayInformationSystems(CRIS).§ The application provides necessary on-screen alerts to guide the passenger during the

bookingprocess.§ PaymentfortheticketwillbedonethroughtheRailwayWallet,afeatureinbuiltintheApp.§ Passengerwillgetticketconfirmationontheirmobilescreenafterbookingtheticketwhich

willcontainlimitedinformationoftheticket.

HEALTHISSUESFixeddosecombinations(FDC)WhatareFDCs?

§ FDCsaretwoormoredrugscombinedinafixedratiointoasingledosageform.BanonFDCs

§ TheMinistryofHealthandFamilyWelfarehasprohibitedthemanufactureforsale,sale or distribution for human use of 328 Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) underSection26AoftheDrugsandCosmeticsAct,1940.

§ Italsorestrictedthemanufacture,saleordistributionofsixFDCssubjecttocertainconditions.

§ Theministry’sdecisionwastakenafteritsDrugsTechnicalAdvisoryBoard(DTAB)saidtheingredientsoftheseFDCshavenotherapeuticjustificationandtheymayberiskytoconsume.

§ ThebanincludesbrandslikeSaridon,PandermPlusandTaximAZ.Background:

§ Earlier,theministryhadbanned349FDCsin2016and2017,claimingtheywereunsafeandirrationalforhumanuse,underSection26AoftheDrugsandCosmeticsAct,1940.

§ However, the matter was contested by manufacturers in various High Courts and theSupremeCourt. Incompliancewith theSupremeCourt judgment in2017, thematterwasexamined by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board which gave its report to the Centralgovernment.

AdvantagesofFDCs§ FDCsoffersimpledosageschedulewhichreduces‘pillburden’,improvespatientcompliance

andthereforeimprovestreatmentoutcomes.Thisisespeciallyimportantinelderlypatientsorpatientssufferingfrommultipledisorders.

§ TheFDCsaremoreeconomicthansingleingredientdrugs.Disadvantages

§ IncaseofFDCs,dosingisinflexibleandcannotberegulatedtopatient’sneeds(eachpatienthasuniquecharacteristicssuchasweight,age,pharmacogenetics,co-morbidity,whichmayalterdrugmetabolismandeffect).

§ Thepatientmaynotactuallyneedall thedrugspresent inthecombination. Ifonedrugiscontraindicatedforapatient,wholeFDCcannotbeprescribed.

‘Leprosy-free’tagforIndiaWhatisleprosy?

§ LeprosyiscausedbyinfectionwiththebacteriumMycobacteriumleprae.Itmainlyaffectsthe skin, eyes, nose and peripheral nerves. Symptoms include light-coloured or red skinpatcheswithreducedsensation,numbnessandweaknessinhandsandfeet.


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§ Leprosy can be cured with 6-12 months of multi-drug therapy. Early treatment avoidsdisability.

SC’sobservations:§ The Supreme Court questioned the ‘leprosy-free’ tag and said though the country was

declaredleprosy-freeonDecember31,2005;therealityis“entirelydifferent”.§ SCreferredtoprogressreportsoftheNational Leprosy Eradication

Programme(NLEP)toshowthatonly543districtsofthetotal642districtsinthecountryhadachievedtheWorldHealthOrganisation-requiredprevalencerateoflessthanonecaseofleprosyfor10,000persons.

Causeforconcern§ Theunderestimationof casesof leprosyand thedeclarationofeliminationof leprosyhas

resultedintheintegrationofleprosyingeneralhealthservicestherebyleadingtodiversionoffundswhichwouldhaveotherwisebeendedicatedtoeliminatingleprosy.

§ Patients and their families continue to suffer from leprosy and its stigma. They are evendeniedtheirfundamentalrighttofood.TheyarenotissuedBPL(BelowPovertyLine)cardstoclaimthebenefitofvariouswelfareschemessuchastheAntyodayaAnnaYojana(AAY).

§ They are deprived of housing, basic civic amenities, adequate sanitary facilities andrehabilitation programmes. Majority of the populace afflicted with leprosy live as amarginalisedsectioninsociety,deprivedofevenbasichumanrights.Thismanifestlyresultsinviolationofthefundamentalrighttoequalityandrighttolivewithdignity.

Recentinitiatives§ In 2017, Government has launched the SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) to

promoteawarenessandaddresstheissuesofstigmaanddiscrimination.§ Recently,ThePersonalLaws(Amendment)Bill,2018was introduced in theLokSabhato

strikedownleprosyasagroundforseekingdivorce.

SaveHeartInitiativeWhatisit?

§ MyocardialinfarctionandcardiacillnessesaretouchingepidemiclevelsinKashmir.§ SaveheartinitiativeofKashmirusesWhatsAppasthetooltoprovideexpertopinion

incaseofHeartDiseases.§ 7029Patientsin288days,mostlyintheRemote&inaccessibleAreas,HaveSurvivedCardiac

Emergency,bythisGroupInterventionduringtheGoldenHours.Myocardialinfarction:

§ Myocardialinfarctionischaracterizedbycellulardeath(necrosis)ofasegmentoftheheartmuscle.

§ Generally,itinvolvesanareaintheforwardwalloftheheartrelatedtotheblooddistributionoftheanteriordescendingcoronaryartery.

WhyinNews?§ TheSaveHeartInitiativeofJammu&KashmirmultipliedfromonetothreeWhatsAppgroup

with256seniorphysiciansandcardiologistsineachgroup.FaultyhipimplantsBackground

§ Theproposalistheresultofarecentinvestigationbyanexpertcommitteeonhipimplantsmanufactured by a Johnson and Johnson (J&J) subsidiary that required some patients toundergorevisionsurgeriesbecauseofallegedlyfaultydesigns.

§ The patients have demanded that they be consulted on themechanism to decide on thecompensation.Themechanism,involvingstate-levelcommittees,forevaluationofmedical


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disability, and a Central Expert Committee for deciding the quantum of compensation, isbasedontherecommendationsoftheexpertpanelheadedbyDr.ArunAgarwal

WhyinNews?§ India’shighestdrugadvisoryboardwilltakeupaproposalforsettingupanationalregistry

forallimplantablehigh-riskdevicestoprotectpatients.Needforanationalregistry

§ Nationalregistriesareneededforallimplantabledevicestoeffectivelystudyadverseeffectsassociated with medical devices. This will protect patients and improve outcomes. Theproposed registry will be on the lines of the UK’s medicines and healthcare productsregulatoryagency(MHRA)andtheAustralianregistry.

DrugTechnicalAdvisoryBoard(DTAB)§ DTABisthehigheststatutorydecision-makingbodyontechnicalmattersrelatedto

drugsinthecountry.ItisconstitutedaspertheDrugsandCosmeticsAct,1940.Itispartof theCentralDrugsStandardControlOrganization(CDSCO) in theMinistryofHealthandFamilyWelfare.

DrArunKumarAgarwalCommittee§ Amidconcernsworldwide, theHealthMinistrysetupanexpertcommitteeHeadedbyDr

ArunKumarAgarwalin2017toexamineissuesarisingoutoffaultyASRimplantsinIndia.§ Thecommitteefoundthatinmanycasespatientsundergorevisionafterfirstsurgery.Many

patientsreportedseveralphysicalproblemsafterimplantandtheyalsosufferfrommentalturmoilandagony.

Committee’srecommendations§ The company should bemade liable to pay at leastRs 20 lakh to eachpatientwith such

complications,andinadditiontothis,thepatientshouldbegivencompensationonthebasisof suffering on account ofmonetary loss due towages and other loss and percentage ofdisability.

§ A central expert committee should be constituted to determine the quantum ofcompensation.

§ An independent registry should be established for tracking usage of high-risk medicaldevices. Provisions for compensation should be included in Medical Device Rules if anyseriousadverseeventordeathiscausedduetothesoleuseofamedicaldevice.

Government'srecentmove§ Accepting the recommendations of the expert panel,UnionHealthMinistry has formed a

Centralcommitteeandhasdirectedstatestoformcommitteesattheirleveltodeterminethesizeofcompensationtopatients,whohavebeenaffectedduetofaultyhipimplantsofJ&J.

§ TheCentralCommitteeshallreviewthereportoftheStatelevelcommitteeandalsootherdocumentssubmittedbythepatients.

§ QuantumofthecompensationwouldbedecidedbytheCentralExpertCommitteebasedonthefollowing:baseamountofRs

§ 20lakh;degreeofdisability;patientsufferingonaccountofmonetarylossofwagesandotherlosses;percentagedisabilityofthepatients.

OnlinesaleofmedicinesWhyinnews?

§ TheissueofwhethermedicinescanbesoldonlineandmobilephonecameupinMadrasHighCourt.

Moreononlinesales:§ Alicenceissuedtoapharmacyforsaleofmedicinescouldbeusedtosellthedrugsonly

fromwithinamedicalstoreandnotbeyondthatthroughe-commerce. § Asofnow,onlydraftruleshavebeenframedbythegovernmentforpermittingonlinesaleof

medicines.


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§ Nofirminthecountrypossessesalicencetosellmedicinesonline.Theexistinglicencescouldonlybeusedforsellingmedicinesinastore.

§ When the judge pointed out that there was no express bar under the 1940 Drug andCosmeticsActprohibitingpharmaciesfromsellingmedicinesonline,theseniorcounselsaid,therewasnoenablingprovisionalsointhelawpermittinge-saleofmedicines.

§ Itisnotatradeoftextiles.Itisdrugs.Therefore,noprohibitionisnoansweratall. § Thejudgementisyettocome,asofnowaninterimorderinthecasedirectingtheCentreto

stallonlinesaleofmedicineswithoutlicence.

AllhealthconditionsbecoveredWhyinnews?

§ Government appointed aworking committee to examinewhich health conditions arisingaftertheinceptionofahealthinsurancepolicyshouldbecovered.

§ Committeerecommended thatAllhealthconditionsarisingafter the inceptionofahealthinsurancepolicyshouldbecoveredandcannotbepermanentlyexcluded.

Observationsofthecommittee § Committee, as part of itsmethodology,met various stakeholders of the health insurance

industry including representatives of health insurers, general insurers, life insurers,insurance brokers, third-party administrators, agents, Ministry officials, NGOs, consumeractivists,medicalexpertsandreinsurers,andcollectedtheirviews.

§ Thereshouldnotbeanypermanentexclusionsinthepolicywordingsforanyspecificdiseaseconditions,whethertheyaredegenerative,physiological,orchronicinnature.

§ Insurers must be allowed to incorporate permanent exclusions with due consent of theproposer,whichwill allow awider section of the population to be insured under healthinsurance.

§ Insurers may be allowed to incorporate waiting periods (duration when a claim is notadmissible)foranyspecificdiseasecondition,howevertoamaximumof4years.

REPORT&INDEXUNreportonKashmirWhatdoesthereportsay?

§ The UnitedNations has released a report for the first time on human rights situation inJammuandKashmir.

§ Thereporthasaskedboth IndiaandPakistan to respect their internationalhumanrightsobligations.

§ It asks India to repeal Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA) and establishindependentinvestigationstoprobeciviliankillings.

§ ItasksPakistantostopthemisuseofantiterrorlegislationtopersecutethoseengaginginpeacefulpoliticalandcivilactivities,andthosewhoexpressdissent.

WhatisAFSPA?§ AFSPAgivesarmedforcesthepowertomaintainpublicorderindisturbedareas§ AccordingtoTheDisturbedAreas(SpecialCourts)Act,1976oncedeclare“disturbed”,the

areahastomaintainstatusquoforaminimumof3months.§ AFSPAwasappliedtoJammuandKashmirin1990andhasbeeninforcesince.

PowersoftheArmedForces§ Theyhavetheauthoritytoprohibitagatheringoffiveormorepersonsinanarea,§ Theycanuseforceorevenopenfireaftergivingduewarningiftheyfeelapersonisin

contraventionofthelaw.


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§ Underreasonablesuspicion,theycanalsoarrestapersonwithoutawarrant;enterorsearchapremisewithoutawarrant;andbanthepossessionoffirearms.

§ India’sinternationalobligationsonHumanRights§ Indiahaseitheraccededorhasratifiedthefollowinghumanrightstreaties:§ InternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,§ InternationalCovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,§ InternationalConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofRacialDiscrimination,§ ConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen§ Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment(Indiahasonlysigned,i.e.,notratified).§ Inaddition,IndiaisoneofthefoundingsignatoriesofUniversalDeclarationof§ HumanRights(1948).

India’sreactiontothereport§ Indiahassaidthatthereportviolatesitssovereigntyandintegrity.§ Itcalledthereportaselectivecompilationofunverifiedinformation.

CompositewaterIndexWhatis“CompositeWaterIndex”?

§ It is a tool released by NITI Ayog, to assess and improve performance in efficientmanagementofwaterresources.

§ Indicators: Groundwater restoration, irrigation management, on-farm water use,drinkingwatersupplyandwaterpolicyframework.

§ It aims to inspire States/UTs towards efficient and optimal utilization of water andrecyclingthereofwithsenseofurgency

Whyinnews?§ TheNITI Ayog study says that India is facing itsworstwater crisis and the demand for

potablewaterwillbemorethansupplyby2030ifstepsarenottaken.Findingsofthestudy

§ Nearly600millionIndiansfacedhightoextremewaterstress.§ 21citiesincludingDelhi,Bengaluru,Chennai&Hyderabadwillrunoutofgroundwaterby

2020.§ Therewillbea�%lossinIndia�sGDPby2050ifnostepsaretaken.§ Criticalgroundwaterresourcesarebeingdepletedunsustainablyandupto70%ofsupplyis

contaminated.§ Rapidlydeclininggroundwaterandlimitedpolicyactioncouldleadtoafoodsecurityrisk.§ Gujarat,AndhraPradeshandMadhyaPradeshmanagetheirwaterresourceseffectivelyand

thelastthreespotsweretakenbyJharkhand,HaryanaandBiharinnon-Himalayanstates.§ HimachalPradeshwhichisfacingoneofitsworstwatercrisisisleadingthelistamongthe

HimalayanandNorthEasternstates.

CommonReviewMission(CRM)reportWhatisCommonReviewMissionreport?

§ AnnualCommonReviewMissionisoneofthemonitoringmechanismsunderNationalHealthMission.

Whyinnews?§ MinisterofStateforHealthandFamilyWelfarereleasedthe11thCommonReviewMission

(CRM)reportoftheNationalHealthMission.§ Itisfoundthatthe‘MaternalMortalityRatio’ofIndiahasdeclinedfrom167in2011-2013to

130in2014-2016(highestpercentagedecline)Scopeofthereport


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§ TheCRMreportusesamixofmethods-includingsecondarydatareview,rapidassessmentoffacilities,andimplementerandbeneficiaryperspectives.

§ The11thCRMteamvisited16States/UTs,ofwhich4wereNorth-EasternStates,6wereHighFocusStatesand6wereNon-HighFocusStates.

WhatisNationalHealthMission?§ TheNHMenvisagesachievementofuniversalaccesstoequitable,affordable&quality

healthcareservicesthatareaccountableandresponsivetopeople'sneeds.§ TheNationalHealthMission(NHM)encompassestwoSub-Missions,theNationalRural

Health Mission (NRHM) and the newly launched National Urban Health Mission(NUHM).

§ Themainprogrammaticcomponentsinclude:o HealthSystemStrengtheninginruralandurbanareaso Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-ChildandAdolescentHealth(RMNCH+A)o CommunicableandNon-CommunicableDiseases.

MaternalMortalityRate(MMR)§ Thenumberoffemaledeathsper100,000livebirthsirrespectiveofthedurationandsiteof

thepregnancy,fromanycauserelatedtooraggravatedbythepregnancyoritsmanagementbutnotfromaccidentalorincidentalcauses.

InfantMortalityRate(IMR)§ Infantmortalityrate(IMR)isthenumberofdeathsper1,000livebirthsofchildrenunder

oneyearofage.TotalFertilityRate(TFR)

§ Total Fertility Rate is the average number of children that a woman bears over herreproductivespan.

§ Thereproductiveagespanofwomentakenforstatisticalpurposeisbetween15-49years.§ ATotalFertilityRateof2.1isconsideredtobeaReplacementRate,i.e.therateatwhicha

givenpopulationisabletoproduceenoughoffspringtoreplaceitself.ReplacementFertilityLevel:

§ Replacementlevelfertilityistheleveloffertilityatwhichapopulationexactlyreplacesitselffromonegenerationtothenext

PublicAffairsIndex(PAI)WhatisPAI?

§ PublicAffairsIndex(PAI)isadatadrivenplatformtorankthe30StatesofIndiafromthelensofgovernance.

§ PAIisreleasedbyPublicAffairsCentre(PAC)andthePAIislargelybasedonsecondarydataandhasbeenextractedfromUnionGovernmentMinistriesandDepartments.

WhatisPAC?§ PACisanotforprofitThinkTank,establishedin1994withamandatetoimprovethequality

ofgovernanceinIndia.§ ItengagesinactionresearchfocussingonSustainableDevelopmentGoalsinthecontextof

India.§ PACisapioneerorganisationindeployinginnovativeSocialAccountabilityTools(SAT)to

measurethequalityandadequacyofpublicservices.Whyinnews?

§ Kerala has topped the PAI 2018 in terms of governance and service deliverywith a toprankinginfourofthe10parametersforbigStates.

§ These include essential infrastructure, support to human development,women and childdevelopmentandchild-friendlyapproach.

§ However,theStatehassomegroundtocoverinareassuchasprotectionoftheenvironmentandmaintenanceoflawandorder.


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EaseofLivingindexEaseofLivingIndex

§ Acomprehensiveindex,launchedbytheMinistryofHousingandUrbanDevelopmentbased on the data and its actual performance in 4 parameters viz.,institutions/governance,socialindicators,economicindicatorsandphysicalinfrastructure,Indiancitiesareranked.

Whyinthenews?§ Importantfindingsinclude:

o Pune,NewMumbaiandBrihanMumbaisecuredthetopspots.o Chennairanked14th.o NewDelhiwasat65thplace.o Kolkatadidn’tparticipate.o Manycities/performancesintheparameterswerezeroduetolackofdata.o Tirupati,Indore,Vijayawada,Bhopal,Thane,RaipurandChandigarhwereamongthe

top10.o TheworstwereRampur,KohimaandPatna.Patnawasatthebottomat111st.

§ TheindexwasconceivedbyMinistryofHousingandUrbanAffairsinJune2017.§ Itaimstohelpcitiesassesstheirliveabilityvis-a-visglobalandnationalbenchmarksand

encourage them to move towards ‘outcome-based’ approach to urban planning andmanagement.

§ Itwaslaunchedtorank116citiesthataresmartcitycontenders,capitalcitiesandcitieswithpopulationof1millionplusbasedontheliveabilityparameters

GlobalhungerandGlobalwarmingUN’slatestreport

§ TheUnitedNationsinitsStateofFoodSecurityandNutritionintheWorld2018reportnotedthatthenumberofhungrypeopleintheworldisgrowingagain,reversingrecentdownward trends, wiping out progress on improving people’s access to food andleavingoneinninepeopleundernourishedlastyear.

Reasonfortheincreasinglevelofhunger§ Peoplefacingchronicfooddeprivationincreasedto821millionin2017from804millionin

2016,mainlyduetoclimatechangethatiswreakinghavoconcropproductioninmuchofthedevelopingworld.

§ Analysisinthereportfoundthatclimatevariability,extremedroughtandfloodsarealreadyunderminingproductionofwheat,riceandmaizeintropicalandtemperateregions,andthatthetrendisexpectedtoworsenastemperaturesincreaseandbecomemoreextreme.

§ Ahotterworldisprovingtobeahungrierworld.Whatneedstobedone?

§ Thereportadvocatedadaptingpractisestoclimatechangelikeo Switchingtolessthirstycropso Selectively breeding varieties fordrought-resistanceo Diversifyingcropso Usingnaturalmethodstomakethebestuseofrainfallo Giving farmersaccess to transport to take theirproduce tomarket,andmodern

technology,suchasweatherforecastingcommunications§ Withhungerontheriseforthepastthreeyears,thereportcalledforpoliciestotargetgroups

mostvulnerabletomalnutrition,includinginfants,children,adolescentgirlsandwomen.Obesity-anindicatorofpoverty


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§ Theanalysisalsoshowedthatoneineightoftheworld’sadults–672millionpeople–arenowobese.Thisisincreasinglyregardedasaformofmalnutritionassociatedwithpoverty,aspoorpeopleoftenlackaccesstogoodqualityfood.

India’shealthreportIndiaState-levelDiseaseBurdenInitiativereport

§ ThereportisajointinitiativeoftheIndianCouncilofMedicalResearch(ICMR),thePublicHealthFoundationofIndia(PHFI)andtheInstituteforHealthMetricsandEvaluation(IHME) in collaborationwith theMinistry ofHealth and FamilyWelfare, alongwithexpertsandstakeholdersassociatedwithover100Indianinstitutions.

Whyinnews?§ Accordingtotherecentlyreleased‘IndiaState-levelDiseaseBurdenInitiative’report,Indians

haveregistereda50%increaseintheprevalenceofischemicheartdiseaseandstrokeovertheperiodfrom1990to2016,withthenumberofdiabetescasesclimbingfrom26millionto65million.

§ Inthesameperiod,thenumberofpeopleailingfromchronicobstructivelungdiseasewentupfrom28millionto55million.

Keyfindings§ ThereportshowedthattheproportionalcontributionofcancerstodiseaseburdeninIndia

hasdoubledsince1990,buttheincidenceofindividualcancersvarieswidelybetweentheStates,thereasonsforwhichneedtobeunderstoodbettertoguidepreventionandcontrolofcancer.

§ TheState-wisediseaseburdenshowedthatPunjabhasbeenrankedatthetopfortheburdenofischemicheartdisease,followedbyTamilNadu,andvice-versafordiabetes.

§ WestBengaltoppedwiththelargestnumberofstrokecasesfollowedbyOdisha.Keralawasrankedatthetopfortheburdenofcancer,followedbyAssam.

§ BeingoverweightwasfoundtobeamajorriskfactorfordiabetesdoubledineveryStateofIndiafrom1990to2016.

§ Whileitisknownthatnon-communicablediseases(NCDs)havebeenincreasinginIndia,amajor findingofconcern is thatthehighestrateof increase in ischemicheartdiseaseanddiabetesisinthelessdevelopedStatesofIndia.

§ TheseStatesalreadyhaveahighburdenofchronicobstructivelungdiseaseandofarangeofinfectiousandchildhooddiseases,sothecontrolofNCDsintheseStateshastobeboostedwithoutdelay.

37%ofwomendyingofsuicideareIndians§ Thestudyfoundthatsuicideistheleadingcauseofdeathinthe15-39yearsagegroupin

India.India’scontributiontoglobalsuicidedeathsincreasedfrom25.3%in1990to36.6%in2016amongwomen,andfrom18.7%to24.3%amongmen.

§ SuicideDeathRate(SDR)inIndia ishigherthanexpectedfor itssocio-demographic indexlevel,especiallyforwomen,withsubstantialvariationsinthemagnitudeandmen-to-womenratiobetweenthestates.

§ Indiamustdevelopasuicide-preventionstrategythattakesintoaccountthesevariationsinordertoaddressthismajorpublichealthproblem.

§ It further said that if the trends observed up to 2016 continued, the probability of IndiaachievingSustainableDevelopmentGoalsforSDRreductionin2030waszero.

Significanceofthereport§ TheinsightsprovidedbythesefindingsareverytimelyfortheplanningofAyushmanBharat,

theNationalHealthProtectionMissionannouncedrecentlybythePrimeMinister.


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WHOreportonalcoholintakeWhyinNews?

§ PercapitaalcoholconsumptioninIndiahasmorethandoubledfrom2005to2016,accordingtoareportbytheWorldHealthOrganisation(WHO).

Background

§ Theharmfulimpactofalcoholisoneoftheleadingriskfactorsforpopulationsworldwideandhasadirectimpactonmanyhealth-relatedtargetsoftheSustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs),includingthoseformaternalandchildhealth,infectiousdiseases(HIV,viralhepatitis,tuberculosis),non-communicablediseasesandmentalhealth,injuriesandpoisonings.

HighlightsoftheReport§ Thetotalalcoholpercapitaconsumption(15+years)isexpectedtoincreaseinhalfofthe

WHOregionsby2025andthehighestincreaseisexpectedintheSouth-EastAsiaRegion.§ Anincreaseof2.2litresisexpectedinIndiaalonewhichrepresentsalargeproportionofthe

totalpopulationinthisregion.§ Thesecond-highestincreaseisprojectedforthepopulationsoftheWesternPacificRegion,

wherethepopulationofChinaisthelargest,withanincreaseinpercapitaconsumptionof0.9litresofpurealcoholby2025.

§ In2016,theharmfuluseofalcoholresultedinsomethreemilliondeaths(5.3%ofalldeaths)worldwideand132.6milliondisability-adjustedlifeyears(DALYs).

§ Mortalityresultingfromalcoholconsumptionishigherthanthatcausedbydiseasessuchastuberculosis,HIV/AIDSanddiabetes.

HumanCapitalRankingsWhat’sinNews?

§ Indiaranks158thintheworldforitsinvestmentsineducationandhealthcare,accordingtothefirst-everscientificstudyrankingcountriesfortheirlevelsofhumancapital.

Background§ Thestudy,conductedbytheInstituteforHealthMetricsandEvaluation(IHME)attherequest

oftheWorldBank,isthefirstofitskindtomeasureandcomparethestrengthofcountries’“humancapital”.

§ Thestudyunderscores thatwhena country’shumancapital score increases, its economygrows.

§ The findings show the association between investments in education and health andimprovedhumancapitalandGDP.

India'sRank§ The study, published in journal The Lancet, says that India is ranked at 158 out of 195

countriesin2016,animprovementfromitspositionof162in1990.§ ItshowedthatIndiaisfallingbehindintermsofhealthandeducationofitsworkforce,which

couldpotentiallyhavelong-termnegativeeffectsontheIndianeconomy.Thestudyisbasedonanalysisofdata fromsources, includinggovernmentagencies,schools,andhealthcaresystems.


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Highlights§ IndiaisplacedbehindSudan(ranked157th)andaheadofNamibia(ranked159th)inthelist.§ TheU.S.isranked27th,whileChinaisat44thandPakistanat164th.§ SouthAsiancountriesrankingbelowIndiainthisreportincludePakistan(164),Bangladesh

(161)andAfghanistan(188).§ CountriesintheregionthathavefaredbetterthanIndiaintermsofhumancapitalincludeSri

Lanka(102),Nepal(156),Bhutan(133)andMaldives(116).§ ThestudyplacesFinlandatthetop.Turkeyshowedthemostdramatic increaseinhuman

capitalbetween1990and2016;AsiancountrieswithnotableimprovementincludeChina,Thailand,Singapore,andVietnam.WithinLatinAmerica,Brazilstandsoutforimprovement.

§ All thesecountrieshavehad fastereconomicgrowthover thisperiodthanpeercountrieswithlowerlevelsofhumancapitalimprovement.

§ Therankingsarebasedonfourkeyparameters:lifeexpectancy,yearsofschooling,learningandfunctionalhealth.

§ Health rankings are based on seven indicators – wasting, stunting, anaemia, cognitiveimpairment,visionloss,hearinglossandincidenceofcertaininfectiousdiseases.

HumanCapitalIndexWhyinNews?


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§ TheWorldBankreleasedtheHumanCapitalIndex(HCI)aspartoftheWorldDevelopmentReport2019.

ThekeyobservationsregardingHCIforIndiaintheReportareasunder:§ Indiaisrankedat115positionintheindexwithitsscoreof0.44onascaleof0to1,

lowerthantheaveragescoreforSouthAsia.§ Thescoresignifiesachildborntodaywillbeonly44%asproductivewhenshe

growsupasshecouldbeifsheenjoyedcompleteeducationandfullhealth.§ TheHCIinIndiaforfemalesismarginallybetterthanthatformales.Further,there

hasbeenamarkedimprovementintheHCIcomponentsinIndiaoverthelastfiveyears.

§ ExpectedYearsofSchool:InIndia,achildwhostartsschoolatage4canexpecttocomplete10.2yearsofschoolbyher18thbirthday.

§ Learning-adjustedYearsofSchool:Factoringinwhatchildrenactuallylearn,expectedyears

ofschoolisonly5.8years.§ AdultSurvivalRate:AcrossIndia,83percentof15-yearoldswillsurviveuntilage60§ HealthyGrowth(NotStuntedRate):62outof100childrenarenotstunted.38outof100

childrenarestunted,andsoatriskofcognitiveandphysicallimitationsthatcanlastalifetime.

HumanCapitalIndex(HCI)§ TheHCIhasbeenconstructedfor157countries.Itclaimstoseektomeasuretheamountof

humancapitalthatachildborntodaycanexpecttoattainbyage18.§ TheHCIindexvaluesarecontendedtoconveytheproductivityofthenextgenerationof

workers,comparedtoabenchmarkofcompletestandardeducationandfullhealth.TheHCIhasthreecomponents:

1. Survival,asmeasuredbyunder-5mortalityrates;2. ExpectedyearsofQuality-AdjustedSchoolwhichcombinesinformationonthe

quantityandqualityofeducation;and3. Healthenvironmentusingtwoproxiesof(a)adultsurvivalratesand(b)therateof

stuntingforchildrenunderage5.HumanCapitalProject(HCP)

§ BroaderthemeoftheWorldDevelopmentReport(WDR)ofWorldBankthisyearis“TheChangingNatureofWork”.

§ Aspartofthisreport,theWorldBankhaslaunchedaHumanCapitalProject(HCP).§ TheHCPprogrammeisclaimedtobeaprogramofadvocacy,measurement,andanalytical

worktoraiseawarenessandincreasedemandforinterventionstobuildhumancapital.


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TherearethreecomponentsofHCP-1. Across-countryhumancapitalmeasurementmetriccalledtheHumanCapitalIndex(HCI),2. Aprogrammeofmeasurementandresearchtoinformpolicyaction,and3. Aprogrammeofsupportforcountrystrategiestoaccelerateinvestmentinhumancapital.

HumanDevelopmentIndex(HDI)VsHumanCapitalIndex(HCI)§ UNDPhasbeenreleasingtheHumanDevelopmentIndex(HDI)forseveralyears.Itis

an indexof life expectancy, education, andper capita income indicators,whichareusedtorankcountriesintofourtiersofhumandevelopment.

§ TheHCIusessurvivalratesandstuntingrateinsteadoflifeexpectancyasameasureofhealth,andquality-adjustedlearninginsteadofmerelyyearsofschoolingasameasureofeducation.HCIalsoexcludespercapitaincomewhereastheHDIusesit.

§ Two significant changes from HDI are the exclusion of income component and theintroductionofqualityadjustmentinlearning.ThismakesHCIfarlessrepresentativeofHumanCapitalDevelopmentthantheHDI.

EaseofmobilityIndexWhyinnews?

§ TheIndexoffersasourceofinformationtoaidplannerstohelpincreatingsolutionswiththepreferenceofcommuters.

§ ThereporthasbeenpreparedbyOlaMobility Institute -Ola’sresearchandsocialinnovationarm.

§ ThereporthasbeenreleasedbyMinisterofRoad,TransportMinisterNitinGadkari.§ Theindexstatesthatover60%ofrespondentsusepublictransportfortravellingpurposes. § ItalsostatesthatthemajorityofIndiansarewillingtoadoptelectricmobility. § Kolkatahasbeenselectedasthecitywithmosteasilyaccessibleofpublictransport

WorldResourcesInstitute(WRI)ReportWhyinNews?

§ WorldResourcesInstitute(WRI)initsreportShiftingDietsforaSustainableFoodFuturehassaidthatpeopleshouldreduceeatingbeefwithanangleofworryingaboutthemethodsandtechniques to achievea sustained future to feed thegrowingpopulation in theupcomingyears.

3Arguments§ Peopleeatmoreproteinthantherequiredquantityfortheday,whichiswastage.Fore.g.an

averageAmericanorCanadianeatsupto90gmofproteinsagainsttherequirementof50gm.Thereare1.3billioncattleacrosstheworldtoday(andIndiarears300millionofthem).Thisimpliesthatwewillneedover2.6billioncattle30yearsfromnow.

§ Thepastoralrearingneedslandandotherresources.Duetobleachingtheyalsocontributetoglobalwarming.Theestimatesaysthatcattlepopulationwouldneed1/3rdofglobalwater.

§ PeopleofemergingeconomieslikeBrazilorChinaaremovingtowesternfoodhabitsfromtheirvegandiets.Thisaddslotofpressuretoresources.

Suggestions§ Reducecaloricintakewhichshouldnotexceed2000calories/day.§ Reduceproteinintakewhichshouldnotexceed50-55gm/day.Shifttootherproteinsources.§ Reducebeefintakespecifically,haveonceawhilethanregularly.

Wayforward§ Manhasbeeneatingmeatsincemillennium;drasticchangecannotbeimbibedintosocieties

suddenly.§ Theabovechangesdemandsocialandculturalchange,whichcanbebroughtbyawareness

ofthesituation.


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WorldResourcesInstitute§ TheWorldResourcesInstitute(WRI)isaglobalresearchnon-profitorganizationthatwas

establishedin1982.§ HeadquartersinWashingtonDCinUSA.§ The organization's mission is to promote environmental sustainability, economic

opportunity,andhumanhealthandwell-being.§ WRIpartnerswithlocalandnationalgovernments,privatecompanies,publiclyheldcorporations,and

other non-profits, and offers services including global climate change issues, sustainablemarkets,ecosystemprotection,andenvironmentalresponsiblegovernanceservices.

OTHERS

LateralentryintobureaucracyWhatdoesitmean?

§ Itmeans civilians from private sector will now be recruited into the bureaucracy at themiddlemanagementlevel(suchasJointSecretary).

§ Thisideawasfirstrecommendedbythe2ndAdministrativeReformsCommission.Whyinnews?

§ Governmenthasopenedthedoorfor lateralentryofciviliansfromprivatefirmsintocivilservices.

Whyinvolveciviliansinbureaucracy?§ Totapthevasthumancapitalandgoodpracticesfromtheprivatesectorsoastoimprovethe

efficiencyofgovernanceanddecisionmaking.Eligibilitycriteriaforlateralentry

§ Eligibility-candidatesshouldhaveaminimumof15yearsofexperienceinprivatesectorwithminimum age of 40 years and aminimum qualification of graduation from a recognizeduniversity.

IndefiniteleavetoremainWhatisIndefiniteleavetoremain(ILR)?

§ IndefiniteLeavetoRemainorPermanentResidency(PR)isanimmigrationstatusgrantedtoapersonwho:

§ DoesnotholdtherightofabodeintheUnitedKingdom,buthasbeenadmittedtotheUKwithoutanytimelimitonhisorherstay.

§ Also,theyarefreetotakeupemploymentorstudy,withoutrestriction.Whyinnews?

§ IndiaisreadyprocessextraditionproceedingsagainstfugitivediamondtraderNiravModifromtheUK.

§ ButitisnotclearwhetherNiravModihasILRornot.IfhepossessesILR,Indiawillhavetogoforextradition.

§ Ifhedoesn’tIndiacansimplyaskforadeportation.CriteriatogetPermanentResidentStatus(PRS)inIndia

§ TobeanOverseasCitizenofIndia(OCI)§ ForeigninvestorsinvestingatleastRs10Crores,andwhichresultsintheemploymentofat

least20Indianseveryfinancialyear.CriteriatogetILRintheUK

§ ToqualifyforIndefiniteLeavetoRemain,applicantsmustfirsthavebeenpresentintheUKforaspecifiedperiod,usuallyonatemporaryvisaofsometype.

§ Examples:Marriage(5years),Ancestry(5years),Investors(5years),Legalstayonanybasis(10years).

Whatisdeportation?


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§ It is the removal of a foreign national to his or her country of citizenship or permanentresidencyforreasonssuchasillegalentry,criminalbehaviourorpotentialthreattothepublicwelfare.

Whatisextradition?§ It refers to one state or nation giving over an individual to another state or nation for

purposesofcriminaltrialorpunishment.

Extraditiontreaty ExtraditionArrangement

• ExtraditionTreaty is signedafterkeepingin view the divergencebetween the laws of variouscountries.

• The treaty generally accepts theprincipleof dual criminality, so apersonwho is a fugitive in Indiawill also be treated as afugitiveand criminal in the country inwhichhe/sheseeksasylum.

• In extradition arrangements,countriesagreetoassistmutuallyin“legalProcedures”withoutanybindingagreement.

ExtraditionofNiravModiWhyinthenews?

§ Afterdefraudingapublicsectorbank(PunjabNationalBank)withfraudulentlettersofundertaking(LoU)inordertoobtainloanstoobtainloanstothetuneofINR13,578crores,jewelertycoonNiravModiisabscondingintheUK.

§ Asaresultofthis,IndiahasrequestedtheUKtohandoverthefugitive(theprocessiscalledextradition) so thathemaybe tried in Indian courts for the crimes and themoneyberecovered,whichisthemoneyofaPSUBank.DiplomaticproceduresinthisregardhavebeeninitiatedbyIndiawiththeUK.

§ SuchamovecomesontheheelsofanInterpolRedNoticeissuedagainstModiinJulyonIndia’srequestonchargesof fraudandmoneylaundering,whichinhibitsmovementofsuchfugitivesin192countries.

TheNiravModiScaminbrief§ Untilthescam,acelebratedtycooninthejewellerybusiness,NiravModi,alongwithMehul

Choksi, Nishal Modi and Ami Modi (all relatives) obtained fraudulent Letters ofUndertakingfromPNB,whichareusedbyabank’scustomertoavailshort-termcreditinaforeigncountry.

§ Thesetransactionsarenotretailinnatureandaremostlyusedbybusinessesforimportofgoods.Consequently,theycheatedthebanktothetuneofmorethanINR13kcroresandescapedthecountrywiththemoney.

Look-OutCircularWhatisalookoutcircular?

§ LOCisacoercivemeasureusedbyinvestigatingagenciesandcourtstocompelsuspectsawaitingtrialtosurrender.

WhatarethecategoriesofcasesinwhichagenciescanseekaLOC?


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§ Investigating agencies can approach immigration authorities for issuance of an LOC incasesofoffencesrecognisedbytheIndianPenalCodeorotherpenalprovisions,orwhentheaccused/suspect isdeliberatelyevadingarrestornotappearingfortrial incourt inspiteofanon-bailablewarrantandsimilarcoercivemeasures.

§ Itcanalsobeissuedwhenthereisalikelihoodofthesuspectleavingthecountrytoevadetrialorarrest.IncaseswheretheoffenceisnotrecognisedbytheIPC,LOCcannotbeissuedtopreventtheindividualfromleavingthecountry.Insuchcases,theagenciescanonlyasktobeinformedaboutthearrivalordepartureoftheseindividuals.

Whyinnews?§ RecentlyCBIsaidthatthechangeina2015LookoutCircular(LoC)againstVijayMallya

from “detain” tomerely informing about hismovementswas an “error” in judgementbecausehewascooperatingintheprobeandtherewasnowarrantagainsthim.

§ OnNovember24,2015,theCBIissuedafreshLoCagainstMallyaaskingairportauthoritiesacrossthecountryto“inform”itaboutMallya’smovements,thusreplacingitspreviouscircular which had sought detention of the businessman if he attempted to leave thecountry.

§ OnMarch2,2016,MallyaleftthecountryandhasbeenintheUnitedKingdomwherehehasbeenfightingtheextraditioncase

World’sTallestGirderRailBridgeWhatisaGirderBridge?

§ GirderBridgeisthemostcommonlybuiltandutilizedbridgeintheworld.§ Itusesgirders(beams)asthemeansofsupportingthedeck.§ Othertypesofrailbridges:ArchBridge,TrussBridge,BeamBridge,etc.

Whyinnews?§ Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has supplied steel material for the 111-km- long

Jiribam-Tupul-ImphalnewbroadgaugerailwayprojectinManipur.§ AbridgeisbeingconstructednearNoney,Manipurwillbecomethetallestgirderrail

bridgeintheworld.Aboutthebridge

§ At141metres,thebridgeoverriverIringwillbeashighastwoQutubMinar’sstackedontopofeachother.

SteelAuthorityofIndiaLimited(SAIL)§ SAIL isan Indianstate-owned steelmakingcompanybased inNewDelhi, India. It is a

publicsectorundertaking,ownedandoperatedbytheGovernmentofIndia.§ Withanannualproductionof14.38millionmetrictons,SAIListhelargeststeelproducer

inIndiaandoneofthelargeststeelproducersintheworld.§ SAIL operates and owns 5 integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Rourkela, Durgapur, Bokaro and

Burnpur(Asansol)and3specialsteelplantsatSalem,DurgapurandBhadravathi.

KannurinternationalAirportWhyinnews?

§ KannurwillbecomethefourthinternationalairportinKerala.§ Keralawillbecomethestatewiththemostnumberofinternationalairportsinthe

country§ TheairportisnotapartoftheUDANnetwork

UDAN§ UDANisaRegionalConnectivitySchemewaslaunchedinOctober2016.§ Comesunder theNationalCivilAviationPolicyandaims tomake flyingaffordableby

providingconnectivitytoun-servedandunder-servedairportsofcountry


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§ AirportsAuthorityofIndiaisimplementingagencyofthescheme,whichworksundertheMinistryofCivilAviation.

Plansforthefuture§ While opening the Kannur airport, Civil Aviation Ministry talked about the plans to

enhanceGItourisminIndia,bydisplayingGIproductsfromalloverthecountryatallinternationalairports.

GITags§ Ageographicalindication(GI)isanameorsignusedonproductswhichcorrespondsto

aspecificgeographicallocationororigin§ GeographicalIndicationTagprovidesrightssimilartothatofintellectualproperty

rightsandprotectiontoholders.§ RecentlyAdilabaddokraandWarangalDhurrieswereawardedGItagsbythe

WhogivesGItags?§ GItaginIndiaisgovernedbytheGeographicalIndicationsofGoods(Registration

andProtectionAct),1999.§ TheControllerGeneralofPatents,DesignsandTradeMarks,whoadministersthe

Act,isalsotheRegistrarofGeographicalIndications.GITagvs.Trademark

§ GItagswillbefromaparticularplace.Trademarksarefromaspecificcompany.§ While GI tags are given for ‘goods’,Trademarks are given for both ‘goods’ and

‘services’§ RightsofGItagsareacommunityrightwhilethatoftrademarksareenjoyedbyan

individualoracompany.

SpecialCategoryStatus(SCS)WhatisSCS?

§ Itisaconceptwhichwasintroducedinthe5thFinanceCommission(1969)wherecertaindisadvantagedstatesweregivenpreferentialtreatmentintheformofcentralassistanceandtaxbreaksbythecentralgovernment.

§ Theconstitutiondoesnotprovideanyprovisionforsuchcategorisation,theNationalDevelopmentCouncil(aformerbodyof the erstwhile Planning Commission),awardsSCStocertainstates.

§ These states, by inherent features such as lack of resources, cannot mobilizeresourcesfordevelopment.

Howaretheycategorised?TheNDCgrantedthisstatusbasedonanumberoffeaturesoftheStateswhichincluded:§ Hillyanddifficultterrain§ Lowpopulationdensityorthepresenceofsizeabletribalpopulation§ Strategiclocationalonginternationalborders§ Economicandinfrastructuralbackwardness§ Non-viablenatureofStatefinances.

Whatarethetypesofcentralassistance?§ NormalCentralAssistance(NCA)§ AdditionalCentralAssistance(ACA)§ SpecialCentralAssistance

WhatbenefitsdotheSCSsenjoy?§ SCS states receive 30% of the total assistance while the other states share the

remaining70%


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§ TheNCAissplitinto90%grantsand10%loansforspecialcategorystates,whiletheratiobetweengrantsandloansis30:70forotherstates.

§ Specialcategorystatesalsoreceivespecificassistanceaddressingfeatureslikehillareas,tribalsub-plansandborderareas.

§ Beyond that theyenjoy concessions in excise and customsduties, income tax rates andcorporatetaxratesasdeterminedbythegovernment.

Whatchangedafter14thFinanceCommissionrecommendations?§ 14th FC recommendations subsumed central plan assistance in an increased

devolutionofthedivisiblepooltoallstates(from32%to42%).§ Besidesthis,assistancetoCentrallySponsoredSchemesforSCSStateswasgivenwith

90%Centralshareand10%Stateshare(asearlier).§ Todayonlythenorth-easternstatesandthe3otherhillystates(HP,Uttarakhand,

andJ&K)enjoySCSbenefits.Whyinnews?

§ The central government has held that it cannot give special category status to AndhraPradeshandthatithadfulfilledallitsfinancialcommitmentstothestate.

§ The union government representatives have told that the state has been receivingincreasedinflowoffundsfromincreaseddevolutionduetothe14thFCrecommendations.

‘EatRightMovement’Whatisitabout?

§ Itaimstoempowerthecitizensbyimprovingtheirhealthandwellbeing,ledbythe FoodSafetyandStandardsAuthorityofIndia(FSSAI)

§ Itisacollectiveeffort,tonudgethecitizenstowardsmakingrightfoodanddietarychoices.§ ‘TheEatRightMovement’isbuiltontwobroadpillarsof‘EatHealthy’and‘EatSafe’.§ "EatHealthy"isaboutmakinghealthyfoodchoices."EatSafe"isaboutensuringfoodsafety

fromprocurementtoconsumptionanddisposaloffood.§ Theaimofthemovementistocutdownsalt/sugarandoilconsumptionby30%in

threeyears.FoodSafetyandStandardsAuthorityofIndia(FSSAI)

§ Anautonomous,statutorybodyestablishedundertheFoodSafetyandStandardsAct,2006withintheMinistryofHealth&FamilyWelfare.

§ FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through theregulationandsupervisionoffoodsafety

§ The Union Government launched national campaign ‘Swasth Bharat Yatra’ onoccasionofWorldFoodDay(observedon16October)tocreateawarenessamongpeopleabouteatingsafefoodandbehealthy.

§ Under it, pan-India cycle rally is being organized to create consumer awareness abouteatingsafeandnutritiousfoodforbecominghealthyandcombatingfoodadulteration.

OperationKarunaWhatisOperationKaruna?

§ Itistheair-rescueoperationintheflood-hitKeralaconductedbytheIndianMilitary.§ TheIndianAirForcewasinstrumentalinthesupplyofreliefmaterialforfloodsurvivorsby

airinKerala,operatingfromitsheadquartersatTrivandrum.§ Besidessupplyofmaterial,italsoaidedinairliftingofstrandedpeopletosaferplaces.

Background§ Keralawashitbyfloodsin2018bringingthestatetoastandstill.§ In this light,many organizations, teams from central, state and other state governments

activelycontributedtothereliefoperationsincash,kindandpersonnel.


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§ Morethan300peoplehavediedandcloseto5lakhpeopleweregivenshelterinreliefcampsFundamentalrighttoretireWhat’sintheFundamentalrighttoretire?

§ Under Rule 56 of the Uttar Pradesh Fundamental Rules as amended, an employee hasunfetteredrighttoseekvoluntaryretirementbyservinganoticeofthreemonthstothestategovernment.

§ AllahabadHC,inthisregard,upheldthatemployeeshavetherighttoretirevoluntarilyaspertheprovisionsunderRule56.

Background§ Dr.AchalSinghwasworkingasajointdirectorinMedical,HealthandFamilyWelfare,and

othermembers of the ProvincialMedical Services filed an application seeking voluntaryretirement.

§ Thehigh courthadallowed theirwritpetitionsand treated thedoctors tohave retiredvoluntarilyonthedatesspecified.

§ ThoughtheHighCourtallowedMs.Singhtoretire,itruedthewaygovernmentdoctorswereseekingvoluntaryretirementalmosteverydayintheState.

§ TheHighCourtsaidthegovernmenthealthcaresectorneededseniordoctorsastheywere“absolutelynecessarytorunthemedicalserviceswhicharepartandparceloftherighttolifeitself.”

Latestdevelopment§ Whenapleawas filedby the stategovernment in theSCagainst theabove-mentioned

AllahabadHCorder,theapexcourtreversedtheHighcourtorderstatingthat‘therighttosavelivesisabovetherighttoretire’.

§ BythistheSupremeCourthaseffectivelyruledthattheStatecanstopgovernmentdoctorsfromavailingvoluntaryretirement.

Significanceoftherulingtohealthsector§ Loss of specialized and experienced doctors would only put more pressure on the

healthcareinfrastructure,whichalreadysuffersfromlackofadequatedoctors.ConstitutionalBacking

§ TheCJI said that the right to retire has to be "interpreted with the rights of the Stategovernment...AsitisobligatoryuponthestategovernmenttomakeanendeavourunderArticle47(oftheConstitution)tolookaftertheprovisionsforthehealthandnutritionofthepeople

§ Article47oftheConstitutionsaysthatitisthedutyoftheStatetoraisethelevelofnutritionandthestandardoflivingandtoimprovepublichealth.

§ ReferringtoArticle51A,thecourtsaidthatitisthefundamentaldutyofeverycitizentohavecompassionandhumanismforlivingcreaturesanditcan'tbedonebydeprivingthepoorestofthepooressentiallmedicalservicesandtoleavethematthemercyofthedoctors

§ TherighttopracticeaprofessionunderArticle19(1)(g)wassubjecttotheinterestofthegeneralpublic,saidtheSCjudges

NDRFaidWhatisNDRF?

§ TheNationalDisasterResponseForce(NDRF)isaspecialisedforceconstituted"forthepurposeof specialist response toa threateningdisaster situationordisaster"undertheDisasterManagementAct,2005.

§ TheChairmanoftheNDMAisthePrimeMinister.§ The Apex Body for Disaster Management in India is the National Disaster

ManagementAuthority(NDMA).


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Whyinthenews?§ AsthefloodsinKeralahascausedimmensedamagetolifeandproperty,bringingtheentire

statetoafullhalt,thestategovernmenthadrequestedthecentreforaidinordertoaddresstheissues.

§ Inthiscontext,asperthepolicyoftheNationalDisasterManagement,StatesarerequiredtoprovidedisasterrelieffromtheirrespectiveStateDisasterResponseFunds(SDRFs),andadditionalassistancewillbeprovidedfromtheNationalDisasterResponseFund(NDRF)onlyforacalamityofseverenature.

§ However,therearenoconstitutionalprovisionstodeclareanaturaldisastereventhoughofsevereintensityasanationalcalamity.

InternationalLabourOrganisation(ILO)ILO

§ TheInternationalLabourOrganization(ILO)isaUnitedNationsagencydealingwithlabourproblems, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and workopportunitiesforall.

§ TheILOhas187-memberstates:186ofthe193UNmemberstatesplustheCookIslandsaremembersoftheILO.

§ TheILOregisterscomplaintsagainstentitiesthatareviolatinginternationalrules;however,itdoesnotimposesanctionsongovernments.

Whyinthenews?§ The ILO report highlighted the various wage inequalities (rural-urban, gender, regular-

casual).§ One-thirdofallofwageworkerswerepaidlessthanthenationalminimumwage.§ Thisincludes41%ofallcasualworkersand15%ofsalariedworkers.§ ItalsoreportedIndia’slaboursharehasdeclinedovertheyears.§ It showed thatwhile inequalities arenarrowing, they are still high as per international

standards.InterpolRedNoticeWhatisInterpolRedNotice?

§ Arequesttolocateandprovisionallyarrestanindividualandthendeportorextradite.§ Notaninternationalarrestwarrant

Whyinnews?§ The economic offense fugitive Mehul Choksi has got citizenship of Antigua and also a

passportissuedbythatcountry.§ AntiguahasbeeninsistingthatanInterpolorderisnecessaryforextraditionofMehulChoksi§ CBIhasinformedAntiguathatanInterpolrednoticeisnotmandatoryforhisextradition.

Howittherednoticeissued?§ Member country request through their National Central Bureau and provide case

information.§ TheInterpolGeneralSecretariatissuesnoticeafteracompliancecheck.

WhyisRedNoticeimportant?§ Giveshigh,internationalvisibilitytocases.§ Makestraveldifficultasborderofficialsarealerted.§ Countriescanrequestandshareinformation

Isitcompulsorytomakearrest?§ Interpol cannot compelanymembernation tomakearrestsand itdependson the

discretionofthatmembercountry.INTERPOL


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§ Interpolisglobalpoliceco-operationagencyandanon-governmentalorganization(NGO).§ Itsworkfocusesonpublicsafetyandbattlingterrorism,crImesagainsthumanity,genocide,

warcrimes,environmentalcrimeetc§ ItsheadquarteredislocatedatLyon,France.

AllIndiaServicesWhataretheAllIndiaServices?

§ Atpresent,therearethreeAll-IndiaServices-IndianAdministrativeService(IAS),IndianPoliceService(IPS)andIndianForestService(IFS).

§ In1966,theIndianForestServicewasestablishedasthethirdAll-Indiaservice.§ TheAll-IndiaServicesarecontrolledjointlybytheCentralandStateGovernments.§ Anydisciplinaryaction(impositionofpenalties)againsttheseofficerscanonlybetakenby

theCentralGovernment.Constitutionalprovisions-Article312

§ TheParliamentcancreatenewAll-IndiaServices(includinganAll-IndiaJudicialService),ifthe Rajya Sabha passes a resolution declaring that it is necessary or expedient in thenationalinteresttodoso.

§ Sucha resolutionintheRajyaSabhashould besupportedbytwo-thirdsofthememberspresentandvoting.

§ TheAll-IndiaJudicialServiceshouldnotincludeanypostinferiortothatofadistrictjudge.§ Parliamentcanregulatetherecruitmentandconditionsofserviceofpersonsappointedto

All-IndiaServicesforwhichtheParliamenthasenactedtheAll-IndiaServicesAct,1951.Whyinnews?

§ Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has called for consensus among political parties forsettingupanall-Indiajudicialservice.

DroneregulationWhyinnews?

§ TheDirectorateGeneralofCivilAviationhasissuedtodaytheCivilAviationRequirements(CAR)forciviluseofRemotelyPilotedAircraftSystem(RPAS)commonlyknownasdrones.

Featuresoftheregulation§ AllRPASexceptnanoandthoseownedbyNTRO,ARCandCentralIntelligenceAgencies

aretoberegisteredandissuedwithUniqueIdentificationNumber(UIN).§ Mandatoryequipmentrequiredexceptnanocategory

o GNSS(GPS)o Return-To-Home(RTH)o Anti-collisionlighto ID-Plateo Flightcontrollerwithflightdataloggingcapabilityo RFIDo SIM/No-PermissionNoTake-off(NPNT)

§ Drones must operate within visual line of sight (VLoS), during day time only, and uptomaximum400ft.altitude.

§ Smallandlargedronescanflyuptoamaximumheightof400feet.Nanodronesmustnotflybeyond50feetandmicrodronesmustbewithin200feetfromgroundlevel.

§ For flying incontrolledAirspace, filingof flightplanandobtainingAirDefenceClearance(ADC)/FlightInformationCentre(FIC)numbershallbenecessary.

§ AirspacehasbeenpartitionedintoRedZone(flyingnotpermitted),YellowZone(controlledairspace),andGreenZone(automaticpermission).

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§ The Digital Sky Platform is the first-of-its- kind national unmanned trafficmanagement(UTM)platformthatimplements“nopermission,notake-off”(NPNT).

§ Userswillberequiredtodoaone-timeregistrationoftheirdrones,pilotsandowners.§ Foreveryflight(exemptedforthenanocategory),userswillberequiredtoaskfor

permissionto flyonamobileappandanautomatedprocesspermitsordeniestherequestinstantly.

TheUTMoperatesasatrafficregulatorinthedroneairspaceandcoordinatescloselywiththedefenseandcivilianair trafficcontrollers(ATCs)toensurethatdronesremainontheapprovedflightpaths.

Categories§ Nano-lessthan250gm§ Micro-between250gmand2kg§ Small-between2and25kg§ Medium-between25and150kg§ Large-morethan150kg

NoDroneZones§ Aroundairports§ Nearinternationalborder§ VijayChowkinDelhi§ Parliament§ StateSecretariatComplexinStateCapital§ Eco-sensitivezones§ Strategic locations/vitaland militaryinstallations;etc

Uses§ Takingphotographs§ Conductingsurveyssuchasforlayingofpipelinesandagriculturalpurposes§ Surveillance§ Onacasebycasebasisfor

o Sprayingofpesticideso Deliveryofreliefmaterialduringanaturaldisaster

§ Cannotbeusedfordeliveryofitems

WaterManagementofSuratForerunnerinwatermanagement

§ Suratwasthefirstcityinthecountrytostartsellingrecycledwatertoindustriesin2014.

§ Surat’scost-effectivewatermanagementsystemismostadvantageousforitscontributiontowardsreducingthedependencyonconventionalresourcesofwater,andthusoptimaluseoftheresource.

§ Thecivicbody’seffortstocreateinfrastructureforwatermanagementisinlinewiththeGujarat government’s policy of promoting the use of recycled water for non-drinkingpurposes,andreducingdependenceongroundwater.

WhyinNews?§ Surat’scivicbodyissettingupstate-of-the-artsewagetreatmentplants(STPs)toensure

everydropofwastewateristreatedandreusedforpurposesotherthandrinking.§ FromMarch2019,theSuratMunicipalCorporation(SMC)isplanningtosupply115MLD

(millionlitresperday)treatedwatertoindustrieslocatedwithinthecity,inordertomeettheentireindustrialrequirementofwaterthroughtreatedorrecycledwater.

Loomingwatercrisis§ India is facing its worst water shortage in history, according to the Composite water

managementindexpreparedbytheNitiAayog.Nearly600millionIndiansfacedhighto


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extremewaterstressandabout200,000peopledieeveryyearinthecountrybecauseofinadequateaccesstosafewater.

DamRehabilitationImprovementProjectDamRehabilitationImprovementProject

§ TheCabinetCommitteeonEconomicAffairs(CCEA),approvedtheDamRehabilitationImprovementProject(DRIP)toimprovesafetyandoperationalperformanceof198Dams,along with institutional strengthening with system wide managementapproach.

§ OutoftheRs.3,466crorescleared,Rs.2,628croreswouldbefundedbytheWorldBankandRs.747croresbytheStatesandImplementingAgencies(IAs),andthebalanceRs.91croresbytheCentralWaterCommission(CWC).

§ Initially, thesix-yearprojectcommencedonApril18,2012,withascheduledclosingonJune30,2018.ThishasnowbeenextendedtoJune2020.

ProjectObjectives§ DRIPwillimprovethesafetyandoperationalperformanceofselectedexistingdamsand

mitigateriskstoensuresafetyofdownstreampopulationandproperty.§ Theprimarybeneficiariesarebothurbanandruralcommunitiesdependentonreservoir

and downstream communities, who are prone to risk associated with dam failure oroperationalfailure.

§ Thereare198existingdamsinKerala,MadhyaPradesh,Odisha,TamilNadu,Karnataka,JharkhandandUttarakhandthatwouldbenefitfromtheproject.

Independentaudit§ DammanagerswouldhavetoadheretorecommendationsbytheCWCaswellassubject

themselves to sixmonthly reviewsby theWorldBank and an audit by an independentFrenchagency.

RevenueVillageWhatisaRevenueVillage?

§ Revenue village is a concept introduced during the British Indian administration. It isdesignedasthelowestadministrativeunitinthesettlementhierarchy.

§ Itwasdesignedtoimproverevenuecollectionmechanismandtoregulatetheprocessandnotforvillageplanninganddevelopment.

§ Onerevenuevillagemaycontainmanyhamlets.Eachrevenuevillageisheadedbya"VillageAdministrativeOfficer"(VAO).

WhoaretheVantangiya?§ 'Tangia'isadistortionofthewordfortheBurmesetechniqueofshiftinghillplantation,

Taungya, under which the space between the planted trees was used for growingseasonalcropsbythelabourers.

§ InspiredbytheBurmese,thiswasintroducedtoUPbytheBritisharound1922tooffsetthehugelossoftreesduetoexpansionoftherailways.


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§ Landlesslabourers,mostlyfrombackwardandDalitcastes,weredeployedintheseforestsassettlers,earningthemthenameVantangiya.

§ The Vantangiya system continued after 1947 but in the 1980s, after the ForestCooperationtookshape,theforestworkingplanningwasscrappedandtheVantangiyawereservedevictionnoticesandaskedtogiveupallclaimstotheforest.

§ HowevertheirclaimtothelandwaslatersupportedbytheForestRightsAct,2006WhyinNews?

§ 23VantangiyavillagesinUttarPradeshhavebeendeclaredasrevenuevillagesbythestategovernment,openingthedoorsofdevelopmentintheseneglectedsettlementsforthefirsttimesinceIndependence.

Impact§ As they earlier fell under the Forest Department, these villages and their residentswere

deprivedofbasicgovernmentschemesandcouldnotevengetbasicfacilities,includingBPLcards,employmentguaranteeprojects,healthcare,education,electricityconnectionsetc.

§ Afterbeingdeclaredarevenuevillageithasbeenelectrifiedwithsolarconnections,sevenwatertanksandthreehand-pumpshavebeenestablished,andrationcardsissued.

BrutribeWhoareBru-s?

• Bru tribes, also referred to as the Reangs, are spread across the north-eastern states ofTripura,Assam,Manipur,andMizoram.

Whatistheissue?

• TheBrusleftMizoraminSeptember1997inthewakeofethnicconflictbetweentheBrusandtheMizos,themajoritytribeofthestate.

• ThedisplacedBrustookrefugeinatowncalledKanchanpurinnorthernTripura,ontheMizoram-Tripuraborder.

• Now,theyarespreadacrosssevenrefugeecampsontheJamuihills,whichseparateTripurafromMizoramandBangladesh.

• ThenumberofBrurefugeeslivinginthesecampsisestimatedtobearound35,000.Tripartiteagreement

• InJulytheCentreandthestategovernmentsofTripuraandMizoramsignedanagreementfor repatriation of thousands of Brus from Tripura to Mizoram. The displaced people,currentlylivingintemporarycampsinTripura,wereplannedtoberepatriatedtoMizorambeforeSeptember30,2018.

• Thecentralgovernmentpromised toprovide financialassistance forrehabilitationofBrucommunitymembersinMizoramandaddresstheirissuesofsecurity,education,livelihood,etc.inconsultationwiththegovernmentsofMizoramandTripura.

WhyinNews?


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• DespitetheCentre’swarningtostoprationsandsubsistenceallowancefromOctober1,onlytwo families of displaced Brus returned toMizoram from relief camps in Tripura as thedeadlinefortheirrepatriationendedonSept30.

Whatdotheydemand?§ Therefugeeshavebeennon-flexibleontheirseven-pointdemandswhichincludethecreation

ofanareadevelopmentcouncilfortheBrusinMizoram,allocationoffivehectaresoflandtoeach refugee family, their settlement in cluster villages with each housing at least 500families,Rs.4lakhcompensationtoeachfamilybeforerepatriation,revisionofelectoralrolls,identificationof1,000leftoutfamiliesandgeneralamnestytotherefugees.

Cyclists&PedestriansmostvulnerableWhyinnews?

§ AccordingtotheMinistryofRoadTransportandHighways’annualreportonroadaccidents,accidentsinIndiaincludemostlycyclistsandpedestrians,whotogetheraccountedfor16.2%ofthetotalfatalitiesinroadaccidentsduring2017.

§ Notonlytheabove,itincludes7outof10two-wheelerandfour-wheeleruserswhodiedinanaccidentdidnotfollowthemandatoryrequirement.

StatusinIndia § TamilNadutoppedinnumberofaccidents,followedbyMaharashtraandAndhraPradesh.§ U.P.hadthemostfatalities.

Reasonsforroadaccidents§ Lackoffacilityfortwo-wheelers,pedestriansandcyclistsespeciallyinhighwayroads.§ Useofmobilephones.§ Notofwearinghelmetsandseatbelts.§ Over-speeding.§ Drivingonthewrongside§ Increaseinnumberofmotorvehicles.

Government’sResponse§ GovernmenthasapprovedaNationalRoadSafetyPolicy.§ MinistryhasrequestedallStates/UTsforsettingupofStateRoadSafetyCouncilandDistrict

RoadSafetyCommittees,andtoholdtheirmeetingsregularly.§ SettingupofmodeldrivingtraininginstitutesinStatesandrefreshertrainingtodriversof

HeavyMotorVehicleintheunorganizedsector.§ ACertificationCourseforRoadSafetyAuditorshasbeencommencedinIndianAcademyof

HighwayEngineers.§ MinistryhasdelegatedpowerstoRegionalOfficersfortechnicalapproval

Wayforward§ Promotingawareness.§ Encouragingsaferroadinfrastructureincludingapplicationofintelligenttransport.§ ABSinvehiclesshouldbeimplemented.§ Shouldprovideseparateserviceroadsforcyclistsandpedestrians.§ Nottousemobilephoneswhiledrivingorcycling.§ Shouldusepublictransportmostly.

SDG2030WhataretheSDGs?

§ TheSustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)areauniversalsetof17goalsthatUNmemberstatesadoptedin2015asapartofthe2030AgendaforSustainableDevelopment.

§ Itaimedatguidingpolicyandfundingforthenext15yearstoendpoverty,fightinequalityandinjustice,andtackleclimatechangeby2030.


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§ TheSDGsarethefollow-uptotheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals(MDGs)whichwasadoptedin2000andexpiredin2015.

What’sinthenews?§ UnionMinister ofHealth andFamilyWelfare, inaugurated the ‘2ndWorldConference on

AccesstoMedicalProducts:AchievingtheSDGs2030’.§ HealthfindsmentioninGoal3-GoodHealthandWell-being§ The objective of the conference was to accelerate research and innovation in medical

productsandhealthtechnologiestoachieveSDG2030goals.§ Theministeralso launchedtheInformationSharingPlatformGatewayforSouth-EastAsia

RegulatoryNetwork(SEARN)developedbyCentreforDevelopmentofAdvancedComputing,whichwillpromoteregulatoryandhealthcollaborationamongthecountriesoftheSouth-EastAsiaRegion.

NationalMonitoringFrameworkonSDGWhyinNews?

§ TheUnionCabinet has approved the constitution of aHigh-Level SteeringCommittee forperiodicallyreviewingandrefiningtheNationalIndicatorFramework(NIF)formonitoringofSustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)withassociatedtargets.

AbouttheCommittee§ The High-Level Steering Committee will be chaired by Chief Statistician of India and

Secretary,MinistryofStatisticsandProgrammeImplementation(MoSPI).§ StatisticalindicatorsofNIFwillbethebackboneofmonitoringofSDGsatthenationaland

statelevelandwillscientificallymeasuretheoutcomesofthepoliciestoachievethetargetsunderdifferentSDGs.

§ Based on the statistical indicator, the MoSPI will bring out national reports on theimplementation of SDGs. The Report will facilitate the assessment of progress, identifychallengesandgiverecommendationsforfollowupatthenationallevel.

SustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)§ As per the resolution of UN General Assembly in September 2015 the Sustainable

DevelopmentGoals(SDGs)havebeenadoptedby193membernations.§ The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is responsible for developing

indicatorsfortheSDGswhichareapplicabletoIndia.§ TheGovernmentofIndiahasbeenimplementingseveralCentralSector/CentrallySponsored

SchemesincludingtheFlagshipsProgramsforsustainabledevelopmentofthecountryanditspeopleinthreedimensionsviz.economic,socialandenvironmental.

§ These developmental schemes aremostly addressing the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)whicharetargetedtobeachievedby2030.


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§ TheDevelopmentMonitoringandEvaluationOffice(DMEO),anattachedofficeunderNITIAayoghasbeennominatedasthenodalorganizationfortheimplementationoftheSDGs.

SDGIndex§ Indiaisranked116outof157nationsonaglobal indexthatassessestheperformanceof

countriestowardsachievingtheambitioussustainabledevelopmentgoals(SDGs).§ The SDG Index and Dashboards Report is produced by the Sustainable Development

SolutionsNetwork(SDSN).§ Itrankscountriesbasedontheirperformanceacrossthe17SustainableDevelopmentGoals.

SDGIndiaIndex-ReportDetailsofthereport:

§ The indexcomprisesacompositescore foreachStateandUnionTerritorybasedontheiraggregateperformanceacross13outofthe17SDGs.

§ Thescore, rangingbetween0and100,denotes theaverageperformanceof theState/UTtowardsachievingthe13SDGsandtheirrespectivetargets.TheaverageIndianscorewas57.

§ TheSDGIndexScoreforSustainableDevelopmentGoals2030rangesbetween42and69forStatesandbetween57and68forUTs.

§ AmongtheStates,KeralaandHimachalPradesharethefrontrunners,withanSDGIndiaIndexscoreof69.AmongtheUTs,Chandigarhisthefrontrunnerwithascoreof68.

§ TamilNaduhasascore66,andisthetopscoreronthegoalstodowitheradicatingpovertyandalsoprovidingcleanandaffordableenergy.

§ The aimof the index is to instil competition among States to improve their performanceacross social indices as the States’ progress will determine India’s progress towardsachievingthesetgoalsby2030

§ Kerala’stoprankisattributedtoitssuperiorperformanceinprovidinggoodhealth,reducinghunger,achievinggenderequalityandprovidingqualityeducation.

§ Himachal Pradesh ranks high on providing clean water and sanitation, in reducinginequalitiesandpreservingthemountainecosystem.

AboutSustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDG):§ SustainabledevelopmentGoals(SDGs)isanintergovernmentalagreementformulatedto

actaspost2015Developmentagenda,itspredecessorbeingMillenniumDevelopmentGoals.§ Itisagroupof17goalswith169targetsand304indicators,asproposedbytheUnitedNation

GeneralAssembly’sOpenWorkingGrouponSustainableDevelopmentGoalstobeachievedby2030.

§ Postnegotiations,agendatitled“TransformingOurWorld:the2030agendaforSustainableDevelopment”wasadoptedattheUnitedNationsSustainableDevelopmentSummit.

§ SDGsistheoutcomeofRio+20conference(2012)heldinRioDeJanerioandisanon-bindingdocument.

Whyinnews?§ TheSDGIndiaIndex:BaselineReport2018wasreleasedbytheNITIAayog.


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MediaRegulatorsinthespotSCJudgement

§ ItisacrimeundertheProtectionofChildrenfromSexualOffences(POCSO)ActandtheIndianPenalCodetodisclosetheidentityofvictimsofsexualabuse,especiallyiftheyarechildren.

§ The Supreme Court has said that media regulators such as Press Council of India (PCI),EditorsGuildof India,NationalBroadcastingStandardsAuthority (NBSA), and the IndianBroadcastingFederation(IBF),needtodealwithjournalistsandmediaorganisationswhoseactions,likerevealingtheidentityofarapesurvivor,makethemcriminallyliable.

WhyinNews?§ APetitionerhas flaggedtherepeatedviolationsby journalistsandmediaorganisations in

sensitivecases.PressCouncilofIndia(PCI)

§ ThePressCouncilofIndiaisastatutory&quasi-judicialbodyinIndiathatgovernstheconductoftheprintmedia.

§ ThePCIconsistsofachairmanand28othermembers.§ TheChairmanisselectedbytheSpeakeroftheLokSabha,theChairmanoftheRajyaSabha

andamemberelectedbythePCI.EditorsGuildofIndia

§ TheEditorsGuildwas founded in1978withthetwinobjectivesofprotectingpressfreedomandforraisingthestandardsoftheeditorialleadershipofnewspapersandmagazines.

NationalBroadcastingStandardsAuthority(NBSA)§ NewsBroadcastingStandardsAuthority isan independentbodysetupbytheNews

BroadcastersAssociation.§ Its task is to consider and adjudicate upon complaints about broadcasts. The News

Broadcasters Association (NBA) represents the private television news & current affairsbroadcasters.

IndianBroadcastingFederation(IBF)§ IndianBroadcastingFoundationalsoknownasisaunifiedrepresentativebodyofthe

televisionbroadcastersinIndia.


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§ The organisationwas founded in the year 1999.Over 250 Indian television channels areassociated with it. The organisation is credited as the spokesman of India BroadcastingIndustry.

EDVs.AmnestyInternationalWhyinNews?

§ The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at the head office of AmnestyInternationalIndiainBengaluruaspartofaninvestigationintoforeignfundingforthehumanrightsorganisation.

Whatistheissue?§ Amnesty International Indiawasamong21NGOs thatwere servedquestionnairesby theHome

MinistryaspartofaprobeundertheForeignContributionRegulationAct2010.§ TheFCRAunitoftheHomeMinistrysubsequentlyreferredAmnestyInternationalIndiato

theFinanceMinistryforfurtherinvestigation.§ TheEDhasaccusedtheAmnestyInternationalIndiaFoundationTrustoftryingtocircumvent

norms under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) after they were deniedpermission under FCRA by theMinistry ofHomeAffairs by creating a commercial entitycalledAmnestyInternationalIndiaPvtLtd(AIIPL)toreceiveforeignfunding.

EnforcementDirectorate§ DirectorateofEnforcementisaspecializedfinancial investigationagencyunderthe

DepartmentofRevenue,MinistryofFinance,GovernmentofIndia,whichenforcesthefollowinglaws:-

§ ForeignExchangeManagementAct,1999(FEMA)-ACivilLaw,withofficersempoweredtoconductinvestigationsintosuspectedbreachoftheForeignExchangeLawsandRegulations,adjudicatecontraventionsandimposepenaltiesonthoseadjudgedtohavebreachedthelaw.

§ Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) - A Criminal Law, with the officersempoweredtoconductinvestigationstotraceassetsderivedoutoftheproceedsofcrime,toprovisionallyattach/confiscatethesame,andtoarrestandprosecutetheoffendersfoundtobeinvolvedinMoneyLaundering.

AmnestyInternational§ AmnestyInternationalisaLondon-basednon-governmentalorganizationfocusedon

humanrights.§ Theorganizationclaimstohavemorethansevenmillionmembersandsupportersaround

theworld.

CuttingschoolbagweightBackground

§ TheMHRDhadissuedanorderonOctober5toformulateapolicyonschoolbagsonthelinesofChildrenSchoolBags(LimitationonWeight)Billof2006,whichneverturnedintoalaw.

WhyinNews?§ UnionMinistryofHumanResourceDevelopment(MHRD)informedtheMadrasHighCourt

thatanExpertGrouphasbeenconstitutedtoformulateadraftpolicyonreducingtheweightofschoolbagsinproportiontotheageandaverageweightofchildren.

Rationalebehindthemove§ A recent survey conducted by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India

(ASSOCHAM)underitsHealthcareCommitteehasfoundthat68percentofschoolchildrenundertheageof13yearsacrossIndiamaysufferfrommildbackpain,whichcandevelopintochronicpainandlaterintohunchback.

§ Thesurveynotedthatover88percentofchildrenintheagegroupof7-13yearscarrymorethan45percentoftheirweightontheirback


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ChildrenSchoolBags(LimitationonWeight)Billof2006,§ It states that the weight of a school bag must not exceedmore than 10% of the child’s

bodyweight. It also directs respective State Governments to ensure that schools providelockersforstudents,ensurethatschoolsadheretothestandardsofmeasurementsforbags,andstudentsusebothstrapsforcarryingbags.

§ Inaddition,itstatestermsthatrequireteacherstoinformstudentsofthebooksrequiredadayprior,andthestudentsshouldbetaughthowtopackbagssoheavyloadscanbekeptclosetothebody.

GlobalCompactforMigrationWhatisit?

§ Itisthefirst,intergovernmentalnegotiatedagreement,preparedundertheUnitedNations, to cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic andcomprehensivemanner.

§ TheprocesstodevelopthisGlobalCompactstartedinApril2017.ItisduetobeformallyapprovedataDec.11-12meetinginMarrakesh,Morocco.

§ Thecompacthas23objectives that seek toboost cooperation tomanagemigrationandnumerousactionsrangingfromtechnicalissuesliketheportabilityofearningsbymigrantworkerstoreducingthedetentionofmigrants.

§ Itislegallynon-binding, WhyinNews?

§ The Austrian government has announced that it won’t sign the global compact citingconcernsaboutnationalsovereignty.AlreadyHungaryandtheUShavewithdrawnfromthepactinlinewiththerisingprotectionistmeasures.

WorldMigrationReport2018§ AccordingtoUNWorldMigrationReport(2018)Indiandiasporaisworld’s largest,

withslightlymorethan15.6millionpeoplefromIndialivingoverseas.§ ThereportwasreleasedbyInternationalOrganizationforMigration.§ People inworkingagegroup,between20 to64years,account fornearly72%i.e.

largepartofinternationalmigrantpopulation.§ Accordingtothereport,MexicohasthesecondlargestdiasporaafterIndiafollowed

byRussia(3rd),China(4th),Bangladesh(5th)andPakistan(6th).§ TheGulfnationshousebiggestshareoftheIndiandiaspora—nearly3.5millionor22%of

totalIndiandiaspora.InternationalOrganizationforMigration

§ IOM is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerningmigrationtogovernmentsandmigrants, includingrefugees, internallydisplacedpersonsandmigrantworkers.

§ ItwasgrantedPermanentObserverstatustoUNGeneralAssemblyin1992.

Agri-priceforecastmodel Whyinnews

§ TheCentreisplanningforstudyingandemulatingKarnataka’sinnovativemarketintelligencemodelforagripriceforecasting,whichwouldhelpinundertakingswiftmarketinterventionwhenthereisapricecrash.

Aboutagripriceforecasting § Thepurposeistoachieveispredictabilityaswellasstabilityoffarmincomes.Knowingthe

marketsituationinadvance,itwillhelpfarmers,policymakersandindustrymakeinformeddecisions.


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§ Forecastwillalsohelpthegovernmentprepareinadvanceformarketinterventioniftherewasanindicationofpricecrash.

AboutKarnataka’sagripriceforecastmodel § “KrushiMaarukatteDhaaraneVishleshanaPhalaka”(KRIPAorFarmProducePriceAnalysis

Dashboard),istheagencythatlookafterforecasting.§ KAPChasadoptedaninnovativemethodofgettinginformationonarrivalsaswellasprices

ofvariousagricultureandhorticulturalcropsonadailybasis fromall the162prominentAPMCyardsintheState.

§ ThismethodthatworksonasoftwaredevelopedthroughaBengalurubasedstartup,Anvita,providesforecastingofpricesandmarkettrendsforthenextthreemonths.

§ KarnatakaGovernmenthassignedaMemorandumofUnderstanding(MoU)withsoftwaregiantMicrosoftIndiatodevelopaunique“farmpriceforecastingmodel”.

WaterATMsContext

§ The government is increasingly starting to accept smallwater enterprises such aswaterATMsandcommunitypurificationplantsasanalternativesolutiontothesafedrinkingwaterchallenge.

§ ForthousandsofcommunitiesacrossIndia,theprocessofgettingdrinkingwaterisnowthesameastheprocessofgettingcashastheyheadtoanATM.

AboutwaterATM: § ThewaterATMisadispensationsystem,whichcanbeautomaticwithacoinorsmartcard,

ormanual.§ CanbeseenasacommunityRO.§ Itcanbepoweredbysolarenergy,integratedwithreverseosmosis(RO)andultrafiltration

unitswithreducedoperationalcosts.§ Communitywaterpurificationplantshavegrownfromlessthan12,000in2014toalmost

50,000 in 2018, according to the SWN, as they have been incorporated into governmentplanning.

§ Toreachthegovernment’sHarGharJaltargetof100%pipedwaterby2030,almost₹5lakhcroreofinfrastructureinvestmentwillberequired,saysgovernmentdata.

Importantfacts § ArecentreportbytheComptrollerandAuditorGeneralofIndia(CAG)pointedoutthatonly

18%oftheruralpopulationhasaccesstopotablepipedwater,failingtomeetthe2017targetof50%.

§ Indiaisrankedat120outof122countriesontheWaterQualityIndex,saidNitiAayog,addingthat70%ofthecountry’swatersupplyiscontaminated.

§ Communitywaterpurificationplantshavegrownfromlessthan12,000in2014toalmost50,000 in 2018, according to the SWN, as they have been incorporated into governmentplanning.

SaleofenemysharesWhyinnews

§ The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved themechanismandprocedureforsaleoftheenemyshares.

§ ApprovalhasmadeforsaleofenemysharesundertheCustodyofMinistryofHomeAffairs/CustodianofEnemyPropertyofIndia(CEPI).

§ Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) have beenauthorizedundertheprovisionsofEnemyPropertyAct,1968,tosell.

DIPAM


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§ TheDepartmentofDisinvestmentwassetupasaseparateDepartmenton10thDecember1999andfunctionsasoneoftheDepartmentsundertheMinistryofFinancesince2004.

§ In2016,theDepartmentofDisinvestmentwasrenamedasDepartmentofInvestmentandPublicAssetManagement(DIPAM).

§ DIPAMadvisestheUnionGovernmentinthemattersofthefinancialrestructuringofPSUsandalsoforattractinginvestmentthroughcapitalmarkets.

Definitionofenemy § Enemy property Act of 1968, defines enemy as follows: "enemy" or "enemy subject" or

"enemyfirm"meansapersonorcountrywhoorwhichwasanenemy,anenemysubjectoranenemyfirm,asthecasemaybe,butdoesnotincludeacitizenofIndia.

§ In theamendmentof2017, thiswas substitutedby “includinghis legalheiror successor,whetherornotcitizenofIndiaorthecitizenofacountrywhichisnotanenemyortheenemy,whohaschangedhisnationality”.

Impactofthedecision § The decisionwill lead tomonetization of enemy shares that had been lying dormant for

decadessincecomingintoforceandtheEnemyPropertyActin1968.§ Saleproceedsfromthismaybeusedfordevelopmentandsocialwelfareprogrammes.

IndiaforHumanityWhyinnews?

§ RecentlyvicepresidentofIndialaunched‘IndiaForHumanity’aworldwideprogramontheoccasionof150thbirthanniversaryMahatmaGandhiinLilongwe,Malawi.

§ ‘IndiaForHumanity’launchedinMalawiopensanopportunitytotakethemessageofMahatmaGandhitoallpartsoftheworldasitseekstocelebratethegreatvaluesofhumanism

Abouttheinitiative § Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched India for Humanity initiative to

commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and honour of hisservicetohumanity.

§ Itwillfeatureyear-longseriesofartificiallimbfitmentcampsinanumberofcountriesacrossworld.

§ The larger aim of this initiative is to provide physical, economic and socialrehabilitationofdifferently-abledaroundworld.

§ MEAhascollaboratedwithrenownedcharitableorganisationBhagwanMahaveerViklangSahayataSamiti(BMVSS).

BhagwanMahaveerViklangSahayataSamiti(BMVSS)§ Itisnon-profitorganizationfoundedbyDRMehtain1975.§ Itisworld’slargestorganizationforhandicappedintermsoffitmentofartificiallimb,etc,

providingthemwithartificiallimbs,ambulatoryaidslikewheelchairs,andotheraidsandappliancestotallyfreeofcost.

POWERGRID Whyitisinnews?

§ Recently POWERGRID has brought back the J&K valley’s power to normalcy which wasaffectedbytheheavysnowfall.

§ HeavysnowfallinareasofJammuandKashmirthrewthenormallifeoutofgearinthestateaspeoplesufferedimmenselyduetopowerbreakdowninthevalley.

AboutPOWERGRID § POWERGRIDhelpstransferpowerfromthesurplusregionstothedeficitones.Inthis

way,powergridmanagesthepeakdeficitproblems.


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§ POWERGRID is Navaratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). It is centraltransmissionutility(CTU)ofIndia.

§ POWERGRID transmits about 50% of the total power generated in India on itstransmissionnetwork.

§ It isheadquarteredinGurugram,Haryana.Governmentowns56.91%ofPOWERGRIDandbalance43.09%isownedbypublic.

HimalayanStateRegionalCouncilWhyinnews?

▪ NITI Aayog has constituted the ‘Himalayan State Regional Council' to ensuresustainabledevelopmentoftheHimalayanregion.

Moreonthecouncil ▪ TheHimalayanStateRegionalCouncilwillbechairedbytheDrVKSaraswat,MemberofNITI

Aayog.▪ ItwillconsistoftheChiefSecretariesoftheHimalayanStatesaswellastheSecretariesofkey

CentralMinistries,seniorofficersofNITIAayogaswellasspecialinvitees.▪ TheCouncilwasconstitutedwithanaimtoreviewandimplementidentifiedactionpoints

basedontheReportsoffiveWorkingGroups,whichwereestablishedalongthematicareastopreparearoadmapforaction.

TermsofReferenceoftheHimalayanStatesRegionalCouncil ▪ The Himalayan States Regional Council will be the nodal agency for the Sustainable

developmentintheHimalayanRegion.▪ ItwillmonitortheimplementationofactionpointsforCentralMinistries,Institutionsand12

HimalayanStateGovernmentsinIndianHimalayanRegion.▪ HimalayanRegionconsistsof12States,namely,JammuandKashmir,Uttarakhand,Himachal

Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura,Assam;andWestBengal.

▪ Theactionpointsincluderiverbasindevelopmentandregionalcooperation,springmappingandrevivalacrossHimalayasforwatersecurity;develop, implementandmonitortourismsectorstandards,strengthenskillandentrepreneurship,amongotheractionpoints.

WorldStandardsDayWhyinnews?

▪ BureauofIndianStandards(BIS)organisedaseminaron“InternationalStandardsandtheFourthIndustrialRevolution”inNewDelhitocelebratetheWorldStandardsDay2018.

Moreontheevent: ▪ The theme of this year “International Standards and Industrial Revolution 4.0” is very

relevantastheindustryisembracingnewtechnologiesforautomationalongwithartificialintelligencemakinguseofadvancedcommunicationmodes.

▪ ThethemehasfarreachingimpactonavibrantnationlikeIndiawithitslargeindustrialbaseandistheneedofthehourwithIndiatakinguptheambitiousMakeinIndiaprogram.

AboutWorldStandardsDay: ▪ WorldStandardsDayisaninternationaldayofobservancerecognizedworldoversince1970.▪ This annual event is celebrated across the globe jointly with the International Electro-

technical (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and theInternationalTelecommunicationUnion(ITU).

▪ ThisoccasionprovidesaperfectopportunitytoreflecthowStandardsworkintherealworld,andthebenefitstheybringtobusiness,societyandtheenvironment.

AboutBIS:


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▪ TheBureauofIndianStandardsisthenationalStandardsBodyofIndiaworkingundertheaegisofMinistryofConsumerAffairs,Food&PublicDistribution,GovernmentofIndia.

▪ ItisestablishedbytheBureauofIndianStandardsAct,1986whichcameintoeffecton23December1986.

▪ BIS is involved in various activities such as standards formulation, product certificationscheme, compulsory registration scheme, foreignmanufacturers certification scheme,hallmarkingscheme,laboratoryservices,saleofIndianstandards,consumeraffairsactivitiesetc

KimberleyProcessWhatisKP?

§ TheKimberleyProcessisaninternationalcertificationschemethatregulatestradeinroughdiamonds.Itaimstopreventtheflowofconflictdiamonds,whilehelpingtoprotectlegitimatetradeinroughdiamonds.

§ TheKimberleyProcess(KP)isabindingagreementbetweencountriestoremoveconflictdiamonds (rough diamonds to finance wars against governments) from the globalsupplychain.

§ KP contains 81 countries (EuropeanUnion as onenation) of theworld. TheCivil SocietyCoalitionstandsasobserver.

§ ThevisibleevidenceofthiscommitmentisTheKimberleyProcessCertificationScheme(KPCS)thatbothsafeguardtheshipmentof‘roughdiamonds’andcertifiesthemasconflictfree.

§ KP members are responsible for stemming 99.8% of the global production of conflictdiamonds.

IndiaandKPCS§ IndiaisoneofthefoundingmembersoftheKimberleyProcessCertificationScheme

andhasbeenactivelyparticipatinginitsdeliberationsrightfromitsinception.§ The Scheme is administered in India by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of

Commerce&Industry,GovernmentofIndia.WhyinNews?

§ Indiawashanded theChairmanshipof theKimberleyProcessCertification Scheme(KPCS) by the European Union during the KPCS Plenary 2018, which was held inBrussels, Belgium, fromNovember 12-16, 2018. Indiawill take over the role fromJanuary1,2019.

OptingoutofAadharSCAadharverdict:

§ SCintheAadharverdictupheldthevalidityoftheAadharbutwithcertainconditions.§ TheBenchstruckdownsection57oftheAadhaarAct,whichallowsprivateentitiestouse

Aadhaarforverificationpurposes.§ Section33(2)thatallowsUIDAItosharedatawithspeciallyauthorisedofficersintheinterest

ofnationalsecurity,wasalsostruckdown.§ Aadhaar requirement by CBSE, NEET, and UGC has been struck down, but Aadhaar-PAN

linkagehasbeenupheld.§ SeedingAadhaarwithmobilephonenumbersandbankaccountsisnotneeded.Schoolstoo,

cannotinsistonAadhaarforadmissionofstudents.Governmentproposalofamendment:

§ Governmentisfinalisingaproposaltoamendtheact,followingtheSCordertoupholditwithconditions.

§ The amendment seeks to give all citizens an option to withdraw their Aadhaar number,includingbiometricsandthedata.


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§ Itsubmittedthatonceachildturns18,he/shewillbegivensixmonthstodecideifhe/shewantstowithdraw.

§ Theproposal,whichwillnowbesenttotheCabinet,islikelytobenefitonlythosewhodonothave aPAN cardordonot requireone, as the courthadupheld the linkageofPANwithAadhaar.

Whyinnews?§ The lawministry felt the option towithdraw fromAadharmust bemade available to all

citizensinresponsetoSCAadharverdict.InternationalYearofMilletsAboutInternationalYearofMillets:

§ UnionMinisterofAgricultureandFarmers’WelfarehassaidthattheFoodandAgricultureOrganisation (FAO)Council, currentlyunderway inRome,approved India’sproposal toobserveanInternationalYearofMilletsin2023.

§ Headded that thiswillenhanceglobalawareness tobringback thesenutri-cereals to theplate, for food and nutrition security and hence increase production for resilience tochallengesposedgloballybyclimatechange.

AboutUNWorldFoodProgramme(WFP):§ Assisting80millionpeopleinaround80countrieseachyear,theWorldFoodProgramme

(WFP)istheleadinghumanitarianorganizationfightinghungerworldwide,deliveringfoodassistanceinemergenciesandworkingwithcommunitiestoimprovenutritionandbuildresilience.

§ TheWorldFoodProgramme(WFP)isthefood-assistancebranchoftheUnitedNations.§ TheWFPwasformallyestablishedin1963bytheFAOandtheUnitedNationsGeneral

Assemblyonathree-yearexperimentalbasis.In1965,theprogrammewasextendedtoacontinuingbasis

§ As the international community has committed to end hunger, achieve food security andimprovednutritionby2030,oneinninepeopleworldwidestilldonothaveenoughtoeat.

WhatareMillets?§ Milletsareagroupofhighlyvariablesmall-seededgrasses,widelygrownaroundtheworld

ascerealcropsorgrainsforfodderandhumanfood.§ TheyareimportantcropsinthesemiaridtropicsofAsiaandAfrica.§ Thecropisfavouredduetoitsproductivityandshortgrowingseasonunderdry,high-

temperatureconditions.§ Theyarehighlytolerantofdroughtandotherextremeweatherconditionsandhavea

similarnutrientcontenttoothermajorcereals.BenefitsofMilletsconsumption

§ Milletsarenutritionallysuperiortowheatandriceowingtotheirhigher levelsofproteinwithmorebalancedaminoacidprofile,crudefibreandmineralssuchasIron,Zinc,andPhosphorous.

§ Itprovidesnutritionalsecurityandactasshieldagainstnutritionaldeficiency,especiallyamongchildrenandwomen.

§ Pellagra(niacindeficiency),Anaemia(irondeficiency),B-complexvitamindeficiencycanbeeffectivelytackledwithintakeoflessexpensivebutnutritionallyrichfoodgrainslikemillets.

§ Itcanalsohelptacklehealthchallengessuchasobesity,diabetesandlifestyleproblemsastheyareglutenfreeandalsohavelowglycaemicindexandarehighindietaryfibreandantioxidants.

AboutFAO


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§ TheFoodandAgricultureOrganization(FAO)isspecializedagencyoftheUnitedNationsthatleadsinternationaleffortstodefeathunger.

§ Headquarters:Rome,Italy§ Founded:October1945§ GoalofFAO:Theirgoalistoachievefoodsecurityforallandmakesurethatpeoplehave

regularaccesstoenoughhigh-qualityfoodtoleadactive,healthylives.§ FAOCouncil:Itexercisesfunctionsdealingwiththeworldfoodandagriculturesituationand

related matters, current and prospective activities of the Organization, including itsProgrammeofWorkandBudget,administrativemattersandfinancialmanagementof theOrganizationandconstitutionalmatters.

Whyinnews?§ FAOapprovedIndia’sproposaltoobserveInternationalYearofMilletsin2023anditalso

approvedIndia’smembershipinexecutiveboardinUNWorldFoodProgramme.StateSurveillanceWhyinnews?

§ TheDecember20, 2018 theMinistryofHomeAffairs issued anorder that allowscentralagencies like the Intelligence Bureau, CBDT, RAW and few other agencies to intercept,monitorandde-crypt“anyinformation”generated,transmitted,receivedorstoredin“anycomputerresource”.

AbouttheMHAorder:§ ThegovernmentorderisbasedonSection69(1)oftheInformationTechnologyAct,2000,

and Rule 4 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Interception,MonitoringandDecryptionofInformation)Rules,2009.

AboutSection69oftheInformationTechnologyAmendmentAct2008:§ Section69empowerstheCentralGovernment/StateGovernment/itsauthorizedagencyto

intercept,monitor or decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received orstoredinanycomputerresourceifitisnecessaryorexpedientsotodointheinterestof the sovereigntyor integrityof India, defence of India, security of the State, friendlyrelationswithforeignStatesorpublicorderorforpreventingincitementtothecommissionofanycognizableoffenceorforinvestigationofanyoffence.

§ Theycanalsosecureassistancefromcomputerpersonnelindecryptingdata,underpenaltyofimprisonment.

HowitviolatesRighttoprivacy:§ Theorderdoesnotprovidetheprocedureortheobjectforsuchanexerciseorthequantum

ofperiodforwhichaperson’sprivatedatacouldbeintercepted.§ Experts say the December 20 order may be challenged in the apex court. The privacy

judgment has already asked the government “to be sensitive to the needs of and theopportunitiesanddangersposedtolibertyinadigitalworld”.

RenamingspreeWhyinnews?

§ The Patna Municipal Corporation is said to be considering renaming the city’s mainintersection,KaviGuruRabindraChowk,afterformerPrimeMinisterAtalBihariVajpayee.ThemovehasstokedacontroversyinBihar.

RenamingPatna:§ The Patna Municipal Corporation is said to be considering renaming the city’s main

intersection,KaviGuruRabindraChowk,afterformerPrimeMinisterAtalBihariVajpayee.ThemovehasstokedacontroversyinBihar.


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§ ThislandmarkwasnamedafterTagorein2002,followingademandbytheState’sBengaliAssociationtocommemorateTagore’svisittoPatnain1936.

Whatistheprocedure?§ ThetaskofrenamingacityisgiventotheStateLegislators.§ Theprocedurediffersfromstatetostatebuttheregulationsremainsthesame.§ ThefirststepinvolvesraisingofarequestinformofaresolutionbyanyMLA,whichproposes

therenamingofanyparticularcityorstreet.§ On the basis of the request of the MLA, the issue would be deliberated upon and the

consequencesofthesameshallbediscussedupon.§ Thefinalstepinvolvesvotingofthevalidityoftheresolution.§ Ifasimplemajorityisattainedinfavouroftheresolution,thesaidresolutionshallbedeclared

passed.§ TheStateLegislationonthebasisofthemajorityviewshallmakethenecessarychangesin

thenameofthestateorcitypublic.§ TheproposalwillgototheCentreforapprovalbeforethecityisofficiallyrenamed.

FreeDiagnosticFacilitiesatAIIMSAboutthefacilities:

§ In AIIMS Hospital, lifesaving & emergency drugs including crystalloids as well asInvestigationandDiagnosticProceduresarebeingprovidedfreetoallpatientsattendingthecasualty.

§ Asregardshospitalizedinpatients,allmedicines&surgicalconsumablesareprovidedfreeofcostincaseofBPLpatients,forthedurationtheyareadmitted.

§ ThepoorpatientswhodonotholdavalidBPLcardalsoprovidedallmedicines&surgicalconsumablesrequiredfortheirtreatmentfromthehospitalwithoutanychargesoncasetocasebasis,onrecommendationoftreatingdoctorsandasascertainedbytheMedicalSocialServiceOfficers.

§ Alldiagnosticandtherapeuticfacilitiesarebeingprovidedtotheentitledpatientsasper the approved packages under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri JanArogyaYojana).

PradhanMantriJanArogyaYojana(PMJAY):§ PMJAY is government-sponsored health insurance scheme, that will provide free

coverage of up toRs 5 lakh per family per year in any government or empanelledprivatehospitalsalloverIndia.

§ It will cover beneficiaries families identified on the basis of Socio Economic CasteSurvey(SECC)2011in444districtsof30states/UnionTerritories.

§ NationalHealthAgency(NHA)istheapexbodyforimplementingthisscheme.§ StateswillberequiredtoformStateHealthAgency(SHA)toimplementschemeandatthe

districtlevelalsostructureforitsimplementationwillbesetup.§ Therewillbenocaponfamilysizeandageunderthisscheme.§ Thebenefitcoverunderitalsoincludespreandpost-hospitalisationexpenses.§ Aadhaarisnotmandatory.BeneficiarieswillbegivenlettershavingQRcodeswhichwillbe

scannedforidentificationandverification. Whyinnews?

§ TheMinister of State (Health and FamilyWelfare), AshwiniKumarChoubey stated thesefacilitiesinawrittenreplyintheLokSabha.


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SecondDeltaRankingNITIAayogseconddeltaranking:

§ The government think tank, Niti Ayog has released the second Delta Ranking of theAspirationalDistrictsProgramme.

§ The second delta ranking measures the incremental progress made by 111Aspirational Districts between June 1, 2018, and October 31, 2018, across sixdevelopmental areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and waterresources,financialinclusion,skilldevelopment,andbasicinfrastructure.

§ Only111ofthe115AspirationalDistrictsparticipatedinthesurvey.§ ThreeAspirationalDistrictsfromWestBengaldidnotparticipate,andonedistrictofKerala

couldnottakepartbecauseoffloods.FindingsoftheRankingTheimportantfindingsofthesecondDeltaRankingoftheAspirationalDistrictsProgrammeare:

§ Aspirational districts which have shown most improvements in education areVirudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), Nuapada (Odisha) and Gumla (Jharkhand) while leastimproved three districts are Pakur (Jharkhand), Yadgir(Karnataka) and Malkangiri(Odisha).

§ AspirationaldistrictswhichhaveshownmostimprovementsinhealthandnutritionareChitrakoot(UttarPradesh),Barwani(MadhyaPradesh)andVidisha(MadhyaPradesh),whiletheleastimprovedthreedistrictsareChatra(Jharkhand),Pakur(Jharkhand)andHazaribagh(Jharkhand).

§ Aspirationaldistrictswhichhaveshownmost improvements inagricultureandwaterresourcesareSitamarhi(Bihar),Gajapati(Odisha)andDhalal(Tripura)whiletheleastimproved three districts are Giridih (Jharkhand), Hailakandi (Assam) and Begusarai(Bihar).

§ ThefivedistrictswhichhaveshownmostimprovementsareVirudhunagar(TamilNadu),Nuapada (Odisha), Siddharthnagar (Uttar Pradesh), Aurangabad (Bihar) andKoraput,Odisha

§ Under the category of Fast movers which includes districts that have significantlyincreased the pace of their improvement since the previous delta ranking, Kupwara(Jammu&Kashmir),whichrankedat108inJunemovedto7inOctober.

§ Ranchi (Jharkhand)moved from106 in June to 10 inOctober, Siddharthnagar (UttarPradesh)wentfrom101to3,Jamui(Bihar)from99to9.Fatehpur(UttarPradesh)movedupto25fromitspreviousrankingof82haveshowngreatprogress.

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§ The Delta rankings aim to spur a sense of competition among dynamic teams inAspirationalDistricts.

§ The rankings provide for a quantitative tool to identify sectors and indicate specificchallenges so that Team India, which is driving Transformation of Aspirational Districtsprogrammecantakeimmediatecorrectivemeasures.

§ TheDelta Ranking also goes a step further and looks into specific aspects of SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) and analyses how these districts have performed acrossimportantsectors.ThefindingsfromthisrankingwillaidDistrictMagistratesorCollectorstofocusmoreonthesesectorsandimprovetheirrankinginfuture.

AspirationalDistrictsprogramme:§ TheTransformationofAspirationalDistrictsprogrammelaunchedinJanuary2018aimsto

quicklyandeffectivelytransformthemostunderdevelopeddistrictsofthecountry.§ Theprogrammeenvisagesrapiddevelopmentofselecteddistrictsonbasisofacomposite

indexbasedonsixparametersofhealthandnutrition,education, financial inclusion, skilldevelopment,agricultureandwaterresourcesandbasictheinfrastructure.

§ TheprogrammepromotesConvergenceofCentralandStateSchemes,CollaborationofCentral,Statelevel‘Prabhari’OfficersandDistrictCollectorsandCompetitionamongdistrictsdrivenbyMassMovementorJanAndolan.

Whyinnews?§ NITI Aayog has launched the second delta ranking that ranks the districts based on the

incrementalprogressmadebythe111AspirationalDistricts.

VoluntaryuseofAadhaarAadhaarandOtherLaws(Amendment)Bill2018:

§ ThenewBill,AadhaarandOtherLaws(Amendment)Bill2018,wouldamendtheTelegraphActandthePreventionofMoneyLaunderingAct(PMLA)toprovideforvoluntarysharingofthe12-digitAadhaaridentificationnumberforobtainingnewmobilephoneconnectionsandopeningofbankaccounts.

§ ThisgovernmentmovecomesontheheelsofSupremeCourt’sjudgmentinSeptember2018strikingdownSection57oftheAadhaarActthatmadeseedingofthebiometricIDwithSIMsandbankaccountsmandatory,statingthatithadnolegalbacking.

Whyinnews?§ Thegovernmenthas introducedaBill in theLokSabha toamendcertainexisting lawsto

providelegalbackingforvoluntaryseedingofbiometricAadhaarIDformobileSIMcardandbankaccountauthenticationpurposes.


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MohanReddyCommitteeImportantrecommendationsofthecommittee:

§ Stopsettingupnewcollegesfrom2020andreviewthecreationofnewcapacityeverytwoyearsafterthat.

§ Noadditionalseatsshouldbeapprovedintraditionalengineeringareassuchasmechanical,electrical, civil and electronics and institutes should be encouraged to convert currentcapacityintraditionaldisciplinestoemergingnewtechnologies.

§ Forapprovingadditionalseatsinexistinginstitutions,theAICTEshouldonlygiveapprovalsbasedonthecapacityutilisationofconcernedinstitute.

§ Introduce undergraduate engineering programmes exclusively for artificial intelligence,blockchain,robotics,quantumcomputing,datasciences,cybersecurityand3Dprintinganddesign.

Whyinnews?§ A government committee headed by IIT-Hyderabad chairman B V R Mohan Reddy has

submitteditsreportandthatitssuggestionsarebeingconsideredbyAICTE.§ Thecommitteewasappointedtocomeupwithamediumandshort-termperspectiveplan

forexpansioninengineeringeducation.

PlainpackagingWhatisplainpackaging?

§ Plainpackagingstandardisestheappearanceofthetobaccoproducts.Otherthanbrandandproductnamesdisplayed inastandardcolourandfontstyle, itprohibits theuseof logos,colours,brandimagesorpromotionalinformation.

§ Besides increasing the effectiveness of health warnings, the idea is to reduce theattractiveness of tobacco products, with no scope for using packaging to advertise andpromoteconsumption.

IsitgoingagainstWTO’sintellectualpropertyRules?§ TheWorld Trade Organisation (WTO), in June 2018, ruled favouring plain packaging of

Tobacco.§ ThetobaccoindustryownersfiledacaseinWTOagainstAustraliawhichwasthefirstcountry

toimposeplainpackagingofTobaccoin2012.§ TheWTOpanel,whilerejectingthenotionthatAustraliahadunjustifiablyinfringedtobacco

trademarks and violated intellectual property rights, said the plain packaging law led to“improvingpublichealthbyreducinguseofandexposuretotobaccoproducts”.

PackaginginIndia:§ The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and

RegulationofTradeandCommerce,Production,SupplyandDistribution)Act,2003orCOTPA,2003isanActofParliamentofIndiaenactedin2003toprohibitadvertisementof,and to provide for the regulation of trade and commerce in, and production, supply anddistributionofcigarettesandothertobaccoproductsinIndia.

§ TheUnionhealthministryhadnotifiedon24September2015,formandatorydisplayofnewhealthwarningscovering85%oftheprincipaldisplayareaonall tobaccoproductsfrom1April2016.

§ PlainpackagingisstillunderconsiderationinIndia.Whyinnews?

§ Thisyear,ThailandandSaudiArabiawilljoinagrowingclubofnationsintroducingplainpackagingoftobaccoproducts.

§ TheyarethefirstintheAsianandArabregions,respectively,toadoptthetoughmeasureinordertocurbtobaccoconsumptionfromSeptemberinThailand,andfromMay1inSaudiArabia.


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§ InDecember2012,AustraliabecamethefirstcountrytointroduceplainpackagingfollowingtheWHOFrameworkConventiononTobaccoControl(FCTC)guidelines.

Drivinglicence+AadhaarBenefitsofthemove

§ It will help in better identification of licence holders: For instance A person guilty ofcommitting an accident often flees the scene and get anotherduplicate licence.However,linkingAadhaarwithdrivinglicencewillalloweasyidentificationinsuchcases.

§ Themovewillhelpavoidduplicationofdrivinglicences:Oneofthekeyreasonsbehindthegovernment’sintentiontolinkdrivinglicencewithAadhaarcardistocrackdownonillegalduplicationoflicences.Atpresent,itiseasytogetduplicatelicencesbyapproachingdifferentRegionalTransportOffices(RTO).Thisisareasonofconcernforthegovernmentasmanypeoplemisusethedocument.

§ Paymentoffines:HavingAadhaarlinkedtodrivinglicencewillalsoensurethatpeoplepayfinesthathavebeenissued.Asofnow,manypeopleeithervoidpayingthepenaltiesforlongdurationsorjustgetanewlicencemadeifthefineamountistoohigh.LinkingofAadhaarwithdrivinglicencewillalsohelpinsolvingsuchinstances.

Whyinnews?§ Thecentral governmentannounced that linkingofdriving licencewithAadhaar cardwill

soonbemademandatory.§ TheproposalwasannouncedaftertheAadhaaramendmentbillwaspassedintheLokSabha,

which gave legal status to the voluntary seeding of Aadhar number tomobile and bankaccountvalid.

GlobalaviationsummitAboutGlobalAviationSummit

§ TheInternationalCivilAviationOrganizationhaspredicteda100percentincreaseinglobalairtravelbytheyear2030,creatinganeedforextensiveeffortstobringtheentireaviationecosystemtocatchupwithpace.

§ Toridethisstronggrowthandpavethewayforwardforthesector,theMinistryofCivilAviation(MoCA), incollaborationwithFICCIisorganizingaGlobalAviationSummitwithanoverarchingthemeof“Flyingforall”on15-16January2019inMumbai,thefinancialcapitalofIndia.

§ The Summit is supported by various organisations namely International Civil AviationOganization (ICAO), Federal Aviation Administration of USA (FAA), International AirTransportAssociation(IATA),CiviIAirNavigaionServicesOrganisation(CANSO),AirportsCouncilInternational(ACl)andAssociationofAsiaPacificAirlines(AAPA).

Focusareaofthesummit§ Theglobalaviationindustryisinahigh-growthtrajectory,usheringaneraofrapidexpansion.Going

forward,thebiggestdriverofdemandwillbetheemergingeconomies,whichwillneedtocaterforairtravelforthenearly6billionpeople.

§ TheSummitaimstofocusonthecelebrationof‘FlyingforAll’andtoprovideaplatformtotheaviationfraternitytoshowcasethechallengesofthesector inthenewlydevelopinggrowth spots and understand how the technology-driven innovationswill change the airtravelinfuture.

§ The Summit also aims to be the most comprehensive platform for civil aviation,witnessingavividrepresentationfromtheglobalaviationecosystementailinggloballeadersfromairlines,manufacturers,investors,vendors,cargo,spaceindustry,bankinginstitutions,skilldevelopmentagenciesandstates&UTsofIndia.

InternationalCivilAviationOrganization:


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§ TheInternationalCivilAviationOrganization(ICAO),isaspecializedagencyoftheUnitedNations.

§ It codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters theplanninganddevelopmentofinternationalairtransporttoensuresafeandorderlygrowth.

§ ItsheadquartersislocatedintheQuartierInternationalofMontreal,Quebec,Canada.

SitePotentialDevelopmentReportAboutSitePotentialDevelopmentReport

§ TheholisticdevelopmentofidentifiedIslandsinthecountryhasbeentakenupbyNITIAayog.

§ The final Site Potential DevelopmentReport has been prepared for four islands inAndaman&Nicobar(A&N)(namelySmith,Ross,LongandAvesIslandsandfiveislands)in Lakshadweep( namely Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam and SuheliIslands).

§ TourismbasedprojectshavebeenidentifiedinLong,Aves,SmithandNeilIslandsofA&NandMinicoy,KadamatandSuheliIslandsofLakshadweepwhileaccordingprioritytoairandseaconnectivityand theconstructionofairportatMinicoy inLakshadweepby the IndianAirForce.

§ TheMinistryofTourismhasalsosanctionedaprojectforRs.42.19Croreduring2016-17forDevelopmentofCoastalCircuit(LongIsland-RossSmithIsland-NeilIsland-HavelockIsland-Baratang Island-Port Blair) in Andaman & Nicobar under the Coastal thematic circuit ofSwadeshDarshanSchemefordevelopmentofislandtourisminthecountry.

AboutIslandDevelopmentAgency(IDA)§ IslandsDevelopmentAgency(IDA)hasbeenconstitutedon1stJune,2017underthe

Chairmanship of the Home Minister, Government of India to oversee thecomprehensivedevelopmentofIslands.

§ Itsmembersinclude,cabinetsecretary,homesecretary,secretary(environment,forestsandclimatechange),secretary(tourism)andsecretary(tribalwelfare).

§ Further, a Committee has been constituted inNITI Aayog to recommend a roadmap forharnessing the development potential of Little Andaman and Great Nicobar Islands inAndaman&NicobarIslands.

E-PrisonsAboute-prisons:

§ TheScopeofthisprojectistocomputerizeandintegratealltheactivitiesrelatedtoprisonandprisonermanagementinthejail.

§ This application suitewill provide the vital information about the inmates, lodged in theprisons, in real time environment to the prison officials and other entities, involved inCriminalJusticeSystem.

§ Itwillalsofacilitateonlinevisitrequestandgrievanceredressal.ePrisonsapplicationsuite,developedbyNIC,iscloudbasedproductdesignedwitheasytouseGUIandembeddedwithacomprehensivesecurityfeatures.


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§ Itcanbeeasilyadoptedbyanystateprisonsdepartmentwithminimumcustomizationeffortssinceallthepossiblecustomizationfeaturesareparameterizedandcanbeconfiguredbytheusers.

AboutNIC(NationalInformationCentre):§ TheNationalInformaticsCentreisthepremierscienceandtechnologyorganisationofthe

GovernmentofIndiaininformaticsservicesandinformationandcommunicationtechnology(ICT) applications. It is part of the Indian Ministry of Electronics and InformationTechnology'sDepartmentofElectronics&InformationTechnology.

§ TheNICwasestablishedin1976.§ Itplaysapivotalroleinsteeringe-governanceapplicationsinthegovernmentaldepartments

atnational,stateanddistrictlevels,enablingtheimprovementin,andawidertransparencyof,governmentservices.AlmostallIndian-governmentwebsitesaredevelopedandmanagedbyNIC.

BTcottonpatentcaseWhyinnews?

§ Providingrelieftoagri-sectormajorMonsanto,theSupremeCourthassetasideaDelhiHigh Court (DHC) order invalidating Monsanto Technology’s patents on BT cottonseeds.

Abouttheissue:§ A division bench DHC had earlier ruled that Monsanto could not claim patents of GM

(genetically modified) cotton seeds since items like seeds, plants and animals can’t bepatentedunderIndianlaws.

§ MonsantocompanysellsGMcottonseedsinIndiathroughitsjointventurewithMaharashtraHybridSeedsCo—MahycoMonsantoBiotech(India)Ltd(MMBL).

§ ThePatentsAct,1970isthelegislationthattilldategovernspatentsinIndia.Itfirstcameintoforcein1972.

§ Howeversince theseedswhereGeneticallymodifiedunder thecompanies technology,SCupheldthevalidity.

GlobalHousingTechnologyChallenge§ TheCentrelaunchedGlobalHousingTechnologyChallengewhichaimstoprovideabout₹150

croreasatechnologyinnovationgranttobuild6,000homes–cheaper,fasterandbetter--usingalternativetechnologiesandmaterials

§ AnothersectionoftheChallengewillidentifypotentialfuturetechnologieswhichmaynotyetbemarketready,andofferincubationfacilitiesandacceleratorsupportincollaborationwithfouroftheIITs.

WhyitisinNews?§ AsCEOofNITIAayogpointsout “Wecannotmeeturbanising India’shousingneedswith

existingtechnologies,”pointingoutthatmostIndiandeveloperstakethreeyearstocompleteaproject.

§ “Housesmustbecompleted in four to fivemonths’ time.Whatweneed isnot technologyleapfrogging,butpole-vaulting.”SaidbyCEOofNITIAayog.

§ So, the Central Government launched a Global Housing Technology Challenge to find outwhetherhousescanbebuiltinacheaperaswellasfastermanner,ashousingshortageisabiggerprobleminurbanIndia.


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NortheastautonomouscouncilsWhyitisinnews?

§ TheUnionCabinetrecentlyapprovedaConstitutionalamendmenttoincreasethefinancialandexecutivepowersofthe10autonomouscouncilsintheSixthScheduleareasofthenortheast.

ProposedConstitutionalAmendment:§ Asper theproposedamendment,at leastonethirdof theseatswouldbereservedfor

women in the village and municipal councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam,MizoramandTripura.

§ The amendment also provides for transfer of additional 30 subjects includingdepartmentsofPublicWorks,Forests,PublicHealthEngineering,HealthandFamilyWelfare,UrbanDevelopmentandFoodandCivilSupplytoKarbiAnglongAutonomousTerritorialCouncilandDimaHasaoAutonomousTerritorialCouncilinAssam.

§ AmendmenttoArticle280andSixthScheduleoftheConstitutionisalsoproposed.Themostimportantpartoftheseamendmentsisthatthesewillsignificantlyimprove”thefinancialresources and powers of the autonomous districts councils in Assam, Meghalaya,MizoramandTripura, fulfillinglong-standingaspirationsofthetribalpopulationintheseNorth-easternStates,”thegovernmentsaid.

EffectsoftheAmendmentsforthe6thScheduleStates:§ The proposed amendments provide for elected village municipal councils, ensuring

democracyatthegrass-rootslevel.§ Thevillagecouncilswouldbeempoweredtoprepareplansforeconomicdevelopmentand

social justice including thoserelated toagriculture, land improvement, implementationoflandreforms,minorirrigation,watermanagement,animalhusbandry,ruralelectrification,smallscaleindustriesandsocialforestry.

§ TheStateElectionCommissionswouldholdelectionstotheautonomouscouncils,villageandmunicipalcouncilsintheareasofAssam,MizoramandTripura.Therewouldbeaprovisionforanti-defectiontoo.

§ Meghalayahasforthetimebeingoptedoutoftheprovisionforelectedvillageandmunicipalcouncilsandone-thirdreservationforwomen.

§ The amendment proposes renaming the existing autonomous councils as Karbi AnglongAutonomous Territorial Council (KAATC), Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council(DHATC), Garo Hills Autonomous Territorial Council (GHATC), Khasi Hills AutonomousTerritorial Council (KHATC), Jaintia Hills Autonomous Territorial Council (JHATC) andTripuraTribalAreaAutonomousTerritorialCouncil(TTAATC)asthepresentjurisdictionofthesecouncilsextendtomorethanonedistrict.


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§ Therewouldalsobeanincreaseinthenumbersofseats: inKAATC(from30to50seats),DHATC(30to40seats),GHATC(30to42),KHATC(30to40)andJHATC(30to34).

KumbhMelaWhyitisinnews?

§ Ministry of Culture in its press release said”TheKumbh contributes to infrastructureDevelopmentatPrayagrajCity(Allahabad)“

AboutKumbhMela:§ KumbhMela isareligiousgatheringofHindudevoteesalongaholyriver forbathingand

prayers.§ The largest congregation on Earth is inscribed on the representative list of UNESCO

IntangibleCulturalHeritageofIndia.§ Itisheldevery12yearsatfourplacesbyrotation:Haridwar,Allahabad(Prayag),Nasik

and Ujjain. Each of these sites celebrate the occasion along a holy river- Ganga inHaridwar, Triveni Sangam- confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Shipra inUjjainandGodavariinNasik.

§ Theminiversionsoftheevent,ArdhKumbhMelaisheldatonlytwoplaces,HaridwarandAllahabad,everysixthyearbetweentwoPoornaKumbhaMelas.

§ TherecentArdhKumbhMelatakesplacein2019ontheholybanksofTriveniSangaminAllahabad.

§ The auspicious occasion falls in themonth ofMagh, according toHindu calendar that ismostlybetweenJanuary-Februarys.

§ AccordingtoastrologicalcalculationstheoccurrencehappenswhenJupiterisinAries,SunandMooninCapricorn;orJupiterinTaurusandSuninCapricorn.

§ Also,aMiniKumbhMelaintheHindumonthofMagh(January-February)MelaisheldeveryyearinAllahabadonly.

FirstCashandCarryStoreWhyitisinnews?

§ CommonServicesCentres(CSCs)underDigitalIndiamissionareprovidingCitizenCentricServices.

§ CSCsaredeliveringmanygovernmentandnon-governmentservicestocitizensinruralIndiaacrossthecountry.

§ Initsendeavortopromoteruralmarketingandcreateemployment,CSChaslauncheditsfirstCashandCarrystoreinKanthTehsilofMoradabaddistrict,UttarPradesh.

§ Effortsareon tohaveonecash&carrystore ineveryblock. The store currentlyhasproductsofGodrej,Patanjali,JIVA,Crompton,i-Ball.ThestorealsooffersfreemembershipbenefitstootherCSCVLEsandgovernmentemployees.

AboutCashandCarryprocedure:§ Themainfeaturesofcashandcarryaresummarizedbestbythefollowingdefinitions:§ Cash and carry is a form of trade in which goods are sold from a wholesale warehouse

operatedeitheronaself-servicebasisoronthebasisofsamples(withthecustomerselectingfrom specimen articles using amanual or computerized ordering systembut not servinghimself)oracombinationofthetwo.

§ Customers(retailers,professionalusers,caterers,institutionalbuyers,etc.)settletheinvoiceonthespotincashandcarrythegoodsawaythemselves.

§ Therearesignificantdifferencesbetween"classical"salesatthewholesalestageandthecashandcarrywholesaler:namelycashandcarrycustomersarrangethetransportofthegoodsthemselvesandpayforthegoodsincash,andnotoncredit.

AboutCommonServiceCentres:


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§ CommonServicesCentre(CSC)programmeisaninitiativeoftheMinistryofElectronics&IT(MeitY),GovernmentofIndia.

§ CSCsaretheaccesspointsfordeliveryofvariouselectronicservicestovillagesinIndia,therebycontributingtoadigitallyandfinanciallyinclusivesociety.

§ CSCsaremorethanservicedeliverypointsinruralIndia.§ Theyarepositionedaschangeagents,promotingruralentrepreneurshipandbuilding

ruralcapacitiesandlivelihoods.§ They are enablersof community participation and collective action for engendering

socialchangethroughabottom-upapproachwithkeyfocusontheruralcitizen.§ CSCe-GovernanceServicesIndiaLimitedisaSpecialPurposeVehicle(CSCSPV)incorporated

undertheCompaniesAct,1956bytheMinistryofElectronicsandInformationTechnology(MeitY), Government of India, to monitor the implementation of the Common ServicesCentersScheme.

§ ItprovidesacentralizedcollaborativeframeworkfordeliveryofservicestocitizensthroughCSCs,besidesensuringsystemicviabilityandsustainabilityofthescheme.

ReimbursableAdvisoryServicesWhyitisinnews?

§ India has availed the service of World Bank’s” Reimbursable Advisory Service PublicTransportServices”

AboutReimbursableAdvisoryServices(RAS):§ RASareprogramsofferedbytheWorldBanktoitsclientsinmiddleandhigh-income

countries.Unlikelendingproducts,RASisaninstrumentdevelopedtodeliverspecificassistancetoeligibleclientsrequiringservicesthatcannotbefullyfundedfromtheBank’scountryprogram.

§ UnderRASprograms,theWorldBankworkswithcountriesattheirrequest,providingtechnicaladvice,analyticalservices,and implementationsupport.TheBank is thenreimbursedforthecostsofdeliveringtheseadvisoryservices.

§ ReimbursableAdvisoryServicesareflexibleandeasilyadaptedtomeetcountryneeds,andcantakemanyforms, includingthefollowing:Policyadvice;Analyticalanddiagnosticwork; Donor aid coordination; Impact evaluation; Program implementation support;Deliveryoftraining;Knowledgesharingandpeerlearning.

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