current news analysis 28 -11-2016 a. gs1...
TRANSCRIPT
Current News Analysis
28-11-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Accept dying declaration of person with 100% burn injuries
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article16712015.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Policies, Judiciary
Key Points:
Observations made by the Supreme Court
In an important ruling in criminal law, the Supreme Court of India held that the dying declaration of a burn victim against her attackers should not be dismissed simply because her burn injuries are extensive, even a 100 per cent.
The Supreme Court went on to add that trial courts cannot brush aside the last words of a victim on the presumption that the burns are so grave that it would have affected the mind and consciousness.
It is important to note that a dying declaration has great sanctity in criminal law as it is believed that a dying person will not lie.
2. Pri e Mi ister’s o li e gover a ce i itiative i vites tips ahead of budget
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Prime-Minister%E2%80%99s-online-
governance-initiative-invites-tips-ahead-of-budget/article16712615.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: E-governance
Key Points:
The ‘Mygov.in’ portal, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s online governance initiative has invited suggestions from the public for the Union Budget for 2017-18.
The last date for submission is December 15.
In a significant move a day before the monsoon session of Parliament, the Centre had
announced that the Union Budget would be presented on February 1.
This would be a break with the colonial practice of budget presentation on the last
working day of February.
3. Transgender or third gender option now in railway reservation forms
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Transgender-or-third-gender-option-
now-in-railway-reservation-forms/article16712634.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: E-governance
Key Points: Recently, the Railways and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited
(IRCTC) have included “transgender/third gender” as a gender option alongside males and females in the Railway Ticket Reservation Forms (both online as well offline).
This inclusion, is in compliance with an April 2014 judgment of the Supreme Court of India in the case of NALSA vs. Union of India.
Directions sought by NALSA The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in its petition had sought several directions
from the Supreme Court. These include a) granting of equal rights and protection to transgender persons
b) inclusion of a third category in recording one’s sex/gender in identity documents like the election card, passport, driving licence and ration card
c) and for admission in educational institutions, hospitals, among others.
4. Parking lots at airports to go cashless
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Parking-lots-at-airports-to-go-
cashless/article16712308.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: E-governance
Key Points: Starting 29th Nov 2016, airports will accept vehicle parking charges through e-payment in
support of the government’s digital payment campaign. A digital payment facility will be made available immediately after the midnight of November
28 at all operational airports.
5. India to restore grounded aircraft in Afghanistan
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/India-to-restore-grounded-aircraft-
in-Afghanistan/article16711883.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and the Neighbourhood
Key Points:
India is quietly moving to qualitatively scale up its military assistance to Afghanistan in terms of long-term spares and support.
This development takes place after India supplied four attack helicopters to Afghanistan.
Two Indian Air Force technical teams visited Afghanistan recently to assess the requirements for spares and maintenance to restore the Soviet-era helicopters and transport aircraft lying there.
Currently, in Afghanistan, there are at least 40-50 helicopters of various types and some An-32 medium transport aircraft which have been grounded from a long time for need of spares. Indian help has been requested to help refurbish them.
C.GS3 Related
1. Committed to easing pain: RBI Governor
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/Committed-to-easing-pain-RBI-
Governor/article16710903.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points: RBI Governor Urjit Patel termed demonetisation a “once in a lifetime event” that
requires mammoth logistics. The RBI Governor went on to add that the RBI is taking all necessary actions to
“ease the genuine pain of citizens who are honest and who have been hurt” and hoped things will normalise soon.
He further remarked that both the RBI and the government have been getting the printing presses to work at capacity to get the new notes available to meet demand.
Importantly, Dr. Patel said that the RBI has announced an incremental CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) of 100 per cent “because of the large increase in deposits of banks on account of the return of Rs.1,000 and Rs.500 notes”.
This decision would be reviewed once the Centre issues adequate quantum of Market Stabilisation Scheme bonds which they have promised to do.
2. Armed men free Khalistani leader
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Armed-men-free-
Khalistani-leader/article16710412.ece?homepage=true
Category: Internal Security
Topic: Challenges to Internal Security
Key Points:
At least five men, armed in police uniform, stormed the high-security Nabha Jail in Punjab
and escaped with six prisoners after opening fire indiscriminately at jail staff.
Among the escaped prisoners was Harminder Singh Mintoo, chief of Khalistan Liberation
Force.
It is important to note that the incident comes at a time when maximum security is in force
on the eve of the Heart of Asia Summit to be held in Amritsar from December 3 to 5.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Cuba after Fidel
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Cuba-after-Fidel/article16711520.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
The life of Fidel Castro, who was Latin America’s last revolutionary leader, came to signify the high point of Cold War.
In Cuba, his policies focused around promoting affordable and accessible health care, housing and education. He also stood up to global hegemony. These policies endeared him to the majority.
On the flip side, his record on human rights came in for serious scrutiny. It is important to note that the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, by Cuban exiles trained by
the U.S., to overthrow Fidel Castro’s regime was historic. After this, there began a pragmatic partnership between Castro and the Soviet Union, bringing the Cold War into the western hemisphere.
Castro commanded great clout in the Non-Aligned Movement.
It is important to note that the process of resumption of diplomatic ties between Havana and Washington under the stewardship of his designated successor and brother, Raúl Castro, is still fragile.
2. The voice of the Third World
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/The-voice-of-the-Third-
World/article16711547.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
Fidel Castro was regarded as the mirror of Africa, Asia and Latin America’s aspirations. In 1983, Fidel Castro arrived in New Delhi to hand over the presidency of NAM to India. When Fidel Castro arrived, he was received like a folk hero, the triumphant leader of a Third
World then in great distress.
Efforts taken by Cuba
Cuba’s intervention in Angola helped defeat the South African military at the 1988 Battle of Cuito Cunavale.
This battle broke the back of the South African apartheid regime and contributed to its demise in 1994.
It is important to note that Cuba did its work and then withdrew. It did not seek to occupy.
The Indian Express
1. Going ahead
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/demonetisation-narendra-modi-
black-money-manmohan-singh-gdp-economy-4398573/
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
In the wake of the recent demonetization initiative by the Union government, former Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh reckons that India’s GDP would take at least a two percentage point hit.
In fact, a host of rating agencies, brokerages, economists and analysts have cut their growth
forecasts for 2016-17.
It is believed that demonetisation could take the shine off private consumption, the sole
bright spark until now.
the informal sector or the “shadow economy”, is going to be hit the maximum by
demonetisation, as the firms in this case deal largely in cash which also helps keep their
transactions outside the tax net.
It is believed that with demonetisation and implementation of the goods and services tax,
many of them may go out of business.
Currently, we have a very perverse system of a limited number of people and firms
shouldering most of the burden of taxes. This situation results in high tax rates, which, in
turn, further encourages evasion and parallel economic activity.
BusinessLine
1. Deceived by multiple IDs
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/from-the-
viewsroom/demonetisation-and-many-ids/article9391767.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
It is important to note that Multiple identification documents can be a boon and a bane.
The finance ministry and the banking sector would have discovered this following the
demonetization.
Problems being faced
None of these documents are linked to the other, and that proved to be the undoing of the
ceiling the government fixed for over the counter exchange of these notes.
This also explains why the Centre decreed banks should use indelible ink to mark the finger
of those exchanging demonetised notes and lowered the cap to Rs. 2,000 per individual from
Rs. 4,500.
Unfortunately for the banking system, indelible ink was in short supply and there was no way
to check if a person had already changed her demonetised banknotes for legal tender.
A reason attributed to this is because the RBI allowed individuals changing notes to use
either Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, driving licence, passport, NREGA card, PAN card as well
as I-cards issued by government departments and PSUs to their staff, as proof of their
identity.
Now, it is important to note that most adults are likely to have at least three of these
documents and a small segment as many as six. So each time a person went to any bank to
change old banknotes, they could use a different identity card.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016
Bay of Pigs invasion
NALSA vs. Union of India
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS
IN NEWS
Links to Refer
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-
transgender-persons-protection-of-rights-bill-
2016-4360/
3. Tags
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016
Bay of Pigs invasion
NALSA vs. Union of India
Practice Questions
Date: 28
th November, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Budget Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] Recently, the Centre has announced that the Union Budget would be presented on
February 1.
2] This would be a break with the colonial practice of budget presentation on the last
working day of February.
3] The word 'budget' has its origin in French word 'bougette' which means small bag.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All, 1, 2 and 3
d) 1 and 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 28
th November, 2016
Category: Geography
Topic: Various Parts of the World Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] Consider the following statements,
1] Afghanistan, is bordered by Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Pakistan and it has a small stretch of border in north east with both China and India.
2] The Durand Line is the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 28th November, 2016
Category: Economy
Topic: Money and Banking
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] Liquidity refers to:
a) Wealth available with investors
b) Ease with which assets can be converted into the money
c) Currency convertibility
d) All of above
Ans (b)
Date: 28th November, 2016
Category: Economy
Topic: Money and Banking Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] The word ‘tax heaven’ appears in the news frequently. What does this mean?
a) Important source of tax revenue for the government
b) Countries or states which impose no tax or very low tax, in an effort to attract wealth from all
over the world
c) An affluent class of society which pays tax
d) a particular section of society that is tax exempted
Ans (b)
Date: 28th November, 2016
Category: Economy
Topic: Money and Banking Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Conceptual
5] A decrease in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) can lead to which among the following?
1. An Increase in cash availability of the banks
2. An Increase in repo rate
3. A Decrease in SLR
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1,2 and 3
Ans (a)
Current News Analysis
29-11-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. NGT tells Centre to frame an incentive policy
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/NGT-tells-Centre-to-frame-an-
incentive-policy/article16717544.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Policies, Judiciary
Key Points:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) rapped the Centre for its delay in introducing a
new scrapping policy.
This new scrapping policy aims to provide incentives to people to surrender their old
polluting vehicles. The NGT has asked the Centre to expeditiously frame a scheme in
this regard.
The NGT declared that more than a year has passed since it had directed the Centre
to formulate a “scrapping policy”, which would provide incentives to scrap old cars and buy new ones.
The NGT has been critical of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, who had earlier
assured that it was in the process of providing methodology and incentives to those
scrapping their vehicles.
These developments take shape in the wake of the deteriorating air quality in the
National Capital Region (NCR), which have only recently seen an improvement.
Levels of harmful particulate matter came down to ‘moderate’ for the first time since Diwali.
2. Harassment and worse in the air
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/Harassment-and-worse-in-the-air/article16717373.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Initiatives, Social Justice
Key Points:
Airline staff around the world have had incidents of harassment by passengers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has had 58 investigations into sexual
assault on airplanes in 2016 alone, compared with 40 for all of 2015.
Unfortunately, in India there is no information on the Directorate General of Civil
Aviation’s site on the number of such cases that have been reported and/or are under
investigation.
It is encouraging to note that recently several airlines have taken positive action
regarding colleague-to-colleague abuse.
Unfortunately, in the civil aviation sector, even with the passing of the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013 the situation hasn’t changed much. But the act has forced airlines to implement a sexual harassment policy and constitute internal complaints
committees to investigate reported incidents.
Unfortunately, colleagues continue to harass colleagues and rarely do people make an
official report.
It is unfortunate to note that even when passengers sexually harass crew members, it
takes courage to make the report as the process to deal with the police is tedious and
there is an unwritten threat of the airline not being supportive enough.
3. Trump threatens to discard Cuba deal
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Trump-threatens-to-discard-
Cuba-deal/article16718022.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
India’s interests
Key Points: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to discard the recent US-Cuba
rapprochement, unless Havana makes key concessions.
It is important to note that Mr. Trump’s fellow Republicans have long criticised the
US-Cuba rapprochement as they believe that the U.S. has ceded too much to Havana
without significant gains in return.
C.GS3 Related
1. Hundreds barge into core tiger reserve area during temple festival
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Hundreds-barge-into-core-
tiger-reserve-area-during-temple-festival/article16717094.ece
Category: Environment and Ecology
Topic: Conservation
Key Points: Egged on by local elected representatives, hundreds of people, allegedly are
having a free rein in the core area of Bandipur National Park. This is taking place during the annual jathra mahotsava of the Beladakuppe Mahadeshwara temple.
The temple festival is a bone of contention between the local community and conservationists.
The Forest Department had convinced the villagers of the necessity of crowd regulation and had banned the entry of private vehicles.
According to local forest officials, nearly 2,000 two-wheelers entered the core area.
Activists have also planned to bring the incident to the notice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and higher authorities in the government.
2. Bitcoin adoption in India sees surge
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/%E2%80%98Bitcoin-adoption-in-
India-sees-surge%E2%80%99/article16716798.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Developments, Money and Banking
Key Points: Unocoin, an Indian bitcoin start-up, has unveiled a new app which aims to allow
consumers to buy, sell, send, receive and store bitcoins, all in one place, from any remote device.
Unocoin has said that the implementation is timely because bitcoin adoption is rapidly ascending in India.
What is a bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a digital currency. This currency is not supported by any country’s government or central bank.
Bitcoin is also known as crypto-currency. It can be traded for services or goods with sellers who accept bitcoins as payment.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Lessons from another jailbreak
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Lessons-from-another-jailbreak/article16716558.ece
Category: Internal Security
Topic: Challenges to Internal Security
Key Points:
The recent jailbreak of six prisoners from the Nabha Jail in Punjab is another wake-up call for the security establishment.
This is the second major jailbreakin the country in the space of weeks. The incident in Nabha was aided by a group of armed men from outside wearing police
uniforms. This is in contrast to the other jailbreak by members of the Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) from the Bhopal Central Prison last month. This one was planned inside and executed largely by the prisoners on their own.
Unfortunately, it is evident that the so-called high security prisons are hardly fool-proof. What is also troubling is that jailbreak incidents have started taking political overtones.
The Way Forward
The real issue is that there are too many shortcomings in the security arrangements in our jails.
It is imperative to introduce a new security regimen that will plug all loopholes. This ought to be a national priority.
2. Lifelines that can sound death knells
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Lifelines-that-can-sound-death-
knells/article16716494.ece
Category: Environment and Ecology
Topic: Conservation
Key Points:
It is important to note that Rail lines, roadways, canals and electricity cable networks occupy pride of place in India’s rapidly growing infrastructure.
Recent Proposals
There are proposals for a railway line and for the widening of NH-44, both within the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, and for a 65km road connecting Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada that will require 30,000 trees to be felled.
Impact on Biodiversity
Flamingoes and bustards have been electrocuted by high tension power lines in Gujarat.
Highways have destroyed some of the most important wildlife corridors in eastern Maharashtra.
Elephant deaths have been occurring in railway accidents across the country.
Effects of linear intrusion
Each linear intrusion project has a significant ecological impact. Animal behaviour is affected. Plant diversity is reduced. Wildlife habitat is fragmented and eventually lost. All this is in addition to the hundreds of animals killed everyday in road and train accidents,
or by electrocution. It is important to note that a recent report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on road
infrastructure underlines the collective impact. This report for instance, notes that the infrastructure boom being seen currently in Asia is
likely to lead to the construction of nearly 11,000km of new transport projects. These projects would carve up the habitats of flagship species such as the tiger and would
prevent them from moving across the large ranges that they require.
The Way Forward
The first step forward would be to recognise and accept the huge impact of linear infrastructure on wildlife and wildlife habitat.
It is important that civil engineers, spatial planners, conservationists and ecologists work together with policymakers, bureaucrats and politicians to develop the common framework needed to negotiate this challenge.
The Indian Express
1. Trump, artificial intelligence and India
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/donald-trump-technology-
artificial-intelligence-india-narendra-modi-united-states-4400415/
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
There were two themes of Donald Trump’s deeply disruptive presidential campaign which resonated with the American people. These were:
a) to put America to work again by bringing jobs back and
b) to make the US military the most powerful and feared in the world again
But, it is important to note that both these initiatives would involve dealing with new
technologies like big data, artificial intelligence, robotics and bioengineering.
These elements have often described as constituting the “fourth industrial revolution”.
The fusion of the cyber world and the physical world is indeed transforming the economic
and security landscape in the world.
It is important that India as well pays attention to these developments.
What Trump intends to do
Trump has promised to limit the in-sourcing of labour and outsourcing of work to cheaper
locations like Mexico, China and India.
Trump has threatened to walk away from free trade agreements and raise tariff barriers.
He also wants to launch massive infrastructure spending to create jobs.
Third Offset “trategy
But, the problem for Trump is that the jobs that America lost in the era of globalisation are
not easy to bring back.
It is significant to note that for some time now, the US defence establishment has focused on
what it called the “Third Offset Strategy”. The “Third Offset Strategy” is an idea to leverage American competence in emerging
technologies. These emerging technologies include machine intelligence to counter the
advantages of mass and geography that China has in Asia.
BusinessLine
1. Chabahar, a geo-political plus for India
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/india-chabahar-port-and-
politics/article9395192.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and the Neighbourhood
Key Points:
Journalists and members of the strategic community in Tehran believe that Chabahar is the
city where India is building a port. This generous description of India’s investment, should suggest a paradigmatic shift in ties
between the two countries. The Iranian government is keen that India fast-tracks its commitment to build the three
jetties allotted to it. During the forthcoming “Heart of Asia” meet to be held in Amritsar on December 4, foreign
minister of Iran, Muhammad Javad Zarif Khonsari, would position Chabahar project as an
economic panacea for Afghanistan. After the Iran-Iraq war ended, the Iran government began to see in the development of
Chabahar an opportunity to build the eastern part of the country.
It is important to note that the development of the Gwadar port, which is entirely funded by
the Chinese, and the coming up of the $46 billion, 2,400 kilometre long China, Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Kashgar in Xinjiang province, blocked India’s ambitions to
revive its traditional routes to Central Asia. It is believed that India decided to invest in Chabahar, to neutralise these happenings and
give meaning to its policy in Afghanistan. Crucially, it is important to note that although the India-Iran-Afghanistan agreement lays
down specific time lines for the completion of the project, there are fears in Iran that the
Indian government may go slow in fulfilling these targets as it would like to know the mind of
the new US administration about the Iran nuclear deal.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
“Third Offset Strategy”
Trilateral Chabahar Agreement
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISA
TIONS IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Finalisation of Trilateral
Chabahar Agreement
http://www.mea.gov.in/press-
releases.htm?dtl/26625/Finalisation_of_Trilateral_Chabahar_
Agreement
3. Tags
China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
“Third Offset Strategy”
Trilateral Chabahar Agreement
Practice Questions
Date: 29
th November, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: Developments Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] The “Third Offset Strategy” is an idea to leverage American competence in emerging technologies.
These emerging technologies include machine intelligence to counter the advantages of mass and
geography that China has in Asia.
2] New technologies like big data, artificial intelligence, robotics and bioengineering are often
described as constituting the “fourth industrial revolution”.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 29
th November, 2016
Category: Environment and Ecology
Topic: Conservation Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] What are the effects of ‘linear intrusion’?
1] Animal behaviour is affected.
2] Plant diversity is reduced.
3] Wildlife habitat is fragmented and eventually lost.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 29th November, 2016
Category: Environment and Ecology
Topic: Conservation Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] ‘Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located in which among the following states?
a) Karnataka
b) Rajasthan
c) Maharashtra
d) Punjab
Ans (a)
Date: 29th November, 2016
Category: Economy
Topic: Money and Banking Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] What is a ‘bitcoin’?
1] Bitcoin is a digital currency. This currency is not supported by any country’s government or central bank. 2] Bitcoin is also known as crypto-currency. 3] It can be traded for services or goods with sellers who accept bitcoins as payment.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 29th November, 2016
Category: Environment and Ecology
Topic: Conservation Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5] ‘Bandipur National Park’ is located in which among the following states?
a) Karnataka
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Telangana
d) Kerala
Ans (a)
Current News Analysis
30-11-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. So a t lai a right to live i pare ts house: HC
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Son-has-no-legal-right-in-
parents%E2%80%99-house-can-stay-at-their-mercy-HC/article16721107.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Policies, Judiciary, Social Justice
Key Points:
In a landmark ruling the Delhi High Court has said that A son cannot claim a right to
live in the self-acquired house of his parents and can do so only at their mercy.
The court observed that merely because the parents have allowed him to live in the
house when their relations were cordial does not mean they have to bear his burden
throughout life.
The Delhi High Court was hearing an appeal against a lower court’s order, asking a man and his wife to vacate the first floor of his parents’ property in west Delhi.
The parents said “their sons as well their wives made life hell for them so much so
that they were not even paying the electricity bills”.
2. Parrikar visiting Dhaka to boost defence partnership
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Parrikar-in-Dhaka-to-boost-defence-ties/article16720185.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and the Neighbourhood
Key Points:
Manohar Parrikar will visit Dhaka on a two-day visit this week. This would be the
first ever bilateral visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Bangladesh
India is keen to assist Dhaka in domestically building its military infrastructure and
capacities.
Sources believe that this visit is a way to revitalise India’s defence partnership with its immediate neighbours, especially Bangladesh and Myanmar, which share long land
boundaries with India.
It is important to note that, under the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh,
there is a forward looking policy from Bangladesh. With land and maritime disputes
behind India and Bangladesh, it is logical to deepen defence cooperation.
As part of naval cooperation, India is open to selling Bangladesh platforms and is
keen to extend cooperation.
It is important to note that the armies of India and Bangladesh, recently, concluded
the sixth edition of joint military exercise “Sampriti-2016” which focussed on counter-terrorism operations.
Joint exercises in the Naval and Air domains are also on the cards between India and
Bangladesh.
3. Mini-nukes pose a big threat, says Austrian negotiator
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Mini-nukes-pose-a-big-threat-says-
Austrian-negotiator/article16726599.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
India’s interests
Key Points: Franz Josef Kuglitsch, who is chief of the disarmament division of Austria, which
hosts the headquarters of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), has
cautioned that there is an “increased likelihood” of the use of mini- nukes.
He believes that currently the world is seeing signs that small nuclear weapons are
being produced by the nuclear weapon states.
The proliferation of such small nuclear weapons, increases the likelihood that they
would be used in a conflict scenario.
Background It is important to note that the United Nations had adopted a landmark
resolution on October 27 calling for the ultimate elimination of nuclear
weapons worldwide.
This resolution is known as resolution L41.
This resolution was adopted on October 27 this year at the U.N. General
Assembly with 123 nations voting in favour and 38 against, with 16
abstentions.
Further, while most of the nuclear-armed countries voted against the
resolution, India and Pakistan abstained from the resolution, which aims to
bring a “legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons.”
4. AIIB drive y proje ts, ot politi s
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/AIIB-driven-by-projects-and-not-
politics-Alexander/article16723362.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
India’s interests
Key Points:
According to the Vice-President, Danny Alexander, of the Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the bank is essentially a multilateral
development bank that is driven solely by the “quality of projects and not politics”.
His comments assume importance as they come against the backdrop of
India’s strategic concerns regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) that covers areas including Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.
The CPEC is the so-called ‘flagship’ project of China’s One-Belt-One-Road
(OBOR) initiative. This project is aimed at developing infrastructure in more
than 60 countries.
The OBOR is among those that will get AIIB funding.
The AIIB is a multilateral institution that has 57 member countries.
India and the AIIB
India is an influential member of the AIIB. It has the second-largest voting share and percentage of shares (next only to
China)
C.GS3 Related
1. ISRO drones help map disasters in north-east
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ISRO-drones-help-map-disasters-in-
north-east/article16727114.ece
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Space, Developments
Key Points: The North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) of the Indian Space
Research Organisation has tested unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These tests have been done to assess many regional problems, ranging from
measuring diseased paddy fields to damage caused by frequent landslides. Drones, are now being used to collect land details and add to data from remote
sensing satellites. NE-SAC has taken the initiative for design and assembling of UAVs for various
applications.
How can UAVs help?
UAVs can perform efficient surveys for disaster-prone or physically inaccessible areas, quick damage assessment of landslides, floods and earthquakes.
For example, NE-SAC mapped the area affected by landslides along Meghalaya's life line, NH40. It gave the extent of damage caused to pest-infested paddy fields in Naramari village of Assam.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. A last chance for amnesty
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/A-last-chance-for-
amnesty/article16726383.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes
Key Points:
Background:
Evasion of taxes deprives the nation of critical resources which could enable the Government to undertake anti-poverty and development programmes.
It also puts a disproportionate burden on the honest taxpayers who have to bear the brunt of higher taxes to make up for the revenue leakage.
The Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 (‘the Bill’) has been introduced in the Parliament to amend the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 to ensure that defaulting assessees are subjected to tax at a higher rate and stringent penalty provision.
In this backdrop, an alternative scheme namely, ‘Taxation and Investment Regime for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 2016’ (PMGKY) has been proposed in the Bill.
Highlights of PMGKY
The declarant under this regime shall be required to pay tax @ 30% of the undisclosed income, and penalty @10% of the undisclosed income.
Further, a surcharge to be called ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Cess’ @33% of tax is also proposed to be levied.
In addition to tax, surcharge and penalty (totaling to approximately 50%), the declarant shall have to deposit 25% of undisclosed income in a Deposit Scheme to be notified by the RBI under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme, 2016’.
This amount is proposed to be utilised for the schemes of irrigation, housing, toilets, infrastructure, primary education, primary health, livelihood, etc., so that there is justice and equality.
This scheme is essentially an extension of the recent Income Disclosure Scheme that cleaned up about Rs.65,000 crore of undeclared income by levying 45 per cent tax.
2. Finally, a step towards change
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Finally-a-step-towards-
change/article16726388.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and the Neighbourhood
Key Points:
In Nepal, a first step towards positive change has been made in addressing federal concerns. The CPN(Maoist-Centre)-led government in Nepal approved amendments to the
Constitution that will be tabled in the Nepalese Parliament.
What do these ammendments include?
They will include federal redrawing of boundaries that will allow for at least two Madhesi-dominated Terai provinces
The amendments also cater for substantial recognition of rights of naturalised citizens, especially women, and some degree of proportional representation in the Upper House.
The Indian Express
1. Bitter pills
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/indian-pharma-industry-
medicines-fail-quality-tests-4402049/
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Industry- Pharma Industry
Key Points:
Recently, twenty-seven commonly-used medicines in the country have failed quality tests in
seven states.
These medicines included antibiotics, painkillers, cough syrups, anti-psychotic and anti-
inflammatory drugs.
These medicines were found wanting on several counts, including false labelling and inadequate quantity of ingredients.
An important statistic to note is that India consumes more than 385 billion medicines every year.
The longstanding problem
The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation believes that inferior medicines constitute about five per cent of the drugs in the Indian market.
A 2014 study by ASSOCHAM estimated that around a fourth of the drugs sold are either substandard or counterfeit.
It is important to note that ensuring quality drugs remains a problem in the absence of adequate regulations and shortage of drug inspectors and lab facilities to check purity.
Unfortunately in the country, drug regulatory offices have been hamstrung by incomplete digitisation — and in some cases, even incomplete computerisation.
Further, the inspection system is too lax to ensure quality control. In most cases, failure to comply with standards results in a short-term suspension of a
manufacturer’s production license, but unfortunately, this short-term suspension of license is hardly an effective deterrent when manufacturers have several production units.
BusinessLine
1. Pakista s orridor of u ertai ty
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/pakistans-corridor-
of-uncertainty/article9399473.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and the Neighbourhood
Key Points:
During the second week of November 2016, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor became
operational. It is important to observe the pace at which the project progressed despite political
controversies. The Chinese and the Pakistanis went ahead with the corridor within a period
of two years.
Challenges to the project
Political opposition by non-Punjabi provinces — especially in Balochistan and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. Regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan complain that the
CPEC investments will benefit Punjab more than rest of the provinces in terms of economic
and power projects.
It is important to note that the CPEC is not just a ‘corridor’ or a ‘route’ comprising road and rail networks. If we look at the breakup, only around $12 billion is allocated to building the
‘corridor’; the rest — around $34 billion — will go into investing in energy projects such as
coal and hydel — and creating economic zones and related projects from Gilgit-Baltistan to
Gwadar.
There have been few concerns from financial and environmental perspectives as well. These
concerns especially relate to power projects.
Fiscal concerns: Pakistan’s power sector is known for its bad governance; there has been a
long-running controversy over the pricing in terms of the cost of electricity produced per
unit.
Another concern that was recently raised in Pakistan’s parliament is a rather interesting concern. The concern is whether the Chinese want to use the CPEC to trade with India?
Indian Perspective
The CPEC as a corridor runs through Gilgit Baltistan which is in PoK.
There is also something for India to learn from the pace at which the CPEC got
operationalised.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme, 2016’
Sampriti-2016
China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATION
S IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Taxation Laws (Second
Amendment) Bill, 2016
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=15445
0
3. Tags
China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme, 2016’
Sampriti-2016
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Practice Questions
Date: 30
th November, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: Developments Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] India and Bangladesh, recently, concluded the sixth edition of joint military exercise “Sampriti-2016”.
2] This joint military exercise focussed on counter-terrorism operations.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 30th November, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: Developments Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] Consider the following statements,
1] It is important to note that recently, the United Nations had adopted a landmark resolution,
named resolution L41, calling for the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide.
2] While most of the nuclear-armed countries voted against the resolution, India and Pakistan
abstained from the resolution.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 30th November, 2016
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Space Source: Developments
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] Consider the following statements,
1] The North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) of the Indian Space Research
Organisation is located in Shillong.
2] The NE-SAC has taken the initiative for design and assembling of UAVs for various applications.
3] UAVs can perform efficient surveys for disaster-prone or physically inaccessible areas, quick
damage assessment of landslides, floods and earthquakes.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 30th November, 2016
Category: Economy
Topic: Money and Banking
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] Consider the following statements, regarding the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme, 2016’,
1] This scheme is essentially an extension of the recent Income Disclosure Scheme. 2] In addition to tax, surcharge and penalty (totaling to approximately 50%), the declarant shall have to deposit 25% of undisclosed income in a Deposit Scheme to be notified by the RBI under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme, 2016’. 3] This amount is proposed to be utilised for the schemes of irrigation, housing, toilets, infrastructure, primary education, primary health, livelihood, etc., so that there is justice and equality.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 30th November, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: International Institutions
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5] Consider the following statements,
1] The AIIB is a multilateral institution that has 57 member countries.
2] India is a member of the AIIB.
3] India has the second-largest voting share and percentage of shares (next only to China)
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Current News Analysis
01-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Afghanistan, India hope to corner Pakistan
http://www.thehindu.com/news/Afghanistan-India-hope-to-corner-
Pakistan/article16733216.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and the Neighbourhood
Key Points:
The Heart of Asia conference is scheduled to take place in Amritsar this weekend.
India is hoping to corner Pakistan on the issue of “cross-border terrorism” at the Heart of Asia conference.
Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India Shaida Abdali remarked that: “Terrorism is the greatest threat to this region, and we expect the Heart of Asia conference to approve
the draft framework on counter terrorism.”
2. Ash Carter may help move defence pacts
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Ash-Carter-may-help-move-defence-
pacts/article16733209.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
It is important to note a comment made by Heidi Grant, Deputy Under Secretary of
the Air Force, International Affairs, that despite the transition in the White House,
enthusiasm for the India-U.S. defence logistics agreements is not waning from the
U.S. side.
It is important to note that India and the United States signed the Logistics Exchange
Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in August earlier this year.
What does LEMOA provide? The LEMOA provides a framework for closer logistics and infrastructure cooperation, such as
aircraft repair and fuelling.
However, the agreement is yet to be operationalized.
3. Modi-Mamata spat may cast a shadow on Hasina visit
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Modi-Mamata-spat-may-cast-a-
shadow-on-Hasina-visit/article16733197.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and the Neighbourhood
Key Points: In the wake of the recent demonetization initiative by the Government, there has
been friction between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
This has casted a shadow on the upcoming visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina to India.
Bangladesh official sources have mentioned that the visit of Bangladesh Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina, was unlikely to witness any progress on the Teesta water-
sharing issue because of the political differences between Ms. Banerjee and Mr.
Modi.
Ms. Hasina has made it clear that her government remains focussed on ensuring
water security for Bangladesh.
Further, Ms. Hasina has mentioned that Bangladesh remained vulnerable as 92 per
cent of its surface water originated from outside its borders.
4. National anthem must be played before screening of films: Supreme
Court
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/National-anthem-must-be-played-
before-screening-of-films-Supreme-Court/article16729264.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Interventions, Judiciary
Key Points:
Developments:
The Supreme Court on 30th November, 2016, ordered all cinema halls across the country
to play the national anthem before the screening of films.
The court observed that all present must "stand up in respect" till the anthem ended. It
said that the practice would "instill a feeling within one a sense of committed patriotism
and nationalism."
The court further maintained that Cinema halls should also display the national flag on
screen when the anthem is played.
Specific Observations
The Supreme Court bench observed that it is the duty of every person to show respect
when the national anthem is played or recited or sung under the Prevention of Insults to
National Honour Act of 1951.
It further remarked that all the doors of cinema halls must be closed when the national
anthem is being played to prevent people from entering or exiting.
The Bench said the protocol of showing respect and honour to the anthem and flag is
rooted in "our national identity, integrity and constitutional patriotism."
Theatre owners have 10 days to implement the order.
Current Precedents
It must be noted that the national anthem is already played before movies in some states –
such as Maharashtra. But the measure is often controversial. There have been instances of
people being beaten up for not standing up for the anthem.
In October this year, a couple assaulted a man at a cinema in Goa for not rising during the
national anthem. Only later on, it was discovered that he was paralytic and on a
wheelchair.
C.GS3 Related
1. Route all wages via bank accounts: Govt. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Route-all-wages-via-bank-accounts-
Govt./article16732684.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points: Recently, the Centre has asked all employers and contractors to ensure that
wages are paid to all employees, including casual and contract workers, through cheques or electronic transfers into a bank account.
The Centre has also asked firms to get bank accounts opened for all those workers who do not have a bank account open already, and report on the compliance status with the details of the new bank accounts opened by December 2, 2016.
Concerns Raised Industry representatives have expressed concern over the directive. They have stressed that it is not against the law to pay wages in cash. They also believe that this could lead to possible harassment of businesses by
labour inspectors. Among the concerns expressed, it is also believed that mid-size and smaller
firms, however, will face an issue, particularly with regard to contract and casual workers. It is important to note that the dues contract and casual workers of mid-size firms are linked to the frequency of their employment during a month.
2. Trade costs of India remain high: UN body http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/Trade-costs-of-India-remain-high-UN-
body/article16731649.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: International Trade
Key Points: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has
made an important observation. The Commission has observed that international and intra-regional trade costs of India
remained higher when compared with the trade costs of the best-performing economies in Asia and the Pacific, although a declining trend has been observed since 2009.
The Commission observed certain factors that may contribute to the FDI attractiveness of India.
These factors include a) India’s robust economic growth b) large domestic market c) “Make in India” initiative and d) easing of FDI regulations for about 15 sectors including aviation, defence and pharmaceuticals.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Provocation at Nagrota
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Provocation-at-
Nagrota/article16731640.ece
Category: Internal Security
Topic: Challenges to Internal Security, Terrorism
Key Points:
Background:
The recent death of seven soldiers in the terrorist attack on an Army base in Nagrota, provides graphic evidence of the high cost being borne by the armed forces amidst escalating violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
It is important to note that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of casualties among security force personnel in Kashmir. This is a deeply worrying thought in the security establishment.
This recent attack on an Army mess in Nagrota, came on the day when the Pakistan Army got its new chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who replaced General Raheel Sharif.
Also, this militant strike on the Nagrota mess in Jammu came exactly two months after the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC). With this latest incident, 89 security personnel have been ‘killed in action’ in Jammu and Kashmir this year. Of these, 27 were lost post the surgical strikes carried out on September 29.
What is significant to observe is that decades of experience in fighting insurgencies and the diverse tactics adopted to reduce security force casualties have in recent months been challenged by the terrorists’ focus on security installations, aimed at causing maximum casualties among the forces.
2. Fi ally, I dia’s issi g girl childre
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/India%E2%80%99s-missing-girl-
children/article16731641.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Social Justice, Women Empowerment, Gender Equality
Key Points:
Unfortunately, in India, there are fewer and fewer girls as a ratio of total births.
This exists as a result of complex factors that include parental preference.
There has been a fall in sex ratio at birth from 898 girls to 1,000 boys in 2013, to 887 a year
later.
It is also important to note that states such as Tamil Nadu, with a strong social development
foundation have slipped on sex ratio at birth (834), going by the CRS (Civil Registration
System of the Registrar General of India) data for 2014.
In Tamil Nadu, the cradle baby scheme was started in 1992 in Tamil Nadu to raise the
survival chances of girl children by encouraging mothers to give them anonymously for
adoption.
But, when we factor the latest numbers, together with the persistence of the cradle baby
scheme after 24 years, and 260 babies being abandoned in just one centre over a six-year
period, it becomes clear that national policy has achieved little in real terms.
The Way Forward
It is important to note that there is a need to go beyond slogans and institute tangible
schemes.
Enforcement of the law that prohibits determination of the sex of the foetus must go hand in
hand with massive social investments to protect both immediate and long-term prospects of
girls — these can be in the form of:
a) cash incentives through registration of births,
b) A continuum of health care, early educational opportunities and social protection.
The Indian Express
1. Jana gana mana
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/national-anthem-in-theater-
national-flag-supreme-court-4403810/
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Judiciary
Key Points:
India’s Constitution, after all, speaks of respect to the national flag and anthem as a fundamental duty in Part IV A — a non-justiciable part of the document.
Article 51(A) says that “it shall be the duty of every citizen of India — (a) to abide by the
Constitution and respect the ideals of the national flag and the national anthem”. By making it non-justiciable, the message of the founding fathers was clear: Respect to the
nation and its symbols would not be enforced by state diktat or extracted through legal
compulsion.
BusinessLine
1. Demonetisation — just the right medicine
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/demonetisation-fights-corrpution-in-
india/article9402357.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
Corruption has always existed, and will exist anywhere in the world.
But there is a difference between that which is seen across all economic activities we now see
in India and the big-time deal making like, say, Bofors scams of the past.
Some sections have remarked that corruption contributed to consumption-led growth.
This is true, but it did so at the cost of choking future growth.
As a consequence of high-margin corruption, we observe disturbed business viability. Banks
get saddled with bad assets. And, courts became shadow governments, impacting policy
stability.
The real purpose of Demonetisation is to give formal economy a chance to grow and establish
the long arm of law.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Article 51(A)
LEMOA
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATION
S IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
(BBBP) Scheme
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=11267
1
3. Tags
Article 51(A)
LEMOA
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
Practice Questions
Date: 1
st December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Basic Provisions Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] Directive Principles of state policy are non-justiciable in nature.
2] Article 51(A) says that “it shall be the duty of every citizen of India — (a) to abide by the
Constitution and respect the ideals of the national flag and the national anthem”.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 1
st December, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: Bilateral Relations Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] Consider the following statements, regarding ‘LEMOA’,
1] The LEMOA provides a framework for closer logistics and infrastructure cooperation between
India and the U.S, such as aircraft repair and fuelling.
2] The agreement is yet to be operationalized.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 1
st December, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: Bilateral Relations Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] The Heart of Asia conference is scheduled to be held in which of the following Indian cities?
a) Amritsar
b) Delhi
c) Bangalore
d) Goa
Ans (a)
Date: 1
st December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] Consider the following statements, regarding the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme’,
1] Government of India has introduced the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme for survival, protection & education of the girl child.
2] It aims to address the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) through a mass campaign across the country targeted at changing societal mindsets & creating awareness about the criticality of the issue. 3] It is a joint initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 1st December, 2016
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Inflation Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5] Economic growth is usually coupled with
(a) Deflation
(b) Inflation
(c) Stagflation
(d) Hyperinflation
Solution (b)
Current News Analysis
02-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Foreigners can enter India through five ports on e-visa
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Foreigners-can-enter-India-through-
five-ports-on-e-visa/article16738695.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Agreements involving India
Key Points:
Foreigners will be able to enter India through five seaports with electronic visa (e-
visa). This is in addition of 16 airports where the facility is available.
These seaports include: Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Goa and Mangalore.
As part of the new liberalised visa policy, the government of India has also decided
that business visitors and those coming on medical emergency will be issued visa
within 48 hours of application.
Separate immigration counters will be set up in all 16 major airports and the five
seaports for medical tourists coming to India on e-visa.
A go-ahead was also given by the Government for an ‘internship visa’ for foreigners who want to gain professional experience in India.
It was also decided that the electronic tourist visa (eTV) will now be known as
electronic visa and that visitors could apply through the existing online portal.
How will the liberalized visa policy help? It is expected to stimulate
a) economic growth,
b) increase earnings from export of services like tourism, medical value
travel and travel on account of business and to
c) make Skill India, Digital India, Make in India and other such flagship
initiatives of the government successful.
2. Parrikar holds detailed discussions in Dhaka
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Parrikar-holds-detailed-discussions-in-
Dhaka/article16739067.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and the Neighbourhood
Key Points:
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar ended his two-day visit to Bangladesh this week.
He held wide-ranging discussions with Bangladesh’s political and military leadership. This was the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Bangladesh.
It is important to note what the press release statement made by the Indian High
Commission.
The Indian High Commission said that the visit was also the first by an Indian Defence
Minister to any of India’s immediate neighbouring countries. It went on to further add that it was “ indicative of the importance the government of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi places on its relationship with Bangladesh.”
3. U.S. for closer defence ties with India
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/U.S.-for-closer-defence-ties-
with-India/article16737659.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
I dia’s i terests
Key Points:
There are important developments set to take place in the U.S. over the next
week.
The National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2017 is scheduled to be
passed by the U.S Congress next week.
This act seeks executive action to “recognise India’s status as a major defence partner of the United States.”
It is important to note that the U.S had already recognised India as a “major defence partner” in June 2016. This was done during Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s visit, but the implications of it remains undefined.
4. Putin seeks better ties with U.S. in conciliatory address
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Putin-seeks-better-ties-with-U.S.-
in-conciliatory-address/article16738160.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
I dia’s i terests
Key Points:
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently voiced hope for mending a rift
with the U.S. and pooling efforts in fighting terrorism.
Significantly, Mr. Putin emphasised that friendly relations between the two superpowers are essential for global stability.
Past Escalations Tensions had escalated during the U.S. election campaign. President Barack
Obama’s administration had accused Moscow of hacking American political
sites and e-mail accounts in an effort to interfere with the vote. Russia had
rejected the accusations.
It is important to note that the Russian economy contracted 3.7 per cent
in 2015 and the recession has continued in 2016 as well under the
combined blow of low oil prices and Western sanctions.
5. No troop presence in Afghanistan: China
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/No-troop-presence-in-
Afghanistan-China/article16737591.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
I dia’s i terests
Key Points:
Recently, China has denied that its forces were conducting vehicular
patrols in Afghanistan.
It is important to note that along with Pakistan and Tajikistan, China and
Afghanistan are part of a quadrilateral military mechanism.
This quadrilateral military mechanism is aimed at countering terrorism.
This assumes importance as terrorism could radiate and destabilise key
areas of Central Asia — a core component of the China-led One Belt One
Road (OBOR) connectivity initiative.
C.GS3 Related
1. Taxman says 85%, experts opine 83.25%
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/Taxman-says-85-experts-opine-
83.25/article16737877.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Taxation
Key Points: Tax practitioners are puzzled in the wake of the tax law amendments to
implement the latest voluntary income disclosure scheme. There appears to be a sense of ambiguity between what the Government has
said, and the language of the amendments to the income tax law cleared by the Lok Sabha recently.
While the government has said that the tax rate and penalty to be levied on undeclared cash and assets for which a source of income can’t be explained, would add up to 85 per cent, the language of the amendments, suggest that the actual amount payable could be a little lesser.
2. First private moon mission next year
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/India%E2%80%99s-first-private-moon-mission-next-
year/article16738669.ece
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Developments, Space
Key Points:
A Bengaluru-based private aerospace company, named 'TeamIndus' has said that it will send a spacecraft to the moon on December 28, 2017, aboard an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket.
The aim of the mission is to land the spacecraft on the moon, have it travel at least 500 metres and beam high- definition video, images and data back to the earth.
A look at TeamIndus:
TeamIndus is one among four international teams, and the only one from India which is in the running for the Google Lunar XPRIZE, a $30 million (approx. Rs. 200 crore) competition, to encourage private companies to launch space missions.
TeamIndus has high-profile investors. These high-profile investors include Ratan Tata of the Tata Group; Sachin and Binny Bansal, co-founders of Flipkart and Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys Ltd.
TeamIndus is composed of a 100-member team of engineers, space enthusiasts, former Air Force pilots and former ISRO employees.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Patriotism by diktat
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Patriotism-by-
diktat/article16737937.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Judiciary, Government Initiatives
Key Points:
The recent order of the Supreme Court order, that every cinema hall should play the national anthem before the exhibition of a film, is hard to understand by certain sections of our society.
Critics of this order by the honourable Supreme Court believe that the national anthem hardly requires judicial promotion.
They are of the belief that the singing of the national anthem on special occasions, especially in schools and colleges, is sufficient to help citizens identify the anthem with something larger than their daily concerns.
What the critics have argued
Critics have argued that the singing of the national anthem on special occasions, especially in schools and colleges, is sufficient to help citizens identify the anthem with something larger than their daily concerns.
They also observe that there are clear rules on when the anthem should be played.
Further, they point out that, any misuse of the anthem or any wilful insult to it is legally prohibited, and that those aggrieved by any such incident can take recourse to the law.
They further maintain that in a mature democracy such as India, there really is no need to make the playing or the singing of the anthem mandatory through a judicial order.
2. HIV: The self-test option
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/HIV-The-self-test-option/article16737936.ece
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Health
Key Points:
Recently, the World Health Organisation released guidelines on HIV self-testing. With this
development, a major obstacle in improving access to diagnosis has been cleared.
In India, much progress has been achieved in making HIV testing accessible and free of cost.
But unfortunately, many infected persons remain unaware of their status.
Important Statistics
Globally, nearly 40 per cent of people with HIV are unaware of their infection and run the
risk of unknowingly transmitting it.
There has been a 66 per cent drop in incidence in 2015 in India compared with 2000. But,
unfortunately, the number of new HIV infections last year was 86,000; children below 15
years of age alone account for 12 per cent of this number.
A look at OraQuick HIV self-testing
The WHO-approved OraQuick HIV self-testing is based on HIV antibodies present in oral
and blood samples.
The test can detect antibodies developed within three months of getting infected.
It is a screening test, and a positive result should be reconfirmed though a blood-based test.
3. The message from Amritsar
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/The-message-from-Amritsar/article16737918.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Agree e ts i volvi g I dia a d/or affecti g I dia’s
interests
Key Points:
India hosts the Heart of Asia (HoA) conference this week in Amritsar.
The Heart of Asia (HoA) conference is aimed at speeding up reconstruction in war-
torn Afghanistan and bringing peace and normalcy to the country.
The Heart of Asia (HoA) conference will see participation from 14 states:
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan,
Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and the United Arab
Emirates.
The HoA process, originated under the aegis of the Istanbul Conference in November
2011.
It is important to note that this conference comes at a time when India is looking to
isolate Pakistan regionally and globally.
Afghanistan too has been reviewing its policy towards Pakistan.
Indian interests, including its Embassy and consulates, are repeatedly targeted in
Afghanistan.
India’s Outreach Initiatives
PM Modi visited Afghanistan to inaugurate the new parliament building in 2015. India
gifted Mi-24 attack helicopters to Afghan forces.
India also signed the TAPI pipeline agreement to showcase its continuing commitment to
Afghanistan’s economic viability. The Government of India has so far shown a willingness to move beyond the binary of
economic cooperation and military engagement and evolve a comprehensive policy which
involves all dimensions of power.
This has enhanced Indian credibility in Afghanistan.
The Indian Express
1. Broken Promises
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/bihar-nalanda-univeristy-revival-
meghnad-desai-amartya-sen-4405857/
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Education
Key Points:
It was in January 2007, at the East Asia Summit, that the government of India shared its
plan to establish an international, multi-disciplinary university at Nalanda in Bihar.
George Yeo, Nalanda University’s second chancellor recently resigned from the University.
Yeo, a former foreign minister of Singapore, has said that he was not even informed when
the entire governing board of the university, which included Sen, Sugata Bose and
Meghnad Desai, was replaced.
It is important to note that MEA spokesperson, Vikas Swarup, has claimed that the
government acted according to the rules established by the Nalanda University Act
(2010).
Unfortunately, the impression is that the government is actively undermining the
autonomy of the university.
A missed opportunity
The Nalanda University was promised by India at the East Asia Summit, as an
intellectual resource for the entire continent.
This University could have provided a template for other ailing institutions in the
country.
BusinessLine
1. Carrot and stick
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/india-black-money-and-tax-
terrorism/article9404983.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
The tabling of the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill marks an intensified phase in
the crackdown on black money.
This initiative by the Government, stems from the realisation that black money hoarders
(in cash) could use loopholes in the Income Tax Act to negate the demonetisation
exercise.
The Bill offers an amnesty scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.
Highlights of PMGKY
The declarant under this regime shall be required to pay tax @ 30% of the undisclosed income, and penalty @10% of the undisclosed income.
Further, a surcharge to be called ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Cess’ @33% of tax is also proposed to be levied.
In addition to tax, surcharge and penalty (totaling to approximately 50%), the declarant shall have to deposit 25% of undisclosed income in a Deposit Scheme to be notified by the RBI under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme, 2016’.
This amount is proposed to be utilised for the schemes of irrigation, housing, toilets, infrastructure, primary education, primary health, livelihood, etc., so that there is justice and equality.
This scheme is essentially an extension of the recent Income Disclosure Scheme that cleaned up about Rs.65,000 crore of undeclared income by levying 45 per cent tax.
Concluding Remarks
It is important to note that in the effort to rid the economy of black money, the Centre should not lose sight of its original promise of doing away with ‘tax terrorism’.
It should devise a standard operating procedure for the tax authorities to rule out harassment.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 2016
Heart of Asia (HoA) conference
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATION
S IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Taxation Laws (Second
Amendment) Bill, 2016
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=15445
0
3. Tags
Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 2016
Heart of Asia (HoA) conference
Practice Questions
Date: 2
nd December, 2016
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Developments Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] The WHO-approved OraQuick HIV self-testing is based on HIV antibodies present in oral and
blood samples.
2] The test can detect antibodies developed within three months of getting infected.
3] It is a screening test, and a positive result should be reconfirmed though a blood-based test.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 2
nd December, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: Agreements involving India Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] Consider the following statements, regarding,
1] The Heart of Asia (HoA) conference is aimed at speeding up reconstruction in war-torn
Afghanistan and bringing peace and normalcy to the country.
2] The Heart of Asia (HoA) conference will see participation from 14 states: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan,
China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey,
Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates.
3] The HoA process, originated under the aegis of the Istanbul Conference in November 2011.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 2
nd December, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: Agreements involving India Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] The new liberalized visa policy of the Government of India is expected to?
1] Stimulate economic growth
2] Increase earnings from export of services like tourism, medical value travel and travel on account
of business
3] Make Skill India, Digital India, Make in India and other such flagship initiatives of the
government successful.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 2
nd December, 2016
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Developments, Space Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] Consider the following statements, regarding ‘TeamIndus’, which appeared in the news recently,
1] TeamIndus is one among four international teams, and the only one from India which is in the running for the Google Lunar XPRIZE, a $30 million (approx. Rs. 200 crore) competition, to encourage private companies to launch space missions. 2] TeamIndus has high-profile investors. These high-profile investors include Ratan Tata of the Tata Group; Sachin and Binny Bansal, co-founders of Flipkart and Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys Ltd. 3] TeamIndus is composed of a 100-member team of engineers, space enthusiasts, former Air Force pilots and former ISRO employees.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 2nd
December, 2016
Category: Geography
Topic: Various Parts of the World Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5] Where is the ‘Kamchatka Peninsula’ located?
(a) Russia
(b) China
(c) Japan
(d) Korea
Solution (a)
Current News Analysis
03-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Furore in Parliament over Army presence in Kolkata
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Furore-in-Parliament-over-Army-presence-in-
Kolkata/article16742293.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Center-State Relations
Key Points:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee objected to the presence of Army
soldiers at toll booths on national highways running through the state of West Bengal.
Position of the Indian Army:
The Army has maintained that it conducts the data collection exercise at toll booths across the country bi-annually. The Army has assured that, "There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders."
Furore in Parliament:
In Parliament, the opposition, while underlining their respect for the Army, sought to know whether this was not a violation of the federal structure.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the army was India’s pride as it has upheld its unity and integrity by protecting borders and also rescued people during natural calamities.
But in Bengal, he said, the chief secretary, administration and DG Police had no information of the Army taking over toll plazas.
However, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, in a statement in the Lok Sabha, termed the exercises as “routine”. The Defence Minister observed that similar operations had last month been conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand to
collect information on heavy vehicle movement that could be used during national emergencies.
2. EC must consider state funding of polls: Nirmala
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/EC-must-consider-state-funding-of-
polls-Nirmala/article16751407.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Electoral Reforms, Elections
Key Points:
Recently, Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman remarked that the Election
Commission of India (ECI) needs to look into the proposal for state funding of elections to
combat the influence of cash and black money in them.
Note to Students:
The issue of electoral reforms is very important for the Civil Services examination. Students are
advised to read this issue in detail.
A detailed analysis of this issue is available under the below link:
http://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/electoral-reforms-in-india
3. Modi, Ghani to discuss terror, defence
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Modi-Ghani-to-discuss-terror-
defence/article16751339.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations
Key Points:
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Afghanistan President Ashraf
Ghani at Amritsar, it is believed that Terrorism, trade and defence assistance
will be on the top of the agenda.
This meeting will also see a fresh focus on India’s plans to develop the Chabahar port in Iran for trade to Afghanistan.
PM Modi is likely to build on India’s commitment on military aid to Afghanistan.
Work is also moving forward on a trilateral framework with Russia.
In the text of the Amritsar declaration, India and Afghanistan may seek to
corner Pakistan. Officials believe that a major focus for the conference will be
on developing trade routes to Afghanistan.
4. Mercosur suspends Venezuela
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/Mercosur-suspends-
Venezuela/article16752382.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
South American nations have suspended Venezuela from the Mercosur trade group over its
failure to comply with its commitments when it joined the group in 2012.
What is Mercosur? Mercosur is an economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay,
and Venezuela.
Many experts say Mercosur has failed to live up to its ambitions.
Venezuela joined the group in 2012.
Members of Mercosur had threatened to suspend Venezuela for failing to comply with the
group's rules on trade and democracy.
5. U.S. to hold heari g o I dia s ur s o NGO
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/U.S.-to-hold-hearing-on-
India%E2%80%99s-curbs-on-NGO/article16751785.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
India’s interests
Key Points:
Background:
In March 2016, India had stopped the flow of funds from an American charity, named
Compassion International (CI) to around 250 organisations which it wanted to support in the
country.
After Secretary of State John Kerry took up the matter with External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj, the Government of India partially lifted the restrictions in October, allowing 10
organisations to receive funds.
Next week, The U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing
on restrictions imposed by the Indian government on Compassion International (CI).
Indian security agencies say the funds were being used for religious conversions.
C.GS3 Related
1. Fu ds tra ki g syste ill tri Ce tre s osts
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/Funds-tracking-system-will-trim-
Centre%E2%80%99s-costs/article16750339.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
It is believed that when the Public Financial Management System is implemented, the Centre
would stand to save a significant amount on interest costs.
It is believed that the electronic fund tracking mechanism will allow the government to
monitor and access the more than Rs.1 lakh crore of idle funds lying with it under various
heads.
It is believed that there are about Rs.1-1.5 lakh crore of idle funds lying with the government.
The PFMS platform compiles, collates and makes available in real-time, information
regarding all government schemes, and, importantly, provides the government real-time
information on resource availability and utilisation across schemes.
Further, the platform will allow government expenditure to adopt a Just-in- Time (JIT)
approach, with payments made only when they are needed.
2. Budget oost for glo al e e t pro oti g s adeshi s ie e
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Budget-boost-for-global-event-
promoting-%E2%80%98swadeshi-science%E2%80%99/article16751878.ece
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Developments
Key Points: The India International Science Festival (IISF), is organised by Vijnana Bharti, which is a
social organisation committed to promoting ‘swadeshi science. The India International Science Festival (IISF) has received a 200% increase in its budget
this year from the Union Ministry of Science and Technology. The festival would be a four-day event beginning on December 7. It is important to note that, nearly 5,000 scientists, technology demonstrators and students,
including at least 1,000 specially-selected children from villages, spanning 200 Lok Sabha constituencies, are expected to attend the festival.
The IISF will also attempt to break a ‘Guinness World Book Record,’ of having the largest number of people dressed up as physicist, Albert Einstein.
3. Navy says no to Tejas variant
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Navy-says-no-to-Tejas-variant/article16751699.ece
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Developments
Key Points:
Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba made an important statement recently. He remarked that the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas does not
meet requirements of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy currently operates Russian MiG-29K fighters from the aircraft carrier INS
Vikramaditya. Russian MiG-29K fighters will also fly from the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
(IAC) Vikrant once it enters service.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Staring at a slowdown
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/Staring-at-a-
slowdown/article16752284.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
There has been a predictable side effect of the recent demonetization initiative by the Government- that of a dampening of economic activity.
It is important to note that high-value banknotes constituted more than 86 per cent of the currency in circulation as of March 31, 2016. With the sudden withdrawal of these notes, cash availability has been significantly impaired.
A quick look at manufacturing from the Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index released on December 1 has revealed that demonetisation had slowed buying activity and production across the board, and led to the weakest expansion in orders in four months.
Further, the survey indicated that producers of consumer goods are among the worst hit. This is a signal that a key engine of India’s economic growth — that of private consumption
demand — appears to be sputtering on account of the cash shortage. This impact is likely to extend beyond the current quarter.
The Indian Express
1. Cracks on show
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/cracks-on-show-nepal-
leadership-pm-pushpa-kumar-dahal-madhesi-4407618/
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations
Key Points:
It is important to note that the Nepalese PM, Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s proposed amendment to the 2015 constitution, which is aimed at addressing the demands of the
Madhesi population, has led to protests from the opposition Communist Party of Nepal
Unified-Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UMN).
Protests from this opposition party, led by his predecessor K.P. Oli.
Who are the Madhesis?
The Madhesis are Nepalis of Indian origin, who inhabit the Terai region. The Terai region
occupy less than 20 per cent of Nepal’s landmass but form nearly 50 per cent of its
population.
The Madhesis had hoped that a federal polity under a new constitution would have
allowed them greater political representation and parity with the hill population.
Unfortunately, when the constitution was finally passed in 2015, their demands for a
separate province and equal citizenship rights were not met.
Roots of the Problem
Nepal’s top-down approach to federalism has been at the root of its problems. This is reflected in constant delays and tussles over the constitution.
It is important to note that issues of boundaries and ethnicity are deeply emotional. Nepal’s political class and successive governments have been unable to build a consensus
among their people or even among themselves.
BusinessLine
1. Banks need better internal watchdogs
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/solution-for-npas-in-indian-
banking/article9407407.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
Indian banks are faced with the challenge to tighten internal controls and risk
management measures.
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS), based in Basel of which India is a
prominent member, has been setting standards of governance for banks in order
to realise its objective of global monetary and financial stability.
The BIS has been consistent in its emphasis on the need for strong internal audit
functions, as part of risk mitigation measures.
Major Ills plaguing public sector banks:
Weak internal controls
Relatively lower importance given to audit and inspection
The failure of the triad of a) Inspection, b) risk management and c) compliance in
playing its role effectively and mediating in policies, procedures and decision-
making has been one of the main reasons for the current banking crisis in India.
The NPA issue is a symptom or a manifestation (among other factors) of this
deep-rooted malaise and not the disease itself.
As a rule, the inspection department is seen mostly as a “dump yard” for personnel who would not otherwise fit into other fashionable areas like treasury, credit or operations.
The Way Forward
What is now required is the realisation among bankers that if they put
compliance first, business is likely to last.
It is important to note that the sustainability of business is based on robust
compliance and risk management practices.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Mercosur
Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATION
S IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Taxation Laws (Second
Amendment) Bill, 2016
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=15445
0
3. Tags
Mercosur
Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
Practice Questions
Date: 3
rd December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] “Rashtriya Goukul Mission”, a new initiative under National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development has been launched for the first time in the country, with a view to conserve and
develop indigenous bovine breeds.
2] The mission also envisages establishment of integrated cattle development centres.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 3rd
December, 2016
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Initiatives Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] Consider the following statements, regarding the ‘Public Financial Management System’,
1] It is believed that the PFMS will allow the government to monitor and access the more than Rs.1
lakh crore of idle funds lying with it under various heads.
2] The PFMS platform compiles, collates and makes available in real-time, information regarding all
government schemes, and, importantly, provides the government real-time information on resource
availability and utilisation across schemes.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 3rd
December, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: International Institutions Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] The new liberalized visa policy of the Government of India is expected to?
1] Mercosur is an economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and
Venezuela.
2] South American nations have suspended Venezuela from the Mercosur trade group over its failure
to comply with its commitments when it joined the group in 2012.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 3rd
December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] Consider the following statements,
1] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is operating a scheme titled “Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD)” to promote women entrepreneurs. 2] The scheme envisages economic empowerment of women through trade related training, information and counseling activities related to trades, products, services, etc.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 3rd
December, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: Developments Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5] Consider the following statements,
1] INS Shardul, an amphibious ship of the Indian Navy.
2] Since 2009, the Indian Navy has been deploying ships to Mauritius bi-annually to assist in patrolling the vast EEZ of the country based on request by the Government of Mauritius.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Current News Analysis
04-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
1. Pre-historic camping site found in Ladakh
http://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/Pre-historic-camping-site-found-in-
Ladakh/article16756963.ece
Category: Ancient History
Topic: Pre-Historic sites
Key Points:
I hat is o side ed a e ope i g i I dia a haeolog , a a ie t a ping site
used by pre-historic man and datable to circa 8500 BCE, has been found at an altitude of
about 4,200 metres near Saser La in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh. Saser La leads to the
Karakoram Pass.
A camping site is a place where hunter-gatherers stayed temporarily before they moved
on to another place. ASI found the camping site during an exploration there in 2015-16.
Charcoal pieces from hearth activity and remains of bones associated with it were found
at the site. The charcoal pieces sent for dating to Beta Analytic, Florida, U.S., revealed
that the site belonged to circa 8500 BCE.
A“I, alled it the ea liest a pi g site i Ladakh . “u h a ea l a ti uit o the asis of a scientific date is the very first for that region. This date has generated a lot of in-house
discussion and excitement in the ASI.
B. GS2 Related
1. MATERNAL HEALTH - Choosing hospital over home
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/Choosing-hospital-over-home/article16756430.ece
Category: Social Welfare
Topic: Health
Key Points:
Over the last decade, a government programme – Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) aimed at
increasing institutional deliveries has changed the health-seeking behavior of Indian women.
JSY led to a 22 per cent increase in women delivering in government hospitals between 2004 and
2014. The scheme also is attributed for increasing the probability of a woman being hospitalized
by 1.3 per cent, resulting in a 2 per cent increase in overall hospitalization of women in India.
The increase, however marginal, is a cause of celebration as women in rural India are known to
delay seeking health interventions.
Lau hed i 2005, J“Y, the o ld s iggest o ditio al ash-transfer scheme, aimed to promote
institutional delivery — instead of delivering babies at home — to i p o e I dia s i fa t a d maternal mortality rates.
Under JSY, pregnant women choosing to deliver at the hospital and the health worker who
motivated her to take the decision get cash incentives — Rs. 1,400 for the woman and Rs. 600 for
the Accredited Social Health Activist in rural areas and Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 200 respectively in urban
areas.
The researchers have found a causal link between JSY and increase in hospitalisation, even for
non-childbirth-related ailments. The study found that while fertility rates in Indian women have
steadily declined.
JSY impacted overall hospitalisation of women. JSY led to 15 per cent increase in institutional
childbirth with a commensurate decline in deliveries at home. The data also shows that there is a
tremendous increase of over 22 per cent in deliveries in government hospitals.
This increase is fueled by an 8 per cent decline in childbirth at private hospitals and a 16 per cent
declined in childbirth at home. Our analysis shows that the JSY hypothesis holds true and the
programme led to a significant increase of 2 percent in overall public hospitalization of women in
India, states the Brookings India report.
The s he e s fo us as o l to edu e ate nal and infant mortality. But now we see that
women are going for childbirth and are also coming in for other ailments. The overall increase is
a windfall gain. However, there are concerns about the quality of care with increasing number of
caesarean sections and hospital-acquired infections
the percentage of women reporting sick has also increased and it could be a result of other
health insurance schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. The fact that these many women
are being hospitalized also reflects the induced demand with hospitals performing unnecessary
procedures.
2. India keen on investments in Qatar, says Modi
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/India-keen-on-forays-into-Qatar-says-
Modi/article16757062.ece?utm_source=RSS_Feed=RSS=RSS_Syndication
Category: International Relations
Topic: India - Qatar
Key Points:
PM Modi e p essed I dia s kee ess to i est i h d o a o p oje ts i Qata , du i g talks ith his counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, on issues of energy, trade and security.
Mr. Modi and the Qatari Prime Minister discussed enhancing cooperation in defence and security, in
particular in cybersecurity and agreed on joint action to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing.
After the talks, the two sides inked five pacts, including in the field of visas, cyberspace and investments.
The two leaders acknowledged that the current level of trade and investment was below potential.
O e e g oope atio , M . Modi said, We should go beyond the buyer-seller relationship to include
Joi t Ve tu es, Joi t ‘esea h a d De elop e t a d Joi t E plo atio . I dia o pa ies e e ead to i est i oth upst ea a d do st ea p oje ts.
3. Heart of Asia eet to target Pak. o terror
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/%E2%80%98Heart-of-
Asia%E2%80%99-meet-to-target-Pak.-on-
terror/article16757162.ece?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_ca
mpaign=RSS_Syndication
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and its neighbourhood
Key Points:
India and Afghanistan are once again expected to try to pin down Pakistan on terrorism at the Heart of
Asia conference beginning at Amritsar. The two countries are expected to try for a draft declaration in
st i ge t la guage agai st oss-bo de te o is a d sa tua ies fo te o g oups . Mr. Ghani and Mr. Modi will hold a bilateral meeting, their fourth this year. The two leaders are expected
to dis uss e ha i g I dia s ilita assista e to Afgha ista , the de elop e t of I a s Cha ahar port
fo t ade a d a ai a go ag ee e t to o k a ou d o sta les posed Pakista to t a sit t ade. I dia a d Afgha ista s ou te -terror proposals to corner Pakistan may face some pushback from close
allies of Pakistan such as China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey
4. Tru p s Taiwa talk a gers Chi a
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Trump-talks-to-Taiwanese-President-angers-
China/article16754924.ece1
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
U.S President-ele t Do ald T u p sig alled a pote tial uptu e i the ou t s Chi a poli holding a telephone conversation with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday. He is the first
American President or President-elect to talk to a Taiwanese President since 1979, when the U.S.
cut off diplomatic ties with the island while getting closer to China. Recognising Taiwan as a part of China is a fundamental principle of the U.S.-China relations and
M . T u p s e gage e t ith the Tai a ese leader drew strong reactions from Beijing. Chi a u ged the U.“. to ha dle issues elated to Tai a a efull . The O e Chi a p i iple is
the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. China has urged the relevant side in the U.S. to
adhe e to the O e Chi a poli , a ide the pledges i the th ee joi t Chi a-U.S.
communiques, and handle issues related to Taiwan carefully and properly to avoid causing
unnecessary interference to the overall China-U.S. relationship.
5. India, Afghanistan plan air cargo link
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-afghanistan-idUSKBN13S09D
Category: International Relations
Topic: India and its neighbourhood
Key Points:
India and Afghanistan are likely to announce an air cargo service on Saturday to help increase trade that
both say is stymied because of their tense political relations with Pakistan that lies between them.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were meeting in the northern
Indian city of Amritsar, a short distance from the Pakistan border, for the Heart of Asia conference aimed
at stabilising Afghanistan.
The focus of the air cargo service is to improve landlocked Afghanistan's connectivity to key markets
abroad and boost the growth prospects of its fruit and carpet industries while it battles a deadly Taliban
insurgency.
Afghanistan depends on the Pakistani port of Karachi for its foreign trade. It is allowed to send a limited
amount of goods overland through Pakistan into India, but imports from India are not allowed along this
route.
C.GS3 Related
1. Do t touch o ey i Ja Dha accou ts: PM
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Dont-withdraw-money-from-Jan-Dhan-
account-PM-Modi/article16755104.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked poor people not to withdraw money
from their Jan Dhan accounts. Mr. Modi was referring to reports of millions of rupees being deposited in Jan Dhan accounts allegedly by
black money holders. Mr. Modi said the money should go to the poor people and the black money holders
should go to jail.
Talking about the role of big States in eradicating poverty, Mr. Modi said: "If
one has to eradicate poverty from the country, it is essential to develop big
States like UP, Bihar and Maharashtra.
2. Set up State Food Commissions at the earliest: SC
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Set-up-State-Food-Commission-at-the-
earliest-SC/article16757442.ece
Category: Economy
Topic: Food distribution
Key Points:
The Supreme Court has criticized the Centre and the State governments for the lackluster implementation
of the National Food Security Act of 2013. It deplored the rather casual approach to the mandatory setting up of the State Food Commissions meant
to monitor the implementation of the statute. The SC learnt from the Centre that many States have other existing bodies that double up as the Food
Commission. The ou t fou d that the situatio has o e i to e iste e o i g to the fle i ilit p o ided the A t
to “tates to desig ate so e e isti g Co issio to a t as the “tate Food Co issio . The SC Bench felt such arrangements could negatively impact the implementation of the 2013 Act.
3. GST Council fails to reach consensus on key issues
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/GST-Council-fails-to-reach-consensus-on-
key-issues-to-meet-again-on-Dec-11-12/article16756422.ece
Category: Economy
Topic: Taxation
Key Points:
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council failed to reach a consensus on critical issues, including the laws
that need to be passed in the winter session in order to stick to the April 1, 2017 rollout date set by the
Centre.
With the pending legislations, including the draft model GST law, as well as the contentious issue of dual
administrative control over assessees between the Centre remaining unresolved, the GST Council would
now meet on December 11 and 12.
States also expressed their concerns on the impact of demonetization and suggested an increase in the
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management targets while others called for a relaxation of the ways and
means limits.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Heart of Asia conference
GST Council
Janani Suraksha Yojana
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATION
S IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Janani Suraksha Yojana
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=12399
2
3. Tags
Heart of Asia conference
Janani Suraksha Yojana
Practice Questions
Date: 4th December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes
Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] Janani Suraksha Yojana is the o ld s biggest conditional cash-transfer scheme, aimed to promote institutional
delivery.
2] The s he e s fo us is o l to edu e ate al a d i fa t o talit .
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 4th
December, 2016
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Fiscal Policy
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] Which of the following are the objectives of the FRBM Act?
1. to introduce transparent fiscal management systems in the country
2. to introduce a more equitable and manageable distribution of the country's debts over the years
3. to aim for fiscal stability for India in the long run
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans (d)
Date: 4th
December, 2016
Category: International Relations
Topic: International Institutions
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] The Hea t of Asia o fe e e is also alled as -
a) Istanbul Process
b) Kabul Process
c) Islamabad Process
d) Tehran Process
Ans (a)
Date: 4th
December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes
Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] Consider the following statements,
1] The National Food Security Act adopts a human life cycle approach
2] The Act provides for coverage of up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban
population for receiving subsidized food grains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 4th December, 2016
Category: Polity
Topic: Centre – State relations
Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5] The GST Council has been set up according to the provisions of which article?
a) Article 279A
b) Article 272
c) Article 268
d) Article 278
Ans (a)