march compilationpradhan mantri matru vandana yojana ..... 33 43) kusum scheme – harnessing solar...

March

2108

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Contents

1) Cabinet approves Establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority .......................... 4

2) Western Naval Command Concludes Exercise Paschim Leher (XPL-18)............................. 4

3) NHAI to deploy all women toll collecting staff on international Women’s Day ....................... 5

4) Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 ........................ 5

5) Inauguration 1st Mega Food Park in Maharashtra- (Ministry of Food Processing Industries)7

6) Cabinet approves Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 .................................................... 8

7) 13 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements from India inscribed on UNESCO ......................... 9

8) Reforms in the Indian Army to Enhance Combat Capability ................................................ 11

9) Swadesh Darshan Scheme – Ministry of Tourism ............................................................... 11

10) NFRA to have power to impose penalty on audit firms........................................................ 14

11) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) .............................................................................. 14

12) NITI Aayog launches Women Entrepreneurship Platform on International Women’s Day .. 15

13) Anti-Collision Device ........................................................................................................... 16

14) Radiation technologies for the prevention of food loss ........................................................ 16

15) Nari Shakti Puraskar ........................................................................................................... 17

16) Provide an opportunity to the current generation to understand the contribution of women in

building of society and the nation. ....................................................................................... 17

17) SUVIDHA’-100% Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin – under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya

Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) ....................................................................................... 18

18) Udyam Sakhi Portal Launched for Women Entrepreneurs .................................................. 18

19) I - Metros’ -an association of all Indian Metro Rail companies launched by cabinet secretary

............................................................................................................................................ 19

20) Sukhad Yatra App and Toll-free Emergency number for Highway users ............................ 19

21) India has won the “Best Exhibitor Award ” at ITB – Berlin. .................................................. 20

22) ISA-ADB, NDB, GCF, AfDB and AIIB joint declarations of Financial partnership ................ 20

23) Implementation of UNNATI Project ..................................................................................... 20

24) NCRB celebrates its 33rd Inception Day & releases “Citizen Services” Mobile APP .......... 21

25) India, France join hands for Indian Ocean security ............................................................. 22

26) Ex Samvedna ...................................................................................................................... 22

27) IREDA & European Investment Bank sign Euro 150 million Loan Agreement .................... 23

28) WHO releases new guidelines on tobacco product regulation ............................................ 23

29) National Conference on Counterfeiting & Role of Enforcement Agencies ........................... 24

30) World Consumer Rights Day ............................................................................................... 25

31) Urea subsidy scheme .......................................................................................................... 26

32) e-office programme ............................................................................................................. 27

33) New Website of Indian Naval Placement Agency Launched ............................................... 27

34) Blue Economy ..................................................................................................................... 28

PIB Compilation Volume 15: March 2018

https://currentaffairsonly.com EG Classes (Mukherjee Nagar)

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35) Biggest Solar Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh ........................................................................ 29

36) Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) .......................................... 29

37) Ministry of HRD is committed to give full support for completion of Innovation projects under

Smart India Hackathon ........................................................................................................ 30

38) UDYAM SAKHI ................................................................................................................... 30

39) Atal Bhujal Yojana ............................................................................................................... 31

40) Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra ................................................................................. 31

41) LaQshya program will benefit every pregnant woman and newborn delivering in public

health institutions ................................................................................................................ 32

42) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana .............................................................................. 33

43) KUSUM Scheme – harnessing solar power for rural India .................................................. 34

44) Krishi Unnati Mela 2018 ...................................................................................................... 35

45) Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi ........................................................................................................ 35

46) NITI Aayog Released SATH-Education Roadmaps 2018-2020 .......................................... 36

47) First India-Japan Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction to begin on 19th March ............... 38

48) Informal World Trade Organisation Ministerial Meeting on 19-20th March in New Delhi .... 39

49) Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship ....................................................................... 39

50) International Competition Network 2018 ............................................................................. 40

51) First National Workshop on POSHAN Abhiyaan ................................................................. 41

52) Conservation-cum-Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.......................... 42

53) Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) .......................................... 44

54) Cabinet approves Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission ........................ 45

55) Cabinet approves moving official amendments in the “Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016” . 46

56) Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana to promote organic farming ........................................ 47

57) Inclusion of the communities 'Parivara and Talawara' as synonym of "Nayaka' in the list of

STs in Karnataka ................................................................................................................. 47

58) Cabinet approves Revision of Energy Norms under New Urea Policy ................................ 48

59) Neem Coating of Urea ......................................................................................................... 48

60) Cabinet approves closure of India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians- between

April 2015 and March 2018 ................................................................................................. 49

61) Cabinet approves Opening of Missions in Africa to implement commitments of India-Africa

Forum Summit (IAFS-III) ..................................................................................................... 49

62) International Day of Forests ................................................................................................ 50

63) Strategy on Resource Efficiency ......................................................................................... 51

64) Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 ...................................................................... 52

65) Toll Operate and Transfer (TOT) model .............................................................................. 53

66) Ethanol as Primary Fuel ...................................................................................................... 54

67) Imaging Technology to Identify Medicinal Plants ................................................................ 54

68) Bio-medical Waste Management Rules Amended to Protect Human Health ...................... 55



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69) The first-ever National Conference on Drug Law Enforcement ........................................... 56

70) TRIFED-“E- Tribes” ............................................................................................................. 56

71) ISA and India sign the Host Country Agreement today – ISA a juridical personality now ... 57

72) ‘National Conference on Down Syndrome’ .......................................................................... 58

73) Atal Innovation Mission ink SOI with SAP Global to foster innovation ................................. 59

74) Department of Posts launches Cool EMS Service between India and Japan ..................... 59

75) The Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific .................................................................. 60

76) Cabinet approves re-structuring of National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National

Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) .............................................................................. 61

77) A new Integrated Scheme for School Education ................................................................. 62

78) Cabinet approves certain official amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC)

Bill ....................................................................................................................................... 63

79) Cabinet approves education reforms .................................................................................. 63



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Cabinet approves Establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority

{Economic Policy}

In news

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for

establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) and creation of one post of Chairperson,

three posts of full-time Members and one post of Secretary for NFRA.

National Financial Reporting Authority

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) is a body proposed in Companies Act 2013 for the

establishment and enforcement of accounting and auditing standards and oversight of the work of auditors.

Impact

The decision is expected to result in improved foreign/domestic investments, enhancement of economic

growth, supporting the globalisation of business by meeting international practices, and assist in further

development of audit profession.

Background The concept and composition of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) was originally introduced

by the Companies Act, 2013. The Union Cabinet on 1st March, 2018 approved the proposal for establishing

the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA). The establishment of NFRA as an independent regulator

for the auditing profession will improve the transparency and reliability of financial statements and information

presented by listed companies and large unlisted companies in India.

Why is it required?

The government is quite clear that the need for such a body is all the more important after several financial

accounting scams, the most recent of which was the Punjab National Bank scam

What lies ahead?

Apart from setting the rules and regulations governing the audit sector, the NFRA will have the power to

debar erring auditors or audit firm for up to 10 years and impose significant fines on them.

According to Section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013, the NFRA will have powers to impose a fine of not

less than ₹1 lakh, but the amount can extend up to five times of the fees received in case of individuals. The

government has to set the rules that will stipulate the jurisdiction of the NFRA. Specifically, it has to set a limit

on the size of an unlisted company that comes under the purview of the NFRA.

Western Naval Command Concludes Exercise Paschim Leher (XPL-18)

{Defence}

In news

The Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy concluded a large scale operational exercise in the Arabian



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Sea. The three-week long exercise termed Exercise ‘Paschim Leher’ (XPL), tested the operational readiness

of the Western Naval Command and the execution of it's operational plans.

Participants

Over 40 naval assets including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, frontline ships of the Western Fleet and

Eastern Fleet (including the newly inducted Kolkata class), submarines, potent missile vessels of the 22nd

Killer Squadron, Patrol vessels and craft of the Local Flotilla and Indian Coast Guard participated in the

exercise.

The exercise also saw participation of Indian Air Force, with a number of aircraft, and Indian Coast Guard

units. The scale of the exercise has been enhanced this year, and the exercise itself has been renamed as

Exercise Paschim Leher.

NHAI to deploy all women toll collecting staff on international Women’s Day

{Women Empowerment}

In news

The National Highways Authority of India has decided to deploy all women toll collecting staff in day shift on

at least one toll plaza close to the city area, in every state and UT of the country on 8th March 2018,

International Women’s Day.

Other initiatives of NHAI

To improve the condition of toll plazas and create a competitive environment, NHAI is also doing a ranking

of toll plazas based on various parameters directly affecting the highway users such as ETC adoptability,

condition of ETC infrastructure, time taken in passing through the toll plaza using FASTag lane, deployment

of Road Marshals, setting up point of sale of FASTag, FASTag Notice Board, behaviour of toll plazas staff,

availability of toll plazas Manager, informative Sign Boards, general cleanliness, condition of flooring and

feedback from highway users, availability of neat and clean Ladies/Gents/Divyang toilets, greenery and

maintenance on NH stretch etc.

Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018

{Governance}

In news

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Trafficking of Persons

(Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 for introduction in the Parliament.

Key point

The NIA will receive financial aid under Nirbhaya fund for safety of women in order to set up a cell for

investigating human trafficking.



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The Bill broadly has the following features

Addresses the issue of trafficking from the point of view of prevention, rescue and

rehabilitation.

Aggravated forms of trafficking, which includes trafficking for the purpose of forced labour, begging,

trafficking by administering chemical substance or hormones on a person for the purpose of early

sexual maturity, trafficking of a woman or child for the purpose of marriage or under the pretext of

marriage or after marriage etc.

Punishment for promoting or facilitating trafficking of person which includes producing, printing,

issuing or distributing unissued, tampered or fake certificates, registration or stickers as proof of

compliance with Government requirements; or commits fraud for procuring or facilitating the

acquisition of clearances and necessary documents from Government agencies.

The confidentiality of victims/ witnesses and complainants by not disclosing their identity. Further the

confidentiality of the victims is maintained by recording their statement through video conferencing

(this also helps in trans-border and inter-State crimes).

Time bound trial and repatriation of the victims – within a period of one year from taking into

cognizance.

Immediate protection of rescued victims and their rehabilitation. The Victims are entitled to interim

relief immediately within 30 days to address their physical, mental trauma etc. and further appropriate

relief within 60 days from the date of filing of charge sheet.

Rehabilitation of the victim which is not contingent upon criminal proceedings being initiated against

the accused or the outcome thereof.

Rehabilitation Fund created for the first time. To be used for the physical, psychological and social

well-being of the victim including education, skill development, health care/psychological support,

legal aid, safe accommodation, etc.

Designated courts in each district for the speedy trial of the cases.

The Bill creates dedicated institutional mechanisms at District, State and Central Level. These will be

responsible for prevention, protection, investigation and rehabilitation work related to

trafficking. National Investigation Agency (NIA) will perform the tasks of Anti-Trafficking Bureau at

the national level present under the MHA.

Punishment ranges from rigorous minimum 10 years to life and fine not less than Rs. 1 lakh.

In order to break the organized nexus, both at the national and international level, the Bill provides for

the attachment & forfeiture of property and also the proceeds for crime.

The Bill comprehensively addresses the transnational nature of the crime.

The National Anti-Trafficking Bureau will perform the functions of international coordination with

authorities in foreign countries and international organizations; international assistance in

investigation; facilitate inter-State and trans-border transfer of evidence and materials, witnesses and

others for expediting prosecution; facilitate inter-state and international video conferencing in judicial

proceedings etc.



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Background

Trafficking in human beings is the third largest organized crime violating basic human rights. There

is.no specific law so far to deal with this crime.

Accordingly, the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 has been

prepared.

The Bill addresses one of the most pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting the most vulnerable

persons especially women and children.

Inauguration 1st Mega Food Park in Maharashtra- (Ministry of Food Processing

Industries)

{Indian Economy}

In news

The first Mega Food Park in the state of Maharashtra, M/s Satara Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. at Village

Degaon, District Satara was inaugurated on 1stMarch, 2018 by Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food

Processing Industries in the presence of Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, of Maharashtra

This is the 12thMega Food Park operationalized in the country so far and the 10th operationalized during

the tenure of present government.

Significance

To give a major boost to the food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at

each stage of the supply chain with particular focus on perishables, Ministry of Food Processing

Industries is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme in the country.

Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain

from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based

approach.

Under the Scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50.00 Crore per Mega

Food Park project.

Mega Food Park

The Scheme of Mega Food Park aims at providing a mechanism to link agricultural production to

the market by bringing together farmers, processors and retailers so as to ensure maximizing

value addition, minimizing wastage, increasing farmers’ income and creating employment

opportunities particularly in rural sector.

The Mega Food Park Scheme is based on “Cluster” approach and envisages creation of state of art

support infrastructure in a well-defined agri / horticultural zone for setting up of modern food

processing units along with well-established supply chain. Mega food park typically consist of supply



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chain infrastructure including collection centers, primary processing centers, central processing

centers, cold chain and around 30-35 fully developed plots for entrepreneurs to set up food processing

units .

The Mega Food Park project is implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which is a Body

Corporate registered under the Companies Act. However, State Government, State Government

entities and Cooperatives are not required to form a separate SPV for implementation of Mega Food

Park project. Subject to fulfilment of the conditions of the Scheme Guidelines, the funds are

released to the SPVs.

The following schemes will be implemented under PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

Mega Food Parks

Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure

Creation / Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities

Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters

Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages

Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure

Human Resources and Institutions

Objective

The objective of PMKSY is to supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease Agri-Waste.

Cabinet approves Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018

{Public Policy}

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of the Ministry

of Finance to introduce the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 in Parliament.

How would it be helpful?

The existing civil and criminal provisions in law are not entirely adequate to deal with the severity of

the problem.

It is, therefore, felt necessary to provide an effective, expeditious and constitutionally permissible

deterrent to ensure. It may be mentioned that the non-conviction-based asset confiscation for

corruption-related cases is enabled under provisions of United Nations Convention against

Corruption (ratified by India in 2011). The Bill adopts this principle.

The Bill would help in laying down measures to deter economic offenders from evading the

process of Indian law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts.



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The cases where the total value involved in such offences is Rs.100 crore or more, will come

under the purview of this Bill.

Impact The Bill is expected to re-establish the rule of law with respect to the fugitive economic offenders as

they would be forced to return to India to face trial for scheduled offences. This would also help the

banks and other financial institutions to achieve higher recovery from financial defaults committed by such

fugitive economic offenders, improving the financial health of such institutions.

Salient features of the Bill

Application before the Special Court for a declaration that an individual is a fugitive economic offender;

Attachment of the property of a fugitive economic offender;

Issue of a notice by the Special Court to the individual alleged to be a fugitive economic offender;

Confiscation of the property of an individual declared as a fugitive economic offender resulting from

the proceeds of crime;

Confiscation of other property belonging to such offender in India and abroad, including

benami property;

Disentitlement of the fugitive economic offender from defending any civil claim; and

An Administrator will be appointed to manage and dispose of the confiscated property under the Act.

Background

There have been several instances of economic offenders fleeing the jurisdiction of Indian courts,

anticipating the commencement, or during the pendency, of criminal proceedings.

The absence of such offenders from Indian courts has several deleterious consequences –

First, it hampers investigation in criminal cases;

Second, it wastes precious time of courts of law,

Third, it undermines the rule of law in India. Further, most such cases of economic offences involve

non-repayment of bank loans thereby worsening the financial health of the banking sector in India.

13 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements from India inscribed on UNESCO

{Art & Culture}

In news

A total of 13 Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) elements from India have been inscribed till date on the

UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.



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Highlights

The Ministry of Culture has appointed the Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous organisation under the

Ministry of Culture, as nodal office for matters relating to the intangible cultural heritage including for

preparation of the nomination dossiers for the Representative List of UNESCO.

Major organisations involved in preservation of propagation of ICH are named below:

i. Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi

ii. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

iii. National School of Drama

iv. Centre for Cultural Resources & Training

v. Zonal Cultural Centres (seven in number)

vi. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

vii. Anthropological Survey of India

Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

S.No. ICH Element Year of Inscription

1. Tradition of Vedic chanting 2008

2. Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana 2008

3. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre 2008

4. Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal

Himalayas, India

2009

5. Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala 2010

6. Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan 2010

7. Chhau dance 2010

8. Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist

texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and

Kashmir, India

2012

9. Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur 2013



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10. Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among

the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India

2014

11. Yoga 2016

12. Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz,

Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz

2016

13. Kumbh Mela 2017

Reforms in the Indian Army to Enhance Combat Capability

{Defence}

Reforms

Optimization of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support

Signal Regiments, Air Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of

Corps Operating and Engineering Signal Regiments.

Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops

and Static / Station Workshops in the field Army.

Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central

Ordnance Depots apart from streamlining inventory control mechanisms.

Better utilization of Supply and Transportation echelons and Animal Transport Units.

Closure of Military Farms and Army Postal Establishments in peace locations.

Enhancement in standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army.

Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme – Ministry of Tourism

{Tourism}

In news

A total amount of Rs. 5638.87 crore was sanctioned with release of Rs. 2148.17 crore since 2014-15 till date

under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism. India’s rich cultural, historical, religious and

natural heritage provides a huge potential for development of tourism and job creation in the country.

Highlights

Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, thirteen thematic circuits have been identified, for development

namely: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit,

Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana

Circuit and Heritage Circuit.



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There is a great scope and need to develop tourist circuits on specific themes to attract the tourists

having special interest in visiting such places. This can be achieved only through an integrated

approach by providing engaging experiences for distinct categories of tourists i.e. Domestic and

International.

Various themes which are unique and specific to the area can include beaches, culture, heritage,

wildlife etc.

Such theme-based tourist circuits should be developed in a manner that supports communities,

provides employment and fosters social integration without comprising upon the environmental

concerns and provides unique experiences to the tourists.

Scheme Objectives

To position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and job creation;

Develop circuits having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner;

Promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods in the identified regions;

Tourist Circuit

Tourist Circuit is defined as a route having at least three major tourist destinations which are distinct and

apart.

Circuits should have well defined entry and exit points. A tourist who enters should get motivated to visit

most of the places identified in the circuit.

A Circuit could be confined to a State or could be a regional circuit covering more than one State/Union

Territory. These circuits may have one dominant theme and other sub-themes.

Projects under the scheme shall be under the following identified themes; Ecotourism, Wildlife,

Buddhist, Desert, Spiritual, Ramayana, Krishna, Coastal, Northeast, Rural, Himalayan, Tribal and

Heritage.

PRASAD SCHEME

National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) to beautify

and improve the amenities and infrastructure at pilgrimage centres of all faiths.

The objectives are

Integrated development of pilgrimage destinations in a planned, prioritized and sustainable manner

to provide complete religious tourism experience.

Harness pilgrimage tourism for its direct and multiplier effects on employment generation and

economic development.

Follow community-based development and pro-poor tourism concept in development of the

pilgrimage destinations.

Leveraging public capital and expertise.

Enhancing the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner by developing world-class infrastructure

in the religious destination.



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Creating awareness among the local communities about the importance of tourism for them in terms

of increase in sources of income, improved living standards and overall development of the area.

Promote local arts, culture, handicrafts, cuisine, etc., to generate livelihood in the identified places.

Under the PRASAD scheme thirteen sites have been identified for development, namely: Amritsar,

Ajmer, Dwaraka, Mathura, Varanasi, Gaya, Puri, Amaravati, Kanchipuram, Vellankanni, Kedarnath,

Kamakhya and Patna.

Under the ‘PRASAD’ scheme the focus is on development and beautification of the identified

pilgrimage destinations. Whereas, in the ‘Spiritual Circuit’ identified under the Swadesh Darshan

scheme, the thrust is on development of particular thematic circuit consisting of various

religious/spiritual destination in a State and Union Territory.

HRIDAY Scheme

India is endowed with rich and diverse natural, historic and cultural resources. It is a palette of different

cultures, religions, traditions, home of various forms of art & handicrafts, music and literature, architectural

styles et al. However, it is yet to explore the full potential of such resources to its full advantages.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, launched the National Heritage City

Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme on 21st January, 2015, with a focus on holistic

development of heritage cities. The scheme aims to preserve and revitalise soul of the heritage city to reflect

the city’s unique character by encouraging aesthetically appealing, accessible, informative & secured

environment.

With a duration of 4 years (Completing in November, 2018) and a total outlay of INR 500 Crores, the

Scheme is being implemented in 12 identified Cities namely, Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami,

Dwarka, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni and Warangal. The scheme is

implemented in a mission mode.

The Scheme supports development of core heritage infrastructure projects which shall include

revitalization of urban infrastructure for areas around heritage assets identified / approved by the Ministry

of Culture, Government of India and State Governments.

These initiatives shall include development of water supply, sanitation, drainage, waste management,

approach roads, footpaths, street lights, tourist conveniences, electricity wiring, landscaping and such

citizen services.

Comparison

12 cities in both HRIDAY and PRASAD

10 CITIES COMMON IN HRIDAY AND PRASAD

Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Dwaraka, Puri, Mathura, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Vellankini, Gaya

2 Cities are specific to schemes

FOR HRIDAY

a. Badami : Caves, Inscription and Fort (Archaeological interests)

b. Warangal : Fort and 1000 Pillar Temple (UNESCO Sites)

Hriday : Heritage City >> Culturally important (to understand our past) >> So, identified by Ministry of

Culture >> overall development of City (not some religious sites) >> Hence, Min. of Urban Development



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FOR PRASAD

a. Kamakhya : Goddess Kamakhya : oldest of the 51 Shakti Peetha

b. Kedarnath : Hindu Religious Site

PRASAD : we get at Temple

Prasad : Piligrimage centre focused >> Religious Spot Specific (more focus on the religious place site

rather than whole city) >> Hence, Tourism Ministry.

NFRA to have power to impose penalty on audit firms

{Economic Policy}

The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (Act) provides for imposition of penalties on members of the

Institute of Charted Accountants of India (ICAI).

The ICAI had submitted a proposal to the Government for amendment to the Act to, inter alia, provide

for registration of audit firms, procedure for taking necessary disciplinary action against audit firms

(on the lines of such procedure for individual members) and imposition of penalties on audit firms.

Section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013 provides for constitution of the National Financial Reporting

Authority (NFRA) and sub- section (4) thereof confers powers on NFRA, for imposition of penalties

on audit firms.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

{Public Policy}

The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) is a scheme launched by the Union Government on April 8,

2015 for providing loans upto Rs. 10 lakh (around US$15,000) to the non-corporate, non-farm small/micro

enterprises. Under PMMY, all banks viz. Public Sector banks, Private Sector Banks, Regional Rural

Banks (RRBs), State Co-operative Banks, Urban Co-operative Banks, Foreign Banks and Non-Banking

Finance Companies (NBFCs)/ Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) - are required to lend to non-farm sector

income generating activities below Rs.10 lakh. These loans are classified as MUDRA loans under PMMY.

Target Beneficiaries

The purpose of PMMY is to provide funding to the non-corporate small business sector. Non- Corporate

Small Business Segment (NCSBS) consists of millions of proprietorship/ partnership firms running as small

manufacturing units, service sector units, shopkeepers, fruits/ vegetable vendors, truck operators, food-

service units, repair shops, machine operators, small industries, artisans, food processors and others,

in rural and urban areas.One of the biggest hurdles to the growth of entrepreneurship in the Non-Corporate

Small Business Sector (NCSBS) is lack of financial support to this sector and a vast majority belonging to

this sector do not have access to formal sources of finance. According to the NSSO Survey of 2013, there

are 5.77 crore small business units, mostly proprietorship, which run small manufacturing, trading or service

activities.

How to avail of PMMY?

The borrower who wishes to avail of loan under PMMY may approach any of the Public/Private Sector



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Commercial Bank, RRB or Co-operative Bank branches in his/her area with a proper business idea and loan

application. After due processing of loan application, the lending institution will sanction the loan. The

borrower has to execute loan documents and complete other formalities as per the requirement of the lending

institution. Thereafter, the loan will be released to undertake small business activities/micro enterprises.

To begin with, MUDRA has enrolled 27 Public Sector Banks, 17 private sector banks, 27 Regional Rural

banks and 25 Micro Finance Institutions as partner institutions for channelizing assistance to the ultimate

borrower. MUDRA has identified 97 Nodal officers at various Small Indusries Development Bank of India

(SIDBI) Regional offices/Branch offices to act as “first contact persons” for MUDRA.

Approach of PMMY

A minimum of 60% of support would flow to enterprises in the smallest segment Partner intermediaries of

MUDRA Bank have to endeavour to adhere to the following broad framework:

First time entrepreneurs, youth entrepreneurs (i.e. entrepreneurs aged upto 30 years) and women

entrepreneurs shall be encouraged and special schemes shall be designed for such entrepreneurs.

Emphasis shall be on cash flow-based lending and not security-based lending. Collateral securities,

etc. shall be avoided.

Repayment obligations shall be flexible and shall be framed keeping in view the business cash flows

of the entrepreneur.

NITI Aayog launches Women Entrepreneurship Platform on International

Women’s Day

{Women Empowerment}

In news

NITI Aayog launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), on the occasion of International

Women’s Day. The initiative is aimed at building an ecosystem for women across India to realize their

entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for

their businesses.

The WEP shall aim to 1.Promote women entrepreneurship by collaborating with various partner organisations

2. Provide industry linkages & partner support to women entrepreneurs Increase the visibility of

existing schemes, programmes & services across government and private sectors

3. Identify and address issues and bottlenecks through appropriate channels

4. Develop a national database through a centralised portal for registration of women entrepreneurs

5.Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to develop a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem

These aspirations are manifest in the three pillars on which WEP is built:

Ichha Shakti (motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to start their enterprise),

Gyaan Shakti (providing knowledge and ecosystem support to women entrepreneurs to help them

foster entrepreneurship)

Karma Shakti (providing hands-on support to entrepreneurs in setting-up and scaling up

businesses).



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International Women’s Day International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political

achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

International Women's Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900's - a time of great expansion and

turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

International Women's Day is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender parity. No one

government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women's network or media hub is solely

responsible for International Women's Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports

their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others.

Anti-Collision Device

{Science & Tech.}

In news

Indian Railways have now planned to provide Automatic Train Protection (ATP) conforming to ETCS level-2

standards on the entire Indian Railway Broad Gauge (BG) network. This will provide technological aid to Loco

Pilots for avoiding Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD).

Automatic Train Protection (ATP) Systems are existing on Indian Railways: -

1. Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System based on proven European Train Control System (ETCS-

L1) Technology has been implemented on 342 RKMs (200 RKMs Delhi-Agra Section, 117 RKMs

Chennai Suburban section and 25 RKMs of Metro Railway, Kolkata).

2. An ATP called Auxiliary Warning System (AWS) is presently functional on 364 RKMs in the Mumbai

suburban section of Central Railway (240 RKMs) and Western Railway (124 RKMs).

3. An ATP system indigenously developed called Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is under

trail on 250 RKMs of South Central Railway as a pilot project.

Radiation technologies for the prevention of food loss

{Science & Tech.}

In news

Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) & Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in particular is engaged in

extensive research on use of radiation processing for extending shelf life of food products.

Highlights

Irradiation is very effective in treating agricultural produce to enhance its shelf life. Shelf life extension of

agriculture produces is very much dependent on the produce, variety and storage conditions. Irradiation and

proper storage substantially increases shelf life of fresh agricultural produce. Unique advantages of radiation

processing of products (including fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, sea foods and meat products)

are:



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Cold (no temperature increase) and clean process (no chemical residue)

Effective elimination of harmful bacteria and insects/pests

Treatment after final packaging to avoid recontamination

Significant increase in shelf life.

Research work on radiation technology at BARC has resulted in shelf life extension of potato, onion and

phytosanitary treatments of fruits (like Mango, Pomegranate, etc). In case of potato and onion, sprouting

during storage results in loss of quality and nutritional values. Mango irradiation was started in 2007.

Achievements

Application of nuclear techniques has helped in increasing productivity and production in agriculture.

Experience gained by BARC has shown that using radiation for crop improvement is an efficient plant

breeding method complementing the conventional methods.

DAE has developed 42 new varieties of crops using radiation induced mutation (and conventional) breeding.

These include 15 varieties in groundnut, 3 in mustard, 2 in soybean, 1 in sunflower (total 21 in oilseeds), 8 in

mungbean, 5 in uradbean, 5 in pigeonpea, 1 in cowpea (total 19 in pulse crops), 1 each in rice and jute.

Nari Shakti Puraskar

{Women Empowerment}

Every Year, Ministry of Women & Child Development celebrates International Women Day on 8th March.

The significance of the International Women’s Day lies in our re-affirmation of improve the condition of

women, especially those at the margins of our society and empower them to take rightful place in society.

Objectives

Provide an opportunity to the current generation to understand the contribution of women in building of society

and the nation.

Awards The award is named after eminent women in Indian history, and is given in the following categories:[1][7]

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award: named after Ahilyabai Holkar, 18th-century ruler of Malwa kingdom

Kannagi Award: named after Kannagi, a legendary Tamil woman

Mata Jijabai Award: named after Mata Jijabai, mother of Shivaji, who founded the Maratha Empire in

the 17th century

Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award: named after Rani Gaidinliu, a 20th-century Naga spiritual and political

leader

Rani Lakshmi Bai Award: named after Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi

Rani Rudramma Devi Award (for both men and women): named after Rudrama Devi, a 13th-century

ruler of Deccan Plateau



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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nari_Shakti_Puraskar#cite_note-7

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahilyabai_Holkar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kannagi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jijabai

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivaji

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maratha_Empire

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_Gaidinliu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_Lakshmi_Bai

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhansi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudrama_Devi

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SUVIDHA’-100% Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin – under the Pradhan

Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

{Women Empowerment}

In news

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar announced the

launch of ‘Suvidha’, the 100% Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya

Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

Highlights

The affordable sanitary napkin will be available for Rs. 2.50 per padat over 3200 Janaushadhi

Kendrasacross India and would ensure ‘Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha’for the underprivileged

Women of India.

SUVIDHA napkins would be physically available at all Janaushadhi Kendras in the country by May

28, 2018 – World Menstrual Hygiene Day

Unhygienic aids cause fungal infections, Reproductive Tract Infection, Urinary TractInfection, Cervical

cancer and also make women vulnerable to infertility. Moreover, the disposal of non-biodegradable

sanitary napkins available today creates a huge environmental problem. The 100% biodegradable

SUVIDHA napkin would ensure Swachhta.

‘Oxo-biodegradable’ is a special additive is added in the SUVIDHA napkin which makes it

biodegradable when it reacts with oxygen after it is used and discarded.

Oxo-biodegradable

OXO Biodegradable OXO-biodegradation is defined by CEN (the European Standards Organisation)

{CEN/TR 1535–2006} as "degradation resulting from oxidative and cell-mediated phenomena, either

simultaneously or successively." Sometimes described as "OXO-degradable" but this describes only the first

or oxidative phase and this description should not be used for material which degrades by the process of

OXO-biodegradation defined by CEN. The correct description is "OXO-biodegradable."

Udyam Sakhi Portal Launched for Women Entrepreneurs

{Women Empowerment}

In news

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) launched a portal for women entrepreneurs of

India: www.udyamsakhi.org.

Highlights

The portal is a network for nurturing entrepreneurship and creating business models for low cost products

and services in order to empower women and make them self-reliant and self-sufficient.



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The portal provides assistance through its platform for entrepreneurship learning tools, incubation facility,

training programs for fund raising, providing mentors, one-on-one investor meet, provide market survey

facility and technical assistance.

I - Metros’ -an association of all Indian Metro Rail companies launched by

cabinet secretary

{Digitalization}

In news

“I-METROS”, an association of all Indian Metro Rail companies was launched at the Conference on “Indian

Metros: Collaborating for Excellence” held at Metro Bhawan here.

I- METROS

“I-Metros” is proposed to be a platform to provide a forum for exchange of ideas, pooling of knowledge

and sharing of experience, best practices, innovations etc. among the Indian Metro rail companies to

nurture excellence in performance.

This society will be registered under Society Registration Act-1860.

The objective of forming this association is to provide a common platform for all Metro rail companies for

sharing experience, information, best practices, innovations etc.

This association will also undertake and promote techno-economic studies and research. It will safeguard

the interest and rights of metro rail companies and will be resource tank of information for decision

making.

Sukhad Yatra App and Toll-free Emergency number for Highway users

{Digitalization}

In news

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga

Rejuvenation launched a mobile App and Toll-free Emergency number for Highway users.

Sukhad Yatra mobile application has been prepared by National Highways Authority of India, NHAI, to

empower the Highway user.

Key features Provision for the user to enter road quality-related information or to report any accident or pothole on the

highway. It also provides users with real-time data related to waiting time expected at Plazas and various

facilities like points of interest, highway nest/nest mini, etc., available across the highway. The app can also

be used by the users to purchase the FASTag tag and further facilitate the highway user experience.

A toll-free number, 1033, will enable users to report an emergency condition, or highway-related feedback,

across the highway. The service has also integrated with various ambulance/tow away services along the



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road to ensure rapid response time in emergency. The service is supported by a multi-lingual support and

user location tracking features to provide the user with accurate and responsive complaint resolution.

India has won the “Best Exhibitor Award ” at ITB – Berlin.

{International, tourism}

In news India has won the "Best Exhibitor Award " at ITB – Berlin on its last day. ‘ITB- Berlin World Tourist Meet’ was

convened at Berlin, Germany from 7th March to 10th March, 2018.

Highlights

As the Leading Travel Trade Show, ITB Berlin is the foremost business platform for global touristic offers.

The ITB Berlin takes place annually in March at the Messe Berlin. The fair always has an official partner

country, in 2018 represented by the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

‘ITB- Berlin World Tourist Meet’ 2018 was convened at Berlin, Germany.

ISA-ADB, NDB, GCF, AfDB and AIIB joint declarations of Financial

partnership

{Energy}

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the African Development Bank (AfDb), the Asian Development

Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Green climate fund (GCF), and the New

Development Bank (NDB) signed Joint financial partnership Declarations

Objective To deepen their cooperation in support of Renewable Energy.

Highlight The previous three partnerships were signed by ISA with the World Bank, the European Investment Bank

and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Target ISA is working for deployment of over 1000 GW of solar energy and mobilising more than US$ 1000 billion

into solar energy by the year 2030.

Implementation of UNNATI Project

{Infrastructure & Development}

The aims and objectives of Project UNNATI of the Ministry of Shipping are as follows:



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i. Benchmark operational and financial performance of the 12 major ports with selected Indian private

ports and best-in-class international ports for identifying improvement areas.

ii. Undertake capability maturity assessment for key processes and functional capabilities (e.g., IT, HR,

Environment, and Health) and identify gaps and areas for further strengthening.

iii. Detailed deep-dive diagnosis and root cause analysis for the identified opportunity areas in each of

the 12 major ports to understand underlying reasons for performance bottlenecks.

iv. Develop practical and actionable solutions on the basis of root cause findings, and develop a

comprehensive improvement roadmap for each of the 12 major ports.

Under Project UNNATI 116 initiatives have been identified for various major ports. Out of the 116 initiatives,

86 have been implemented so far.

NCRB celebrates its 33rd Inception Day & releases “Citizen Services” Mobile

APP

{Digitalization}

In news

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) celebrated its 33rd Inception Day, on March 11, 2018 (Sunday) and

released “Citizen Services” Mobile APP.

A Mobile App called “Citizen Services” developed in-house by NCRB. This single App is a bouquet of

various essential police related services to the citizen. The App can be used by citizen for various services

such as Complaint Registration & Status Check, View FIR Detail, SOS – Stay Safe, Locate Police Stations,

Vahan-Samanvay, Emergency Contact List, Police Stations Telephone Directory etc.

Central Finger Print Bureaux (CFPB)

The Central Finger Print Bureaux (CFPB) is the Apex nodal agency for all finger print matters and also

conducts an annual examination for declaring the successful candidates as FP experts.

Today the Finger Print database of more than 1 Million consists of both convicted and arrested people both

in the country and those received from Interpol.

Crime & Criminal Tracking Network & System (CCTNS)

CCTNS is a project under Indian government for creating a comprehensive and integrated system for

effective policing through e-Governance

The system includes nationwide online tracking system by integrating more than 14,000 police

stations across the country

The project is implemented by National Crime Records Bureau

CCTNS aims to integrate all the data and records of crime into a Core Application Software (CAS),

which is presently spreading across 29 states and 7 union territories of India

The project also involves training of police personnel and setting up of citizen portal to provide

services to citizens.



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India, France join hands for Indian Ocean security

{International Relations}

India and France joined hands in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides also

announced a new phase of cooperation in space security focussed on the maritime domain and a fresh

logistics agreement that will allow their defence forces to closely cooperate on mutually agreed operations.

Fresh logistical agreement to allow closer defence cooperation

India and France joined hands in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region along with

a new phase of cooperation in space security focussed on the maritime domain and a fresh logistics

agreement.

This move allows their defence forces to closely cooperate on mutually agreed operations.

Common concerns

India and France share common concerns on freedom of navigation in the region and will tackle

challenges to over-flight and threat of weapons of mass destruction. The agreement has a vast scope

stretching from countering maritime terrorism and piracy to building maritime domain awareness.

This is the second major maritime agreement India has signed in the last six months following the

Quadrilateral agreement with Australia, Japan and the U.S. in October 2017.

Ex Samvedna

{Defence}

A Multilateral Air Force exercise, ‘Ex Samvedna’, is being spearheaded by Indian Air Force and conducted

by Southern Air Command (SAC) from 12-17 Mar 18. ‘Samvedna’ means ‘Empathy’ and will ensure better

understanding and sharing of response procedures between a number of friendly neighbouring nations.

Highlights

It is a multilateral Air force exercise being spearheaded by Indian Air Force and conducted by

Southern Air Command (SAC).

It is the first composite Human assistance and disaster relief (HADR) Air exercise in the South Asian

region and would be focused on practicing Air Force centric HADR solutions in a Multi-national

cooperative Disaster Management environment.

Air Forces of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE and Myanmar have already committed resources and

personnel for the exercise. Few other Air Forces from the region are also expected to join in.

This exercise would help in putting in place a basic framework for conduct of Joint Air HADR

operations, which will be further refined during subsequent exercises.



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This exercise is expected to lead to more coordinated and efficient HADR Air operations in the entire

South Asian region when the need arises.

IREDA & European Investment Bank sign Euro 150 million Loan Agreement

{Business & Economy}

Why in News?

European Investment Bank (EIB) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Ltd.

have signed a loan agreement for the second line of credit (LoC) of Euro 150 million on the

nonsovereign basis.

The line of credit is for the tenure of 15 years including a grace period of 3 years, and it will be used

for financing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects in India.

More than 1.1 million households are expected to benefit from clean energy produced with these

funds.

About Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd:

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) is a Mini Ratna (Category – I)

Government of India Enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable

Energy (MNRE).

IREDA is a Public Limited Government Company established as a Non-Banking Financial Institution

in 1987 engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for setting up projects

relating to new and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency/conservation with the motto:

“ENERGY FOREVER”.

About EIB

EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States.

It works closely with other EU institutions to implement EU policy and is also engaged in multilateral

financing.

More than 90 per cent of its activity is in Europe but it is also a big investor globally.

EIB’s activities focus on four priority areas including innovation and skills, access to finance for smaller

businesses, infrastructure and climate & environment.

WHO releases new guidelines on tobacco product regulation

{Health Policy}

In news

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched new guidelines on the role that tobacco product

regulations can play in reducing tobacco demand, saving lives and raising revenues for health services to

treat tobacco-related diseases



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The new guide, titled ‘Tobacco product regulation: Building laboratory testing capacity’ was launched at

the 2018 World Conference on Tobacco or Health recently. The launch of these important publications will

further aid the implementation of Articles 9 and 10 of the WHO FCTC

New guidelines

The new guidelines provide practical, stepwise approaches to implementing tobacco testing

Such guidance is relevant to a wide range of countries in various settings, including those with

inadequate resources to establish a testing facility

It provides regulators and policymakers with comprehensible information on how to test tobacco

products, what products to test, and how to use testing data in a meaningful way to support regulation

WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)

It is a global treaty established under the auspices of the WHO to combat the tobacco epidemic

WHO FCTC is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO

It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February

2005

It has since become one of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in United Nations history

The WHO FCTC was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic and is an

evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health

The Convention represents a milestone for the promotion of public health and provides new legal

dimensions for international health cooperation

National Conference on Counterfeiting & Role of Enforcement Agencies

{International Relations}

In news

The National Conference on Counterfeiting and Role of Enforcement Agencies was held in New Delhi. It was

organised by Cell for IPR Promotion and and Management (CIPAM) in collaboration with European Union

(EU). It was inaugurated by Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu.

Objective

The conference aimed to provide common platform to national and international experts to have dialogue

and exchange best practices for benefit of enforcement agencies, attorneys and industry representatives and

provide fresh ideas for further strengthening the IPR protection ecosystem.

Highlights



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Counterfeiting has grown considerably to a point where it has become a widespread phenomenon

with a global impact.

Counterfeiting, other than causing an erosion on the brand value, reputation and goodwill of the

manufacturers and owners of IP, leads to social and economic consequences resulting in huge

economic losses in terms of lost taxes and revenues.

It leads to diversion of funds earned there from to other illegal activities; counterfeit products put a

threat to consumers’ health and safety as well.

Enforcement agencies like police, customs, also the prosecution wing, have a major role to play in

effective enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the country.

Creating awareness about IPRs and the menace of counterfeiting amongst officials of these agencies

will strengthen the enforcement regime, as also assist them in handling cases relating to counterfeit

products in their day to day activities.

About CIPAM

Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) has been created as a professional body under the aegis

of DIPP to take forward the implementation of the National IPR Policy that was approved by the Government

in May 2016, with the slogan – “Creative India; Innovative India”.

Functions: CIPAM is working towards creating public awareness about IPRs in the country, promoting the

filing of IPRs through facilitation, providing inventors with a platform to commercialize their IP assets and

coordinating the implementation of the National IPR Policy in collaboration with Government

Ministries/Departments and other stakeholders.

World Consumer Rights Day

{International}

Why in news?

The consumer movement marks 15th March with World Consumer Rights Day every year, as a means of

raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs. Celebrating the day is a chance to demand that

the rights of all consumers are respected and protected, and to protest against market abuses and social

injustices which undermine those rights.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is celebrating the World Consumer Rights Day this year with

the theme “Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer” in New Delhi.

World Consumer Rights Day is an annual international event that signifies celebration and solidarity

in the international consumer movement, demanding that, consumer rights are to be respected and

protected.

The event also gives a chance to protest against the market abuses and social injustices which

undermine those rights. Each year, World Consumer Rights Day adopts a theme to highlight.

Key facts



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WCRD was first observed on 15 March 1983 and has since become an important occasion for

mobilising citizen action.

Consumers International (CI), which was founded in 1960 organises WCRD. It is the only independent

and authoritative global voice for consumers and has over 220 member organisations in 115 countries

around the world.

Consumer protection act

India adopted the Consumer Protection Act, later in 1986, thus providing a legal face to the Indian consumers.

One of the strongest campaigns for addressal and protection of consumer rights in India, is “Jago Grahak

Jago” which literally translates into, “wake up consumers”! This multimedia campaign from Ministry of

Consumer Affairs, Government of India is aimed at creating an aware consumer.

Urea subsidy scheme

{Public Policy}

In news

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved to continue Urea Subsidy Scheme from 2017 up

to 2020 at a total estimated cost of Rs. 1,64,935 crore and implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

for disbursement of fertilizer subsidy.

Highlights

The continuation of the urea subsidy scheme will ensure that adequate quantity of urea is made

available to the farmers at statutory controlled price. Implementation of DBT in Fertilizer Sector will

reduce diversion and plug the leakages.

Department of Fertilizers is in process to roll out DBT in fertilizer sector nationwide. DBT would entail

100 % payment to fertilizer companies on sale of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates. Therefore,

continuation of Urea Subsidy Scheme will facilitate the smooth implementation of DBT scheme in

Fertilizer Sector.

Urea Subsidy is a part of Central Sector Scheme of Department of Fertilizers with effect from 1stApril,

2017 and is wholly financed by the Government of India through Budgetary Support.

Background

Chemical Fertilizers have played an important role in making the country self-reliant in food grain production

and provide a very vital input for the growth of Indian agriculture.

For sustained agricultural growth and to promote balanced nutrient application, urea is made available to

farmers at statutorily controlled price, which at present is Rs. 5360/- per MT (exclusive of the Central/State

Tax & other charges towards neem coating).



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The difference between the delivered cost of fertilizers at farm gate and MRP payable by the farmer is given

as subsidy to the fertilizer manufacturer/importer by the Government of India.

e-office programme

{Digitalization}

The government has presented the Certificates of Appreciation to 34 Ministries/departments for

implementation of e-office programme in their respective ministries/departments.

The awards have been given by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG),

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.

e- office programme

E-Office is one of the Mission Mode Projects under Digital India Programme.

The e-Office solution enables core operations of the Government at all levels to be performed in a

virtual ‘paper-less’ environment. This application is, thus, a major step in realizing the objective of an

open and responsive Government.

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR&PG) is the nodal

Department for implementation of e-Office project. National Informatics Centre (NIC) is the technical

partner in this project.

The objectives

To improve efficiency, consistency and effectiveness of government responses.

To reduce turnaround time and to meet the demands of the citizens charter.

To provide for effective resource management to improve the quality of administration.

To reduce processing delays.

To establish transparency and accountability.

New Website of Indian Naval Placement Agency Launched

{Defence}

In news Indian Navy has launched a new placement portal for naval veterans, widows and their dependents. The new

website has been developed by M/s Silver Touch while the creative look is by M/s Weiden and Kennedy.



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What was need of such website?

A large number of highly skilled personnel leave Indian Navy, in their 30s and 40s to ensure a young fighting

force for the nation. This capable and trained pool of disciplined naval veterans is made available to the

Corporate Sector by the Indian Naval Placement Agency (INPA) for harnessing their talents.

Services offered

To increase the opportunities available to the retiring naval personnel, the Indian Navy has signed an

Agreement with Monster.com which allows members of INPA to receive job alerts from Monster.com

and also avail subsidised career services.

Monster India aims to list more than 1,000 opportunities in the next 12 months with a target of

increasing this number to 2,000 opportunities by year 2020.

The partnership will focus on identifying opportunities in sectors such as capital goods industries, IT,

security space, ITeS, MSMEs etc for the uniquely skilled talent pool of veterans of the Indian Navy.

Blue Economy


In news

Government is implementing a Central Plan Scheme on “Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and

Management of Fisheries” with a vision to achieve economic prosperity of the country and the fishermen

through utilization of full potential of water resources for development of fisheries in a sustainable manner.



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Objective

To promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and employment opportunities within the Indian Ocean

region maritime economic activities.

The Blue Economy is determined to initiate appropriate programs for sustainable harnessing of ocean

resources, research and develop relevant sectors of oceanography, assess stock marine resources,

introduce marine aquaculture deep sea/long line fishing and biotechnology and develop human resources.

Fisheries & Aquaculture

Fisheries, which is a vital oceanic resource forms the core of the Blue Economy, as one of the main resources

of the Indian Ocean which provide food to hundreds of millions of people and greatly contribute to the

livelihoods of coastal communities. It plays an important role in ensuring food security, poverty alleviation and

also has a huge potential for business opportunities.

Biggest Solar Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh

{Energy}

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and French President Shri Emmanuel Macron inaugurated Uttar

Pradesh’s biggest solar power plant of 75 MW (101DC) capacity in Mirzapur on March 12

Highlights

The power plant has been set up by the French firm ENGIE through a transparent bidding process

under the Solar Park Scheme of the New and Renewable Energy Ministry.

The electricity generated by the project will be supplied by ENGIE at the rate of Rs.4.43 per unit for a period

of 25 years.

A 50 MW solar power plant has already come up in Allahabad. Another 40 MW solar power is ready for

commissioning in Jalaun district. With the inauguration of 75 MW power plant in Mirzapur by the Prime

Minister, the total capacity of solar power plants in Uttar Pradesh has gone up to 165 MW. Biddings of 225

MW solar power plants will be opened on 12th April, 2018.

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)

{Health Issue}

In news

CCRAS has developed and commercialized the following two drugs

AYUSH 82 An Anti Diabetic Ayurvedic Formulation.

AYUSH SG An Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis preparation.



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Background

CCRAS is actively involved in scientific process of drug development adopting prevalent guidelines such as

Good Clinical Practices Guidelines for ASU drugs (GCP-ASU), Ministry of AYUSH and National ethical

guidelines for Bio-Medical Research (ICMR), WHO guidelines for traditional medicines etc. as per

requirement and as feasible through its peripheral institutes.

CCRAS The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is an autonomous body of the Ministry of

AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India.

It is an apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, development and promotion of research on

scientific lines in Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine.

Ministry of HRD is committed to give full support for completion of Innovation

projects under Smart India Hackathon

{Digitalization}

‘Smart India Hackathon 2017’ was launched to build Digital India of our dreams and to engage our youth

directly with nation building. About 30 different Government departments/ministries are involved as partners

e.g. Ministry of Railways, External affairs, Steel, Postal Services, ISRO, NCPCR, etc. For the first time, govt.

departments were directly engaging with students and challenging them to build digital solutions to

improve their efficiency, plug revenue leakages and corruption.

Highlights

Under Smart India Hackathon 2017 around 55 teams were selected from various

Universities/Departments for research projects. These research projects were according to the need

of different Ministries and Departments like M/o Civil Aviation, M/o Ayush, M/o DoNER and ISRO.

A Digital India to bridge the digital divide in our country and further promote digital literacy in order to

make development a comprehensive mass movement and put governance within everyone’s reach

in India.

In order to work towards our PM’s vision, MHRD, All India Council for Technical Education

(AICTE), Inter Institutional Inclusive Innovation Center (i4C), and Persistent Systems organized Smart

India Hackathon 2017, a unique initiative to identify new and disruptive digital technology innovations

for solving the challenges faced by our country. The initiative was a huge success.

UDYAM SAKHI


UDYAM SAKHI is a network for nurturing social entrepreneurship creating business models revolving around

low-cost products and services to resolve social inequities. Women in India can play a very vital role to



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support the growth of Indian economy by introducing SME's in a various sector with the support of

Government India.

UDYAM SAKHI network is a platform for emerging Women Entrepreneurs of India to get support to

understand current scenario of industries and to get guidance in various aspect of entrepreneurship.

Over the past few years, India has record growth in women entrepreneurship and more women are pursuing

their career in this direction. In India, there are about 8 million women who have started or are running their

businesses. Apart from that, women have 24% share in corporate senior management positions in India.

UDYAM SAKHI provides assistances primarily through its Programmatic Functions:

Entrepreneurship Learning Tools e.g. Preparing Business Plan.

Incubation facility

Training programmes for fund raising

Providing MENTOR

One to one Investor Meet

Provide Market Survey Facility

Learning and Development (Education, Information, Technical Assistance & Training)

Atal Bhujal Yojana

{Environment}

Why in news?

In order to manage water resources efficiently and strengthen groundwater recharge, the government has

decided to fast-track Atal Bhujal Yojana conceived at a cost of Rs 6000 crore. The Central Ground Water

Board statistics reveal 1034 out of the 6584 assessed blocks to be over-exploited where the amount of

groundwater extracted is far more than recharge.

The Government has proposed Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) aimed at sustainable ground water

management with community participation in select over-exploited and ground water stressed

areas in seven States (Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and

Uttar Pradesh).

ABHY is designed as a Central Sector Scheme with a total outlay of Rs. 6,000 Crore and is proposed

to be implemented with World Bank assistance

Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra

{Women Empowerment}

Government of India has approved a new scheme namely, Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra

(MSK) for 2017-18 upto 2019-20 to empower rural women through community participation and to

create an environment in which they realize their full potential.



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The new scheme is envisaged to work at various levels. While, National level (domain based

knowledge support) and State level (State Resource Centre for Women) structures will provide

technical support to the respective government on issues related to women, the District and Block

level Centres will provide support to MSK and also give a foothold to BBBP in 640 districts to be

covered in a phased manner.

Women empowerment is multi-dimensional and the services provided under MSK will build upon by

leveraging available resources of variety of schemes/programmes of the government at the

district/block level.

Components of MSK scheme

National level

Domain based experts will provide support in implementation of all women centric schemes/programmes of

the Government with the aim to strengthen the conceptual and programmatic basis of such schemes through

convergence with Ministries and State Government /UT Adm. Focus will be given on training & capacity

building to enhance the understanding on gender issues.

State level

At the state level, the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW ) under the State Governments (Department

of WCD/Social Welfare) will provide technical assistance towards implementing programmes, laws and

schemes meant for women through effective coordination at the State/UT level.

District level

A new component namely District Level Centre for Women (DLCW) has been envisaged which will collate

information on government programmes, schemes and services meant for women empowerment (including

Beti Bachao Beti Padao (BBBP), One Stop Centre, Women Helpline, Mahila Police Volunteers, Swadhar,

Ujja wala, etc.) to cover 640 districts and will serve as a link between village/block and state level. These

centres will also give foothold for BBBP Scheme at the district level. The DLCWs will provide the required

information pertaining to women related schemes to all citizens (women will be given priority) in the

concerned district.

Block level

Activities under MSK will be implemented at the Gram Panchayat level and will be facilitated through

Block/Taluk level centres, which will serve as the focal points and will be called MSK- Block Level. The block

level centres will be run by a Block Level Committee (BLC) with members as nominated by DC/DM

LaQshya program will benefit every pregnant woman and newborn delivering in

public health institutions

{Women Empowerment}

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recently announced the launch of program ‘LaQshya’, aimed at

improving quality of care in labour room and maternity Operation Theatre (OT).

Key facts

The Program will improve quality of care for pregnant women in labour room, maternity Operation

Theatre and Obstetrics Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and High Dependency Units (HDUs).



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The LaQshya program is being implemented at all Medical College Hospitals, District Hospitals and

First Referral Unit (FRU), and Community Health Center (CHCs) and will benefit every pregnant

woman and new-born delivering in public health institutions.

‘LaQshya’ will reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, improve quality of care

during delivery and immediate post-partum period and enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries

and provide Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to all pregnant women attending public health

facilities.

Significance

The Program aims at implementing ‘fast-track’ interventions for achieving tangible results

within 18 months.

Under the initiative, a multi-pronged strategy has been adopted such as improving infrastructure

up-gradation, ensuring availability of essential equipment, providing adequate human

resources, capacity building of health care workers and improving quality processes in the

labour room.

The Quality Improvement in labour room and maternity OT will be assessed through NQAS (National

Quality Assurance Standards). Every facility achieving 70% score on NQAS will be certified as

LaQshya certified facility. Furthermore, branding of LaQshya certified facilities will be done as per the

NQAS score.

Way ahead

India has come a long way in improving maternal survival as Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has

reduced from 301 maternal deaths in 2001-03 to 167 in year 2011-13, an impressive decline of 45%

in a decade. India is further committed to ensuring safe motherhood to every pregnant woman

in the country.

A transformational improvement in the quality of care around child-birth- relating to

intrapartum and immediate postpartum care shall dramatically improve maternal and new-

born outcomes.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

{Social Issue}

In news

The Government of India has approved Pan-India implementation of PMMVY in all districts of the country

from 01.01.2017 under which the eligible beneficiaries get Rs. 5,000/- under PMMVY and the remaining cash

incentive as per approved norms towards Maternity Benefit under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) after

institutional delivery so that on an average, a woman gets Rs. 6000/-.

Objectives



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Providing partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentive s so that the woman can

take adequate res t before and after delivery of the first living child.

The cash incentive provided would lead to improved health seeking behaviour amongst the Pregnant

Women and Lactating Mothers (PW& LM).

Under – nutrition continues to adversely affect majority of women in India.

In India, every third woman is undernourished and every second woman is anaemic.

An undernourished mother almost inevitably gives birth to a low birth weight baby.

When poor nutrition starts in – utero, it extends throughout the life cycle since the changes are largely

irreversible. Owing to economic and social distress many women continue to work to earn a living for

their family right up to the last days of their pregnancy.

Furthermore, they resume working soon after childbirth, even though their bodies might not permit

it, thus preventing their bodies from fully recovering on one hand, and also impeding their ability to

exclusively breastfeed their young infant in the first six months.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a Maternity Benefit Programme that is implemented in

all the districts of the country in accordance with the provision of the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Target beneficiaries

All Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers, excluding PW&LM who are in regular employment with

the Central Government or the State Governments or PSUs or those who are in receipt of similar

benefits under any law for the time being in force.

All eligible Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers who have their pregnancy on or after 01.01.2017

for first child in family.

The date and stage of pregnancy for a beneficiary would be counted with respect to her LMP date as

mentioned in the MCP card.

KUSUM Scheme – harnessing solar power for rural India

{Energy}

Solar water pumps to be installed in remote areas for irrigation needs Farmers can get extra income

by selling surplus solar power to DISCOMs

The Government of India is in the process of formulating a Scheme ‘Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan

Mahabhiyan (KUSUM)’ which, inter alia, provides for:

installation of grid-connected solar power plants each of capacity up to 2 MW in the rural areas;

installation of standalone off-grid solar water pumps to fulfill irrigation needs of farmers not connected

to grid;

solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to make farmers independent of grid supply

and also enable them to sell surplus solar power generated to DISCOM and get extra income; and

solarization of tube-wells and lift irrigation projects of Government sector.



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Krishi Unnati Mela 2018

{Agricultural Issue}

Krishi Unnati Mela, an annual event that witnesses congregation of lakhs of farmers from across the

country, showcases latest technology in agriculture and allied services.

Farmers are also updated on various Government initiatives.

The event, through a 360 degree information dissemination mechanism like setting up of stalls and

pavilions, organizing seminars and conferences, live demonstrations, cultural shows etc provides

limitless opportunity to farmers to share, interact and learn about the various initiatives of the

Government.

Why do we need it?

India is moving towards Digital and Mobile revolution and even far-flung villages have access to mobile

phones. We have been seamlessly linking Information Technology with agriculture and in order to establish

direct connect between the government and farmers, mobile and internet plays a key role.

Background

This was stated by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh at the Krishi

Unnati Mela 2018 in Pusa, New Delhi. Shri Singh Said that Several websites, portals, apps, SMSes are being

used to provide information to farmers at the right time. Important information on agricultural research is the

main attraction of this fair.

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi

{Health Issue}

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi was set up under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in 1997. The scheme

provides for financial assistance to patients, living below poverty line who is suffering from major life-

threatening diseases, to receive medical treatment at any of the super specialty hospitals/institutes or other

Govt. hospitals.

The financial assistance to such patients is released in the form of "one-time grant" to the Medical

Superintendent of the hospital in which the treatment is being received. For providing financial assistance to

the needy patients as per recent decisions, all applicants receiving treatment in Delhi Hospitals are Eligible

for receiving Grants under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi.

Other Schemes for treatment within the scope of RAN

The Government also provides financial assistance through the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund

(HMCPF) set up for providing financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 2 lakh to the poor patients suffering from

cancer and having treatment in the 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCC) in India. It was set up in 2009 as a

separate corpus fund within RAN to be managed through the Management and Technical Committees of the

RAN. Like RAN, revolving funds have been set up in these RCCs by placing an amount upto Rs. 50 lakh, for

providing financial assistance for treatment upto Rs. 2 lakh. Cases involving expenditure over and above the



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stipulated limit, are referred to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Funds to the RCCs are released

on submission of utilization certificate and list of beneficiaries in respect of funds released to them earlier.

An amount of Rs. 100 crore has been placed into the Corpus Fund and the earning from the Corpus Fund

accrued out of interest is utilized for providing financial assistance to cancer patients; i.e, the earning from

the corpus – i.e., interest from the corpus fund - would not be used for meeting the administrative expenses

of the corpus fund.

Financial assistance is also available under the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG) to patients

having family annual income up to Rs.1,00,000/- and below to defray a part of the expenditure on

hospitalization/treatment in Government Hospitals, in cases where free medical facilities are not available.

NITI Aayog Released SATH-Education Roadmaps 2018-2020

{Education}

The roadmaps for the Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E)

Project of NITI Aayog, being undertaken in partnership with three participating States of Jharkhand, Madhya

Pradesh and Odisha, were released.

The forward-looking roadmaps for SATH-E were released at the conclusion of the first meeting of

the National Steering Group (NSG), the governing body for the project, which is chaired by the CEO

of NITI Aayog.

Key facts

SATH-E aspires to be a ‘saathi’, to the educational system with the student and the teacher at its

centre.

The aim is to make the entire governmental school education system responsive, aspirational and

transformational for every child.

These programmes and other initiatives stated in the Roadmap will be further strengthened,

customized and executed by the SATH-E States in consultation with knowledge partners – the Boston

Consulting Group and Piramal Foundation for Education Leadership – over the next 24 months.

This ‘tripartite arrangement’, where the NITI Aayog, the three States, chosen through a challenge

method, and knowledge partners from the private sector, symbolises the very essence of

competitive and cooperative federalism exemplified by NITI.

The process ensured that schemes of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and

projects under SATH-E are in sync with their respective state schemes.

Background

The NITI Aayog wrote to all States offering assistance for improving their health and education sectors. 16

States responded favorably. Following presentations and consultations with MHRD, the three States

of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha were selected for the programme. The Sustainable Action for

Transforming Human Capital-Education (SATH-E) was thus, born.



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SATH-E

The SATH-E initiative in based on formal agreements with the States and will be funded through a

cost-sharing mechanism between NITI Aayog and the participating states.

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Piramal Foundation for Education Leadership

(PFEL) were chosen as knowledge partners for the project facilitating review, data collection and

implementation.

SATH-E has been envisaged as a programme which aims to transform elementary and

secondary school education across these three state

SATH-E roadmap refers to a time-bound, goal-driven exercise that will reach its logical

culmination by the end of the academic year 2020. Further, the foundations of other long term

interventions, as is found necessary by each state, would be laid during this period.

Limiting interventions to only those where there is complete state buy-in for sustainability, the

whole process would be done in consultation with the states and MHRD. This will be facilitated by the

National Steering Group (NSG), chaired by the CEO of NITI Aayog and including the Chief Secretaries

of the States, which will continuously monitor progress, introduce course-corrections and offer a

platform for addressing issues in implementation.

Thus, SATH-E aims to create role model States for education and mainstream ‘islands of

excellence’ across the country to facilitate qualitative and quantitative transformation of

learning outcomes. Marrying technology with need-based, data-driven assessment and a ‘giving

it what it takes’ approach – be it innovation, incubation, external third party funding and Public-

Private- Philanthropic Partnership (PPPP) experimentation – SATH-E puts the States in the

driver’s seat to transform education at scale.

Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (FINE) The Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (FINE) {previously known as Festival of Innovation FOIN)} is

a unique initiative of the Office of the President of India to recognise, respect and reward grassroots

innovations and foster a supportive ecosystem. Hosted in the month of March at The President's House, the

FOIN has become a national celebration of creativity and innovation at and for grassroots.

Highlights This year it has been decided to organize Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE) from March

19-21, 2018 at Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President's Secretariat in association with National Innovation

Foundation-India and Department of Science & Technology. An exhibition associated with FINE will remain

open from March 19, 2018 - March 23, 2018. FINE is a celebration of country's Innovation potential,

particularly those ideas which stem from grassroots level including the citizen at the last mile and also a

reflection of power of children's creativity.

FINE would provide platform to the innovators for building the linkages with potential stakeholders whose

support can improve their prospects in coming years for the larger social good.

It will also help in promoting lateral learning and linkages among the innovators to enrich the ecosystem for

new India. It would also be a great opportunity to create awareness about the importance of various Ministries

of Government of India attaches to their effort and participation in the FINE.



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First India-Japan Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction to begin on 19th March

{Disaster Management}

Aims to develop a specific bilateral Action Plan on areas of cooperation in DRR

In News

India and Japan, two of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, are coming together to address

disaster risk. Over a two-day workshop beginning here on Monday, 19th March, experts will discuss issues

pertaining to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), especially earthquakes.

Key facts

Japan is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire and is highly susceptible to earthquakes. Given

its long history of devastating earthquakes, Japan has a very high level of community awareness. Its

technological know-how, especially in the area of earthquake risk reduction, is among the most

advanced in the world.

India is rapidly urbanising and a massive investment in the infrastructure sector is imminent. As nearly

59% of India’s landmass is prone to moderate to severe earthquakes, it will not only save lives in

the event of an earthquake but also make for great economic sense that this investment is

made earthquake resilient.

The workshop will present an opportunity to explore as to how Japan invests in making its

infrastructure resilient to present and future disaster risks. It will also help understand recent

advancements in Japan in the area of earthquake detection and early warning systems and adapt

them to India’s context. This will play a vital role in enhancing preparedness and response at

every level.

The workshop will facilitate knowledge exchange on good practices, lessons learnt and latest

technological advancements in the area of disaster risk management.

Six technical sessions will be held during the workshop –

Disaster Management Policy Framework – Policy Framework (Historical Background, Institution,

National Strategy, National Plan for Nankai Trough Earthquake, etc.)

Risk Assessment – How do earthquakes occur? To what extent can these be predicted? Which kind

of earthquakes are likely to occur in Japan and India?

Disaster Resilient Infrastructure – How does policy respond to strengthen infrastructure, in

particular, water-related protective infrastructure?

Early Warning System – How does it work? How to communicate early warning to citizens? How

does the national government respond following the early warning?

Preparedness/Response at sub-national level – How do sub-national governments prepare for and

respond to earthquakes? How do local communities develop their resilience by planning in advance?



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Approaches by private sector -What kind of technologies and services can private sector offer to

reduce damage and loss by earthquakes? What is the socio-economic impact of those technologies

and services?

Informal World Trade Organisation Ministerial Meeting on 19-20th March in

New Delhi

{International}

Representatives from 50 countries will be gathering in New Delhi on 19-20 March for an informal

World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting.

The informal meeting of ministers will provide an opportunity to engage in free and frank discussions

with the hope that it will lead to political guidance on some major issues.

In the absence of Ministerial guidance at the Eleventh Ministerial Conference (MC 11) that took place

from 10 to 13 December 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, it is hoped that the New Delhi meeting will

provide an opportunity for ministers to explore in greater detail the options on different issues for re-

invigorating the WTO.

Key facts

Safeguarding and strengthening the multilateral trading system was never as important as it

is today, and the WTO is also facing systemic challenges, particularly its dispute settlement

arm.

The informal meeting of ministers in New Delhi will provide an opportunity to engage in free and frank

discussions leading to political guidance on some of the major issues, both at the negotiating table

and also in other areas.

WTO Ministerial Conferences

The topmost decision-making body of the WTO is the Ministerial Conference, which usually meets every two

years. It brings together all members of the WTO, all of which are countries or customs unions. The Ministerial

Conference can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.

WTO

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of

trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s

trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably

and freely as possible.

Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

{Culture & Economy}



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In news

The Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship was recently inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind. It

is being organised by Rashtrapati Bhavan in association with the Department of Science and Technology

and the National Innovation Foundation-India.

The Festival Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship

The Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (FINE) {previously known as Festival of Innovation FOIN)} is

a unique initiative of the Office of the President of India to recognise, respect and reward grassroots

innovations and foster a supportive ecosystem. Hosted in the month of March at The President's House, the

FOIN has become a national celebration of creativity and innovation at and for grassroots.

It is a celebration of country’s Innovation potential, particularly those ideas which stem from grassroots level

including the citizen at the last mile and also a reflection of power of children’s creativity. It is an initiative to

recognise, respect, showcase, reward innovations and to foster a supportive ecosystem for innovators.

Significance of the Festival

FINE would provide an excellent platform to the innovators for building the linkages with potential

stakeholders whose support can improve their prospects in coming years for the larger social good.

It will also help in promoting lateral learning and linkages among the innovators to enrich the

ecosystem for new India.

It would also be a great opportunity to create awareness about the importance of various Ministries

of Government of India attaches to their effort and participation in the FINE.

International Competition Network 2018

{International}

India is hosting the 17th Annual Conference of International Competition Network 2018 (ICN2018) in New

Delhi.

The Festival of Innovation (FOIN) is a unique initiative of the Office of the President of India to recognise,

respect and reward grassroots innovations and foster a supportive ecosystem.

ICN conference

The ICN holds an Annual Conference which is hosted by a member competition agency. The last

such Conference was hosted by Portuguese Competition Authority in 2017 at Porto, Portugal.

This is the first time India is hosting the ICN2018 Annual Conference since it joined

International Competition Network (ICN) in 2009.



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The conference will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies for effective

enforcement of competition law and for strengthening cooperation amongst the competition

authorities as they strive to promote and sustain competition in rapidly changing markets.

ICN

ICN is an international body comprising 132 members from 120 competition jurisdictions exclusively

devoted to international competition enforcement.

The ICN’s main goal is to improve and advocate for sound competition policy and its

enforcement across the global antitrust community.

The ICN is a voluntary, consensus-based organisation. The ICN is not a rule-making

organisation and its work products are not legally binding instruments.

ICN provides competition authorities with a specialised yet informal platform for addressing practical

competition concerns, sharing experiences and adopting international best practices.

Its members are national competition authorities and NGA (Non-governmental Advisers) which

include reputed law firms, eminent persons, and think tanks of international repute.

Need of ICN

Economic globalisation has resulted in an increasing number of investigations and reviews of

mergers, cartels and unilateral conduct that transcend jurisdictional boundaries.

Agencies need to cooperate with each other on cross-border cases in order to reduce the risk of:

Sub-optimal enforcement if an agency only has a partial picture of the situation; and

Inconsistent outcomes if different jurisdictions reach different conclusions about the same

practice. The ICN helps facilitate cooperation and convergence, where appropriate. This is

good for competition agencies, governments, businesses, and ultimately consumers.

First National Workshop on POSHAN Abhiyaan

{Women Empowerment}

In news

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is organising the day long workshop with participation from

all the states/UTs to provide a complete orientation on the POSHAN Abhiyaan, to explain the key components

of the Abhiyaan, to provide handholding in using the software involved, and to augment the convergence with

the different Ministries involved in implementing the Abhiyaan for improved Nutritional outcomes. Executive

committee

The Executive Committee which is the Apex body for all Nutrition related activities under the

POSHAN Abhiyaan,held its first meeting today to decide on the roadmap for the Mission.

The Committee is headed by Sh. Rakesh Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child

Development.



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The Committee, inter alia, has taken the following decisions:

India Nutrition Report shall be released every year by the Government after a detailed survey.

On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti this year, Gram Panchayats across the country will hold

meetings to discuss on the Nutritional aspects and their implementation along with Health and

Sanitation issues. All the Gram Panchayats will be advised to weigh the children and display the

weights in the Anganwadi centres

Instead of blindly adopting the Nutritional practices of other countries, best practices of states across

the country which are successful in reducing Stunting, Anaemia and Malnutrition are to be studied

and successful models to be adopted at National level.

For special focus on the deprived sections of the Society, District Collectors will hold a detailed survey

of the people who are outside the Anganwadi System.

The following activities are to be undertaken by States/UTs as part of POSHAN Abhiyaan

Implementation of Convergence Action Plan at State/UT Level.

Procurement of Smartphones, Tablets and Growth Monitoring Devices by States/UTs.

Roll-Out of ICDS-CAS (Common Application Software).

Implementation of ILA (Incremental Learning Approach) and CBE (Community based events).

Key facts

Some of the key Nutrition strategies and interventions are supplementary nutrition, IYCF(Infant and Young

Child Feeding)immunisation, food fortification, adolescent nutrition, dietary diversification and maternal health

& nutrition among others. Behaviour change communication is the key component of POSHAN

Abhiyaan for converting it into Jan Andolan

National Council on India’s nutritional challenges

National Council on India’s nutritional challenges under chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI

Aayog, has also been set up under the POSHAN Abhiyaan.

The Council shall submit report to the Prime Minister every 6 months. Secretary WCD being the

Member convenor of National council, would formally request vice-chairman NITI Aayog to convene

meeting of National Council on India’s nutritional challenges.

Conservation-cum-Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

{Social Issue}

In news

The Government of India has identified following three Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the

State of Maharashtra:



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1. Katkaria (Kathodia)

2. Kolam

3. Maria Gond

Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing a Central Sector Scheme, “Support to Tribal Research Institute

(TRIs)”, under which financial assistance is provided to TRI’s to carry out various activities to preserve and

promote tribal culture and heritage across the country through research and documentation, maintenance

and preservation of art & artifacts, setting up of tribal museum, exchange visits for the tribals to other parts

of the State, organizing tribal festivals etc.

The Ministry is administering the scheme namely “Development of PVTGs” for overall development of

PVTGs. This scheme is flexible and enables the States to focus on areas that they consider is relevant to

PVTGs and their socio-cultural environment. Activities including housing, land distribution, land development,

agricultural development, animal husbandry, construction of link roads, installation of non-conventional

sources of energy for lighting purpose, social security including Janshree Beema Yojana or any other

innovative activity meant for the comprehensive socio-economic development of PVTGs are considered

under it

About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

Particularly vulnerable tribal group is a sub category which consists of those tribes which are more vulnerable and

backward and need to be particularly protected.

Why classified as

In 1960-61 Dhehbar Commission proposed such classification of scheduled tribes based on existing inequalities

among them. Later a sub category was created within scheduled tribes to identify groups that were at lower level

of development. The sub category was named “primitive tribal group”.

Basic feature for “PTG” included

hunters and gatherers

negative population growth

extremely low level of literacy

In 2006, “PTG” renamed as PVTGs by govt. of India.

Characteristics

PVTGs are sensitive, reserved and shy peoples so they stay away from schools despite good facilities

provided by govt.

They are mostly homogeneous with a small population.

They want to be more isolated and have slow rate of change as compared to other tribal groups.

They have very low literacy rate due to absence of their own written language.

Social conditions

The cultural practices and other systems of social institutions have a lot of variations depending on the

group and locality.

They are not only socially and economically backward than non-PVTGs inequalities are also prevalent

among PVTGs. E.g some PVTGs are going forward with new agricultural practices and some groups of

PVTGs are still are hunters and gatherers.



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Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)

{Science & Tech}

In news

BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) - a Section 25 ‘Not-for-Profit Company’ of

Government of India, registered under Indian Companies Act 1956, set up as Department of Biotechnology’s

interface agency, which serves as a single window for the emerging biotech industries – has completed 2

years of incorporation today 20th March, 2014

Highlights

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) celebrated its 6th Foundation Day.

Themed as ‘Sustaining Innovation – A Market Driven Pathway’, the event was attended by a large

number of dignitaries from the scientific and industry sectors both from within the country and

overseas.

BIRAC has played a critical role in supporting the entrepreneurial aspirations of brightest minds in the

country through its programs and mentor support networks in keeping with the Government’s

mandate.

It is through these efforts that we are able to develop affordable products and technologies that will

better the lives of our people.

BIRAC Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit Section 8, Schedule B, Public

Sector Enterprise, set up by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India as an Interface Agency

to strengthen and empower the emerging Biotech enterprise to undertake strategic research and innovation,

addressing nationally relevant product development needs.

Vision

“To Stimulate, foster and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech

industry, particularly start-ups and SME’s, for creation of affordable products addressing the needs of the

largest section of society”

Key Strategies

Foster innovation and entrepreneurship

Promote affordable innovation in key social sectors

Empowerment of start-ups & small and medium enterprises

Contribute through partners for capability enhancement and diffusion of innovation

Enable commercialization of discovery

Ensure global competitiveness of Indian enterprises



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BIRAC’s Core Values

Integrity

Transparency

Team work

Excellence

Commitment

Cabinet approves Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission

{Health Issue}

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the launch of a

new Centrally Sponsored Ayushman Bharat -National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) having

central sector component under Ayushman Bharat Mission anchored in the MoHFW.

Key facts The scheme has the benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year.

The target beneficiaries of the proposed scheme will be more than 10 crore families belonging to poor

and vulnerable population based on SECC database.

AB-NHPM will subsume the on-going centrally sponsored schemes - Rashtriya Swasthya Bima

Yojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS).

Implementation Strategy

At the national level to manage, an Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Agency (AB-

NHPMA) would be put in place. States/ UTs would be advised to implement the scheme by a

dedicated entity called State Health Agency (SHA).

They can either use an existing Trust/ Society/ Not for Profit Company/ State Nodal Agency (SNA) or

set up a new entity to implement the scheme.

States/ UTs can decide to implement the scheme through an insurance company or directly through

the Trust/ Society or use an integrated model.

AB-NHPM will have major impact on reduction of Out Of Pocket (OOP) expenditure on ground of

Increased benefit cover to nearly 40% of the population, (the poorest & the vulnerable)

Covering almost all secondary and many tertiary hospitalizations. (except a negative list)

Coverage of 5 lakh for each family, (no restriction of family size)

Background

RSBY was launched in the year 2008 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and provides

cashless health insurance scheme with benefit coverage of Rs. 30.000/- per annum on a family floater



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basis [for 5 members], for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, and 11 other defined categories of

unorganised workers.

To integrate RSBY into the health system and make it a part of the comprehensive health care vision

of Government of India, RSBY was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)

in 2015

Cabinet approves moving official amendments in the “Surrogacy (Regulation)

Bill, 2016”

{Public Policy}

In news

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for moving official

amendments in the “Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016”.

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 proposes to regulate surrogacy in India by establishing National

Surrogacy Board at the central level and, State Surrogacy Boards and Appropriate Authorities in the States

and Union Territories.

Proposals

The proposed legislation ensures effective regulation of surrogacy, prohibit commercial surrogacy

and allow altruistic surrogacy to the needy Indian infertile couples.

Once the Bill is enacted by the Parliament, the National Surrogacy Board will be constituted. The

States and Union Territories shall constitute the State Surrogacy Board and State Appropriate

Authorities within three months of the notification by the Central Government.

Major impact

Once in effect, the Act will regulate the surrogacy services in the country and will control the unethical

practices in surrogacy, prevent commercialization of surrogacy and will prohibit potential exploitation

of surrogate mothers and children born through surrogacy.

While commercial surrogacy will be prohibited including sale and purchase of human embryo and

gametes

Ethical surrogacy to the needy infertile couples will be allowed on fulfillment of certain conditions and

for specific purposes.

All Infertile Indian married couple who want to avail ethical surrogacy will be benefitted. Further, the

rights of surrogate mother and children born out of surrogacy will be protected.

The Bill shall apply to whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.



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Background

India has emerged as a surrogacy hub for couples from different countries and there have been

reported incidents concerning unethical practices, exploitation of surrogate mothers, abandonment of

children born out of surrogacy and rackets of intermediaries importing human embryos and gametes.

The 228th report of the Law Commission of India has recommended for prohibiting commercial

surrogacy and allowing ethical altruistic surrogacy by enacting a suitable legislation.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana to promote organic farming

{Agricultural Policy}

Context

Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers in Agriculture is a cause for concern and has drawn the attention of

the government because of its implications on environment, socio-economic and production fronts.

“Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana” is an elaborated component of Soil Health Management (SHM) of

major project National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). Under PKVY Organic farming is promoted

through adoption of organic village by cluster approach and PGS certification.

Objective

To promote organic farming in the country. Other government institutions like APEDA and Ministry of

Commerce, while playing a leading role in improvement and control of certification system, are promoting the

export of organic products. The government has initiated the Organic Value Chain Development for North

Eastern region.

How will it beneficial?

Promotion of commercial organic production through certified organic farming.

The produce will be pesticide residue free and will contribute to improve the health of consumer.

It will raise farmer’s income and create potential market for traders.

It will motivate the farmers for natural resource mobilization for input production.

Inclusion of the communities 'Parivara and Talawara' as synonym of "Nayaka' in

the list of STs in Karnataka

{Social Issue}

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has, in principle, approved the inclusion

of the communities, namely, 'Parivara and Talawara' as synonym of "Nayaka' at SI. No. 38 in the list of STs

of Karnataka.



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Major Impact

This will fulfil the long term demand of 'Parivara' and ‘Talawara' communities for granting Scheduled Tribes

status in the State of Karnataka. The persons belonging to "Parivara' and Talawara' communities will be

eligible to get the Scheduled Tribe certificate from the State of Karnataka and will also be eligible for all

benefits meant for the Scheduled Tribes in the State.

Background

Karnataka Government had recommended for inclusion of "Parivara' and Talawara' communities as

synonyms of 'Nayaka' appearing at SI. No. 38 in the list of Scheduled Tribes of the State of Karnataka.

The first specification of Scheduled Tribes in relation to a particular State or Union territory is by a notified

Order of the President, after consultation with the State Government / UT concerned. Any subsequent

inclusion in or exclusion from and other modifications in the list of Scheduled Tribes can be made only through

an amending Act of Parliament.

Cabinet approves Revision of Energy Norms under New Urea Policy

{Energy}

In news

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has accorded

the following approval to the proposal of Department of Fertilizers:

The Target Energy Norms under New Urea Policy-2015(NUP-2015) for 11 urea units to be implemented

w.e.f. 1st April, 2018.

New Urea Policy- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers OBJECTIVES

Maximizing indigenous urea production;

Promoting energy efficiency in urea production; and

Rationalizing subsidy burden on the government.

It will drive urea units to select better technology and different measure to reduce energy consumption.

The higher energy efficiency due to aforesaid measure will reduce subsidy bill. It is expected that there would

be reduction in the subsidy burden of the government in two ways – reduction in specific energy consumption

norms and import substitution on account of higher domestic production.

Neem Coating of Urea

{Agriculture}

Urea coated with neem oil is neem coated urea. Only about 30 to 40% of N2 in the urea is utilized by the

plants. Coating of neem oil helps in gradual release of nitrates into soil. This may work as a bio pesticide.



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Function The oil coating of neem in neem coated urea mixes up slowly with the land and crops, soaks it according to

the need. The unwanted urea washed away with the water or gets diluted in the air as nitrogen.

Primary motive of the Indian government is to stop the illegal diverting of highly subsidized urea for

the industrial purpose. Neem coated urea is unfit for the industrial purpose.

Cabinet approves closure of India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians-

between April 2015 and March 2018

{International}

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for closure of India

Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI)

Why was it founded?

To enhance synergies in channelizing Diaspora’s contributions to Government of India’s flagship

programmes such as National Mission for clean Ganga and Swachh Bharat Mission.

Background

IDF-OI was set up by Government of India with the approval of Cabinet in 2008 as an autonomous

not-for-profit Trust, to facilitate Overseas Indian philanthropy into social and development

projects in India.

The Trust is exempt from provisions of the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010 of the

Ministry of Home Affairs which enables IDF-OI to receive foreign contributions.

IDF-OI is administered by a Board of Trustees, chaired by Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External

Affairs.

Objectives of the Trust

Lead philanthropy by overseas Indians into India and facilitate philanthropic partnerships.

Provide a list of credible institutions, projects and programmes to Overseas Indians.

Function as a clearing house for all philanthropy related information on India.

Partner with and encourage credible philanthropic organisations.

Promote accountability and ‘good practices’ in overseas Indian philanthropy.

Cabinet approves Opening of Missions in Africa to implement commitments of

India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III)



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{International Relation}

In news

Approved the opening of 18 new Indian Missions in Africa over a four year period from 2018-2021.

The 18 new Indian Missions in Africa will be opened in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad,

Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia,

Mauritania, Rwanda, Sao Tome& Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Swaziland and Togo over a four-

year period from 2018-2021 thereby increasing the number of Resident Indian Missions in Africa from

29 to 47.

Significance The decision will enhance India’s diplomatic outreach in the African continent and allow India to engage with

Indian diaspora in African countries. Opening of new Missions is also a step towards implementing the vision

of enhanced co-operation and engagement with Africa.

International Day of Forests

{Environment}

International Day of Forests is observed on March 21st every year.

2018 Theme: Forests and Sustainable Cities. The International Day of Forests The World Forestry Day was established in the year 1971 at the 23rd General Assembly of European

Confederation of Agriculture. And it was decided to be celebrated as an annual event celebration on 21st of

March by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization

Why forest day is celebrated?

Forests are very essential part of the life on Earth. They always fulfill the demands of the human

beings by providing shadow, shelter, refreshment including clean air and water. In the modern world

of growing global population increases the demands of forest products so the forests are at big risks

of deforestation and degradation.

Forests are the complex living community of the trees which provides home and shelter to a big range

of animals and the soil beneath it inhabit the variety of invertebrates, fungi and bacteria playing

significant role in balancing the nutrients cycle in the soil and forest.

World forestry day celebration provides a big opportunity to all the people to learn more about their

contributions in maintaining the well-being of people. During this event celebration people share their

views and ideas by working together to incorporate the forests into future climate change strategies.

Importance of forest cover

Forests and trees store carbon, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in and around

urban areas.



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Trees also improve the local climate, helping to save energy used for heating by 20-50%.

Strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8 degrees Celsius, reducing air

conditioning needs by 30%.

Urban trees are excellent air filters, removing harmful pollutants in the air and fine particulates.

Trees reduce noise pollution, as they shield homes from nearby roads and industrial areas.

Local populations use the fruits, nuts, leaves and insects found in urban trees to produce food and

medicines for use in the home, or as a source of income.

Wood fuel sourced from urban trees and planted forests on the outskirts of cities provides renewable

energy for cooking and heating, which reduces pressures on natural forests and our reliance on fossil

fuels.

Forests in and around urban areas help to filter and regulate water, contributing to high-quality

freshwater supplies for hundreds of millions of people. Forests also protect watersheds and prevent

flooding as they store water in their branches and soil.

Well-managed forests and trees in and around cities provide habitats, food and protection for many

plants and animals, helping to maintain and increase biodiversity.

Forests in cities and surrounding areas generate tourism, create tens of thousands of jobs and

encourage city beautification schemes, building dynamic, energetic and prosperous green

economies.

Urban green spaces, including forests, encourage active and healthy lifestyles, improve mental

health, prevent disease, and provide a place for people to socialize.

Strategy on Resource Efficiency

{Environment}

Measures related to implementation of strategy on resource efficiency was announced by the Principal

Advisor, NITI Aayog -

Resource Efficiency is cross-cutting, has implications for all sectors. Synergies need to be established

for a robust implementation agenda

NITI Aayog will facilitate the RE strategy implementation. Implementation however will be the

responsibility of the line ministries/departments

A baseline survey on RE could be considered for better targeting

A Status paper on RE and Four sectoral strategy papers on RE are to be prepared

SWACH Bharat also means a clean production/mining environment, therefore resource efficiency and

circular economy are also a part of this initiative

One pilot study on Ease of Doing RE Business in collaboration with DIPP could be considered

Finally, RE is a potential instrument for generating wealth from waste. Measures for promoting

effective recycling of scrap generated in the country could be explored



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Resource Efficiency

Resource efficiency very simply put is making more with fewer materials. In practice, through a life-

cycle approach, it leads to minimizing impact on environment & the associated societal burdens,

transforming ‘waste’ into ‘resources’ fostering circular economy, and strengthening resource security.

Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy are important goals and central principles for achieving

sustainable development. Sustainability is a global priority and SDGs commitment and 11th Five-year

plan also clearly enunciate importance of Resource efficiency (RE).

Key facts

The new Indian Resource Panel (InRP) was officially unveiled in 2016, making India one of the first

emerging economies to set up a national advisory body on resource efficiency.

The InRP was created with support from the International Climate Initiative as part of the project

‘Resource efficiency and secondary raw materials management as a contribution to climate change

mitigation’.

The InRP will issue recommendations to Indian businesses and policy-makers on improving the

general conditions for resource efficiency.

Background

In November 2017, the NITI Aayog along with EU Delegation to India released the Strategy paper on

Resource Efficiency (RE). The objective of the RE Strategy is to make recommendations for

enhancing the resource-use efficiency in the Indian economy and industry, develop indicators for

monitoring progress, and create an ecosystem for improving the resource security and minimising

environmental impacts.

The implementation agenda of the RE Strategy consists of Core Action Agenda (2017-2018) and

Medium-term Action Plan (2018-2020) in the thematic areas of institutional development, promotion

and regulation. The first action agenda was to constitute an inter-departmental group of stakeholders

for steering the strategy.

Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017

{Public Policy}

The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2018 has been passed by parliament on 22nd March. The bill

ensures harmony amongst employees in the private sector and Public-Sector Undertakings/Autonomous

Organizations under Government who are not covered under CCS (Pension) Rules.

Highlights of the Bill

The 2017 Bill empowers the central government to (i) notify the period of maternity leave eligible for

qualifying as continuous service; and (ii) determine the amount of gratuity available to employees.



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The Bill removes the reference to 12 weeks in the 1972 Act and empowers the central government to

notify the maximum maternity leave.

Under the Act, the maximum amount of gratuity payable to an employee cannot exceed Rs 10 lakh.

The Bill removes the existing ceiling and states that the ceiling may be notified by the central

government.

Toll Operate and Transfer (TOT) model

{Infrastructure & Development}

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which invited bids for various highways, hopes to generate

more than Rs 6,000 crore by leasing out the roads under the ‘toll-operate-transfer’ (TOT) model. This will

provide NHAI funds to build more highways, filling in for the private sector that is reluctant to invest in new

highways.

Background

The Cabinet Committee on Economic

Affairs in 2016 had authorised NHAI to

monetise 75 publicly funded national

highways that are operational and have

been generating toll revenues for at least

two years.

TOT model

Under this newly launched ToT

model, the right to collect user-

fee or toll on selected national

highway stretches built through

public funding is proposed to be

auctioned and assigned to a

concessionaire for a period of 30

years against an upfront

payment of a lump-sum amount

to the government.

The concessionaire is also

responsible for the operation and

maintenance of the roads during

the tenure.

The model concession

agreement also seeks to address

the risks associated with such a

long concession contract, with

several provisions designed to

deal with eventualities like



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roadway expansion, high toll traffic variation, etc., to ensure that concessionaires are not exposed to

undue risks.

The government can also increase the concession period in later stages, if the concessionaire wants

it.

Significance

India is facing a $526 billion infrastructure investment gap by 2040. The TOT model, once successful in the

highways sector, other sectors such as power transmission, oil and natural gas could replicate the same

model, thereby unlocking the huge off budget funding.

Ethanol as Primary Fuel

{Energy}

In news

The Government has notified mass emission standard for flex-fuel ethanol (E85) or (E100)and ethanol

(ED95) vehicles,vide notificationG.S.R. 682(E) dated 12th July, 2016 after inviting suggestions from the public

and different stakeholders.The Government, through Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is implementing the

Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme under which OMCs sell ethanol blended petrol with percentage of

ethanol upto 10% subject to its availability and as per BIS specifications.

Ethanol

Contains significantly less energy per gallon than gasoline

Is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water out of the air, which means it can damage engines due

to excess water content if not handled carefully

Attacks the seals and hoses used in most vehicles -- cars require special design to resist polar

solvents in order to use ethanol blending levels greater than 10-15%

Takes roughly as much energy to produce (via fertilizers/pesticides and fuels used in corn

farming) as it provides, meaning there's zero net gain of domestic energy from producing it

Competes for land with food crops, which couples the price of food to the price of fuel, thereby

causing volatility in food markets -- which hurts both small farmers and poor consumers

Is strongly opposed by car manufacturers at levels above 10% blending in gasoline, and many

major automakers have formally stated that use of 15% ethanol blended gas in their vehicles will

void the warranty

Imaging Technology to Identify Medicinal Plants

{Science & Tech}

In news

Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) are being

used for survey and inventorisation of medicinal plants.



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These modern technologies are also being currently used for identification of specific location or habitat of

plant species

Previously, manual survey and inventorisation has been practised widely to identify the location of medicinal

plants in India.

Schemes

Recently, the NMPB, Ministry AYUSH under its Central Sector Scheme on Conservation, Development and

Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants has supported a project titled “Geospatial approach for suitable

site identification for conservation of some species of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) at selected

districts of Uttarakhand” to Uttrakhand Space Application Centre, Dehradun.

Another project titled “Inventorization, Digitization and web enabling of the Geo-spatial Maps of Medicinal

and Aromatic Plants cultivated in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Orissa”

to the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow.

Bio-medical Waste Management Rules Amended to Protect Human Health

{Health Issue}

Underlining the effort to protect the environment and human health from infectious bio-medical waste, Union

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that Bio-Medical Waste

Management Rules, 2016 Rules have been amended to improve compliance and strengthen the

implementation of environmentally sound management of biomedical waste in India.

Salient features of Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018 are as follows

1. Bio-medical waste generators including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary

institutions, animal houses, pathological laboratories, blood banks, health care facilities, and clinical

establishments will have to phase out chlorinated plastic bags (excluding blood bags) and gloves by

March 27, 2019.

2. All healthcare facilities shall make available the annual report on its website within a period of two

years from the date of publication of the Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018.

3. Operators of common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facilities shall establish bar coding

and global positioning system for handling of bio-medical waste in accordance with guidelines issued

by the Central Pollution Control Board by March 27, 2019.

4. The State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees have to compile, review and

analyse the information received and send tis information to the Central Pollution Control Board in a

new Form (Form IV A), which seeks detailed information regarding district-wise bio-medical waste

generation, information on Health Care Facilities having captive treatment facilities, information on

common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facilities.

5. Every occupier, i.e. a person having administrative control over the institution and the premises

generating biomedical waste shall pre-treat the laboratory waste, microbiological waste, blood

samples, and blood bags through disinfection or sterilization on-site in the manner as prescribed by

the World Health Organization (WHO) or guidelines on safe management of wastes from health care

activities and WHO Blue Book 2014 and then sent to the Common bio-medical waste treatment facility

for final disposal.



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The first-ever National Conference on Drug Law Enforcement

{Governance}

In news

The first-ever National Conference on Drug Law Enforcement was held in New Delhi. The 2-day conference

was organized by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs.

More than 50 State and Central law enforcement agencies involved in combating drug trafficking had

participated in this Conference. The working sessions of conference focused on various topics such as ‘Wider

context of drug trafficking in India’, ‘Financial Investigations’ and ‘Foreign & Cyber Investigations’. During

these sessions various agencies gave presentations. United Nations (UN) and other foreign law enforcement

agencies also shared their experiences.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

NCB is nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India. It is responsible for fighting drug

trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances. It functions under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is

headquartered in New Delhi.

It was established in March 1986 to enable full implementation of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic

Substances Act, 1985 and fight its violation through Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and

Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.

It mandates

Fight drug trafficking on all-India level.

Provide resources and training to personnel of India’s law enforcement agencies in fighting drug

trafficking.

Monitor India’s frontiers to track down points where smuggling activities take place with foreign

traffickers.

Work in close cooperation with Customs and Central Excise, State Police Department, Central Bureau

of Investigation (CBI), Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) and other Indian intelligence and

law enforcement agencies both at the national and states level.

TRIFED-“E- Tribes”

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal

Affairs, has launched “E- Tribes”, TRIFED’s websites. It includes www.tribesindia.com, www.trifed.in and

Retail Inventory Software and M-commerce app.



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Going Digital will lead to expansion of tribal commerce and the availability of tribal products over large area,

reaping greater benefits for tribal artisans. Retail Trade of tribal products would expand all over the country

and the world.

Key fact

TRIFED has developed its own e-commerce (electronic commerce) website i.e., tribesindia.com for sale of

all its products and app to tap m-commerce (mobile commerce) too.

The purpose of going digital will help in expansion of tribal commerce and availability of tribal products over

large area. It will result in reaping greater benefits for tribal artisans. For this purpose, TRIFED has entered

into agreements with e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Snapdeal who will offer their customers various

tribal products and produce through their portals to facilitate online sale. Also, Tribes India products are

available on Flipkart and Paytm too.

On the request of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Commerce has also made provision for sale of tribal

products through TRIFED on Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

About TRIFED

TRIFED is an apex organisation at National Level and functioning under the administrative control of

Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

TRIFED is serving the interests of Tribals, who are engaged in collection of NTFP and making of Tribal

Art & Handicraft Products for their livelihood so as to ensure better remunerative price for their products

as well as for the socio-economic betterment through Self Help Groups, Empanelled NGOs, State level

Tribal Development Corporations, Forest Development Corporations for undertaking marketing

development of the tribal products.

It also organizes exhibitions like National Tribal Craft Expo called “Aadi Mahotsav” etc. in which it

promotes and markets tribal products.

ISA and India sign the Host Country Agreement today – ISA a juridical

personality now

{Governance}

In news

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), signed the Host Country

Agreement. The Agreement will give ISA a juridical personality and gives it power to contract, to acquire and

dispose of movable and immovable properties, to institute and defend legal proceedings.

Key points

Under this agreement, ISA shall enjoy such privileges, applicable tax concessions and immunities as

are necessary for ISA’s Headquarter to independently discharge its function and programmes. ISA

shall be deriving its status, privileges and immunities as per Article 10 of Framework Agreement.



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Background

The International Solar Alliance is an initiative jointly launched by the Prime Minister of India and President

of France on 30th November 2015 at Paris, in the presence of the Secretary General of the UN, on the side

lines of COP21 UN Climate Change Conference.

Objective of ISA

It is to undertake joint efforts required to reduce the cost of finance and the cost of technology, mobilize

more than US $ 1000 billion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy,

and pave the way for future technologies adapted to the needs of 121 countries lying fully or partially

between the Tropics.

ISA has presently four ongoing programmes: Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use,

Affordable Finance at Scale, Scaling Solar Mini Grids and Scaling Solar Rooftop catering to the needs

of solar energy in specific areas.

The Framework Agreement coming into force on 6th December 2017, the ISA became the first

international intergovernmental treaty-based organization to be headquartered in India. ISA

celebrated its founding day on 11th March, 2018.

‘National Conference on Down Syndrome’

{Social Issue}

In news

A’ National Conference on Down Syndrome’ was organised by the National Trust under Ministry of Social

Justice and Empowerment.

A book entitled “Twilights Children” based on the lives of person suffering from Down Syndrome was

released on the occasion. The conference brought intellectuals from all walks of life on one platform to spur

ideas and channelized knowledge on Down Syndrome which was very beneficial to enable a positive change

in the people with Down Syndrome. People with Down Syndrome and their parents were invited to share

their inspirational stories.

Down Syndrome

It is a chromosomal condition associated with intellectual and learning disabilities. Delayed development and

behavioural problems are often reported in children with it.

On 19th December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared to observe 21st March as World

Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) and since then every year, this day is officially observed by UN to create

awareness about people with Down Syndrome.

Objective

To provide excellent opportunities to the parents to obtain information about latest development in education

and skilling and inclusive living of persons with Down syndrome.



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The National Trust is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament for the Welfare of Persons with Autism,

Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities under the Department of Empowerment of

Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Since, the inception, the

National Trust has been running various schemes and programmes for the welfare of these persons with

disabilities like creating awareness amongst the general public by organizing various workshops, seminars

and conferences on these disabilities and the capabilities of such persons.

Atal Innovation Mission ink SOI with SAP Global to foster innovation


NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has signed Statement of Intent (SOI) with German tech company

SAP to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across 100 Atal Tinkering Labs across India. As

part of SOI, SAP will adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) in 2018 for five years to nurture science,

technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning among secondary school children across India.

About Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL)

ATLs are innovation play workspaces for students between Class 6 to 12, stimulating innovations combining

science and technology.

These open-ended innovation workspaces are equipped with state-of-the art technologies like 3D printers,

robotics, sensor technology kits, Internet of Things, miniaturised electronics etc, to enable students to learn

and solve local community problems using emerging technologies.

The aim of Atal Labs is to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, universities and industry with

a vision to “cultivate one million children in India as the innovators of tomorrow”.

About AIM

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of

innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

AIM is mandated to create an umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of the country and

revolutionizing the innovation eco-system – touching upon the entire innovation life cycle through various

programs.

Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) create innovators, Atal Incubation Centre and support to Established

Incubation Centre will take the innovations to the market and a network of Incubators shall help create

enterprises around these innovations.

Department of Posts launches Cool EMS Service between India and Japan



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{International Relation}

Ministry of Communications has launched the Cool EMS Service which will come into force from 29.03.2018.

Cool EMS service is one-way service from Japan to India which allows customers in India to import Japanese

food items for personal use which is allowed under Indian regulations

Highlights

Cool EMS service is one-way service from Japan to India which allows customers in India to import

Japanese food items for personal use which is allowed under Indian regulations.

Initially, Cool EMS Service will be available in Delhi only.

Food items will be carried by Japan Post in special cool boxes containing refrigerant to preserve the

quality of the food items and addressee will collect them from Foreign Post office, Kotla Road, New

Delhi in-person or through a messenger in the prescribed time frame.

All other features like track and trace, etc of Express Mail Service (EMS) will be available for Cool

EMS service as well.

The Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific

{Environment}

In news

India is getting ready to host the 8th 3R Regional Forum in Asia and the Pacific in its cleanest city Indore,

under the theme of “Achieving Clean Water, Clean Land and Clean Air through 3R and Resource Efficiency-

A 21st Century Vision for Asia-Pacific Communities”.

The 3R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

With the aim of contributing to the creation of a recycling-oriented society, the SoftBank Group conducts a

number of 3R activities (3R = Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).

To increase understanding and encourage participation in such activities, eight Japanese government

ministries (Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of

Health, Labour and Welfare; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Economy, Trade and

Industry; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Ministry of the Environment; Consumer Affairs

Agency) have designated the month of October as 3R promotion month. Each year, the ministries conduct a

variety of activities to raise awareness and promote the concept of 3R nationwide.

About the 3R Regional Forum The Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific was launched in 2009 in Tokyo, Japan.

The United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) has been organizing International

Regional Forum on 3Rs since 2009 with the support of Government of Japan.



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It promotes the concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in industry, service and agriculture sector. The overall

objective is to establish sound material cycle society by adopting resource conservation, techniques and

technologies.

It provides a strategic platform for addressing the needs and priorities of 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle)

in Asian countries and sharing best practices from the region, including emerging concerns in waste

management.

In the last seven years, the Forum has been organised in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia,

Maldives, Japan and Australia and has been instrumental in providing innovative, effective and smart 3R

based solutions.

The Forum comes at an opportune time with the Indian government’s focus on scientific management of

100% municipal solid waste through its ambitious Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). Through this Forum,

India aims to strengthen this focus through its ‘Mission Zero Waste’ approach thereby encouraging cities,

industries and other diverse stakeholders to look at waste as a resource.

This year, the Forum which is expected to have representation from 45 countries in Asia and the

Pacific region

Cabinet approves re-structuring of National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

{Governance}

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for restructuring of

National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to strengthen

governance, implementation and monitoring framework.

Functions

The restructuring will also ensure better corporate governance, transparency and accountability in operations

of NSDC besides strengthening the oversight role of NSDF. The approval would lead to restructuring of

composition of Board of NSDF and the NSDC to strengthen governance, implementation and monitoring

framework.

Background NSDC and NSDF were set up by the Ministry of Finance and registered in July, 2008 and January, 2009

respectively for implementing coordinated action for skill development. NSDF trust was incorporated to act

as a receptacle for financial contributions from Governmental sources, bilateral/multilateral and other

agencies. Its main objective is to enhance, stimulate and develop the skills of Indian youth force by various

sector specific programmes.

NSDF entered into an Investment Management Agreement (IMA) with NSDC for utilization of its corpus to

meet the desired objectives of National Skill Development Mission and encourage skill development in the

country. Provision of supervisory role of NSDF over NSDC’s functions is also included in the IMA between

NSDC and NSDF.



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A new Integrated Scheme for School Education

{Education Policy}

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has approved the proposal of Department of School Education

and Literacy to formulate a Integrated Scheme on School Education by subsuming Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

(SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE) from 1st April, 2018 to

31st March, 2020. An estimated allocation of Rs 75,000 crore over the period has been approved which is a

20% increase over the current allocations.

Main Features of the Scheme

The vision of the Scheme is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education from nursery to senior

secondary stage in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goal for Education. The main emphasis

of the Integrated Scheme is on improving quality of school education by focussing on the two T's - Teacher

and Technology.

The objectives of the Scheme, across all levels of schooling, are

i. Provision of quality education and enhancing learning outcomes of students;

ii. Bridging Social and Gender Gaps in School Education;

iii. Ensuring equity and inclusion at all levels of school education;

iv. Ensuring minimum standards in schooling provisions;

v. Promoting vocationalization of education;

vi. Support States in implementation of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act,

2009; and

vii. Strengthening and up-gradation of State Councils for Educational Research and Training

(SCERTs)/State Institutes of Education and District Institutes for Education and Training (DIET) as

nodal agencies for teacher training.

Impact

The Scheme gives flexibility to the States and UTs to plan and prioritize their interventions within the scheme

norms and the overall resource envelope available to them. It will help improve the transition rates across the

various levels of school education and aid in promoting universal access to children to complete school

education. The Scheme, by providing quality education, aims to equip the children with varied skills and

knowledge essential for their holistic development and prepare them for the world of work or higher education

in the future. It would lead to an optimal utilization of budgetary allocations and effective use of human

resources and institutional structures created for the erstwhile Schemes.

Benefits

Holistic approach to education

Inclusion of senior secondary levels and pre-school levels in support for School education for the first

time

An integrated administration looking at 'school' as a continuum

Focus on Quality of Education- Emphasis on improvement of Learning Outcomes

Enhanced Capacity Building of Teachers

Focus on strengthening Teacher Education Institutions like SCERTs and DIETs to improve the quality

of teacher training



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Enhanced use of digital technology in education through smart classrooms, digital boards and DTK

channels

Specific provision for Swachhta activities - support 'Swachh Vidyalaya'

Improve the Quality of Infrastructure in Government Schools

Enhanced Commitment to 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao'- Upgradation of KGBVs from class VI -VIII to

upto class XII

Emphasis on 'Kaushal Vikas' in schools

Support 'Khelo India' - provision for sports and physical equipment

Preference to Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs), LWEs, Special Focus Districts (SFDs), Border

areas and the 115 aspirational districts

Cabinet approves certain official amendments to the National Medical

Commission (NMC) Bill

{Health Issue}

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved certain official amendments

to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill.

The Amendments are

Final MBBS Examination to be held as a common exam across the country and would serve as an

exit test called the National Exit Test (NEXT)

Provision of Bridge course for AYUSH practitioners to practice modern medicine removed.It has been

left to the State Governments to take necessary measures for addressing and promoting primary

health care in rural areas.

The maximum limit of 40% seats for which fee would be regulated in private medical institutions and

deemed universities has been increased to 50% seats.

Number of nominees from States and UTs in NMC increased from 3 to 6

Monetary penalty for a medical college non-compliant with the norms replaced with provision for

different penalty options like warning, reasonable monetary penalty, reducing intake, stoppage of

admission leading up to withdrawal of recognition.

Stringent punishment for unqualified medical practitioners or quacks . The punishment for any

unauthorized practice of medicine has been made severe by including a provision for imprisonment

of up to one year along with a fine extending up to Rs. 5 lakhs.

Cabinet approves education reforms



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{Education}

Cabinet decision on education reforms

The Cabinet has recently approved a slew of reforms for school education in the country, in what could

be considered as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan 2 project

The reforms aims to support the States in universalising access to school education from pre-nursery

to Class 12 across the country

Particulars of the reforms

The SSA, the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and teacher training would be integrated into a

single scheme from Classes 1 to 12

The integrated scheme will be in place from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2020, with an estimated allocation

of Rs. 75,000 crore over the period, a 20% increase over the current allocation

There would be a shift to digital blackboards from Class 9 to college education in the next five years

The government will provide a 20% incentive to the States for a learning-outcome based education

Other steps taken by the government

The Centre has also approved an increase in the outlay for making educational loans interest-free for

students with modest financial means for studying in universities and colleges charging high fees

The interest subsidy will last till one year of their passing out of college



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http://mhrd.gov.in/ssa

http://mhrd.gov.in/rmsa

Practice MCQ based on PIB March 2018

1. Recently government approved of establishing of National Financial Reporting Authority

(NFRA), it will make good impact on-

1. Foreign/Domestic investments 2. Economic growth 3. Globalization of business 4. Development of audit profession

Select your answer using the codes given below:-

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

2. Recently Exercise Paschim Leher (XPL-18) Concluded, which of the following statement is/are

correct?

1. The Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy Conducted it. 2. It was large scale operational exercise in the Arabian Sea.


(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 Nor 2

3. Recently the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 was in news, consider the following statement regarding it-

1. The Bill comprehensively addresses the transnational nature of the crime.

2. The Bill creates dedicated institutional mechanisms at District, State and Central Level.

3. National Investigation Agency (NIA) will perform the tasks of Anti-Trafficking Bureau at the

national level.

4. A Rehabilitation Fund created for the first time.

Which of the statement given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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4. Consider the following statement with reference to Food Park.

1. These create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing.

2. The first Mega Food Park in the state of Maharashtra was recently opened in Malegaon.

3. Recently 10th Mega Food Park operationalized in the country.

Which of the statement given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only

5. Recently the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 was introduced in Parliament, which of

the following statement is INCORRECT about this bill.

(a) The Bill would help in laying down measures to deter economic offenders from evading the process of

Indian law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts.

(b) The cases where the total value involved in such offences is Rs.100 crore or more, will come under the

purview of this Bill.

(c) The Bill is expected to re-establish the rule of law with respect to the fugitive economic offenders as

they would be forced to return to India to face trial for scheduled offences.

(d) The Bill rectifies the United Nations Convention against Corruption 2011.

6. A total of 13 Intangible cultural heritage elements from India have been inscribed till date on

the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which is

latest to com in this list.

(a) KumbhMela

(b) Naurowz

(c) Yoga

(d) Chhau dance

7. Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, thirteen thematic circuits have been identified, for

development, which is not included in it-

(a) Desert Circuit

(b) Tribal Circuit

(c) Rameshwaram Circuit

(d) Eco Circuit

8. Nari Shakti Puraskar not is given in the following categorie-

(a) Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award

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(b) Sarojani Naidu Award

(c) Kannagi Award (d) Mata Jijabai Award

9. Recently government announced launch of Suvidha, it is a-

(a) Sanitary Napkin

(b) Jan Aausadhi Kendra

(c) Bio-Toilets at Beaches & River fronts.

(d) Health Portal

10. “I-METROS” is a/an-

(a) National Metros Complain Portal

(b) Unofficial name of Indore Metro (approved by cabinet).

(c) Integrated Safety System of Metros. (d) Association of all Indian Metro Rail companies

11. Udyam Sakhi Portal for Women Entrepreneurs is launched by

(a) NITI Aayog

(b) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME)

(c) Ministry of Women & Child Development

(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

12. Project UNNATI is associated-

(a) Ports

(b) Railway stations

(c) River Fronts

(d) Nuclear Power Plants

13. Which of the following statement is correct?

(a) National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) celebrated its 33rd Inception Day, on March 11, 2018

(b) Recently NCRB released “Citizen Services” Mobile APP.

(c) Crime & Criminal Tracking Network & System is a project is implemented by NCRB.

(d) All the above.

14. Consider the following statements about the Exercise Samvedna.

1. A Multilateral Air Force exercise

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2. It is the first composite Human assistance and disaster relief Air exercise in the South Asian

region.

3. It was conducted by Southern Air Command of India.

4. It was the first time when Indian and Pakistan Airforce Predicated in a Exercise.


(a) 1 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

15. Consider the following statements. 1. Assertion (A): India and France joined hands in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-

Pacific region. 2. Reason (R): India and France share common concerns on freedom of navigation in the Indo-

Pacific region. In the context of the above, which of these is correct?

(a) A is correct, and R is an appropriate explanation of A. (b) A is correct, but R is not an appropriate explanation of A. (c) A is correct, but R is incorrect. (d) Both A and R are incorrect

16. Consider the following statements. 1. Assertion (A): IREDA & European Investment Bank sign Euro 150 million Loan Agreement.

2. Reason (R): European Union Promised India to Provide financial support to achieve its

Green Energy Targets.

In the context of the above, which of these is correct? (a) A is correct, and R is an appropriate explanation of A. (b) A is correct, but R is not an appropriate explanation of A. (c) A is correct, but R is incorrect. (d) Both A and R are incorrect

17. Recently the new guide, titled ‘Tobacco product regulation: Building laboratory testing

capacity’ was launched, which of the following statement is/are correct about it?

1. It was launched at the 2018 World Conference on Tobacco or Health recently in New Delhi.

2. It was launched by World Health Organization (WHO).

3. The new guidelines provide practical, stepwise approaches to implementing tobacco testing.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only

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(d) 1, 2 and 3

18. Consider the following statements with reference to Urea Subsidy Scheme.

1. It is Scheme of Department of Fertilizers with effect from 1stApril, 2017.

2. It is wholly financed by the Government of India through Budgetary Support. 3. It government will give run this scheme up to 2020. 4. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is used for disbursement of fertilizer subsidy.


(a) 1 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

19. Consider the following statements. 1. Uttar Pradesh’s biggest solar power plant of 75 MW capacity was recently inaugurated in

Mirzapur. 2. Recently a power plant has been set up by the Japan firm ENGIE in Uttar Pradesh.



20. As developed by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Which of the following

drugs is correctly matched?

1. AYUSH 82 : An Anti Diabetic Ayurvedic Formulation.

2. AYUSH SG : An Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis preparation.



21. Consider the following statements regarding Atal Bhujal Yojana(ABHY).

1. It is aimed at sustainable ground water management with community participation.

2. It will done in over-exploited and ground water stressed areas in seven States.

3. It is designed as a Central Sector Scheme with a total outlay of Rs.1,000 Crore. 4. It is proposed to be implemented with Asian Developmental Bank assistance.

Which of the statement given above is/are NOT correct?

(a) 1 only

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(b) 2 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 4 only

22. Government of India has approved MSK scheme for 2017-18 upto 2019-20, MSK Scheme is to-

(a) empower rural women

(b) empower rural society

(c) empower marginal farmers (d) empower rural youth

23. LaQshya program is aims to benefit-

(a) pregnant woman

(b) newborn babies

(c) pregnant woman and newborn babies

(d) Socio Medical Infrastrucral Environment at public hospitals.

24. Recently a book entitled “Twilights Children” was realised, it is based on the lives of

(a) Person suffering from Genetic Disorder.

(b) Person suffering from Down syndrome.

(c) Messages of APJ Abdul Kalam for children (d) Speeches given by Indian Leaders for children

25. Consider the following statements regarding the Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific.

1. India will host the 8th 3R Regional Forum in Asia and the Pacific in its cleanest city Indore,

2. Its upcoming edition theme is ‘Mission Zero Waste’. 3. It was launched in 2009 in Tokyo, Japan.


(a) 1 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3

26. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for restructuring which of the following fund/corporation to strengthen governance, implementation and monitoring framework.

1. National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) 2. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)



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27. The proposal of Department of School Education and Literacy to formulate a Integrated

Scheme on School Education was accepted by union cabinet by subsuming from 1st April, 2018

to 31st March, 2020.

1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

2. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)

3. Teacher Education (TE)


(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

28. International Day of Forests is observed on March 21st every year, 2018 theme was

(a) Forests and Energy

(b) Forests and Sustainable Cities (c) My Forest | Our Future

(d) Forests | Climate | Change

29. The Government of India has identifie Katkaria (Kathodia), Kolam, Maria Gond as Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the State of (a) Maharashtra (b) Madhya Pradesh (c) Andaman & Nicobar (d) Arunachal Pradesh

30. Which of the following statement about the International Competition Network (ICN) is

INCORRECT?

(a) India hosted the 17th Annual Conference of ICN2018.

(b) ICN is an international body comprising 132 members from 120 competition jurisdictions exclusively

devoted to international competition enforcement.

(c) The ICN’s main goal is to improve and advocate for sound competition policy and its enforcement

across the global antitrust community.

(d) The ICN is a rule-making organisation and its work products are legally binding instruments.

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For answers of the above practice questions

visit https://currentaffairsonly.com/

(or)

google it {CAO PIB mcq March 2018}.

Mail us: - [email protected]

WhatsApp: - 7200981752

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