Monthly PDF January 2015

CURRENT AFFAIRS

2015

(Main examination)

This monthly pdf is a compilation of current affair articles published on

www.civilmentor.iasacademy.in(affiliated to civilmentor.in).

Monthly PDF

Edition –

January 2015

Current Affairs 2015

www.iasacademy.civilmentor.in Page 1

NITI Aayog - National Institution for Transforming India

Ques. Specific to the planning process, there is a need to separate as well as energize the distinct ‘process’ of

governance from the ‘strategy’ of governance”, Critically analyse the role and importance of newly formed NITI

Aayog by replacing the planning commission of India.

Mahatma Gandhi had said: “Constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to

maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position”. Reflecting this spirit

and the changed dynamics of the new India, the institutions of governance and policy have to adapt to new

challenges and must be built on the founding principles of the Constitution of India, the wealth of

knowledge from our civilizational history and the present day socio-cultural context.

In order to energize the distinct ‘process’ of governance the government of India has recently replaced Planning

Commission with a new institution named NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) which will serve

as a Think Tank of the government – a directional and policy dynamo.

Role in governance:

The proposed institution has to provide governments at the central and state levels with relevant strategic and

technical advice across the spectrum of key elements of policy. This includes matters of national and

international import on the economic front, dissemination of best practices from within the country as well as

from other nations, the infusion of new policy ideas and specific issue-based support.

NITI Aayog will replace the centre-to-state one-way flow of policy by a genuine and continuing partnership

with the states.

Objectives:

Foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the States on a

continuous basis, recognizing that strong States make a strong nation.

Develop mechanisms to formulate credible plans at the village level and aggregate these progressively at

higher levels of government.

Ensure, on areas that are specifically referred to it, that the interests of national security are incorporated in

economic strategy and policy.

Pay special attention to the sections of our society that may be at risk of not benefitting adequately from

economic progress.

Design strategic and long term policy and programme frameworks and initiatives, and monitor their progress

and their efficacy. The lessons learnt through monitoring and feedback will be used for making innovative

improvements, including necessary mid-course corrections.

Focus on technology upgradation and capacity building for implementation of programmes and

initiatives.

Provide advice and encourage partnerships between key stakeholders and national and international

like-minded Think Tanks, as well as educational and policy research institutions.



Swami Vivekananda said “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think it, dream of it, live on that

idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea and just leave every other

idea alone. This is the way to success.” Through its commitment to a cooperative federalism, promotion of

citizen engagement, egalitarian access to opportunity, participative and adaptive governance and increasing

use of technology, the NITI Aayog will seek to provide a critical directional and strategic input into the

governance process. This, along with being the incubator of ideas for effective governance, will be the core

mission of NITI Aayog.

Addressing climate change by low Carbon Future

Ques. “With increasing economic growth rate, India has become the fourth largest energy consumer in the world. This rapid growth and the accompanying increase in greenhouse gas emissions has raised national concerns about climate change” Critically comment. India’s contribution to climate change presents a daunting challenge for development. India is the fourth largest emitter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions after China, the United States and Russia as well as a home to a third of the world’s poor. India’s per capita CO2 emissions of 1.3 tons are well below the world average of 4.4 tons. In light of the urgency for a global turnaround in emissions before 2020, and the failure of Annex I countries to reduce their own emissions despite the Kyoto Protocol, it is imperative that developing countries expand their economies at diminishing rates of carbon intensity, preferably with assistance from the Annex I countries.

Major recent initiatives by the government: Developing a Comprehensive approach:

India released its National Action Plan on Climate change (2008), which includes priority areas, such as energy efficiency and solar initiatives.

According to the Planning Commission, if India implements its current climate change initiatives under a “Baseline Inclusive Growth” scenario, by 2030 the country could reduce its emissions intensity by 22 percent relative to 2007 levels; under a “Low Carbon Inclusive Growth” scenario, reductions could reach a staggering 42 percent.

Charting a Course to a Clean energy Future: India’s flagship National Solar Mission, which originally aimed to install 20 GW of solar power capacity by

2022, is now targeting 100 GW of solar. New government aiming to achieve 40 GW of onshore wind power by 2019, doubling its currently installed wind capacity.

Announcement of plans to launch a National Wind Mission, targeting a goal of 100 GW of utility-scale wind power and 1 GW of distributed wind power by the end of 2022. To support this accelerated growth of renewables, India recently doubled an innovative coal tax to Rs. 100 (approximately $1.60) per metric ton to fund a National Clean Energy Fund.

Building an energy-efficient economy: Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) program launched to encourage energy-intensive industries in India, such

as thermal coal power plants and cement and steel manufacturing, to become global efficiency leaders. The program aims to eliminate 25 million tons of CO2 by 2015 through an energy efficiency cap and trade scheme.

Greener transportation:



Corporate Average Fuel Consumption policy, mandating a 14 percent improvement in mileage by 2016. National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020, which would subsidize up to 35 percent of the cost of pure

electric vehicles. Building International climate cooperation:

India-US partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE) to drive renewables research, deployment, and finance.

India is also active in the Clean Energy Ministerial, leading the Superefficient Equipment and Appliances Deployment (SEAD) Initiative for efficient lighting, televisions, and other appliances, and the 21st Century Power Partnership with other major economies.

Apart from this, Sustainable development guidelines for central public sector enterprises including activities such as Carbon Management, Life Cycle, Water Management, Waste Management, Biodiversity etc. India needs to improve its own energy efficiency. Its policy goals are aimed at reducing the dangers of global warming for its people and getting financial and other benefits from climate change agreements.

Land swap deal between India and Bangladesh

Ques. “India’s land swapping deal with Bangladesh would be a permanent solution to stop infiltration as well as to

address long-pending border dispute between the two countries”. Discuss.

What are enclaves?

An enclave is any portion of a state that is entirely surrounded by the territory of one other state. It is a portion of

territory surrounded by a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or ethnically distinct.

In simple words, a country or part of a country lying wholly within the boundaries of another.

What is land swap deal or land transfer agreement between India and Bangladesh?

The agreement seeks to exchange enclaves on both sides to facilitate the demarcation of a proper boundary

between India and Bangladesh.

INDIA

BANGLADESH

Enclave of India i.e. -

Part of India but within

the territories of

Bangladesh



The swap will involve handing over 17,000 acres of land to Bangladesh in return for 7,000 acres in 111 enclaves in

West Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya, and was first decided under the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA)

between India and Bangladesh, but never ratified by Parliament. It will require an amendment to the Constitution

(the 119th amendment) ratified by both Houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority.

What is the need of land swap deal?

Residents of the exclaves generally live in miserable conditions, lacking access to basic services such as healthcare or

electricity. These are not provided by their own government, as they are isolated from it by a strip of foreign land;

nor are they provided by the surrounding state. They cannot visit their own country without crossing the

international border surrounding the territory (enclave). The people of these areas struggle for identity and, due to a

lack of citizenship, are often victimised.

The border is used as a route for smuggling livestock, food items, medicines and drugs from India to Bangladesh.

Moreover, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh cross the border to India. Because of a large number of illegal

immigrants crossing from Bangladesh into India, a controversial shoot-on-sight policy has been enforced by the

Indian border patrols.

Features/benefits/advantages/Importance:

Minimizes border dispute between the two countries.

Enhance security of North-eastern states of India.

Prevents illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

It would give citizenship rights to enclave residents who were often victimised.

A healthy relationship with Bangladesh would have other economic benefits.

The land swap deal would go a long way to improving India’s local image.

The relation between India and Bangladesh have been cordial and will hope to continue to remain so. Land Swap

agreement would be a major step towards addressing inflow of illegal migrants from Bangladesh as well as giving

proper rights to the people living in the enclaves.

River inter-linking system in India

Ques. Critically analyse the river inter-linking system in India and its associated challenges.



The Indian Rivers Inter-link is a proposed large-scale civil engineering project that aims to link India's rivers by a

network of reservoirs and canals and so reduce persistent floods in some parts and water shortages in other parts of

India. The Inter-link project has been split into three parts - a northern Himalayan rivers inter-link component, a

southern Peninsular component and an intrastate rivers linking component.

Need of river interlinking:

Drought & floods: Cycles of drought years and flood years with large parts of west and south experiencing

more deficits and large variations, resulting in immense hardship particularly the poorest farmers and rural

populations. Lack of irrigation water regionally leads to crop failures and farmer suicides.

Population and food security: India’s increasing population demands higher yields and better crop security,

both of which require adequate irrigation. River inter-linking is claimed to be a possible means of assured

and better irrigation for more farmers, and thus better food security for a growing population.

Navigation: India needs infrastructure for logistics and movement of freight. Using connected rivers as

navigation is a cleaner, low carbon footprint form of transport infrastructure, particularly for ores and food

grains.

Current reserves and loss in groundwater level: India's water situation is critical, it needs sustainable

development and management of surface water and groundwater usage.

Major challenges:

Ecological and environmental issues: There are uncertainties regarding the success of these projects,

further few scholars claim that there are knowledge gaps between the claimed benefits and potential

threats from environment and ecological impact.

Displacement of people: Water storage and distributed reservoirs are likely to displace people - a

rehabilitation process that has attracted concern.

International issues: Neighboring countries such as Bangladesh may get affected by river inter linking

projects.

Costly affair: inter-linking of rivers initially appears to be a costly proposition in ecological, geological,

hydrological and economical terms, in the long run the net benefits coming from it will far outweigh these

costs or losses.

Proponents of the rivers inter-linking projects claim the answers to India's water problem is to conserve the

abundant monsoon water bounty, store it in reservoirs, and deliver this water - using rivers inter-linking project - to

areas and over times when water becomes scarce.

Coir Udyami Yojana and Coir Vikas Yojana

What do you mean by ‘coir’?

Coir is the fibre from the outer husk of the coconut, used in potting compost and for making ropes and matting. Coir

Industry is one of the oldest traditional industries. It generates 'value' literally out of 'waste' (coconut husk), besides

providing eco- friendly products resulting in large scale employment comprising mostly women.

Why recently in news?



Central Sector Schemes “Rejuvenation, Modernization and Technology Upgradation”(REMOT) and “Coir Plan

(General)” Scheme, have been recently re-named as Coir Udyami Yojana (CUY) and Coir Vikas Yojana (CVY)

respectively to make it better understood by the Stakeholders.

Objectives of Coir Udyami Yojana (CUY) and Coir Vikas Yojana (CVY):

Credited linked subsidy scheme in coir sector, aims to integrate and develop coir units.

Skill Upgradation and Quality Improvement and Mahila Coir Yojana – training for men & women coir workers

and providing subsidized Ratts to women workers.

The scheme provides 40% as Govt. subsidy, 55% as Bank loan and 5% beneficiary contribution for

setting up of coir units with project cost up to Rs.10.00 lakh (revised from Rs.5.00 lakh)

Marketing support assistance for beneficiaries.

No collateral security/third party guarantee is required.

Development of Production Infrastructure – assistance for setting up and expansion of coir units.

Export Market Promotion - assistance to participate in international fares, exhibitions etc.

Initially the utilized capacity of coir husk was only around 40%. This is essentially because the basic producers of raw

material and semi-finished products did not have the wherewithal to convert a higher percentage of husk into fibre

and yarn. Therefore, Coir Udyami Yojana (CUY) and Coir Vikas Yojana (CVY) aims to develop the supply of basic raw

material at the grass root level of the coir industry to ensure continuous supply of quality coir yarn throughout the

year.

River development in India

Ques. “As a result of indiscriminate and indiscrete developmental activities, the clear fresh water, that were our

national heritage and precious resources, have become dumping grounds for municipal and industrial wastes”,

Discuss the major initiatives for river development by the government of India.

Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation works with three-pronged objectives to

ensure effective use of Water Resources, inclusiveness and sustainability. The main thrust of the Ministry during the

year 2014 has been on rejuvenation on river ganga, inter-linking of rivers and ghat development and beautification

of river front besides other issues.

REJUVENATION OF RIVER GANGA

Rejuvenation of Ganga has been prioritised as “restoration of its wholesomeness by ensuring its ecological

and geological integrity. The Union Budget 2014-15 has set up an Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission

namely “Namami Gange” with an allocation of Rs. 2037 crore for Ganga Rejuvenation.

The First National Dialogue i.e ‘Ganga Manthan’,held on 7th of July 2014 to facilitate inflow of ideas,

suggestions and involvement of people, a website of NMCG has been launched on 12th of September 2014.



A project has been undertaken for identification of special properties of Ganga Jal, water quality monitoring

and sediment analysis through National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.

National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) has been expanded by including Minister (WR, RD and GR) as

vice-chairman and also other Ministers concerned with wholesome development of Ganga.

INTER-LINKING OF RIVERS ( ILR)

The ILR is a project of national importance and its purpose is to provide equitable distribution of water in the country

which will specially benefit flood and drought prone areas. As per the National Perspective Plan of ILR, inter-linking

of river would give additional benefits of 35 million hect. of irrigation apart from the benefits of flood control,

navigation, water supply, fisheries, salinity and pollution control etc.

TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION

Hydrology Project-III is being launched with World Bank Assistance for developing Decision Support System

for modernisation of Ganga and Brahmaputra Basins.

A World Bank aided Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) for bringing advance materials and

simulation techniques and guidelines in the country to ensure dam safety.

National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM) launched entailing mapping of aquifers

in the country.

International Cooperation

Agreement signed between India and Nepal paving the way for Pancheshwar Mutipurpose Project having

installed capacity of 5600 MW ,irrigation potential and will mitigate floods in the States of Uttarakhand and

Uttar Pradesh.

Yamuna Action Plant (YAP)-I and YAP-II schemes for river Yamuna in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and

YAP-III in Delhi under financial assistance from Japan International Coorperation Agency (JICA) for taking up

works for sewerage/interception and diversion of drains, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), low cost

sanitation/community toilet complexes, electric/ improved wood crematoria, etc

Further, government is chalking out programmes to ensure that only treated waste water is released into Ganga so

that we are able to maintain its sanctity. With its success the programme will serve as a model to demonstrate the

methodology for improving the water quality of other polluted rivers.

India’s Refugee policy

Ques. “India with its history, culture, traditions, is today an example of generosity in the way it has opened its

borders to all people who have come looking for safety and sanctuary”, While critically analysing the given

statement describe India’s Refugee policy.

Who are refugees?



A refugee is a person who is outside their home country because they have suffered or feared persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion or because they are a member of a persecuted social category of persons or they are fleeing a war.

India’s Refugee policy:

India has maintained an open door policy for all. India has a generous approach in relationship to all people and a

proof of that is the granting of long term visas and work permits to refugees. According to UNHCR, India has close to

2lakh refugees living within its territory.

Currently, only judicial decisions regulating specific situations govern refugees in India. There are also ad hoc

administrative advisories by the Ministry of Home Affairs regulating specific situations concerning refugees, such as

the 2012 Advisory on preventing and combating human trafficking in India. Lack of standardised documentation for

this category of persons and a lack of legal recognition has led to difficulties in their access to basic facilities such as

decent living conditions, employment, free or subsidised medical facilities and education.

In the absence of specific legislation pertaining to refugees, the general law applicable to foreigners, The Foreigners

Act, 1946, applies to refugees as well. These ad hoc, case-specific measures lead to a two-fold problem:

1. Lack of a law providing certain basic rights to refugees violates India’s obligations under customary

international law, notwithstanding the fact that it is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention.

2. India’s national security interests are hampered by the absence of a coherent legal structure to ensure that

all non-citizens residing in India are properly documented and have a legitimate reason for their presence in

India.

Measures/initiatives needed in order to address the issue of refugee successfully:

Foremost requirement is a definition of the term ‘refugee.’ This is essential for any legislation making any

provision for refugees, since the term is not easily defined. The definition could be inserted in the Foreigners

Act, since refugees are a special category of foreigners.

Single most important principle relating to refugees in international law needs to be recognised in Indian law

— that of non-refoulement, which means non-expulsion or non-extradition to the place from which the

refugee has fled as long as the compelling circumstances for fleeing persist.

A structured system must be put in place for refugee status-determination at the borders. Moreover, a

procedure with such critical security implications should be controlled and carried out entirely by the

government.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

Ques. “If Mahatma Gandhi worked to remove social untouchability, if we want to get rid of poverty, then we have

to first get rid of financial untouchability”, analyse the scope of Pradhan mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in this context.

Pradhan mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is an ambitious scheme for comprehensive financial inclusion which aims at

eradicating financial untouchability by providing bank accounts to the poor.



Features:

• Account holders will be provided zero-balance bank account with RuPay debit card, in addition to accidental

insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh

• Those who open accounts by January 26, 2015 over and above the 1 lakh ₹ accident, they will be given life

insurance cover of Rs 30,000.

• After Six months of opening of the bank account, holders can avail 5,000 ₹ overdraft from the bank.

• With the introduction of new technology introduced by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), a person

can transfer funds, check balance through a normal phone which was earlier limited only to smart phones so far.

• Mobile banking for the poor would be available through National Unified USSD Platform (NUUP) for which all

banks and mobile companies have come together.

• By mandating handing over of RuPay cards to every poor customer, the PMJDY has solved the interoperability

problem. The poor customers will now be customers of the banking system and more.

• The scheme has simplified know-your-customer (KYC) rules to open a bank savings account at all public and private

banks.

Objective of “Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)” is ensuring access to various financial services like

availability of basic savings bank account, access to need based credit, remittances facility, insurance and pension to

the excluded sections i.e. weaker sections & low income groups. This deep penetration at affordable cost is possible

only with effective use of technology.

PMJDY is a National Mission on Financial Inclusion encompassing an integrated approach to bring about

comprehensive financial inclusion of all the households in the country. The plan envisages universal access to

banking facilities with at least one basic banking account for every household, financial literacy, access to credit,

insurance and pension facility.

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Achievements of the Ministry of Shipping

Ques. “today the port sector has become the best example for PPP mode of development”, In context with the

given statement analyse the achievements and contribution of Ministry of Shipping towards enhancing India’s

economy.

The highlights of the achievements and contribution of Ministry of Shipping in boosting India’s economy are as

follows:

India-Myanmar service (IMS) launched: Shipping service has been started between India (Chennai) and

Myanmar (Yangon) in October, 2014. This service will boost the bilateral trade relations between the two

countries by providing immense opportunities for manufacturers, Importers and Exporters in these

countries.

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT): The project has the potential of

generating over 1.5 Lakh direct and indirect jobs. This will develop free trade warehousing zones,

engineering goods sector, textile and other sectors.

Sagarmala Project formulated: Sagarmala project has been formulated to promote port led development of

hinterland along with integrated development of port connectivity through Road, Rail, Inland Waterways

and Coastal Shipping. The project envisages developing India’s ports to levels comparable with the best ports

across the globe in terms of infrastructure, efficiency and quality of service.

Registration power delegated to States: The government has taken a decision to delegate the powers of

registration, survey and certification of Indian fishing boats, irrespective of their size or length, to states and

union territories. India fishing boats can now be registered at the ports or places in India as specified in the

gazette notification.

INS Vikrant - First indigenous Aircraft Carrier, INS Vikrant, was built by Cochin Shipyard for the Navy. The

ministry has also taken steps to strengthen the coastal security by implementing the Automatic

Identification System (AIS) system all along the coast and Vessel Traffic Management Services (VTMS) in all

the Ports and in Gulf of Kutchh.

New SPV to be formed,will focus on last mile Rail connectivity to ports.

New scheme to incentivize and promote modal shift of cargo from roads/rail to coastal route.

Green channel clearance system for coastal cargo in major ports.

Customs & Excise duties exempted on bunker fuels used by Indian Flag vessels transporting EXlM and

empty containers to promote trans-shipment hubs in India.

National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM)

Economic development and urbanisation are closely linked where cities in India are emerging as the country’s

engines of economic growth, with a contribution of more than 60 per cent to GDP. Despite the robust economic

growth at the national level, the number of the urban poor has steadily increased in recent decades.

In order to focus policy and programmatic attention the issue of urban livelihoods in a structured way the

government has envisaged to launch a ‘National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) which will replace the existing



Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY). NULM would be target-oriented with specific focus on the primary

issues pertaining to urban poverty such as skill up-gradation, entrepreneurship development and employment

creation through wage employment and self-employment opportunities opened up by the emerging markets in

urban areas.

The mission of NULM is to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by enabling them to

access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities, resulting in an appreciable

improvement in their livelihoods on a sustainable basis, through building strong grassroots level institutions of the

poor.

The implementation of NULM in a Mission mode is essential as it will:

Shift focus from the present allocation-based strategy and distribution of funds to a demand-driven

paradigm that provides flexibility to States to formulate their own livelihoods-based State urban poverty

reduction strategies and city/town action plans for poverty reduction

Address livelihoods concerns of the urban poor in convergence with programmes to tackle the multiple

vulnerabilities of the urban poor: occupational, residential and social

Make States and cities/towns focus on tangible outcomes, time-bound targets and monitor the achievement

of such targets so linked to specific poverty outcomes

Facilitate the building of key institutions of the poor and their capacity so that they can implement

programmes by themselves with support provided by Government, civil society and other partners

Address the key structural deficiencies observed in the implementation of the present SJSRY, especially the

lack of dedicated manpower and professionalism in implementation at the Central, State and City/Town

levels; and

Enable steady movement to the ultimate objective that the urban poor drive their own agenda to come out

of the clutches of poverty and sustain their own livelihoods.



Thus, the mission would aim at providing shelters equipped with essential services to the urban homeless in a

phased manner. In addition, the mission would also address livelihood concerns of the urban street vendors by

Facilitating access to suitable spaces, institutional credit, social security and skills to the urban street vendors for

accessing emerging market opportunities.

Direct Benefit Transfer

Direct Benefit Transfer or DBT is an attempt to change the mechanism of transferring subsidies launched by

Government of India on 1 January 2013. This program aims to transfer subsidies directly to the people through their

bank accounts. It is hoped that crediting subsidies into bank accounts will reduce leakages, delays, etc

The DBT programme builds on the foundation provided by Aadhaar, allowing for direct, time-bound transfers of

benefits to people. DBT enables the government to transfer benefits using just an individual’s Aadhaar number—in

effect the Aadhaar number becomes the financial address of every individual.

Benefits:

The electronic-Know Your Customer (e-KYC) service provides for instant opening of bank account through a

‘micro-ATM’ based on Aadhaar authentication

A vast network of business correspondents brings banking to the doorsteps of the rural poor who earlier did

not have access to modern financial services

The portability of the entire system ensures that entitlements like pensions and scholarships are delivered at

one’s doorsteps

It provides an efficient and transparent system for transferring remittances. It is estimated that Rs.75,000

crore ($12 billion approximately) worth of internal remittances are done every year in India, and the

transaction costs (largely borne by the poor) are very high (5-15%). This will dramatically change with DBT.

Aadhaar linkage in the databases of the government and banks databases will provide, for the first time,

end-to-end transparency of subsidy and benefits payments from the government to the beneficiaries, which

does not exist today.

Challenges:

Aadhaar-DBT requires different agencies to work together —central ministries, district officials, banks,

frontline government officials etc. Enrolment in Aadhaar needs to be universalised. Existing government

databases need to be digitised. Bank accounts need to be opened and linked to Aadhaar. Banks and post

offices need to be linked to the APB and AEPS systems. Getting every link in the chain to work in tandem is a

challenge.

There are issues with technology implementation on the ground, such as ensuring foolproof fingerprint

recognition, especially for manual workers and the elderly. There is also the issue of ‘connectivity’—ensuring

real-time online authentication where there is little or no mobile phone network (as in several MNREGA

worksites and Panchayats).



Aadhaar-DBT is a genuine, transformational effort to fix this delivery system. In fact, Aadhaar-DBT is probably the

world’s largest anti-corruption programme. It is indeed an idea whose time has come. And it is time to give it our

unqualified support.

Radar Technology in India

Radar is an object-detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of

objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and

terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio waves or microwaves that bounce off any object in their

path. The object returns a tiny part of the wave's energy to a dish or antenna that is usually located at the same site

as the transmitter.

INTRUSION DETECTION RADAR

Battlefield Surveillance Radar–Short Range The Battlefield Surveillance Radar–Short Range (BFSR-SR) is a lightweight,

man portable, user-friendly surveillance electronic sensor developed for the Indian Army. The radar is capable of

searching a specified sector and performing track-while-scan (TWS) for multiple ground surface targets to provide

all-weather surveillance against intrusion.

Low-level Lightweight Radar - The LLLR has been developed to protect valuable assets in the mountainous regions

against aerial threats. It is a quadripod mounted fully outdoor shelter- less equipment, rugged enough to operate in

harsh environment, temperature extremes, and in strong windy conditions.



3D Low-level Lightweight Radar - 3D LLLR is a multifaceted ground based S band 3D low-level lightweight semi

distributed active aperture radar developed indigenously for deployment in diverse terrains like mountains, snow-

bound high altitudes, deserts, urban high rise buildings, plains, etc., to meet the operational requirements of the IAF.

The radar automatically detects and tracks heterogeneous air targets like helicopters, high-speed and high

manoeuvering fighters, slow moving micro-light aircraft, and very small RCS UAVs from a very low altitude (tree top

level) to a medium altitude.

SURVEILLANCE AND AIR DEFENCE RADARS

Pulse Compression Doppler Radar Pulse compression Doppler radar (PCDR) is a fully coherent, 2D, transportable

surveillance radar developed to meet the air defence role of the IAF for ground-controlled interception of targets.

The radar is capable of detecting air targets with low and medium altitude coverage.



3D Surveillance Radar for Air Force - The 3D surveillance radar (3DSR) is a medium range surveillance system for the

IAF to meet the operational requirements of a base radar. The flexible architecture of the radar is a reliable and

adaptable technology for multiple applications, i.e., early warning for air defence weapon system and air defence

sensor at air bases.

PATROL/IMAGING RADAR Maritime Patrol Airborne Radar - DRDO has successfully designed and developed a maritime patrol airborne radar,

XtraVision 2004 (XV-2004). The primary roles of the radar are: antiship and anti-submarine surveillance, and air-to-

air detection. The radar incorporates advance techniques and features and multiple modes such as frequency agility

and scan-to-scan integration, for de-correlating the sea clutter.



Empowerment of persons with visual impairment

“The mandate of the Constitution is to ensure equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals, which implies

an inclusive society for all, especially the disadvantaged. Article 41 of Part IV of India constitution is particular rly

relevant with regard to persons with disabilities”, Critically analyse. Also discuss recent initiatives by the government

for empowerment of persons with visual impairment.

Article 41 states: “Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases:

The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the

right to work to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement,

and in other cases of underserved want.”

The Central Government enacted The Persons with Disabilities

(Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation Act), 1995 which came into force with effect from

1st January, 1996.The Act is the basic legislation that deals with the rights and empowerment of persons with

disabilities. Clause 27 (f) of Chapter V (Education) of the Act provides that the appropriate Governments and the

local authorities shall by notification make schemes for providing every child with disability, free of cost special

books and equipment needed for their education.

Recent initiatives by the government:

Central Sector Scheme of 'Support for establishment/modernization/capacity augmentation of Braille Presses:

Objectives:

To establish 18 new Braille Presses in the States where strong organizations are already present.



To establish 03 small scale Braille printing units in UTs;

To modernise 12 old Braille Presses using traditional and low speed printing equipment.

To augment Braille printing capacity of 03 modern Braille printing presses by adding printing infrastructure.

Scheme for Awareness Generation and Publicity

To give wide publicity, including event based publicity etc. through electronic, print, film media, multi-media,

to the schemes, programmes being run by the Department of Disability Affairs and other Central Ministries,

State Governments etc. for the welfare of PwDs including their social, economic and educational

empowerment.

To promote awareness and to sensitize society with focus on remote and rural areas, on causes leading to

disability and prevention through early detection etc.

To develop content for rehabilitation of different types of disabilities.

To provide for helplines.

To provide for effective grievance redressal.

To extend financial support for National & International events.

According to Census 2011, there were 2.68 Crore persons with disabilities in India who constituted 2.22 per cent of

the total population. This includes persons with visual, hearing, speech, loco-motor, mental retardation, and other

disabilities. Further, Article 46 of Part IV ("Directive Principles of State Policy") of the Constitution enjoins upon the

State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people.

Article 38(2) of the same Part also enjoins upon the State to minimize inequalities in income and to endeavour to

eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of

people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations.

URBAN GOVERNANCE

“State of urban governance and innovations and improvements required to achieve the objectives in the context of

central government’s emphasis on urban development” Discuss.

Progress has been achieved under 11th Plan in improving urban governance structure, especially in context of 74th

amendment and JnNURM and goals are set to be achieved during the 12th Plan period.

The 74th Constitutional Amendment has accorded constitutional status to the municipal bodies by initiating

a process of democratic decentralisation with the objective of making urban governance more responsive. In

order to meet the growing aspirations and expectations of people and to meet the daunting challenges of

urbanization, Governance in the urban local bodies needs to become more efficient, effective, responsive,

citizen friendly, transparent and accountable. Absence of these features, contributes to “governance deficit”

to varying degrees in the urban local bodies. Key problems in urban governance include weak legal and

institutional framework within which the ULBs operate and their poor capacity including lack of a

professional and sensitised cadre, to perform their development and regulatory functions.

JnNURM was the first national flagship programme for urbanisation which has been effective in renewing

focus on the urban sector across the country and has helped create a facilitative environment for critical



reforms in many states”. The programme has allowed investments to flow for basic services in cities, raised

the aspirations of ULBs and enabled them to execute projects at a much larger scale than they were used to,

triggered innovative ideas that would increase the ability to maintain the momentum of the urban

transformation, created awareness of the range of issues to be addressed and provided a comprehensive

framework for governance improvements.

In terms of reforms, significant progress has been achieved in state level reforms, where most of the

commitments have been achieved. Reforms such as constitution of District Planning Committees (DPC’s),

rationalisation of Stamp duties, enactment of Public Disclosure Law and Urban Land and Ceiling Regulation

Act are the reforms which are moving fairly well, while some other reforms such as Rent Control Law,

Transfer of 12th Schedule Functions, Community Participation Law have been projected as more difficult

reforms. Key optional reforms which have been moving include Revision of Building Byelaws to streamline

building approval process, making rainwater harvesting mandatory, introduction of computerized process

for Registration of Land and Property and encouraging Public – Private Partnership (PPP) in municipal

administration.

Key Measures:

Political empowerment: Even though the Constitution of India, following the 74th Amendment, has granted

constitutional status to the Urban Local Bodies, the Municipal Bodies in any State derive their powers and

responsibilities from the Municipal, as well as subject matter, laws framed by the respective States. For effective,

efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable urban governance, the legal and institutional framework must

provide for adequate and effective devolution of functions, functionaries and funds to the urban local bodies.

Devolution of funds, functions and functionaries to Local Bodies: The 74th Amendment has accelerated to the

urban local body’s constitutional status. The Amendment stipulates devolution of greater functional responsibilities

and financial powers to the municipalities, adequate representation for weaker sections and women in these bodies,

regular and fair conduct of municipal elections, and constitution of Wards Committees, District Planning

Committees, Metropolitan Planning Committees and State Election Commissions and State Finance Commissions.

Induction Training Programmes: Induction Training Programmes for the Councillors needs to be conducted by every

state government for all urban local bodies immediately after elections, so as to educate and sensitise the elected

members regarding the relevant and provisions of the law and their roles and responsibilities in respect of the

various Government policies and programs relevant to the urban areas.



National Mission for Green India

The National Mission for a Green India is one of the eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate

Change. The Green India Mission recognizes that climate change phenomena will seriously affect and alter the

distribution, type and quality of natural resources of the country and the associated livelihoods of the people. GIM

acknowledges the influences that the forestry sector has on environmental amelioration though climate mitigation,

food security, water security, biodiversity conservation and livelihood security of forest dependent communities.

Key Innovations:

1. Focus on quality of Forest: Primary focus on improving density of forest cover.

2. Focus on ecosystem service: emphasis on biodiversity water and improved biomass; carbon sequestration as

co-benefit; addressing ecosystem like grasslands wetlands, urban and peri-urban.

3. Focus on democratic decentralization: Gram sabha as overarching institution to facilitate implementation of

the mission at the village level nested as Polycentric approach, not one size fits all

4. Creating a new cadre of community youth as foresters: Build a skilled cadre of young “community foresters”

from scheduled tribes and other forest dwelling communities.

5. Adoption of Landscape-based Approach: Interventions at scale (5000-6000 hectares) at a time, simultaneous

treatment of forest and non-forest areas, addressing key drivers of degradation.

Mission aims:

Respond to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures which would help.

Enhancing carbon sinks in sustainably managed forests and other ecosystem.

Adaptation of vulnerable species/ecosystems to the changing climate

Forest dependant local communities in the face of climatic variability.

GIM puts the “greening” in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation, meant to enhance ecosystem

services like carbon sequestration and storage (in forests and other ecosystems), hydrological services and

biodiversity; along with provisioning services like fuel, fodder, small timber and NTFPs. It will focus on quality of

forests, ecosystem services and create a new cadre of community youth as foresters, adoption of Landscape-based

Approach and Reform Agenda as conditionality.

102nd Indian Science Congress

The 102nd Indian Science Congress being held in Mumbai. For the first time, the science congress had a session on

“Ancient Sciences through Sanskrit”.

Indian Science Congress is an annual event organised by the Indian Science Congress association (ISCA). ISCA meets

in the first week of January in an Annual Congress of scientists, science administrators, policy makers and the general



public to give a stronger impulse and a more systematic direction to scientific inquiry, to promote interaction of

societies and individuals interested in science in different parts of the country and to focus more general attention to

the objectives pure and applied sciences. ISCA brings together scientists both from India and abroad for mutual

interaction in the cause of national development.

The Association was formed with the following objectives:

To advance and promote the cause of science in India;

To hold an annual congress at a suitable place in India;

To publish such proceedings, journals, transactions and other publications as may be considered desirable;

To secure and manage funds and endowments for the promotion of Science including the rights of disposing

of or selling all or any portion of the properties of the Association;

To do and perform any or all other acts, matters and things as are conductive to, or incidental to, or

necessary for, the above objects.

The 102nd edition of Indian Science Congress was held in Mumbai on January 3,2015. It was inaugurated by Prime

Minister, Narendra Modi in Mumbai University. Studies and papers on Ancient Indian Vedas were presented in this

Congress. Accomplishments of Ancient Indian Science in the fields of medicine, mathematics, surgery etc. were

presented. There was also a session on India's successful Mars Orbiter Mission.

Cultural diplomacy

Ques. “Cultural Diplomacy is recognised as an important instrument of foreign policy in promoting international

links among peoples and countries”, Elucidate.

What do you mean by Cultural diplomacy?

Cultural diplomacy a type of public diplomacy and soft power that includes the “exchange of ideas, information, art

and other aspects of culture among nations and their peoples in order to foster mutual understanding.” The purpose

of cultural diplomacy is for the people of a foreign nation to develop an understanding of the nation’s ideals and

institutions in an effort to build broad support for economic and political goals. In essence “cultural diplomacy

reveals the soul of a nation,” which in turn creates influence. Though often overlooked, cultural diplomacy can and

does play an important role in achieving national security aims.

What are the objectives of Cultural diplomacy?

Ultimately, the goal of cultural diplomacy is to influence a foreign audience and use that influence, which is built up

over the long term, as a sort of good will reserve to win support for policies. It seeks to harness the elements of

culture to induce foreigners to:

Have a positive view of the country’s people, culture and policies,

Induce greater cooperation between the two nations,

Aid in changing the policies or political environment of the target nation,



Prevent, manage and mitigate conflict with the target nation.

Cultural diplomacy in India:

Independent India recognised the importance of cultural diplomacy, as an instrument for people to people

connectivity. Ministries of External Affairs and Culture share the responsibility for promoting cultural diplomacy.

India has signed 126 bilateral cultural agreements and is currently implementing 58 Cultural Exchange Programmes

with other countries. Bilateral Agreements, however, are not prerequisite for the conduct of cultural diplomacy.

To achieve this objective, India set up a nodal body, called the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in

1950. Since its creation, ICCR has used a number of instrumentalities, like Cultural Centres, Festivals of India, Chairs

of Indian Studies, etc. in promoting not only cultural but broader linkages with countries across the world. There is

an expansion of Cultural Centres and Chairs of Indian Studies. The Centres are now treated as ‘cultural hubs’ and not

as ‘IndianIslands’.

Cultural diplomacy can help a nation better understand the foreign nation it is engaged with and foster mutual

understanding. Cultural diplomacy is a way of conducting international relations without expecting anything in

return in the way that traditional diplomacy typically expects. Generally, cultural diplomacy is more focused on the

longer term and less on specific policy matters.

Migration Management

India is a country of origin, transit and destination for a large number of migrants on the global platform.

Government has undertaken certain initiatives for Migration Management in India:

1. Social Security Agreements (SSAs) - India has signed 20 SSAs with 18 countries. These Agreements provide

for avoidance of payment of double social security contribution by Indian workers, totalization of

contribution and exportability of benefits.

2. Human Resource Mobility Partnership (HRMP) - A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Human

Resource Mobility partnership has been signed with Denmark. Negotiation on HRMP with the Netherlands

has been concluded and it will be signed after the approval of PMO

3. India-EU Mobility Partnership: An International conference on India-EU partnership in mobility was

organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in New Delhi from 21-23 February, 2009 to facilitate

legal migration, combat irregular migration and proactively pursue bilateral and multilateral cooperation for

maximizing benefits and minimizing risks from migration. To take the official engagement forward, EU has

proposed a Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) with India. The draft CAMM is under

examination in consultation with Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of

Industrial Policy & Promotion and Department of Commerce.

4. Major activities during 2014 - An Indian delegation visited Tokyo (Japan) from 21-23 April, 2014 for the 5th

round of negotiation to finalize the Forms and procedure for implementation of Social Security Agreement

between India and Japan. Social Security Agreements between India and Sweden; and between India and

Finland came into force with effect from 1st August, 2014. While it came into force with effect from 1st



September, 2014 between India and the Czech Republic. Delegations from Japan, Norweg, Canada and

Quebec visited India in 2014regarding social security issue. Social Security Agreement between India and

Australia was signed on 18 November, 2014 in Canberra (Australia).

5. India Centre for Migration - India Centre for Migration (ICM) was set up as the Centre for Promotion of

Overseas Employment (CPOE) and later rechristened as the Indian Council for Overseas Employment (ICOE).

ICM is a ‘not for profit’ society established by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) in July, 2008 to

serve as a “think tank” on all matters relating to international migration.

6. Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana - Introduction of a Pension and Life Insurance Fund scheme

called “Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) for Overseas Indian workers having Emigration

Check Required (ECR) passports.

7. e-Migrate Project - The Ministry is implementing a comprehensive e-governance project on migration “e-

Migrate” which aims to transform emigration into a simple, transparent, orderly and humane process. The

Project is aimed at improving the quality of services to emigrant workers and will help reduce the access cost

of service.

8. Bilateral Memoranda of Understanding on Labour - Since the largest number of Indian expatriates are

working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an Agreement on Labour Co-operation for Domestic Service

Workers (DSWs) Recruitment between the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and the Ministry of Labour of

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been signed on 2nd January, 2014. The Agreement paves the way for

a comprehensive MOU on manpower.

TB Mission 2020

Ques. “TB is the by-product of poverty, Therefore TB control should be taken up by all as a development issue”

Discuss.

India is the highest TB burden country with World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics for 2011 giving an estimated

incidence figure of 2.2 million cases of TB for India out of a global incidence of 8.7 million cases.

The keynote addressed at the World Health Organisation’s Global TB Symposium –titled “Moving out of the box to

end global TB epidemic: with post-2015 strategy”.

Salient features:

It is estimated that about 40% of the Indian population is infected with TB bacteria, the vast majority of

whom have latent rather than active TB. The government has been implementing the National TB control

programme since 1962. It was revamped and made the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme

(RNTCP) in 1993.

Under this new scheme, the DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) strategy was adapted.

Covering the whole of the country, diagnosis is primarily done by collecting sputum from the patient and

examining it under microscope after making a smear.

India’s Revised National TB Control Programme is the largest TB Control Programme in the world, placing

more than 100,000 patients on treatment every month.



In 2012 India declared TB to be a notifiable disease. meaning that with immediate effect all private doctors,

caregivers and clinics treating a TB patient had to report every case of TB to the government.

Measure Required:

Tackling TB in India requires both strengthening the public sector and engaging the private sector. India

needs to give every patient, irrespective of whether they go to the public or private sector, access to quick

and reliable diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic facilities need to be upgraded and clinical and laboratory staff given training.

the quality of health care provided and a “satisfied client” are the most successful advertisements for the

health system. At the same time, we must actively engage the private sector in a mutually acceptable way —

while patients continue to remain with the individual doctor, both diagnosis and treatment could be

provided free through the public sector.

In 2013, the World Health Organization identified 3 million missing TB cases globally of which 1 million were in India.

India urgently needs investment in systemic improvements, modernisation and changing approaches to diagnosis

and treatment in the health system combined with innovative strategies to address TB and drug resistant TB.

The Indian Citizenship Act

Write a Brief note on The Indian Citizenship Act.

The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 provides for acquisition, termination, deprivation, determination of Indian

Citizenship and other related aspects. The Act provides for acquisition of Indian citizenship by birth, descent,

registration, naturalization and incorporation of territory under certain circumstances, and also for the termination

and deprivation of citizenship.


The President of India has recently promulgated the Citizenship (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015 on January 06, 2015

with immediate effect which provides for the following amendments to the Indian Citizen Act, 1955:

At present one year continuous stay in India is mandatory for Indian Citizenship which is relaxed stating that

if the Central Government is satisfied that special circumstances exist, it may, after recording such

circumstances in writing, relax the period of twelve months specified upto a maximum of thirty days which

may be in different breaks.

To enable for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) by a minor, whose parents are Indian Citizens.

To enable for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) by a child or a grand-child or a great grandchild

of such a citizen.

To enable for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) by such spouse of a citizen of India or spouse of

an OCI registered under Section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous

period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application under this

section.



In respect of existing PIO card holders central government may, by notification in Official Gazette, specify a

particular date from which all existing PIO card holders will be deemed to be OCI card holders.

Prevention of alcoholism and substance (Drugs) Abuse

Ques. Critically analyze the initiatives undertaken by the government for prevention of alcoholism and substance

(Drugs) Abuse and Welfare of De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.

About 3 million (about 0.3 per cent of total population) estimated victims of different kinds of drug usages, excluding

alcohol dependents. Such population comes from diverse socio-economic, cultural, religious and linguistic

backgrounds.

For drug demand reduction government has adopted a three pronged strategy towards addressing the issue:

1. Awareness building: Building awareness and educating people about ill effects of drug abuse through

preventive education efforts through various audiovisual aids and Information Education & Communication

(IEC) materials:

2. Educating people community based intervention for motivational counselling: Dealing with the addicts

involves a multi-faceted approach including programmes of motivational counselling, treatment, follow- up

and social-reintegration of recovered addicts.

3. Training of volunteers/service providers to build a committed as skilled cadre for achieving whole person

recovering: Imparting drug abuse prevention/rehabilitation training to volunteers with a view to building up

Drug demand reduction strategy

Awareness building Training of volunteers

to build skilled cadre Motivational counselling



a skilled cadre of service providers is another important area of intervention by the Government of India

through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Minister added steps have also been taken for prevention of Alcoholism and drug abuse by formulation of the First

National Policy for Drug Demand Reduction which is under finalization; Awareness generation programmes through

Voluntary Organization, Regional Resource Training Centres, NYKS, NSS and NCC and setting up of a prevention of

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Helpline.

Government has set up National Commission sor DNTs (Denotified Nomadic Tribes) which will work for framing of an

appropriate scheme for pre and post metric scholarships and construction of hostels for such DNT students not

included in the SCs/STs/OBCs

India Water Week

Ques. Critically comment on the Government’s initiative such as observing ‘India Water Week’ in an effort to raise

awareness, conserve and use water resources in an integrated manner.

Conceptualised and organised for the first time in 2012, the India Water Week is an annual forum where the Ministry

of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India discusses, talks, strategizes

with eminent stakeholders through seminars, exhibitions and sessions to build public awareness to get support to

implement key strategies for conservation, preservation and optimum use of available water.

Government of India will be observing India Water Week from 13 to 17th of January 2015 to use it as a platform to

elicit ideas and opinions from global level decision makers, politicians, researchers and entrepreneurs in the field of

water resources for mutual benefit and goodwill. The theme for water week will be “Water Management for

Sustainable Development". India Water Week-2015 will address the issues of sustainability of water resources

development and management in line with Sustainable Development Goals 2015 being finalized by UN.

Features/Importance:

Australia will be the partner country for this event and 30 Australian companies will be participating in the

exhibition to showcase the technological advancement in the area of water resources.

The event is targeted at international and national audience comprising of policy planners and technologists

involved with water resources management in all key sectors of economy like agriculture, irrigation, energy,

industry and drinking water supply.

A multi- disciplinary dialogue in form of a conference discussing issues of water management for sustainable

development in, water for sustaining life, agriculture and irrigation, drinking water supplies in rural and

urban, industrial water use, energy generation applications.

An exhibition will be running in parallel supporting the theme and showcasing the technologies, latest

development and solutions available for the areas of water management for sustainable development in

agriculture and irrigation, drinking water supplies in rural and urban, industrial water use which will provide

a unique networking opportunity to the exhibitors for exposing their products and services to the practicing

water resource professionals from various countries.

During the week Hamara Jal – Hamara Jeewan initiative will be observed in every district of the country. This

will be an initiative to engage scientists, engineers, water communities, PRIs, other stakeholders and NGOs



to address the issues of water resources planning at the local level and to generate awareness regarding

need for water conservation.

Further, One day workshop will be organized in every district during the week to find indigenous solution for

meeting the water related demands and suggest future road map to manage water for growth. During the workshop

it is planned to prepare a profile of each district covering its source of water, utilization for various uses and

constraint, possible local solutions for meeting the unsatisfied demands and future roadmap to manage water for

growth. Such recommendations would enable Ministry to utilize the same for policy making.

National Competition Policy (NCP)

Ques. “To become much more competitive and launch the second big wave of economic reforms, we need to adopt

the draft National Competition Policy (NCP) for India”, Discuss.

National Competition Policy is formulated by the Government of India with a view to achieve highest sustainable

levels of economic growth, entrepreneurship, employment, higher standards of living for citizens, protect economic

rights for just, equitable, inclusive and sustainable economic and social development, promote economic democracy

and support good governance by restricting rent seeking practices.

The policy is aimed at ushering in a second wave of financial reforms. The salient features of the policy are stated

below:

To guarantee consumer welfare by encouraging optimal allocation of resources and granting economic

agents appropriate incentives to pursue productive efficiency, quality and innovation

To remove anti-competition outcome of existing acts, harmonize laws and policies of Centre and State and

proactively promote competition principles

Strive for single national market.

Establish a level playing field by providing competitive neutrality'.

The policy broadly refers to government measures, policies and regulations aimed at controlling the behaviour of

enterprises and structure of markets. Many countries have adopted such policies which has resulted in higher

growth and thus enhanced public welfare. The policy encourages adherence to competition principles in policies,

laws and procedures of the central and state governments, sub-state authorities, optimising efficiency, achieving

high growth, reducing inflation, maximising consumer welfare, and a common national market. It also seeks to

promote regulatory impact assessments to get rid of the arcane and irrational laws and policies.

Recently status of National Competition Policy (NCP):

The drafted National Competition Policy (NCP) has been lying on the website of the Department of Corporate Affairs

since November 2011. To become much more competitive and launch the second big wave of economic reforms, we

need to adopt the draft National Competition Policy (NCP).

Rock Art in India



Rock arts are mixture of aesthetics, the then records and philosophy! The history of rock art range from drawings

and paintings from prehistoric times, beginning around 30,000 BCE, in the caves of central India. India has the third

largest concentration of rock art, after Australia and Africa. The finest examples of these paintings comprise of the

murals of Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, Sittanavasal, etc, which reflect an emphasis on naturalism.

There are three kinds of rock arts—

1. Rock paintings

2. Rock engraving

3. Rock brushings

The primitive artist primarily used mineral and vegetable colour. Moreover various pigments were used like

hematite and other oxide to derive red, yellow orange and brown. In some rock arts one can find deeper colours

which were obtained from oxides of magnesium. For instance - Bhimbetka Rock Art sites.

In Indian rock art one can see spiritual movements of triangles, circles and Suns and Moons. The symbolism of

‘Shakti’ or mother concept is also found in the Paleolithic shelters of 10000 year old. Moreover, the cosmic context is

explained in a Jaora rock art where fish, lotus stems, flying birds etc are see.

On the human angle one can seat Karnataka the courting human being, men at war or a procession or ceremonial

walk etc. In Chatraubhujanath Nala,in Madhya pradesh one can find bullock-carts or chariots are found.

Ajanta Paintings:

Location: 100 km from the city of Aurangabad.

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Time period: period of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism

Theme: life and teachings of Lord Buddha

Features: Includes the Jataka stories related to the various lives and incarnations of Buddha. Calligraphic

lines characterize these paintings, which can be classified into portraits, narrative illustrations and

ornamental decoration.

Ellora Paintings:

Location: amidst the Chamadari Hills, 18 miles to the northeast of Aurangabad city

Theme: Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, procession of Shaiva holy men, Apsaras, etc.

Features: The rock paintings of Ellora were painted in two different series. The first series, which were done

when the caves were carved, revolve around Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The second series, painted

centuries later, illustrate procession of Shaiva holy men, Apsaras, etc.

Bagh Paintings:

Location: On the banks of the Bagh River

Time period: 5th and 7th century

Features: These paintings represent the mast exquisite traditions of Indian art form.

Indian Rock art, thus, give tremendous clues to understand the then era be it their life-style, entertainment or the

mysticism. The detailed concepts of animals from ‘filled’ types to ‘stick’ and ‘x-ray’ types are found in abundance

which are some time parallel to the universal movement of rock arts.

Why recently in new?

The rock paintings in the Marayur-Chinnar forest belt of Kerala, the second largest concentration of cave paintings in south India, are at high risk of degeneration. Over 50 caves, situated in the forest belt, are believed to be of the prehistoric period. The cave paintings in Ezhuthala and Attala in Marayur sandal division, the most noted ones, are in more danger. The sandy rocks are highly prone to degeneration that needs new methods of protection. Therefore, rock arts in India needs scientific modes of preservation.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Sector in India

Ques. “Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Sector owing to its inherent characteristics and innate strengths will play a much larger role in the revival of the Indian economy and emerge as a potent tool to exploit the demographic dividend being enjoyed by the nation at present” Critically comment.

MSMEs contribute 45% in the industrial output, 40% of exports, employing 60 million people, create 1.3 million jobs every year. The MSME sector contributes in the manufacturing output, employment and exports. It plays a key role in the development of the economy with their effective, efficient, flexible and innovative entrepreneurial spirit.

MSMEs faces a number of problems-



Absence of adequate and timely banking finance. Limited capital and knowledge, non-availability of suitable technology. Low production capacity. High cost of credit. Ineffective marketing strategy. Lack of skilled man power for manufacturing, services, marketing etc. Lack of access to global markets. Constraints on modernization of expansion. Problems of storage, designing, packing and product display. In adequate infrastructure facilities, including power, water, roads

OPPORTUNITIES IN MSMES:

1. Less capital intensive 2. Most important employment generating sector. It provides 50% of private sector employment 3. Effective tool for promotion of balanced regional development 4. It is extensively promoted and supported by the Government 5. Finance and subsidies are provided by the government 6. Produced goods are purchased by the Government 7. 40% exports in India are through MSME channel 8. Procurement of machinery and raw material 9. Globalization has offered new opportunities for the MSMEs 10. Trade fares and exhibitions played a vital role in the economic growth of the countries

The Sector owing to its inherent characteristics and innate strengths will play a much larger role in the revival of the Indian economy and emerge as a potent tool to exploit the demographic dividend being enjoyed by the nation at present. He added that the present Government’s initiative of “Make in India” and its emphasis upon increasing the share of the Manufacturing Sector in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the present 14-15% to 25% by 2022, have the potential of transforming the fortunes of the Sector enabling it to scale hitherto unheard heights. The Government, he assured on its part is taking all steps for spreading the cult of entrepreneurship, skill development and sustenance of MSME units.

Science and Technology in India

Ques. Critically analyze the major recent achievements in Science and Technology in India.

India is one of the leading nations in the world in terms of science and technology. India has the second

largest pool of scientists and engineers in the world. In terms of technological advancements and scientific

achievements India is second to none. India belongs to the select group of countries who have developed

indigenous nuclear technology.

Cutting-edge Technology: Make in India. India is a partner in the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT)

project at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA at a total cost of ₹1,299.8 Crore from 2014-23. 70% of India’s

contribution will be in kind, in the making of quality mirrors and engineering in India. Partners:

USA, Japan, Canada, China and India.



Supercomputing for the future: India has mounted an ambitious “National Supercomputing Mission

(NSM): Building Capacity and Capability “with the aim of building Exascale computing with a total

budget outlay of ₹4,500 Crore over 7 years (jointly with Department of Information Technology).

Understanding Climate Change and Saving the Himalayan Ecosystem: National Mission for

Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate

Change.

Tsunami Early Warning System at ESSO-INCOIS designated as Regional Tsunami Service Provider

(RTSP) for providing advisories to all Indian Ocean Rim countries. India only country capable of

providing advisories for both tsunamigenic zones: Makran coast and Andaman-Sumatra sub-duction

zone.

Cyclone Prediction. Remarkable improvements: Recent events such as Thane, Phailin, and Helen

and Hudhud.

Modeling Monsoon: A dynamic model employed to predict quantitative precipitation associated with

the southwest monsoon.

Helping Recovery of Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) heavy weight torpedo

‘VARUNASTRA’. The support and participation by Vessel Management Cell of MoES ESSO-

NIOT and crew of Sagar-Nidhi vital.

Make in India in High-end S&T: Deployed first Sub-surface Ocean Moored Observatory in the

Arctic. ESSO-NCAOR and the ESSO-NIOT successfully deployed IndARC, the country’s first

multi-sensor moored observatory in the Kongsfjorden fjord of the Arctic, roughly half way between

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Norway and the North Pole. This is a testimony to the capabilities of India in designing, developing

and installing underwater observatories.

Enhanced Innovation Ecosystem: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council now supports

nearly 300 companies, 100 young entrepreneurs. Biotechnology Translational research and industry

academia partnership are being promoted through 3 Biotech clusters, 8 Biotech Parks and 13

Bioincubators.

Rotavirus vaccine indigenously developed. The developed Rotavirus Vaccine at $1 per dose has been

cleared for market license.

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) provides significant technological

interventions in many areas of economic and social importance which include environment, health,

drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors.

National Capacity Building and in some areas, global leadership. Example: CSIR technology

provides gasoline with less than 0.3% benzene. A 0.60 MMTPA plant is being constructed at

Reliance Refinery in Jamnagar. First in world.

Novel Broad Spectrum Confocal Microscope: Under CSIR-CGCRI and NMITLI programme a

Broad Spectrum Confocal Microscope, world class ‘Made in India’High-end Product based on

Supercontinuum Light Source. Paved the way for India’s presence in global photonics research.

Strategic Sector: DHVANI, a state-of-the-art marksmanship training system and Drishti Systems,

airport visibility measuring tools.

KrishiShakti, an indigenous diesel engine tractor.

Just Announced: Indian Neutrino Observatory. A major high-tech Make in India initiative and a

new-thrust in High-Energy Experimental Physics. Collaboration with Department of Atomic Energy.

India is among the few countries which have developed ballistic missiles. In the field of space science India

is among the few countries which have the capability to launch GSLV satellite. India’s achievements in the

field of IT and software are acknowledged all over the world. Here are some interesting facts about science

and technology in India.

New policy initiatives to promote inclusive growth

Critically analyze the measures being adopted by the government to re-ignite the economy by transforming India from an importer of manufactured items to an exporter of manufactured products.

India being the country offering abundant opportunities, on the new policy initiatives have been undertaken by the government for promoting inclusive growth:

In order to improve the global perception about difficulties in doing business in India the Centre is working tirelessly to remove the bottlenecks and busy cutting the red tape.

Greater emphasis on improving the business environment in the country as well as on the mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. Government is seriously pursuing early implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will create a buoyant source of revenue and create a large common market by eliminating internal barriers.



Efforts are being made in order to make India a ‘New Manufacturing Hub’ and creating opportunities for the people of Indian origin and the NRIs to make them invest in actualizing the dream of ‘Make in India’.

More stress on inclusive growth and removing regional imbalances. India’s potential to prosper lies in the growth of its villages, the process of development has to reach the far flung areas of our country and the villages even in the remotest areas should be brought within its ambit, As failure of development of the rural areas of India would create a sense of alienation, isolation and dejection among the major sections of our society.

‘Make in India’ initiative is a mission to transform this country from an importer of manufactured items to an exporter of manufactured products. The objective is to increase the share of manufacturing in the GDP from the current level of 14% to 25 %.”

Institutions, regulation and economic governance need to adapt to sustain the economic transformation required for India to address its social and economic challenges. The bottlenecks that are bearing down on growth will have to be addressed for India to continue to narrow its major gap in living standards with middle-income and OECD economies, to reduce widespread poverty, to reverse rising inequality and to improve the wellbeing of all Indians.

Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)

Ques. What do you mean by Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)? Critically analyse their role in rural health care sector. In the rural health care system, the ANM is the key field level functionary who interacts directly with the community and has been the central focus of all the reproductive child health programs. ANMs are regarded as the first contact person between people and organisation, between needs and services and between consumer and provider. It is through their activities that people perceive health policies and strategies. It is through them that planners at the upper level gain insights into health problems and needs of the rural people. Considering their status as grass-root level workers in the health organisational hierarchy, a heavy responsibility rests on them.

Role Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM):

ANM works to promote the long-term well-being of women, their babies and families, by offering information and advice on nutrition, supplementation, breastfeeding, and immunization.

ANM participates in Maternal Health, Child Health and Family Planning Services; Nutrition Education; Health Education; Collaborative Service for Improvement of Environmental Sanitation; Immunisation for Control of Communicable Diseases; Treatment of Minor Ailments and First Aid in Emergencies and Disasters.

Why recently in news? The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda has recently distributed Computer Tablets to urban Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) under the National Urban Health Mission. Tablets will help the



ANMs in more efficient delivery of services to the urban areas, particularly the urban slums. These devices will be useful for real-time data collection and reporting on the various health services being provided under the NUHM. Video clippings of 1 to 2 minute duration on different health issues shall be available on the ANM’s Tablet which will be used to educate and train them, and also create awareness among the slum and other areas on various health schemes of the government. The Tablets will be used to generate necessary alerts (SMS and Voice-based) to the ANMs and beneficiaries. Tablets can also be used as links to other health experts and doctors under the tele-medicine programme of the government. Additionally, the Central Government provides monetary help under various health services under DBT in the account of beneficiaries. This modern technology will also help ANMs to inform beneficiaries about this money transfer.

National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN)

Ques. Critically analyze the features, role and importance of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) project towards digitalising the rural India as well as bringing transparency and efficiency in rural governance.

The National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) is a project to provide broadband connectivity to over two lakh (200,000) Gram panchayats of India at a cost of Rs.20,000 crore ($4 billion). The project provides internet access using existing optical fiber and extending it to the Gram panchayats. The project was intended to enable the government of India to provide e-services and e-applications nationally. A special purpose vehicle Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) was created as a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Companies Act of 1956 for the execution of the project.

Features, role and importance of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) project:

NOFN is expected to facilitate Broadband connectivity to over 600 million rural citizens of the country.

NOFN, which is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT, Govt. of India is envisaged as a non-discriminatory telecom infrastructure, which will bridge the gap in rural telecom access.

GPON equipment used in the project has been indigenously designed and developed by C-DOT and manufactured domestically. The project will be centrally managed by BBNL through a high capacity Network Management System being developed by C-DOT.

NOFN would open up new avenues for access service providers like mobile operators, cable TV Operators etc. to launch next generation services, and spur creation of local employment opportunities encompassing e-commerce, IT outsourcing etc. as well as services such as e-banking, e-health and e-education for inclusive growth.

NOFN will also enable delivery of various services such as local planning, management, monitoring and payments under Government schemes at panchayat level.

With the commissioning of Idukki, the district, which is relatively inaccessible and has a large tribal and rural population, will become the first district in the country to have all its GPs connected through NOFN.



Digital India is a flagship programme of the Central Government which aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The provision of broadband connectivity to every citizen is one of the key objectives of Digital India.

Achievements and challenges of India’s healthcare system

Critically analyze the achievements and challenges of healthcare system of India.

According to World Health Organization’s 2000 World Health Report India’s healthcare system ranks 112 out of 190 countries.

The major achievements and challenges of India’s healthcare system are as follows:

1. Rural Versus Urban Divide: o Challenges:

4. India still spends only around 4.2% of its national GDP towards healthcare goods and services (compared to 18% by the US)

5. Wide gaps between the rural and urban populations in its healthcare system which worsen the problem. A staggering 70% of the population still lives in rural areas and has no or limited access to hospitals and clinics.

o Achievements: 4. One such government programme is the National Urban Health Mission which pays individuals for healthcare premiums, in partnership with various local private partners, which have proven ineffective to date. 5. Urban centres have numerous private hospitals and clinics which provide quality healthcare. These centres have better doctors, access to preventive medicine, and quality clinics which are a result of better profitability for investors compared to the not-so-profitable rural areas.

2. Need for Effective Payment Mechanisms: o Challenges:

1. Besides the rural-urban divide, another key driver of India’s healthcare landscape is the high out-of-pocket expenditure (roughly 70%).

2. According to the World Bank and National Commission’s report on Macroeconomics, only 5% of Indians are covered by health insurance policies.

o Achievements: 1. Penetration of the health insurance market has been increasing over the years; it has

been one of the fastest-growing segments of business in India. 2. Currently there are a handful of health insurance programmes including the

Community Health Insurance programme for the population below poverty line (like Medicaid in the US) and Life Insurance Company (LIC) policy for senior citizens.

3. Demand for Basic Primary Healthcare and Infrastructure: o Challenges:



1. India faces a growing need to fix its basic health concerns in the areas of HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrhoea.

2. Children under five are born underweight and roughly 7% (compared to 0.8% in the US) of them die before their fifth birthday, only a small percentage of the population has access to quality sanitation, which further exacerbates some key concerns above.

3. For primary healthcare, the Indian government spends only about 30% of the country’s total healthcare budget.

o Achievements: 1. Government adopted various initiatives to address the infrastructure issue by

standardising diagnostic procedures, building rural clinics, and developing streamlined health IT systems, and improving efficiency.

4. Growing Pharmaceutical Sector: o Achievements:

1. According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India is the third-largest exporter of pharmaceutical products in terms of volume.

2. Around 80% of the market is composed of generic low-cost drugs which seem to be the major driver of this industry.

3. The increase in the aging population, rising incomes of the middle class, and the development of primary care facilities are expected to shape the pharmaceutical industry in future.

4. The government has already taken some liberal measures by allowing foreign direct investment in this area which has been a key driving force behind the growth of Indian pharma.

5. Underdeveloped Medical Devices Sector: o Achievements:

1. The medical devices sector is the smallest piece of India’s healthcare pie. However, it is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country like the health insurance marketplace.

2. According to The Economic Times, the medical devices sector is seen as the most promising area for future development by foreign and regional investors; they are highly profitable and always in demand in other countries.

For those living in urban areas, healthcare is merely a political issue. They argue that the country faces bigger challenges such as economic development, infrastructure, jobs, and border disputes. In order to achieve the desired goal of health for all, there is need to substantially improve the efficiency of existing mechanisms and schemes.

Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015

Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS) is a biennial global business summit, being held since 2003. Vibrant Gujarat is the

name given to a biennial investors’ summit held by the government of Gujarat in Gujarat, India. The event is aimed

at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers. The



summit is advertised as a platform to understand and explore business opportunities in the State of Gujarat.

The 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit is planned during 11 to 13 January 2015. Main features of Vibrant Gujarat Summit

2015 are:

The prime focus of Government of Gujarat is Inclusive development and the key areas for development

identified include: Innovation, Sustainability, Youth & Skill Development, Knowledge Sharing and

Networking.

This Summit is an ideal platform for other states and countries to showcase their strengths, highlight

business opportunities, facilitate knowledge dissemination etc.

The brand “Vibrant Gujarat” began as an “investors’ summit” has now evolved into an ideal platform for

knowledge sharing, social and business transformation.

It also provides an attractive opportunity to its participants to understand the potential of Gujarat in various

sectors.

It provides platform to interact with policy makers, industry leaders, and renowned academicians from all

over the world.

Apart from Summit, Vibrant Gujarat is also known for the Trade Show. Every year 2000+ Companies do participate in

this exhibition, and expected number of visitors are over 1 Million this year.

Green building in India

A green building is one which uses less water, optimises energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates

less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building.

Benefits of Green building:

Environmental benefits: Reduce impact on the environment.

Health and Safety benefits: Enhance occupant comfort as well as Improve Productivity of occupants.

Reduce operating costs

Optimize life cycle economic performance by Sustained savings

The architectural design of these buildings is primarily based on following concepts:

Preservation of maximum possible number of trees standing over the site

Solar Passive Architecture with proper orientation and shading of Fenestrations

Appropriate building envelope design with envelope insulation to reduce heat intake.

Use of permanent, durable and local materials such as sand stone on exterior face, low heat transmission

glass, reflective roofing, etc.



Priority for pedestrians in the front, with vehicular access on the sides of the building

Reduction of conventional lighting load by ensuring 75% day-light use

Natural ventilation due to stack effect

The building is designed in such a way that there is free ventilation across the entire building.

Green Building vs. Conventional Building

Externally: both look alike

Building Use: both are same

Differences:

Concern for human comfort & indoor environment

Operational savings

Energy Conservation Measures

Many energy conservation measures have been adopted to optimize the overall design load.

Utilization of High Efficiency Solar Panels to achieve Net Zero criteria. Energy efficient T-5 and LED fixtures

Innovative chilled beam system for cooling

Pre-cooling of fresh air from exhaust using heat recovery wheel in order to reduce load on chiller plant

Water cooled chillers

Double skin air handling units with variable frequency drives

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Geo thermal heat exchange technology used for heat rejection from Air-conditioning system.

Innovative energy saving regenerative lifts which have been installed for the first time in government

institutional building.

Recent achievements:

“Indira Paryavaran Bhawan” was inaugurated on 25.feb.2014 as India’s First on Site Net Zero Building, built by

adoption of solar passive design and energy efficient building material. This building is expected to be a trend setter

in the country and shall inspire people towards adoption of green technology. The design philosophy of the New

Paryavaran Bhavan focused on increasing the efficiency of resource usage i.e. energy, water and materials while

minimizing the impact of the building on Human Habitat and the Environment.

Boarder Haat

Ques. Critically analyze the importance and objectives of organizing ‘border haat’ in India.

The meaning of “Haats” in India Language is Rural Market. It is a common marketplace that aims at expanding cross-

border trades. Border haat means makeshift bazaar at a certain point of zero line of the India & neighbouring

country’s border for allowing villagers of both the countries to market and shop each others’ products once a week.

Features & objectives:

Aims at promoting the well-being of the people dwelling in remote areas across the border of two or more

countries by establishing traditional system of marketing the local produce through local markets.

It increase people-to-people contacts and promote the well-being of the people in areas of difficult access

across the borders of two countries.

Help ensuring the food security of people in the border areas, besides strengthening the economic

cooperation.

Not only help the people living on both sides of the border to improve their lot through bilateral trade but

also strengthen economic and cultural ties.


Government has recently inaugurated Border Haat in Tripura. Tripura located in an advantageous position in respect

of strategic, diplomatic and economic relations with Bangladesh is likely to become the gateway in tandem with

implementation of the ‘Act East’ policy adopted by the Government of India.

Investment Climate in India

Ques. Critically analyze the major steps taken by the central government to Improve Investment Climate in the

Country.



Government has taken major steps to improve the investment climate in the last several months. Investment climate

had changed for the positive with credible governance and effective decision making.

Steps taken:

Planning commission has been replaced by a policy commission which would be more democratic and

engage states in the planning process.

Opening of Insurance and defence sector for foreign investments.

Government plan to build 100 smart cities had created scope for foreign investment.

Investment in railways too has been allowed by this government.

Steps have been taken to rectify some flaws in the tax regime which was responsible for keeping investment

away. Many complications in Company Law are also being done away with and process is being simplified to

avoid veto by minority.

Government’s Land Acquisition Ordinance has sought to rectify disrupted investment climate resulting in

slow down in development.

Creation of industrial corridors will help all including rural areas.

Coal ordinance too will help provide cheap coal and hence cheap power to the people.

Tourism would gain by e-visas and 24 hour custom services at Airports and Seaports will smoothen trading

activity.

More independence to banks in management.

Government must come out of traditional mind sets of pro-business or pro-poor and focus on comprehensive

development. He also said that the government’s direction must be clear and the pace in that direction must be

quick. Country needs investments, as it has a long distance to go especially in developing some of the eastern and

north east states.

Novel Superabsorbent Hydrogels technology

National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) an enterprise under the Department of Scientific & Industrial

Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and M/s Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai executed an

agreement for commercialization of “A Novel Superabsorbent Hydrogels” technology. This involves a novel

hydrophilic super absorbent polymer indigenously developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New

Delhi to meet the requirements of water productivity in Agriculture.

Hydrogel absorbs a minimum of 350 times its weight of pure water at 500C. It exhibits absorbency at high

temperatures suitable for semi-arid and arid regions. Besides, low rate of application it also improves physical

properties of soil such as porosity, aggregate stability and hydraulic conductivity.



Key Characteristics:

Less affected by the presence of salts in its immediate environment

Improves physical properties of soils and the soil less media

Improves seed germination and the rate of seedling emergence

Improves root growth and density

Helps plants withstand prolonged moisture stress

Reduces nursery establishment period

Reduces irrigation and fertilization requirements of crops with improved input use efficiency.

This technology has the potential of resolving the problem of poor water use efficiency in agricultural crops. Besides,

improved nutrient use efficiency, an array of other benefits have been achieved by using it. Further no undesirable

effect on the crops raised in the fields treated with hydrogel has ever been observed or reported by the

experimenters or the end users, the farmers

Mines and Minerals (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015

The Government has promulgated an Ordinance on Monday, the 12th January, 2015 (MMDR Amendment

Ordinance, 2015) under Article 123(1) of the Constitution. This amends certain provisions of MMDR Act, 1957.

Need of ordinance:

It was necessary to address the emergent problems in the mining industry as in the last few years, the

number of new Mining Leases granted in the country have fallen substantially.

Subsequent renewals have also been affected by Court judgements. As a result, the output in the mining

sector has come down drastically, leading to import of minerals by users of those minerals.

The salient provisions of the Ordinance are:

Removal of discretion: All mineral concessions are granted by the respective State Governments. Now, all

grant of mineral concessions would be through sole method of auctions, thereby bringing in greater

transparency and removing of discretion.

Impetus to the mining sector: The mining industry have been aggrieved due to the second and subsequent

renewals remaining pending. Ordinance addresses the issue of closure of large number of mines.

Safeguarding interest of affected persons: Establishment of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in the

districts where mining takes place to address the long time grievance of the civil society with people affected

by mining are not cared for.



Encouraging exploration and investment: Ordinance proposes to setup a National Mineral Exploration Trust

created out of contribution from the mining lease holders to allow the Government to have a dedicated fund

for undertaking exploration.

Simplification of procedure and removal of delay: In respect of ten minerals in Part C of First Schedule (like

iron ore, manganese, bauxite, copper, gold, etc.), State Government needed to obtain the prior approval of

the Central Government before grant of mineral concession. The amendment removes the need for such

“prior approval” from the Central Government, thereby making the process quicker and simpler.

Stronger provisions for checking illegal mining: the penal provisions have been made further stringent.

Higher penalties and jail terms have been provided in the ordinance. Further, a provision has been made for

constitution of special courts by the state govt. for fast-track trial of cases related to illegal mining.

Voting by NRI

Ques. “Section 20A of Representation of the People (Amendment) Act in 2010 violates Article 14 of the

Constitution” critically comment.

Parliament passed the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act in 2010 to introduce Section 20A that enables

a person who is a citizen of India, and is away from her ordinary residence in India for employment, education or

other reasons, to be eligible to be registered as a voter in the constituency mentioned in her Indian passport: before

that amendment, only “ordinary residents” could cast their vote. Although the 2010 amendment intended to include

NRI participation in national politics, Section 20A had required NRIs to be physically present in their respective

constituencies at the time of elections. Making it impractical for voters, this requirement defeated the intention of

the legislature.

Provision of Section 20A of Representation of the People (Amendment) Act in 2010 was in violation of Article 14 of

the Constitution to the extent that it impliedly treated persons on a different footing based on economic

classifications.

To address the issue, The Union government has agreed, to implement the Supreme Court direction and the Election

Commission’s recommendation to allow Non-Resident Indians to vote from overseas through postal ballots. Given

the large NRI community dispersed globally, this move will undoubtedly have an impact on the country’s electoral

politics in significant ways.

With the rapid increase in cross-border migrations, the concept of nationhood and political membership is

increasingly being decoupled from territorial locations. India’s move towards enabling voting from overseas is an

instance of a larger global trend towards increased citizen participation. The International Institute for Democracy

and Electoral Assistance, an inter-governmental organisation, lists different voting methods that can be employed:



From amongst these alternatives, the government has decided to employ the postal ballot route that the electoral

system already uses for absentee-voters on official duty.

Meningitis A Vaccine

Ques. Write a brief note on ‘Meningitis A Vaccine’.

What is ‘MenAfriVac’?

MenAfriVac is a vaccine developed for use in sub-Saharan Africa that protects people 1 to 29 years of age against

meningococcal bacterium Neisseria meningitidis group A. MenAfriVac costs under US$0.50 per dose and reduces

carriage of the bacteria from one person to another.


A meningitis A vaccine (MenAfriVac) manufactured by Serum Institute of India, Pune was approved by WHO a few

days ago for use in infants in sub-Saharan African populations.

Major achievements of meningitis A vaccine (MenAfriVac) manufactured by Serum Institute of India:

In the four years since its introduction in Africa, MenAfriVac has had an immediate and dramatic impact in

breaking the cycle of meningitis A epidemics.

The vaccine has already been used in those aged 1-29 years. But with the WHO’s approval, the vaccine can

be given to infants thereby “protecting million more children at risk of the deadly disease.

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Immunisation at nine months will help achieve sustainable disease control following mass campaigns that

target people belonging to the 1-29 age group.

The Meningitis Vaccine Project, a partnership between the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH)

and the World Health Organization, worked with a consortium of international partners to develop the vaccine.

PAHAL DBTL

Ques. Critically analyze the objectives and importance of Government of India’s ambitious project PAHAL DBTL.

The world’s largest cash subsidy under the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme was re-launched by the Union

Government in November 2014 in 54 districts and is extended all over the country with effect from January 1, 2015.

The scheme was launched for the consumers of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). The modified scheme is referred to as

Pratyaksh Hanstantarit Labh or PAHAL DBTL (Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG).

What is PAHAL DBTL?

The PAHAL DBTL ambitious scheme was earlier launched on June 1, 2013 by the previous Government with the

objective of giving cash subsidy on cooking gas and it covered 291 districts. The present government has

comprehensively examined the PAHAL scheme and after reviewing the problems faced by the consumers, it

modified the prior scheme and re-launched it in 54 districts on November 15, 2014 to cover 2.5 crore households.

The second phase of this revised scheme started on January 1, 2015 to cover all the districts of the country. Under

the previous scheme, it was mandatory to have the Aadhar number for all consumers who want to receive the LPG

subsidy. However, this was a big problem for consumers who did not have the Aadhar card, which meant that they

could not avail the subsidy.

Benefits of PAHAL

There are three bodies which are going to be benefited by the PAHAL scheme:

For LPG consumers: All consumers using LPG cylinders will get cash subsidy to buy 12 14.2-kg cylinders or 34

5-kg refills. The amount of money which is equal to the difference between the present subsidised rate and

the market price is automatically transferred to the bank account of the consumer, when he or she makes

the first booking for a cylinder. However, this is possible only after joining the scheme. When the consumer

takes the delivery of the cylinder, another advance subsidy is transferred to the bank account.

For Government: This scheme will reduce or prevent the unauthorised sale of LPG cylinders at higher rates.

The purchase of multiple gas connections will be prevented. Accordingly, the subsidy burden for the

Government will be reduced.

For oil marketing companies (OMC): The LPG gas distributors won’t have much burden of sending the

cylinders to the intermediate gas suppliers. They will be in direct contact with their consumers, thereby

building a good customer relationship. Multiple unauthorized connections won’t be provided. The OMCs will

be able to ensure that the consumers receive the LPG gas at one fixed rate and do not have to stand in long

queues if they had made the booking well in advance.



Over half the country LPG consumers (7.63 Crore) have joined PAHAL. So far Rs. 1260 Crore have been transferred.

Consumers in rural areas are joining in large numbers. In last one month more than 40% consumers from Odisha,

Bihar, Chhattisgarh, UP, Assam, Meghalaya have joined the scheme showing maximum growth. Gujarat, Tamil Nadu,

West Bengal, Uttarakhand, J&K, Arunachal Pradesh are close second with growth rate of above 35%. PAHAL is one of

the most ambitious project of Government of India, being the largest direct benefit transfer scheme in world.

Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessel

The Landing Craft Utility (LCU) is a type of boat used by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops to the

shore. They are capable of transporting tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to

beachheads or piers.

Recent initiative:

The third indigenous Landing Craft Utility vessel is launched on 16.January.2015 for the Indian Navy, useful for

transporting tanks, armoured vehicles and soldiers during amphibious operations. Launching of Yard 2094, designed

in-house and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) for the Indian Navy is yet another

milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in sophisticated shipbuilding.

LCU L53 is the third vessel in the series of eight Landing Craft Utility Ships being built by GRSE for the Indian Navy.

The first LCU was launched on March 12, and the second on September 23, last year. These ships will play significant

role in transportation of Main Battle Tanks, Armoured Vehicles and Troops of the Indian Army during amphibious

operations.

The ship will be fitted with an advanced Integrated Platform Management System for remote control of propulsion,

auxiliary and power generating equipment. Two CRN-91 indigenous 30 MM guns to provide fire support during

operations will also be fitted onboard. The ship can be deployed for maritime roles like maritime security,

beaching/un-beaching, humanitarian relief operations and evacuation from distant islands, search and rescue

operations and peace-keeping missions.

LCU L53 is a successful contribution towards Navy’s growing requirements of state-of-art warships as well as in

achieving Indian Navy’s dream of transformation from a “Buyers Navy” to a “Builders Navy”.

Section 126 of RP Act 1951

Ques. “During elections in India, there are sometimes allegations of violation of the provisions of Section 126 of

the Representation of the People Act, 1951″, Discuss. Also describe the guidelines provided by the government in

this context.

Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter

alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a

constituency. The relevant portions of the said Section 126 are re- produced below: –

(126. Prohibition of public meeting during period of forty-eight hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll-

(1) No person shall –



(b) Display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus.

(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term

which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

(3) In this Section, the expression “election mater” means any matter intended or calculated to influence or affect

the result of an election.)

During elections, there are sometimes allegations of violation of the provisions of the above Section 126 of the

Representation of the People Act, 1951 by TV channels in the telecast of their panel discussions/debates and other

news and current affairs programmes.

Guidelines:

The Commission reiterates that TV/Radio channels and cable networks should ensure that the contents of

the programme telecast/broadcast/displayed by them during the period of 48 hours referred to in Section

126 do not contain any material, including views/appeals by panelists/participants that may be construed as

promoting/prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate(s) or influencing/affecting the result

of the election including display of result of any opinion poll and of standard debates, analysis, visuals and

sound-bytes

Election campaign along communal or caste lines is banned under the election rules. Hence, the Press should

eschew reports, which tend to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people on the ground of

religion, race, caste, community or language.

The Press should refrain from publishing false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and

conduct of any candidate or in relation to the candidature or withdrawal of any candidate or his candidature,

to prejudice the prospects of that candidate in the elections. The Press shall not publish unverified

allegations against any candidate/party.

The Press shall not accept any kind of inducement, financial or otherwise, to project a candidate/party. It

shall not accept hospitality or other facilities offered to them by or on behalf of any candidate/party.

Agricultural marketing in India

Ques. “There is a need for strengthening the marketing of the agricultural produce on priority to ensure that

agriculture becomes beneficial for the farmers of the country”, critically analyze the measures adopted by the

government to strengthen the marketing of the agricultural produce.

According to the National Commission on Agriculture – Agricultural marketing is a process which starts with a

decision to produce a saleable farm commodity; involves all aspects of market structure of system, both functional

and institutional, based on technical and economic considerations and includes pre and post- harvest operations viz.

assembling, grading, storage, transportation and distribution. Marketing is an integral part of agriculture, it

encourages the farmers to invest more and increase production.

Measures adopted to improve agricultural marketing are:



AGMARK: Under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marketing) Act the Government has set up grading

stations for commodities like ghee, flour, eggs, etc. The graded goods are stamped with the seal of the

Agricultural Marketing Department –AGMARK.

Regulated Markets: Regulated markets have been organized with a view to protect the farmers from the

malpractices of sellers and brokers. The management of such markets is done by a market committee which

has nominees of the State Government, local bodies, Adhtiyas, brokers and farmers.

Provision of warehousing facilities: To prevent distress sale by the farmers, particularly the small and

marginal farmers, due to prevailing low prices, rural godowns have been set up. Government is also

implementing a Rural Godown Scheme.

Directorate of marketing and inspection: The directorate was set up by the Government of India to co-

ordinate the agricultural marketing of various agencies and to advise the Central and State Governments on

the problems of agricultural marketing.

Government Procurement: Government also announces Minimum Support Price for various agricultural

commodities from time to time in a bid to ensure fair returns to the farmers.

Irrigation policy: Recently drafted Irrigation Policy will be able to provide water to every district and work for

everybody.

Allied sectors of the agriculture like horticulture, diary, and fisheries be promoted and diversification of the crops

especially their proper marketing is essential to ensure to increase the income of the farmers. Market linkage is the

only solution for the potato farmers in India. Hence, effort should be made to develop better market for the farmers

domestically and internationally.

Kattaikkuttu Sangam

Ques. Highlight the aims and objectives of Kattaikkuttu Sangam in India.

The Kattaikkuttu Sangam is a social mission and performing arts organisation that uses the integration of liberal

education and the performing arts to promote and contemporize Kattaikkuttu, a rural theatre form practiced in

Southern India, and ensure sustainable careers for its professional performers.

The theatre combines Kattaikkuttu’s traditional artistic knowledge and communicative power with sophisticated

craftsmanship and perfection in order to address multiple audiences: rural, urban, national and global.

The Kattaikkuttu Gurukulam or Kattaikkuttu Youth Theatre School was established in 2002 with the objective to train

a new generation of Kattaikkuttu performers. The Gurukulam is the first ever residential theatre school where young

people can learn Kattaikkuttu theatre without having to give up their formal education. The school enables students

to combine comprehensive education with training as a professional Kattaikkuttu actor, actress or musician. The

school tackles social disadvantage and the barriers that prevent rural Tamil girls and boys from making theatre their

profession.

It offers marginalized, vulnerable, young, rural people access to:



High-quality artistic training in Kattaikkuttu acting, music & make-up.

Fully-fledged, inclusive education & care.

Professional skills training and sustainable employment after completing 8 years of training and standard 10

or 12, or, for those who do not wish to pursue a career in the performing arts, access to higher education.

Kattaikkuttu derives its name from the word kattai, which refers to the special ornaments worn by the actors during

performances; kuttu refers to theatre. The audience recognizes the various characters by the shapes of their head

wear and their make-up.

Kattaikkuttu has been performed in rural Tamil Nadu for years. In November 1990, a group of seventeen rural actors

and musicians founded, on the initiative of Kattaikkuttu actor Perungattur P. Rajagopal, an organization to promote

their theatre in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. They called this grassroots collective the Tamil Nadu

Kattaikkuttu Kalai Valarcci Munnerra Sangam using the name of Kattaikkuttu rather than one of the current terms of

Kuttu or Terukkuttu. The main objectives of the Sangam – an officially registered society – were to promote

Kattaikkuttu as a theatre form in its own right and to further the interests of professional performers. Since its

inception more than twenty years ago, the Sangam has developed into an umbrella organization with a number of

activities including educating and training a future generation of young, talented Kattaikkuttu performers (the

Kattaikkuttu Gurukulam), opening up the theatre to rural girls and women, organization of an annual theatre festival

and production of new and often innovative plays.

National Common Market for agricultural commodities

Ques. Critically analyze the major recent initiatives by the government in context with enhancing National

Common Market for agricultural commodities and improve the supply chain. Also highlight the major recent

recommendations by government officials for further improvement of agricultural sector.

Major recent initiatives:

GST and APMC reforms.

Setting-up of ‘Warehouse Infrastructure Fund’ and ‘Long Term Rural Credit Fund’, of about Rs. 5000 crore

each

Setting-up of special fund of Rs. 2000 crore under NABARD, which was announced in the Union Budget for

2014-15 to provide affordable credit to agro-processing units, setting-up of food parks and cold chain

projects.

Revised Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme has been re-launched where in the cards have been converted into

ATM enabled debit card with facilities of one-time documentation, built-in cost escalation in the limit and

any number of drawls with the limit etc.

Setting-up of Agriculture Universities in Andhra Pradesh (AP ) & Rajasthan, scheme to issue soil health card

to every farmer, establishing National Adaptation Fund for climate change, providing finance to five (5) lakh

joint farming groups of Bhoomi Heen Kisan, establishing Price Stabilization Fund, and Kisan TV channel

among others.



Major suggestions/receommendations:

Fixation of remuneration prices for agriculture crops

Incentives to encourage agriculture research

Education and extension activities including investments in technological innovations and advancement in

agriculture research

Impetus to micro irrigation financing, R&D support to Pradhan Mnatri Krishi Sanchai Yojana and

strengthening of existing irrigation facilities among others.

Government must come out with dependable and creditable export and import policies that safeguard

farmer’s interest, decentralization of food grain procurement, Minimum Support Price (MSP) to include cost

of production and profitability for farmers and be linked to the index of inflation.

Taxation of foreign dividends at reduced rates with multi-state cooperatives, extension of investment

allowance to cooperative societies in the manufacturing sector, flexibility of the automatic approval route be

extended to multi state cooperative societies at par with corporate and LLP’s under different FEMA

regulations.

As per estimates of GDP for the second quarter, (July-September) of 2014-15, the growth in the agriculture and

allied sector was 3.2 per cent. Although rainfall deficit was worst felt in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, the

impact on production was limited, as most of the crops in these States are grown under irrigated conditions. Allied

sectors of agriculture have also shown a good performance.

The partnership summit

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been organizing its flagship international investors meet- The

Partnership Summit in association with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The Summit

started in the year 1995 to commemorate the Confederations centenary year. With over 20 years of active

engagement and collaboration of India at a global level, the Summit attracts 1200-1500 delegates every year with

over 40 per cent participation from overseas.

The Summit provides a platform to seize huge opportunities by fostering links in various sectors which need to be

addressed to catalyze and enable growth at the macro level. A common platform to leaders from all walks of life to

closely examine the synergies that spark the next phase of global growth and play a proactive role in building new

bridges to the emerging world by fostering links globally.

Features:

Great opportunity to interact with Policy makers, investors, industry leaders, trade bodies & associations and

entrepreneurs

Engaging Spouses and Accompanying Persons Programme

Participation from Multilateral Organisation and International Institutions

High level Networking & B2B meetings



Unique Platform bringing together the key stakeholders-political, institutional,business, media and

academia.


Recently Partnership Summit held in Jaipur, Rajasthan during 15-17 January 2015, the Minister of State for

Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman met a number of her counterparts from the

participating countries as well representatives of international organizations.

Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia, the Ministers exchanged views on the Regional

Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations, Malaysia’s increasing investment in India and the

India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Minister of Commerce, Bangladesh had a frank and friendly discussion on several issues including bilateral

trade, the renewal of the Trade Agreement between the two countries and opening of Border Haats, transit

arrangements, India’s Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme for LDCs and trade infrastructure.

Ms. Gao Yan, Vice-Minister in the Ministry of Commerce of China. Smt. Sitharaman spoke of the important

role of the two countries in many international forums such as the WTO and BRICS.

Chinese Vice-Minister expressed satisfaction at the in-depth discussion on India-China commercial relations

at the 10th JEG meeting at the Ministerial level which took place in September 2014. The Vice-Minister

acknowledged the trade imbalance and said that the Chinese government was keen on promoting imports

into the country.

H.E. Mr. Andrew Robb AO, MP, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment had a productive discussion on

taking the India-Australia CECA negotiations forward in a creative and constructive manner. On the issue of

market access for Australian goods, both agricultural and industrial, Minister Robb said that they were

looking at the premium end of the Indian market and would not be competing with domestic production,

given the size of the Indian market, and the high costs of production coupled with far lower levels of

production in Australia.

Director General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and representatives of OECD, the

Confederation of British Industry and the UK India Business Council emphasised that that there should be no

differentiation made amongst developing countries as regards commitments to be undertaken or in the

matter of special and differential treatment for developing countries.

Government initiatives on Tiger Conservation & Forest Management yield impressive results

Government initiatives to streamline Tiger Conservation along with effective Forest Management and Community

Participation had led to increase in the number of tigers.

In 2010 the Tiger population was 1706 and in 2014 it stood at 2226 with an increase 30.5 % since the last estimate.

As per the survey, Tiger population has increased in Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and



Kerala. The third round of independent Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves has shown an overall

improvement in the score of 43 Tiger Reserves from 65% in 2010-11 to 69 in 2014.

Increase in Tiger Population was a testimony of the success of various measures adopted by the Government such

as:

Special Tiger Protection Force

Special Programme for Orphan Tiger cubs, efforts to control poaching

Initiatives to minimize Human-Animal conflict and encroachment.

The Economic Valuation of 6 Tiger Reserves carried out for the first time provided qualitative and quantitative

estimates of benefits accruing from tiger reserves. These included ecological, economic, social and cultural services.

The assessment of Forest Cover Change in Tiger Landscape of Shivalik-Gangetic Plain has indicated an improvement

of forest cover in core areas of Tiger Reserves.

India is willing to donate Tiger cubs to international community and play a key role in the global Tiger Conservation

efforts. Successful Tiger Conservation practices in the country could be adopted and practiced by the international

community as a step towards sustainable forest management.

Deeendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY)

Ques. “Realizing the ‘Make in India’ objective, skill development is essential in India. If India is to emerge as the

manufacturing base to meet global needs, the only certain way is to empower every youth of the country with the

necessary skills”, critically analyze the importance of Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) is in this context.

Government announced ‘Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – DAY’ scheme for uplift of urban and rural poor through

enhancement of livelihood opportunities through skill development and other means.

Realizing the ‘Make in India’ objective, skill development is essential. If India is to emerge as the manufacturing base

to meet global needs, the only certain way is to empower every youth of the country with the necessary skills. Skill

development has multiple outcomes including enhancing employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth

and promoting self-worth of beneficiaries.

Objectives

Imparting skills with an expenditure of Rs.15,000 – Rs.18,000 on each urban poor

Promotion of self-employment through setting up individual micro-enterprises and group enterprises with interest subsidy for individual projects costing Rs.2.00 lakhs and Rs.10.00 lakhs for group enterprises. Subsidized interest rate will be 7%

Enabling urban poor form Self-Help Groups for meeting financial and social needs with a support of Rs.10,000/- per each group who would in turn would be helped with bank linkages

Training urban poor to meet the huge demand from urban citizens by imparting market oriented skills through City Livelihood Centres. Each Centre would be given a capital grant of Rs.10.00 lakhs.

Development of vendor markets besides promotion of skills of vendors

Construction of permanent shelters for urban homeless and provision of other essential services



Why recently in new?

Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu on 20.January.2014 launched

‘Management Information Systems (MIS)’ for regular online monitoring of progress in respect of skill development

and enhancing livelihood opportunities for urban poor under Deeendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY). This MIS has

been developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) at a cost of Rs.2.24 cr.

Role/scope of MIS:

MIS enables real time and regular monitoring of the progress under the seven components of DAY which

include Employment through Skill Training and Placement, Self-Employment Groups, Shelters for Urban

Homeless and Support to Urban Vendors.

This will also remove the deficiencies in the present submission of Monthly Progress Reports being

submitted by States. These lacunae include considerable time lag, non-availability of beneficiary wise details,

limited scope for further analysis on account of information only about a few parameters, data integrity etc.\

MIS also enables stakeholders like Training Providers, Certification Agencies, Banks, Resource Orgnisations

etc., to feed required information directly which can be accessed by urban local bodies, states and Ministry

of HUPA for monitoring and other purposes.

Sickle cell anaemia

Ques. Critically analyse the issue of high prevalence of ‘Sickle cell anemia’ in India.

Sickle cell anemia (uh-NEE-me-uh) is the most common form of sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a serious disorder in

which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. “Sickle-shaped” means that the red blood cells are shaped like a

crescent.

Normal red blood cells are disc-shaped and look like doughnuts without holes in the center. They move easily

through your blood vessels. Red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin (HEE-muh-glow-bin). This

protein carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin called sickle hemoglobin or hemoglobin S. Sickle hemoglobin causes the

cells to develop a sickle, or crescent, shape.

Sickle cells are stiff and sticky. They tend to block blood flow in the blood vessels of the limbs and organs. Blocked

blood flow can cause pain and organ damage. It can also raise the risk for infection.



SCD has a high prevalence in India, especially in the central and western regions, and poses a considerable health

burden. About 20 per cent of children with sickle disease died by the age of two as reported in one ICMR survey, and

30 per cent children with SCD among the tribal community die before they reach adulthood. Although knowledge

about SCD in India is increasing, yet it is very difficult to establish the burden of this problem accurately in the

absence of screening programmes, nationwide reporting system or registries. Early diagnosis can lead to better

management and reduction in morbidity and mortality. Interventions like neonatal screening, penicillin prophylaxis,

pneumococcal immunization, transcranial Doppler screening as well as education regarding infection may reduce the

morbidity and mortality significantly.

Sickle cell anaemia is prevalent in several parts of India, especially among tribal communities. Sickling decreases the

cells' flexibility and results in a risk of various life threatening complications. It mostly occurs in regions where

malaria is rampant.


Recently Prime Minister, in the meeting on tribal welfare, stressed the need for mapping of sickle cell anaemia

among the tribal population, on a scientific basis. Also 31.August.2014, PM of India discussed cooperation with Japan

to combat sickle cell anaemia.

Initiatives by the government for pensioners across the nation

The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is

implementing a web based mission mode project on pensions namely Pensioner’s Portal under the National e-

Governance Plan. The Department has also started initiative called SANKALP for channelizing the experience and skill

of Pensioners towards meaningful social activities. SANKALP an initiative from D/o Pension & Pensioners' Welfare,

Government of India, to provide a platform for the pensioners to access opportunities available for useful

interventions in the society. It also facilitates the Organizations working in these areas to select appropriate skill and

expertise from the available pool of volunteers.



The basic objective of the project is to facilitate redressal of Pensioners’ Grievances as also to provide information

and guidance to pensioners on various pension and retirement related matters. User Ministries/Departments,

Pensioners, Banks, Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), Post Offices etc.

are the stakeholders in this venture aimed at welfare of the Pensioners.

With a view to providing know how about the operational aspects of this Portal and the Grievances Redressal

Mechanism in particular, the Department of Pensions is conducting Awareness Programmes at different locations in

the country.

National Social Assistance Programme

Ques. “National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) represents a significant step towards the fulfilment of the

Directive Principles in Article 41 and 42 of the India Constitution”, Critically comment.

NSAP was launched on 15th August, 1995. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) represents a significant

step towards the fulfilment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 and 42 of the Constitution recognizing the

concurrent responsibility of the Central and the State Governments in the matter. In particular, Article 41 of the

Constitution of India directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age,

sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want within the limit of its economic capacity and

development.

Objectives:

Provide social assistance benefits to poor households in the case of old age, death of the breadwinner and

maternity.

NSAP aims at ensuring minimum national standards.

Also aims at ensuring that social protection to the beneficiaries everywhere in the country is uniformly

available without interruption.

Presently NSAP comprises of five schemes:



The NSAP is implemented in the States/UTs in accordance with the general conditions applicable to all components

of the NSAP as well as specific condition applicable to each component. The NSAP Schemes are mainly implemented

by the Social Welfare Departments in the States. But NSAP is implemented by Rural Development Department in the

States of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Meghalaya and West Bengal; by the Department of Women & Child

Development in Orissa and Puducherry; by the Revenue Department in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and by the

Department of Labour Employment & Training in Jharkhand. The NSAP extends to both the rural as well as urban

areas.

Art Acquisition Policy

Ques. Critically analyse the objectives and importance of recently drafted art and antiquities acquisition policy in

India.

A few of the country’s museums had not acquired any art work or antiquities in many years, while artifacts in their

custody were rotting for want of upkeep. Promising improvement in the management of museums across the

country and the way antiquities are handled, the Ministry of Culture has framed an acquisition policy on art objects

and antiquities.

Objectives:

Aims to equip museums under the ministry with the power to acquire more national and international art

work and antiquities to increase holdings.

Help in curbing the smuggling of Indian artifacts, as some of the pieces can now be acquired by museums

Importance:

.

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

.

• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

.

• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)

•National Family Benefit Scheme NFBS)

•Annapurna



The collection in most of the museums have not evolved in a planned and systematic fashion.

A large number of objects lie undocumented and unused in museum storage as well as ‘gaps’ exist in the

holding across collecting units and departments.

Absence of a comprehensive art and antiquity acquisition policy in museums can trigger illicit trafficking of

Indian art and antiquity as people in possession of such items cannot easily find good buyers in India.

Provide data for researchers thereby enabling museum experts to establish the absolute identity and enable

quick recovery in the event of theft. (For example - Last year in September, Australian Prime Minister Tony

Abbott had handed over two antique statues of Hindu deities to Modi. These idols - Nataraja belonging to

the Chola dynasty of 11th-12th century and Ardhanariswara - were allegedly stolen from temples in Tamil

Nadu before these were bought by art galleries in Australia.)

A written policy will facilitate compliance with legal, ethical and professional requirements and standards,

and will also ensure transparency of the acquisition process as well as provide a legal framework for actions

to be taken for acquisition of art, antiquities and other museum objects.

Museum acquisitions till date lacked ``coherence and focus’’ and were made from field collections, gifts, donations

and ``reflect past collecting practises and curatorial preferences, evolving social and cultural tastes, and the origins’’

of the institutions. Acquisitions should be made only as per need and ought to be governed by quality and not

quantity, according to the draft. Art museums should be encouraged to acquire works of international art. ``It is

crucial that museums should view art with an international perspective rather than conditioned by a narrow political

outlook.’’ Further, museums should evolve a practical system of borrowing works of art on a long-term basis from

private collectors or autonomous institutions. It is also open to accepting reasonable demands from donors for

acknowledgement.

Security web portal

Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has decided to launch a web portal ‘MySecurity.in’ that will be a platform

for innovation in the field of security related web applications. Any individual, company, student, NGO etc can

develop and deploy on this portal such security applications which may be useful to the people.

Features:

It will enable the general public to get access to a large number of security related applications. People will

have options to choose the applications best suited for their requirements.

The main objective of launching the web portal ‘MySecurity.in’ is to promote innovation in developing

security related applications as well as offer to the people safe and trusted applications for their security

needs.

Create awareness about good security practices among people and also educating them about legal

provisions and applications facilitating legal services to the needy persons.

The MHA will give priority on this website to host such applications which provide security in emergency situations

to women, children, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups. Other applications that will get priority include

tools to monitor objectionable content posted on internet and tools to monitor, prevent, detect and report cyber

crime. Application developers, meeting the basic screening criteria, will be allowed hardware and middleware

resources in a cloud based environment to deploy their applications. An expert group constituted by MHA will also



evaluate the application on parameters like usefulness, innovation, public acceptance, technology used,

maintenance, updation, feedback mechanism etc.

National Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)

The National Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) has been launched with the aim of

preserving and rejuvenating India's rich cultural heritage. India is a diverse land of languages and religions therefore

there is a need to preserve the legacy of all kinds. HRIDAY is a step towards reviving the soul of cities hosting such

rich heritage.

Features:

Duration of the scheme: Four Years starting from December 2014

Objectives:

The main objective of HRIDAY is to preserve character of the soul of heritage city and facilitate inclusive heritage

linked urban development by exploring various avenues including involving private sector. Specific objectives are:

Planning, development and implementation of heritage sensitive infrastructure

HRIDAY

Rs. 500 crore

project

Entire expenditure by

central government

12 cities selected

Work through partnership of

government, Academic Indstitutions and local community combining

affordable technologies

Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya,

Warangal, Puri, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Varanasi and

Velankanni

work on 32 UNESCO recognised heritage site that

lacks harness



Service delivery and infrastructure provisioning in historic city core areas.

Preserve and revitalize heritage wherein tourists can connect directly with city’s unique character.

Develop and document a heritage asset inventory of cities -natural, cultural, living and built heritage as a

basis for urban planning, growth and service provision & delivery.

Implementation and enhancement of basic services delivery with focus on sanitation services like public

conveniences, toilets, water taps, street lights with use of latest technologies in improving tourist

facilities/amenities

Local capacity enhancement for inclusive heritage-based industry

Create effective linkages between tourism and cultural facilities and also the conservation of natural and

built heritage

Urban heritage adaptive rehabilitation and maintenance, including appropriate technologies for historic

buildings retrofitting

Establish and manage effective public private partnership for adaptive urban rehabilitation.

Development and promotion of core tangible economic activities to enhance avenues of livelihoods amongst

stakeholders. This would also include necessary skill development amongst them including making public

spaces accessible and developing cultural spaces

Making cities informative with use of modern ICT tools and making cities secure with modern surveillance

and security apparatus like CCTV etc.

Increase accessibility i.e. physical access (roads as well as universal design) and intellectual access (i.e. digital

heritage and GIS mapping of historical locations/ tourist maps and routes).

HRIDAY seeks to promote an integrated, inclusive and sustainable development of heritage sites, focusing not just on

maintenance of monuments but on advancement of the entire ecosystem including its citizens, tourists and local

businesses.

Restructuring of Food Corporation of India (FCI)

Ques. Critically analyze the role and objectives of Food Cooperation of India (FCI). Evaluate the efficiency of FCI

towards meeting these objectives. Also highlight the major recommendation of high level committee on

restructuring of FCI.

FCI was set up in 1965 (under the Food Corporation Act, 1964) against the backdrop of major shortage of grains,

especially wheat, in the country. Imports of wheat under PL- 480 were as high as 6-7 MMT, when country`s wheat

production hovered around 10-12 MMT, and country did not have enough foreign exchange to buy that much

quantity of wheat from global markets. Self-sufficiency in grains was the most pressing objective, and keeping that in

mind high yielding seeds of wheat were imported from Mexico. Agricultural Prices Commission was created in 1965

to recommend remunerative prices to farmers.

FCI was mandated with three basic objectives:

1. To provide effective price support to farmers



2. To procure and supply grains to PDS for distributing subsidized staples to economically vulnerable

sections of society

3. Keep a strategic reserve to stabilize markets for basic foodgrains.

How far FCI has achieved these objectives?

NSSO`s (70th round) data for 2012-13 reveals that of all the paddy farmers who reported sale of paddy during July-

December 2012, only 13.5 percent farmers sold it to any procurement agency (during January-June 2013, this ratio

for paddy farmers is only 10 percent). Only 16.2% wheat farmers sold to any procurement agency (January-June,

2013). Together, they account for only 6 percent of total farmers in the country. Diversions of grains from PDS

amounted to 46.7 percent in 2011-12. Country had hugely surplus grain stocks, much above the buffer stock norms,

even when cereal inflation was hovering between 8-12 percent in the last few years. Situation existed even after

exporting more than 42 MMT of cereals during 2012-13 and 2013-14 combined.

What all this indicates?

India has moved far away from the shortages of 1960s, into surpluses of cereals in post-2010 period, but somehow

the food management system, of which FCI is an integral part, has not been able to deliver on its objectives very

efficiently. The benefits of procurement have not gone to larger number of farmers beyond a few states, and

leakages in TPDS remain unacceptably high. This necessitates a re-look at the very role and functions of FCI within

the ambit of overall food management systems, and concerns of food security.

What did government do to address the issue?

Government set up High Level Committee (HCL) on restructuring of Food Corporation of India (FCI) on 20th

August, 2014. The major issue before the Committee was how to make the entire food grain management system

more efficient by reorienting the role of FCI in MSP operations, procurement, storage and distribution of grains

under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

Major recommendations of HCL:

Streamlining the procurement operations where the FCI should virtually step out of procurement operations

in Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha and hand it over to the state

governments in these states and advocated the FCI to step into procurement operations into potential

second green revolution areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

FCI should outsource its operations to central warehousing corporation (CWC), state warehousing

corporation (SWC), and private sector. Outsourcing storage and movement through Public Private

Partnerships (PPPs) on a competitive bidding basis would provide the required investments and managerial

competence for effectively managing the supply chain. Where required, existing land/facilities can be

provided to the PPPs

Need of pro-active liquidation policy which should automatically kick-in when FCI is faced with surplus stocks

than buffer norms. Greater flexibility to FCI with business orientation to operate in OMSS and export

markets is needed.

Direct cash transfers of food subsidy to eligible beneficiaries and also direct fertiliser subsidy to farmers to

minimize inefficiencies of leakage in the disbursal of food and fertiliser subsidies.

Total end to end computerization of the entire food management system, starting from procurement from

farmers, to stocking, movement and finally distribution through TPDS.



New face of FCI

The new face of FCI will be akin to an agency for innovations in Food Management System with a primary focus to

create competition in every segment of food grain supply chain, from procurement to stocking to movement and

finally distribution in TPDS, so that overall costs of the system are substantially reduced, leakages plugged, and it

serves larger number of farmers and consumers.

Tourism and Airlines sector in India

Ques. Airlines sector is an important part of the supply chain for “Make in India” in Tourism sector.

Coordination between tourism and airlines industries is crucial for promoting tourism in the country. Over 90

percent international tourists arrive in India by air. The role of airlines sector in the total tourism business is to

provide mass and quick transportation between countries under safe, standardized and economic conditions.

Influence of Airline sector towards Tourism:

Improves quality of life by broadening people’s leisure and cultural experiences.

Air transport contributes to sustainable development not only by facilitating tourism and trade, it generates

economic growth, provides jobs, increase revenues from taxes as well as facilitates the delivery of

emergency humanitarian aid relief and swift delivery of medical supplies anywhere on the earth.

Because of quick and efficient transportation, people are spurred to travel for various reasons as

destinations have become more accessible.

The travel industry requires an efficient infrastructure which put together constitutes the tourism industry.

The implementation of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) enabled Visa on Arrival, for 43 countries, is showing

excellent results. On 21 January 2015, (less than 2 months from the launch of this facility) 41,114 TVOAs have been

issued. Positive growth of both international and domestic tourism can be witnessed, as Foreign Tourist Arrivals

(FTAs) during 2014 were 74.62 lakh with a growth of 7.1% as compared to the FTAs of 69.68 lakh in 2013.

Major issues concerning promotion of tourism and increasing connectivity are:

1. better airport infrastructure

2. security measures including women’s safety

3. increasing immigration counters

4. cleanliness, e-visa facility

Further, the growth of aviation depends on good commercial decisions, and on the quality and capacity of India’s

airports, and the other highly visible infrastructure associated with aviation.

India-US bilateral engagements



India and United States have recently signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for cooperation in the field of Information

& Communications Technology and Electronics (ICTE) to facilitate among others, the ambitious ‘Digital India’

programme aimed at transforming India into a digital-empowered society and knowledge economy.

Likely Implications:

This is likely to increase partnership for the ‘Digital India’ programme, electronic manufacturing, cyber

security and several other such related fields between two countries.

This Joint Declaration of intent made for a period of next five years would help in strengthening industrial,

technological, research & innovation and economic cooperation between India and U.S. in the ICTE sector.

It would also lead to US companies exploring opportunities for collaboration in India’s ambitious Digital

India programme, Electronics manufacturing and Human Resource Development, through cooperation

among private and public entities in a focused manner under the umbrella of the ongoing India-US ICT

Dialogue.

Further, The two countries at India US ICT Working Group meeting held Jan 14-15 in Washington, DC agreed to

continue to explore the opportunities for collaboration on implementing India`s ambitious Digital India initiative,

with the goal of enhancing digital infrastructure, deploying e-governance and e-services, and expanding the diffusion

and use of ICT as a tool to expand economic opportunities, boost productivity, create jobs, and empower citizens.

Also broad agreement was also reached on the importance of policies that promote innovation in the ICT sector,

facilitate the flow of data across borders, and foster the global and open nature of the Internet as a platform for

economic growth.

Swine Flu in India

Ques. Critically analyse the causes and consequences of swine flu. Also suggest few preventive measures.

Swine influenza, also called pig influenza or swine flu, is an infection caused by any one of several types of swine

influenza viruses. Swine flu is a respiratory disease that infects the respiratory tract of pigs, resulting in nasal

secretions, a barking cough, decreased appetite, and listless behaviour. It can last about one to two weeks in pigs

that survive.

How swine flu is transmitted?

In a number of instances, people have developed the swine flu infection when they are closely associated

with pigs (for example, farmers, pork processors), and likewise, pig populations have occasionally been

infected with the human flu infection. Mostly

cross-species infections (swine virus to man; human flu virus to pigs) have remained in local areas and have

not caused national or worldwide infections in either pigs or humans.

Swine flu is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or ingestion of droplets containing virus from

people sneezing or coughing; it is not transmitted by eating cooked pork products.

People who work with poultry and swine, especially those with intense exposures, are at increased risk of

zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals, and constitute a population of human hosts

in which zoonosis and reassortment can co-occur.



Symptoms:

Swine Flu is a viral infection and its most common symptoms are fever, running or blocked nose, nausea, chills,

cough, soar throat, body ache, weakness and fatigue.

Few preventive measures:

Stay home if you're sick

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.

Avoid contact


Swine flu kills One in 10 lakh people annually as opposed to the one in a lakh by seasonal flu annually. Every winter,

influenza cases are on the high. Recently due to sudden drop in temperature swine flu cases are being witnessed n

India. Swine flu seems to be increasing at an alarming rate throughout the country with the national capital having

recorded more than 100 cases in 2015.

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Foreign assistance in development of smart cities in India

In context with developing smart cities in India, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed

three Memorandums of Understanding on Cooperation to Support the Development of Smart Cities in Uttar

Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh with respective state governments.

Features:

Under the MoUs, the USTDA will contribute funding for necessary feasibility studies and pilots, study tours ,

workshops/trainings and other projects to be mutually determined .

It will invite a Smart Solutions for Smart Cities Reverse Trade Mission delegation to the US, with delegates

from the t here states. It will also fund advisory services to support the development of smart cities.

USTDA will collaborate with other US government agencies like the Department of Commerce, the U. S

Export Import Bank and other trade and economic agencies promote greater US-India infrastructure

development cooperation and to support development of smart cities.

USTDA will enable U.S Industry organizations to mobilize private sector expertise and resources to address

important aviation and energy related infrastructure connected to developing smart cities.

Respective state governments will provide resources in support, coordination and facilitation of the

development of smart cities including technical information and data related to smart cities planning, staff,

logistical and travel support etc.

US Government has welcomed the India’s offer for US industry to be the lead partner in developing smart cities in

Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam. India-US cooperation has acquired a new dimension with the signing of MoUs

which will make significant contribution to building smart cities.

Jeevan Raksha Padak awards

Ques. Critically analyse the concept and objectives of Jeevan Raksha Padak awards given by the government of

India.

Jeevan Raksha Padak awards, an offshoot of the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry awards, were instituted in the

year 1961. Jeevan Raksha Padak is given to a person for saving someone’s life. The award is given for meritorious act

of humane nature in saving the life of a person in cases like drowning in water, accidents, fire incidents,

electrocution, natural calamities, rescue operation in mines etc.

It is given in the following three categories:-



Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak is awarded for conspicuous courage in saving life under circumstances of

very great danger to the life of the rescuer.

Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak is awarded for courage and promptitude in saving life under circumstances of

great danger to the life of the rescuer.

Jeevan Raksha Padak is awarded for courage and promptitude in saving life under circumstances of grave

bodily injury to the rescuer.

Features:

Persons of either sex in all walks of life are eligible for these awards. The award can also be conferred

posthumously.

It is normal practice to invite nominations for these awards every year from all State/UT Governments and

Ministry/Departments of the Government of India. The recommendations are placed before the JRP Awards

Committee for its consideration.

The recommendations of the award are considered by the Awards Committee within a period of two

calendar years from the date of performance of the act.

The Awards Committee makes its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President.

The award is presented in the form of a medallion and a certificate signed by the Union Home Minister. The

decoration is presented by the State/UT Government or the concerned Ministry/Deptt, to which the award

winner belongs. A small-size replica of the main medal is also given to theawardees. No miniature medal is

given if the award is given posthumously.

The recipients are given a lump-sum monetary allowance at the following rates:-

1. Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak – 1,00,000/-

2. Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak – 60,000/-

3. Jeevan Raksha Padak – 40,000/-




Other than the one-time monetary allowance, no other facility/benefit in terms of any concession in

Railways, Airfare etc. is provided by the Government.

Why recently in News?

The President of India has approved the conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards – 2014 on 56 persons

which includes Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 4, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 17 and Jeevan Raksha Padak to

35 persons.

US-India Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region

India and the United States are important drivers of regional and global growth. From Africa to East Asia, there is a

need to build on partnership to support sustainable, inclusive development, and increased regional connectivity by

collaborating with other interested partners to address poverty and support broad-based prosperity.

Major Highlights:

Support regional economic integration: Promotion of accelerated infrastructure connectivity and economic

development in a manner that links South, Southeast and Central Asia, including by enhancing energy

transmission and encouraging free trade and greater people-to-people linkages.

Regional prosperity: Avoid the threat or use of force and pursue resolution of territorial and maritime

disputes through all peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international

law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Oppose terrorism, piracy, and the

proliferation of weapons of mass destruction within or from the region.

East Asia Summit: Commitment towards strengthening the East Asia Summit on its tenth anniversary to

promote regional dialogue on key political and security issues, and to work together to strengthen it.

Develop a roadmap that leverages our respective efforts to increase ties among Asian powers, enabling both

our nations to better respond to diplomatic, economic and security challenges in the region.

Mutual efforts: Strengthen India-US regional dialogues, invest in making trilateral consultations with third

countries in the region more robust, deepen regional integration, strengthen regional forums, explore

additional multilateral opportunities for engagement, and pursue areas where we can build capacity in the

region that bolster long-term peace and prosperity for all.

R.K.Laxman

Ques. “R K Laxman immortalised the passive, hapless common man with an uncanny perception and sarcasm in a

daily commentary on his life that brought smiles to millions”, throw light on the work of R.K Laxman.



Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Laxman (24 October 1921 – 26 January 2015) was an Indian cartoonist, illustrator, and

humorist. He is best known for his creation The Common Man, for his daily cartoon strip, “You Said It” in The Times

of India, which started in 1951.

Laxman started his career as a part-time cartoonist, working mostly for local newspapers and magazines. While a

college student, he illustrated his elder brother R K Narayan’s stories in The Hindu. His first full-time job was as a

political cartoonist was for the ‘The Free Press Journal’ in Mumbai. Later, he joined The Times of India, and became

famous for Common Man character.

For over a half of a century, the Common Man has represented the hopes, aspirations, troubles and perhaps even

foibles of the average Indian.

When Laxman began to draw cartoons in The Times of India, he attempted to represent different states and cultures

in India. In the rush to meet deadlines, he began to draw fewer and fewer background characters, until finally he

found only one remaining – the now-familiar Common Man. The Common Man generally acts as a silent witness to

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all the action in the comic. According to anthropologist Ritu Gairola Khanduri, “Clad in a dhoti and a plaid jacket, the

puzzled Common Man is no dupe: his sharp observations miss no detail of the political circus.

He also created a popular mascot for the Asian Paints group called Gattu in 1954. Laxman has also penned a few

novels. His cartoons have appeared in Hindi films such as Mr. & Mrs. ’55 and a Tamil film Kamaraj. His creations also

include the sketches drawn for the television adaptation of Malgudi Days which was written by his elder brother R K

Narayan and directed by Shankar Nag. Laxman also drew caricatures of friends for private purposes.

He was a conscience keeper to the nation through his cartoons. He made the common man into a national icon. He

conveyed important social messages using humour as a tool and reminded the public that people in authority are

fallible and human.

Why recently in News?

R K Laxman, died at the age of 93 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune on 26 January 2015. He was

hospitalized on 23 January for urinary infection and chest-related problems that led to a multi-organ failure. He was

put on life support after his condition worsened on 25 January 2015. He had reportedly suffered multiple strokes

since 2010.

Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication (FAB)

Ques. Critically describe the concept of Semiconductor Wafer fabrication projects and its role in boosting the

manufacturing sector in India.

What is Semiconductor Wafer fabrication?

Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication is the process used to create the integrated circuits that are present in every day

electrical and electronic devices such as phones, computer hardware, set-top boxes and host of other such devices.

It is a multiple-step sequence of photolithographic and chemical processing steps during which electronic circuits are

gradually created on a wafer made of pure semiconducting material. Silicon is almost always used, but various

compound semiconductors are used for specialized applications. The entire manufacturing process, from start to

packaged chips ready for shipment, takes six to eight weeks and is performed in highly specialized facilities referred

to as FAB.


The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved to reconstitute the Empowered

Committee to setup the Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication (FAB) projects.

The Government had in 2011 constituted an Empowered Committee to identify technology and investors and to

recommend incentives to be provided to set up two FAB facilities in the country. This Committee submitted its

recommendations to the Government. Based on the recommendations of the Empowered Committee, the Union

Cabinet accorded approval for establishing two FAB manufacturing facilities.

Importance of Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication (FAB) projects:



The setting up of Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication units is a critical pillar required to promote Electronics System

Design and Manufacturing in India which will:

1. Stimulate the flow of capital and technology

2. Create employment opportunities

3. Help higher value addition in the electronic products manufactured in India

4. Reduce dependence on imports

5. Lead to innovation.

Wafer fabrication is a procedure composed of many repeated sequential processes to produce complete electrical or

photonic circuits. The proposed FABs will create direct employment of about 22,000 and indirect employment of

about one lakh. These FABs will have a big impact on the development of Electronics System Design and

Manufacturing eco-system across the country.

India-US Totalisation Agreement

Ques. Critically analyse the objectives and importance of Totalization agreement between India and US?

Totalization agreements are a means of protecting the benefit rights of workers who divide their working career

between two or more countries. They also help to eliminate situations in which workers or employers are required

to pay Social Security taxes to two countries on the same earnings. In addition, totalization agreements remove legal

obstacles that prevent a person who has earned benefits in one country from receiving those benefits while residing

in the other country.

The United States has entered into agreements, called Totalization Agreements, with several nations for the purpose

of avoiding double taxation of income with respect to social security taxes.

Benefits of Totalization Agreement for India:

Totalization pact is necessary to protect interests of professionals of Indian origin who contribute more than

$1 billion each year to the US social security through federal taxes without availing any benefits in return.

There are 300,000 Indians working in the US and they lose their social security contributions if they do not

complete 10 years of employment. According to Nasscom Indians on H1 and L1 visas pay almost $1 billion in

social security taxes in the US annually, without getting the benefits.

The Totalisation Agreement will exempt Indian professionals working in the US from paying social security

and medicare taxes. Currently, residents of the US pay 6.2% social security taxes on wages up to $106,800

and 1.45% medicare taxes. Since a lot of these professionals return to India before they retire, they will

never see the payouts of these contributions.



India has signed totalisation agreements with several European countries, whose social security systems are

different from the Indian system and from the US system. Whereas, US currently has Totalisation Agreements with

24 countries, the only two Asian countries being South Korea and Japan.

Recent status:

India has been discussing the Totalisation Agreement with the US for a long time, yet the agreement has not been

signed.

Building bye laws

Ques. Critically analyse the concept and importance of building bye laws in India.

What do u mean by bye laws?

For the construction of any building, certain restrictions are laid down by Municipal bodies, Urban development

authorities and other government departments as town planning trusts to clear open spaces to be left round the

building. Example: BDA, BBMP, MUDA, CITY Corporation.

Objective:

Building by laws are made to ensure orderly development of localities in urban areas so that every houses is assured

of good ventilation and no building affects the lighting and ventilation of neighbours.

Need:

If certain rules and regulations are not made, house owner may construct residential building as per his whims and

fancies. Hence it is essential to maintain and implement the bye laws to provide proper ventilation, privacy, security

and safety between the neighbours.

Importance:

Allows disciplined and systematic growth of buildings and towns and prevent haphazard development.•

Protect safety of public against fire, noise, health hazards and structural failures.

Provide proper utilization of space. Hence, maximum efficiency in planning can be derived from these bye

laws.

They give guidelines to the architect or an engineer in effective planning and useful in preplanning the

building activates.

They provide health, safety and comfort to the people who live in buildings.

Due to these by-laws, each building will have proper approaches, light, air and ventilation which are

essential for health, safety and comfort.

A building byelaw is a local law framed by a subordinate authority. It channelizes to achieve the concepts & policies

outlined in the Master plans of the city, in order to give a particular ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER to the city.



Leprosy in India

Ques. “While India celebrates its near victory over polio, another dreaded disease, leprosy, that was overpowered

in 2005 continues to haunt the government. Those affected by the disease continue to face social stigma and

discrimination”, Critically discuss.

Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.

Leprosy is one of the least infectious diseases mainly because nearly all of the population have natural immunity

against it. Nevertheless, stigma against the disease due to its disfiguring effects causes its victims to be isolated and

shunned. Leprosy is also the leading cause of permanent disability in the world and is primarily a disease of the poor.

Treatment:

The disease is now readily treatable with multi-drug therapy, which combines three drugs to kill the pathogen and

cure the patient.

If MDT is used in the early stages of infection, disability and disfigurement can be avoided.

Discrimination:

The historical legacy and societal stigma toward leprosy are evidenced by various laws containing

discriminatory clauses against leprosy victims. Laws in the states of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya

Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Orissa prohibit leprosy patients from running in local elections. These laws

have been supported by the national government, as evidenced when India’s Supreme Court upheld a ruling

by the state of Orissa prohibiting leprosy patients from participating in local elections.

Other laws include the Motor Vehicle Act of 1939 which restricts leprosy patients from obtaining a driving

license and the Indian Rail Act of 1990 which prohibits leprosy patients from traveling by train.

Many of these laws were written before the development of multi-drug therapy (MDT) and they have not

been updated since. For example, almost all of the marriage and divorce laws of India consider leprosy as




grounds for divorce with the Special Marriage Act of 1954 declaring leprosy “incurable.” These laws do not

reflect the current understanding of leprosy.

New cases of leprosy detected in the country during last 4 years are given below:

Year No. of new cases of Leprosy in the country.

2010-11 126800

2011-12 127295

2012-13 134752

2013-14 126913

Initiatives by the government eradicate leprosy:

National Leprosy Eradication Programme: India has achieved the elimination of leprosy at national level in December

2005. Focus is now to achieve elimination of leprosy at district level. This national programme for leprosy is under

implementation as a part of National Health Mission.

Other measures:

Facilities for diagnosis and treatment of leprosy are available at Government health facilities at free of cost.

The special measures for achieving elimination of leprosy at district level include improved and early case

detection and case management through intensified activities like active case finding, IEC/BCC in the

community

Capacity building of medical, para-medical and community workers and improved monitoring and

supervision.

Provision for engaging additional manpower by State Governments to strengthen the leprosy services

particularly in the high endemic districts has been made.

Leprosy currently affects approximately a quarter of a million people throughout the world, with majority of these

cases being reported from India. It usually affects the skin and peripheral nerves, but has a wide range of clinical

manifestations. The disease is characterised by long incubation period generally 5-7 years and is classified as

paucibacillary or multibacillary, depending on the bacillary load. Leprosy is a leading cause of permanent physical

disability. Timely diagnosis and treatment of cases, before nerve damage occurred, is the most effective way of

preventing disability due to leprosy. According to the Italian Association of the Friends of Raoul Follereau (AIFO),

India had more than 12 million people with leprosy between 1991 and 2007.


The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his best wishes to the Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh (Indian

Leprosy Association) on the occasion of Anti Leprosy Day being held on January 30, 2015.



The organization is engaged in constructive humanitarian work in the field of leprosy. Such awareness programmes

will help in bringing attitudinal change in our society about leprosy and leprosy affected persons. It will further boost

morale and motivation of persons and organizations fighting the disease.

Promoting Jute sector in India

The Indian Jute Industry is a very old & predominant in the eastern part of India. The Government of India has

included the Jute Industry for special attention in its National Common Minimum Programme. It forms an integral

part of the Indian Textile Industry.

Jute, the golden fibre, meets all the standards for ‘safe’ packaging in view of being a natural, renewable,

biodegradable and eco-friendly product. It is estimated that that the jute industry provides direct employment to

0.37 million workers in organized mills and in diversified units including tertiary sector and allied activities and

supports the livelihood of around 4.0 million farm families.




In a major boost to the jute sector, the government (on 28.Jan.2015) approved mandatory packaging of

sugar and foodgrains in jute material to minimum extent of up to 90 per cent of production.

A proposal for financial support to Jute Corporation of India to offset losses incurred by it on account of

minimum support price operations also approved.

What would be its likely implications?

Both the decisions are aimed at protecting the interests of jute growers.

The financial assistance to Jute Corporation of India (JCI) will be provided in the form of subsidy.

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The quantum of subsidy will include the difference between the purchase and sale price of MSP Raw Jute.

The quantum of subsidy will also include fixed overhead costs incurred by JCI in maintaining its infrastructure

for Minimum Support Price (MSP) operation.

The decision will provide financial support to Jute Corporation of India to protect the interest of the jute

growers through procurement of raw jute under the MSP fixed by the government and also to stabilise the

raw jute market for the benefit of 40 lakh farm families and the jute economy as a whole

The following commodities may be reserved for jute packaging for the Jute Year 2014-15, to the extent mentioned

below:

Commodity Minimum percentage to be reserved for packaging in Jute

Food-grains *90 percent of the production

Sugar 20 percent of the production

India is the leading jute goods producing country in the world, accounting for about 70% of estimated world

production. Bulk of the manufactured jute goods is predominantly being used in packaging purposes in domestic

market. The Jute industry occupies an important place in the national economy of India. It is one of the major

industries in the eastern region, particularly in West Bengal.

India-Oman cooperation

Ques. Critically analyze the objectives and importance of India-Oman recent bilateral cooperation. How it will

contribute towards boosting India’s tourism sector?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to enter into a

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, between the Ministry

of Tourism, Government of India and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Sultanate of Oman.

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The main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding are:

To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector.

To exchange information and data related to tourism.

To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including hotels and tour operators.

To establish exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development.

To invest in the tourism and hospitality sectors,

To exchange visits of tour operators / media /opinion makers for promotion of two way tourism.

To exchange experiences in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management.

To participate in travel fairs /exhibitions in each other`s country.

To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.

Importance:

In recent years Oman has emerged as an important tourism source market for India in the West Asian

region. During 2013, India received 62,252 visitors from Oman. Similarly India has emerged as one of the

important source market for Oman in the field of tourism. Considering the mutual benefits, both India and

Oman would like to create an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in this sector.

The signing of the MoU will further strengthen and further develop the established relationship between the

Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Oman

for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism on reciprocal basis.

India and Oman have enjoyed a strong historical and long economic and political relationship. The Sultanate of

Oman is a strategic partner for India in the Gulf region and an important interlocutor in the bilateral, Arab Gulf

Cooperation Council, the Arab League and the Indian Ocean Rim Association contexts. The two countries are linked

by geography, history and culture. Both countries also enjoy warm and cordial relations, which can be ascribed to

historical maritime trade linkages, intimacy of the Royal family with India and the seminal role of the Indian

expatriate community in the building of Oman.

Urban heat island (UHI)

Ques. “Over the last 40 years, the world’s cities and towns have seen a sharp rise in heat waves they experience

while cold snaps have become more infrequent”, what do you mean by urban heat island (UHI)? Critically analyze

the role of ‘urban heat island effect’ in this context.

An urban heat island (UHI) is a metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to

human activities. The temperature difference usually is larger at night than during the day, and is most apparent

when winds are weak.



Reasons/Causes:

Urban surface properties: The main cause of the urban heat island effect is from the modification of land surfaces,

which use materials that effectively store short-wave radiation. Built surfaces are composed of a high percentage of

non-reflective and water-resistant construction materials. As consequence, they tend to absorb a significant

proportion of the incident radiation, which is released as heat.

Human activities: Air conditioning, manufacturing, transportation, and other human activities discharge heat into

our urban environments. Waste heat generated by energy usage is a secondary contributor. As a population center

grows, it tends to expand its area and increase its average temperature.

Impact of urban heat island (UHI) on environment and human being:

Longer seasonal duration: Increases in heat within urban centers increases the length of growing seasons,

and decreases the occurrence of weak tornadoes.

Increased energy use: Warm temperatures in cities increase the need for air conditioning (A/C) to cool

buildings. This elevated demand can strain the electrical grid on a hot summer afternoon, making it more

susceptible to brown-outs and black-outs.

Impaired air quality: Warmer air accelerates the formation of smog (ozone) from airborne pollutants like

nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Elevated demand for cooling energy in the form of A/C use

can also increase the emission of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from fossil-fuel power plants.

Decreases water quality: UHI decreases water quality as warmer waters flow into area streams and put

stress on their ecosystems.

Illness: Higher air temperatures and lower air quality can aggravate heat-related and respiratory illnesses,

and also reduce productivity.

Mitigation strategy:

Increase surface reflectivity (i.e. high albedo), in order to reduce radiation absorption of urban surfaces

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Increase vegetation cover, mainly in the form of urban forests and parks, in order to maximize the multiple

vegetation benefits in controlling the temperature rises.


According to recent report of scientists in Environmental Research Letters, In India urban areas were affected by the

warming occurring as a result of climate change as well as the ‘urban heat island’ effect whereby built-up places

trapped heat more than surrounding rural areas. Extremely hot days had become significantly more frequent in

almost half of those urban areas. Two-thirds of them had to endure more extremely hot nights. Although heat waves

over urban areas in India had gone up over the 40-year period, the increase was not statistically significant. Similarly,

the increase in the number of hot nights was also not significant over India.

18th National Conference on e-Governance

Ques. Write a brief note on “18th National Conference on e-Governance”.

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, in association with

the Department of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India and Government of Gujarat, is

organising the 18th National Conference on e-Governance on January 30-31, 2015 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Senior

Officers from the Government, Industry, academicians, technical experts and NGOs will participate in the event.

Objectives:

The objective of the Conference is to provide a platform for policy makers, practitioners, industry leaders and

academicians to deliberate, discuss and recommend an actionable strategy for good governance and to improve the

standard of public services rendered to the common man.

Theme: Digital Governance – New Frontiers

Focus Sector - Skill Development and Employability

Why e-governance as theme of the Conference?

E-Governance has played a key role in embarking the journey to achieve the goal of ‘Minimum Government,

Maximum Governance’.

It has helped the Government to enhance the coverage, increase transparency, improve response to citizens

and lower costs; on the other hand has facilitated citizens to have better access, equity & social

empowerment.




With the advancement of technology, e-Governance has also expanded its horizons in the form of m-

Governance which is fast becoming the preferred mode of availing services by the citizens. The mobile

technology has provided a robust platform for sustainable development and inclusive growth of the society

as a whole and proven to be an effective media for more connected society.

Spreading digital literacy to rural citizens across the country and generating employment opportunities in all ICT-

enabled industries will be the next major leap to transform young India into a Digitally Empowered Society and a

knowledge economy

Thus, ICT is going to be the propellant of the growth engine which has the potential to transform India into a

knowledge–led economy and society especially when we are fast adopting new paradigms such as Internet of

Things, Smart Cities etc.

Features of18th National Conference on e-Governance:

The 18th National Conference on e-Governance, with the theme “Digital Governance-New Frontier”, will

explore the benefits of the use of ICT, how e-Governance leaders can act as the agents of change, integrated

service delivery and use of mobile platform for expanding access rapidly.

Focus sector of the year is “Skill Development and Employability”.

The inaugural session will be followed by a session on “Digital India” and plenary session on “Digital

Governance-New Frontier”.

Other interactive sessions will include discussions on a wide range of topics such as “e-Governance Leaders

as Change Agents”; “Accountable Governance through Social Media and Citizen Engagement”; and

“Integrated Service Delivery-Standards and Interoperability”; “Use of Mobile Platform for rapidly expanding

access”; “Skill Development and Employability”; Partnership with Industry – New Business Model and Service

Delivery”; and “Citizen Services in a Smart City – New Paradigm”.

National Museum Institute and Indian Culinary Institute

National Museum Institute:

The National Museum Institute of the History of Art, Conservation and Museology was formed and registered on

January 27, 1989 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and was accorded the status of ‘Deemed to be

University’ on April 28, 1989. Since its inception, the Institute has been one of the leading centres in the country for

training and research in the field of art and cultural heritage.

The following are the prime objectives of the Institute:-

Providing for various courses of study, training and research in different branches of History of art,

Museology, Conservation, etc.



Collaborating with other national institutions dealing with cultural property, like the National Museum,

Archaeological Survey of India, Anthropological Survey of India, National Gallery of Modern Art, National

Archives of India and the like, in order to share the material, curatorial / technical expertise and facilities;

Interacting on a continuing basis at the national level to improve standards of teaching in the above fields.

Providing academic guidance and leadership.

Publishing such works of the Institute as may have contributed substantially to the fields of specialization.

Major achievement:

YUVA SAATHI: Young Visitor Programme: Yuva Saathi is a pioneering programme, in which volunteer guides,

Yuva Saathi, will serve as tour guides to school children. The programme, designed by the National Museum

Institute, intends to make National Museum a place of learning and fun for the young visitors. Yuva Saathis are

undergraduate students from colleges of Delhi trained specifically to guide children in National Museum.

Indian Culinary Institute (ICI)

Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) is an Institute of the Ministry of Tourism. ICI will try to train youth who will match upto

international standards and have global demand. The ICI will offer programs in kitchen management, molecular

gastronomy, plate presentation, food styling and displays, anthropology, etc. Besides documentation and research of

regional and global cuisines, the institute would comprise a patent and legal cell and a museum of traditional foods.


The Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh

Sharma on 31.January.2015 laid the foundation stones of campus buildings of National Museum Institute of History

of Art, Conservation and Museology (NMI) and Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) in Noida today.

Importance:

Institutes will help train the youth to find new avenues of employment within the country as well as abroad.

They will also go a long way in promoting the culture and culinary art of India.

Tourism sector expected to witness exponential growth, this sector would require matching trained

manpower to manage the infrastructure and services, which these two institutes seek to do.

There is no other institute in the country apart from NMI which is training youth in the area of conserving art

and cultural heritage. A permanent campus with world class facilities will help train the youth to set up

world class museums along the lines of British Museum or Musée du Louvre which will further promote

tourism in the country.

Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)



PMEGP is the flagship scheme of Ministry of MSME and is an effective instrument for generating employment

opportunities in urban and rural India through setting up of micro enterprises.

The programme was launched on 15th August 2008 to empower the first generation entrepreneurs to set up micro

enterprises. The Scheme is formulated by merging Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (PMRY) and Rural Employment

Generation Programme (REGP).

Objectives:

To generate continuous and sustainable employment opportunities in Rural and Urban areas of the country

To provide continuous and sustainable employment to a large segment of traditional and prospective

artisans, rural and urban unemployed youth in the country through setting up of micro enterprises.

To facilitate participation of financial institutions for higher credit flow to micro sector.

Salient features:

The Scheme is implemented through KVIC and State/UT Khadi & V.I. Boards in Rural areas and through

District Industries Centres in Urban and Rural areas in ratio of 30:30:40 between KVIC / KVIB / DIC

respectively.

No income ceiling for setting up of projects.

Assistance under the Scheme is available only to new units to be established.

Existing units or units already availed any Govt. Subsidy either under State/Central Govt. Schemes are not

eligible.

Any industry including Coir Based projects excluding those mentioned in the negative list.

Per capita investment should not exceed Rs. 1.00 lakhs in plain areas and Rs. 1.50 lakhs in Hilly areas.

Maximum project cost of Rs. 25.00 lakhs in manufacturing sector and Rs. 10.00 lakhs in Service Sector.

Achievements of PMEGP:

http://i2.wp.com/iasacademy.civilmentor.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/pmegp_img.jpg



PMEGP scheme is successful in addressing this issue. Since inception of the Scheme in 2008-09, a total of

2.89 lakh units were set up in the country generating 25.41 lakh employments by disbursing Rs.5652.47

crore as margin money till 31.12.2015.

In North Eastern States, since inception of Scheme a total of 48195 have been set up, involving margin

money of Rs.557.90 crores and providing employment to 2.90 lakhs persons.

The performance under PMEGP at national level has improved significantly in 2014-15 due to the

concentrated efforts under the 100 days action plan.


Government has observed that in NE States against the target of Rs.175.54 Crs. achievement has touched to

Rs.29.46 crs. only, which is a matter of concern. Therefore, recently Review Meeting of Pmegp for North Eastern

States was held under the charimanship of Shri Kalraj Mishra(Union Minister for Micro Small and Medium

Enterprises).

What would be the likely implications of this meeting?

The Minister had expressed that the discussions held during the review meeting with all the stakeholders,

including representatives of various Banks, States officials and other beneficiaries, will be fruitful on crucial

areas like collateral free loans, timely bank sanctions, release of margin money subsidy and loan installment,

coverage of credit guarantee scheme, achievement of social category targets of SC, ST, minority, women etc.

The meeting will encourage all the stakeholders and will leads to better implementation of PMEGP Scheme

in North-Eastern States, thereby achieving the set targets in time and providing better employment

opportunities to the youths in the NE States.

The unemployment rate in India is estimated to be around 8.8% as compared to 6.1% in USA, 3.9% in Japan. The

solution for this malady is urban and rural industrialization which can generate employment opportunities. PMEGP

scheme is successful in addressing this issue.

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Monthly PDF January 2015

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