Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
GS-2
International Forum on Adopting an ICT Perspective to Education and
Learning
IBE-
The forum targets mainly countries which are implementing the UNESCO
developed General Education Quality Analysis Framework (GEQAF).
Key Highlights-
About- The State of Kerala became the third State overall and the largest State
so far to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Swachh Bharat
Mission (SBM) (Gramin).
With this, all 14 districts, 152 blocks, 940 Gram Panchayats and 2117
villages of the State have been declared free from open defecation.
Outcome-
Freedom from open defecation has been proven to lead to Significant health
benefits in terms of incidences of water-borne diseases, especially in children,
and provide safety and dignity for all, especially women and senior citizens.
About- Minister of Textile will inaugurate a fortnight long Exhibition cum sale
of Handicrafts developed by Artisans of Clusters at Dilli Haat on 2nd November
2016
Schedule and Participants- It will remain open for public till 15th of
November 2016. Cluster Artisans from all over India will participate in the fair
during this programme.
About 22 types of craft are on display with live demonstration during this
period. The event will showcase the best of Indian Handicrafts in quality,
design and versatility from all over the country. This programme is being
organized as an exclusive fair for Handicraft products in India at a grand
scale to increase visibility of the products in domestic market.
Outcome-
Programme will benefit the artisans from Clusters who are unable to
participate in the International Fairs due to high cost.
Indias Commitment-
AMCDRR
So far, six AMCDRR conferences have been organised. India had also
hosted the second AMCDRR in New Delhi in 2007.
About- India and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction signed a
Statement of Cooperation during the second day of the Asian Ministerial
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) 2016
Statement underlined
Aim-
ASEAN-
Between 2004 and 2014, the ASEAN region recorded more than 50% of
the total global disaster fatalities or 3, 54, 000 of the 7, 00, 000 deaths in
disasters worldwide. The total economic loss was estimated at US$91
billion.
In the last decade, the region suffered from two high-impact, large-scale
disasters that captured the attention of the world namely the 2008
Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the
Philippines.
About- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is hosting the
Seventh Session of the Conference of Parties (COP7) to WHO FCTC during 7-12
November, 2016.
Key Highlights-
India has been the forerunner in ratification of this public health treaty
and was the 7thCountry to ratify the Convention in 2004.
India provided a leadership role in the negotiations of FCTC and was also
the Regional Coordinator for the South-East Asia Region.
COP
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the Governing Body of the WHO
FCTC and is comprised of all Parties to the Convention.
The regular sessions of COP are held at two yearly intervals and
therefore, this time, the Seventh Session of Conference of Parties (COP7)
is being hosted by Government of India in partnership with the WHO
FCTC Secretariat, which is based at the WHO Headquarters in
Geneva.
Steps taken by India-
About- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled
out a major scheme for strengthening of Food Testing Infrastructure in the
country at an estimated cost of Rs. 482-crore, in the light of the recent
observations by Honble High Court, Mumbai regarding the urgent need to
upgrade Food Testing Laboratories in India.
Under this scheme, 45 State/UT Food Testing labs (at least one in each
State/UT with a provision of two labs in larger states) and 14 Referral
Food Testing labs will be upgraded to enable them to obtain NABL
accreditation.
About- ECI has initiated an online survey for Overseas Indian Citizens.
It is for- In order to assess level of awareness about the registration and voting
process.
Benefit-
The survey shall help in not only identifying information gaps but also in
finding the preferred methods of voting which can subsequently be
shared with the Government and Legislators.
An Online competition-
Apart from the survey, ECI has also launched an online competition,
as a part of the initiative, to engage with the target population and seek
their contribution to the cause Every Indian Vote counts.
The winning entries will get round trip to India and a lifetime chance to
be honored by the Election Commission of India on National Voters Day,
25th January 2017 in New Delhi.
Background-
Despite there being 11.4 million non-resident Indians across the world,
at present only around 16000 of them are registered on the electoral roll
as Overseas Indian electors.
About- Union Home Minister will inaugurate the two-day 11th Annual
Convention of Central Information Commission (CIC).
Highlights-
During the inauguration, the Home Minister will launch the e-Court
software which is under implementation in the Commission with the help
of National Informatics Centre. Also release a book on RTI success
stories. The book has been prepared for the Commission by Yashwantrao
Chavan Academy of Development Administration.
E-court System-
The system will offer an online search facility which allows a user to
search for Dak, File, Hearing Notice and Decision etc.
CIC
The Central Information Commission was constituted in 2005 for dealing
with second appeals/complaints filed under the Right to Information Act,
2005.
Commission has till now heard and disposed off about 2 lakh cases. For
convenience of the information seekers, the Commission encourages
hearings through Video Conference.
Since 1st April, 2015, the Commission has heard almost 19,000 cases
through Video Conferencing.
In all 25,960 cases were registered with CIC in 2015-16 and during the
same period 28,188 cases were disposed off. During April-October, 2016
about 12,780 cases were registered and 15,993 cases have been disposed
off by the Commission.
NITI Aayog launches the first ever Agricultural Marketing & Farm Friendly
Reforms Index. Maharashtra ranks first
Issue- The low levels of productivity, growth and incomes ailing the farm sector
in India and causing immense agrarian distress is well known. Without
undertaking radical reform it is impossible to transform agriculture and double
farmers income. However, state governments have been extremely lax in
implementing much needed reforms to modernize agriculture and create a
favourable policy and market environment for farmers
Agriculture Marketing-
Why needed?
Today, marketing is extremely crucial and almost every sector has
embraced marketing principles to ensure best possible outcomes.
Seven indicators have been developed by NITI in this regard. The reforms
also suggest special treatment of fruits and vegetables from other farm
produce as they are perishable and produced in small quantities.
This important reform has so far eluded the country due to strong
lobbies of middlemen and the reluctance of political class to take
favourable steps.
The third area included in the index represent freedom given to farmers
for felling and transit of trees grown on private land. This represents
opportunity to diversify farm business.
Gujarat ranks second with a score of 71.5 out of 100, closely followed
by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Almost two third states could not
reach even halfway mark of reforms score. Major states like U.P., Punjab,
West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and J&K are in this group.
GS-3
Setting up Waste Management Plants Under e-Nam Scheme
(Topic: Agriculture)
It was also decided that under one flagship scheme, namely RKVY,
managed by DAC&FW one percent funds will be spent on Solid and
Waste Management.
Besides this, various offices under the three Departments were cleaned
involving, inter alia, installation of sensors in toilets, installation of
motorized grinder and weeding out of unwanted records, removing
encroachments and all junk lying in the offices.
Centres of All India Soil & Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI), a
subordinate office under DAC&FW, involved local MPs/ public
representatives in the Swachhta Activities.
Further, a Compost pit has been inaugurated in SLUSI, Kolkata.
Compost Machines are being installed in the Mandis in coordination with
States.
(Topic: Agriculture)
About- The 1st International Agrobiodiversity Congress IAC 2016 will gather
900 delegates from 60 countries in New Delhi, India, from 6-9 November, 2016.
Agrobiodiversity-
Why needed?
It takes up only 2.4% of the worlds land area, and yet it harbours 7-8%
of all recorded species, including over 45,000 species of plants and
91,000 species of animals (CBD, 2014).
(Topic: Fishing)
India and Sri Lanka Mutual Agreement on Fishing-
Fishermen from India and Sri Lanka have been fishing over centuries in
the Palk Bay area located between India and Sri Lanka. [Both the
countries have mutually entered into agreement in 1974 and in 1976 to
decide the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in accordance
with the international rules, and we have full respect to the same.]
Matter of Concern-
Given the proximity of the two countries in the sea, the incidents of
straying of fishermen and crossing the IMBL are common, especially in
the Palk-Strait and Gulf of Mannar. These have often proved to be risky
for them.
The instances of arrest of fishermen from Tamil Nadu (while fishing in Sri
Lankan waters), seizure of their boats and attack by the Sri Lankan Navy
are of great concern to the Indian government.
Possible outcome-
Both the countries should agree upon a real and practical arrangement
to address the issue of crossing the IMBL by fishermen. Issues related to
the custody of fishermen should settle on humanitarian grounds which
may only be possible through mutual consent between both the
countries.
State Govt. of Tamil Nadu and also the Union Government have taken a
few effective measures to help Indian fishermen earn their livelihood in
Palk bay area peacefully and stop bottom trawling in a phased manner.
Fishermen from the coastal areas will be encouraged to move for Deep
Sea Fishing through introduction of this scheme.
All these efforts may be useful in solving the fishermen issues between India
and Sri Lanka. Besides, efforts are also being made to introduce modern
technical information to the fishermen and to train them.
(Topic: Defence)
About- Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),
Delhi to establish a Joint Advanced Technology Centre (JATC) at a function
held in IIT, Delhi. JATC will be located in the campus of IIT Delhi at the
upcoming Science and Technology Park (Mini-Science Park MSP).
MoU
DRDO scientists and engineers will work with the academic research
faculty and scholars in addressing scientific problems to find an
innovative solution. DRDO will facilitate towards advanced research to
utilize technology outcome in the futuristic applications.
SAMPRITI-
The joint exercise SAMPRITI 2016 will simulate a scenario where both
nations are working together in a Counter Insurgency and Counter
Terrorism environment under the UN Charter.
Action taken
Surveillance continues and the zoo is being screened regularly for any
dead bird.
Delhi Zoo remained closed for the safety of visitors and control of the
disease
Sample of one Muniya has also been sent to the National Institute for
High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal.
Sample of all 27 species of birds have been collected and sent for
examination in the Gandhi Zoological Park, Gwalior.
(Topic: Railways)
About Conference-
Reducing the Carbon Foot prints through use of sustainable and green
sources of energy is also a key focus area.
In line with this vision, following action plan has been planned-
Last year, CLWachieved highest ever out turn of 280 locomotives, out of
which 215 were energy efficient three-phase electric locomotives.
Indian Railways have introduced HOG system wherein the lighting, air-
conditioning and other electrical loads of passenger coaches would be fed
directly from electric power drawn by locomotive from grid.
This system will do away with the requirement of diesel power car for
feeding electric supply to coaches and also enable in carrying additional
passengers.
All new EMUs produced will be energy efficient with three phase
technology having regeneration capability. Around 200 energy efficient
rakes have been introduced in Mumbai Suburban area having
regenerative braking feature since 2007.
(Topic: Shipping)
Aims to provide- Health and safety training to the skilled and semi-skilled
workers which is required while performing their work at ship recycling yards
The initiative has been identified in the National Perspective Plan (NPP) of
Sagarmala for the upliftment of the coastal community.
Due to the accident prone nature of the ship breaking activity, Gujarat
Maritime Board has been running an indigenous Safety Training and
Labour Welfare Institute at Alang and has trained about 1.10 lakh labors
over the last 12 years.
However, with the increased volume of ship recycling over last decade
and to bring the training standards at par with the international
regulations like UN Body -International Maritime Organization, it is
imperative to enhance the capacity build-up and upgrade the existing
training standards.
Indian Scenario-
In India, ship recycling has emerged as an activity of sizeable volume,
supplying raw material to steel industry for both re-rolling and re-
melting.
The Alang Sosiya Recycling yard is the largest ship-recycling yard in Asia,
which employs an average 15000,-25000 labourers at a time and
generates about 35 lakh LDT (Light displacement) per annum. On an
average 350 numbers of ships are recycled every year in which more than
3 million MT of steel is generated through recycling route.
About- India-UK Tech Summit will be jointly inaugurated by the PM and the
Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Theresa May, on 7th November, 2016 in New
Delhi. It will highlight the visions of both the Prime Ministers to create a new
era of bilateral economic relationship between the two countries.
Highlights-
(Topic:
About- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reviewed the
ambient air quality status of Delhi.
It has been observed that open burning of solid waste in and around Delhi,
vehicular emissions in Delhi, dust by the roadside and around construction
sites in Delhi and stubble burning of crop residue in neighbouring States of
Delhi are major contributors to pollution in Delhi. The problem has been
accentuated due to relatively low wind speeds and lower temperatures,
resulting in reduced dispersion of pollutants in Delhi.
Therefore, it has been decided that CPCB will, under relevant statutory
provisions available, direct
Municipal local bodies in and around Delhi to forthwith take all possible
measures to check open burning of solid waste.
Municipal local bodies in and around Delhi to strictly enforce rules
related to prevention of fugitive emissions from construction activities
All public road owning agencies in Delhi to ensure that roadsides are
watered periodically to arrest re-suspension of dust in ambient air.
GS-2
India-Japan Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister to Japan
The two Prime Ministers appreciated the deep civilisation links between
the people of the two countries, including the common heritage of
Buddhist thought, and underscored their shared commitment to
democracy, openness, and the rule of law as key values to achieve
peaceful co-existence. They welcomed the high degree of convergence in
the political, economic and strategic interests of the two countries that
provides an enduring basis for a long-term partnership.
Stressing the role of India and Japan for stability and prosperity in the
Indo-Pacific region, the two Prime Ministers reiterated the need to further
consolidate their security and defence cooperation. They welcomed the
entry into force of the two Defence Framework Agreements
concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology and
concerning Security Measures for the Protection of Classified
Military Information.
Prime Minister Modi briefed Prime Minister Abe about his Governments
efforts to accelerate economic development through innovative initiatives
such as Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart City,
Swachh Bharat and Start-Up India. Prime Minister Abe expressed
Japans firm support for these initiatives by sharing its advanced skills
and technologies, through active mobilisation of Japanese public and
private sector investments, including through ODA. The two Prime
Ministers underscored that these initiatives provide significant
opportunities for further collaboration between private sectors of India
and Japan.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the steady progress made in the
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, a flagship
project between the two countries, through the discussion in the Joint
Committee meetings held thrice in 2016.The target schedule of the
MAHSR Project that the General Consultant will start its work in
December 2016, that the construction work will commence by the end of
2018, and that the operation will start in 2023.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the steady progress to realise 3.5
trillion yen of public and private financing to India in five years under the
Japan-India Investment Promotion Partnership. They also
welcomed the progress in the projects at the Western Dedicated
Freight Corridor (DFC), the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
and the Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC). The two
Prime Ministers also confirmed the importance of securing
appropriate implementation of ODA projects.
Welcomed the early entry into force of the Paris Agreement on climate
change, and reaffirmed their commitment to work together in developing
the rules for successful implementation of the Agreement. They also
shared the intention to hold as early as possible further consultations on
the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
Sharing the view that the future of Asia needs to build on the positive
influence of traditions of non-violence, tolerance, and democracy in Asia,
the two Prime Ministers welcomed the symposium on Shared Values
and Democracy in Asia held in Tokyo in January 2016 and looked
forward to the next conference in 2017.
Stressed the potential that the collaboration of India and Japan have in
realising prosperous Indo-Pacific region in the 21st century. They
decided to draw on the strength of shared values, convergent interests
and complementary skills and resources, to promote economic and social
development, capacity building, connectivity and infrastructure
development in the region.
About- Commerce and Industry Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs,
Royal Government of Bhutan signed the Agreement on Trade, Commerce and
Transit between India and the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Aim-
The first Agreement on Trade and Commerce between Bhutan and India
was signed in 1972. Since then, the Agreement has been renewed four
times. The last Agreement was renewed on July 28, 2006 and was valid
till July 29, 2016.
The validity of the Agreement was extended for a period of one year or till
the date of coming into force of the new Agreement, whichever is earlier,
by exchange of diplomatic notes between the two countries.
India, Myanmar and Thailand Friendship Motor Car Rally, 2016 Flagged-
off
Benefits-
This rally will also play an important role in developing the economic,
transport and cultural relations between the three countries.
Give a boost to the Act East Policy and will improve our relationship with
our neighbouring countries.
Basic purpose of this rally would be to- Sensitize people about the fact that
an all weather road, connecting New Delhi and Bangkok would soon be
operational . With the opening of Trilateral highway, it would become a reality
to travel from New Delhi to Bangkok by road.
Rally Highlights-
The rally caravan will cover a distance of 5,722 KMs along the IMT
Trilateral Highway with about 80 participants from all the three
countries, in 20 Indian made vehicles on a journey from Delhi to
Bangkok over 19 days.
Ceremonial flag off will also be held in other cities and state capitals
enroute like Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Patna, Siliguri, Guwahati, Shillong,
Kohima and Imphal and Began and Yangoon in Myanmar and Bangkok
in Thailand.
The rally that will conclude at Bangkok on 2nd December, 2016, will
further cement cultural and economic ties among the three nations and
highlight the potential benefits of connectivity and integration in the
region and in keeping with Indias focus on its close neighborhood.
ESIC has taken an initiative in the form of Kahin Bhi Kabhi Bhi for
ESIC beneficiaries of Delhi.
Kahin Bhi means- any dispensary/Hospital and Kabhi Bhi means any
time. Now, all the network of dispensaries of Delhi has been made
accessible to insured persons and their family members all the time. It
will save his/her time and effort to avail services it closer to his
workplace or home or any place.
Outcome- Now, insured persons and their family members of Delhi need not to
visit ESIC Hospital for minor ailments requiring only day care like Diarrhoea,
high grade fevers, acute asthama attacks, abdominal pain, chest pain etc.
Besides this, in future, Day Care Centres will be developed in three more ESIC
Dispensaries in Delhi having high OPD attendance in Nandnagari, Mangolpuri
and Jwalapuri which will cover all zones of Delhi.
Day Care-
ESI Corporation has decided to open six bed Day Care Centres in various
ESI Dispensaries, all over the country.
These Centres will become a complete unit in itself with medical facilities.
ESIC-
ESIC has become one of the largest social security organizations, offering
a better and brighter service for all the ESIC beneficiaries making every
Insured Person feel like a VIP.
ESIC Dispensary Dwarka has now become a complete unit in itself with
medical facilities like General OPD Care, Family Welfare Services, full
time Laboratory and X-Ray and Diagnostic care.
About- Marking the 2nd Foundation Day of Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship, Minister of State(I/C) for Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship launched the Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana, MSDEs
flagship scheme on entrepreneurship education and training.
Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana has national and international best practices of
learning in entrepreneurship education.
Benefit-
The scheme spans over five years (2016-17 to 2020-21) with a project
cost of Rs. 499.94 crore, and will provide entrepreneurship education
and training to over 7 lakh students in 5 years through 3050 Institutes.
MSDE has plans to disburse around INR 7000 crore to states to help
align them with the centres skill development agenda and work in
conjunction with them to ensure a robust ecosystem.
These guidelines specify the number of job roles that can be done in a
lab, standard lab layout, and available brands of equipment which
should be used.
(Topic: Health)
About- The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), inaugurated the
9th Annual Meeting of International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal
Medicines (IRCH) in New Delhi.
IRCH
Globally promote and facilitate the safe use of herbal medicines, through
regional initiatives, sharing information and fostering dialogue
(Topic: Health)
About- Tuberculosis (TB) is one of Indias severest health crises. It kills two
Indians every three minutes and more than 1,000 people every day.
Why needed?
India has the highest TB burden in the world. The Global Tuberculosis Report
2016 released in October 2016 by the World Health Organisation updated the
estimate of incidence that is, the number of new tuberculosis cases in a year
to 2.8 million in 2015. The updated estimate of tuberculosis deaths,
excluding deaths of HIV-positive people, is 478,000 in 2015 and 483,000 in
2014.
Benefits-
The aim is to reduce the incidence on new TB cases by 95% and reduce
mortality by 95%.
The concept also has an in-principle by PMO for setting up a new entity.
In a few months time the detailed landscape analysis of the national and
global leads in four thematic areas namely diagnostics, vaccines,
therapeutics and implementation research has been done and most
advanced leads have been identified for taking forward.
The leads identified for taking ahead, the way forward & timelines were
critically analysed by the Group and they identified core areas and
guided on the strategy for the initiative to fight TB and achieve its goal.
In view of the growing demand for metro rail systems in urban areas, a
New Metro Policy would soon be unveiled to meet the demand through
increased private sector participation.
New Metro policy seeks to ensure integration of metro projects with over
all mobility needs in urban areas. Central government has so far
provided an assistance of over Rs.65,000 cr including sovereign debt to
metro projects in different cities of the country. As of now, 325 kms. of
metro rail is in operation in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai
and Jaipur. About 517 kms of metro rail projects are under execution
and another 449 kms under planning stage, the Minister informed.
The existing two Metro Acts made in the context of Kolkata and Delhi
Metros are being integrated envisaging more delegation of powers to State
Governments besides promoting PPP and private initiatives.
Why needed?
Concern over one road accident every minute and one accident death
every four minutes in urban areas and half of the victims being
pedestrians, cyclists and those using two wheelers, so need for an
affordable, comfortable, reliable and safe public transport to reduce
demand for private motorized vehicles. Need for promotion of Non-
motorised transport infrastructure for encouraging walking and cycling.
Under new urban sector initiatives of Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for
Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Non-Motorised Transport is
being encourages on a large scale.
GS-3
Regional Connectivity Fund under UDAN To Stimulate Growth And
Development of Civil Aviation Sector
(Topic: Civil Aviation)
RCF would channel funds generated from the sector to stimulate further
growth and development of the sector itself. A part of the fund will also be
contributed to by the states that have signed the UDAN MoU: as of date, 19
states have either signed or given their consent.
Benefits
The scheme uses the power of markets to discover to the lowest subsidy
on the route. Half the seats can be sold by the winning bidder at market
prices this will also provide good information on the price the
passengers on the route are willing to pay as and when the subsidy
support goes away (between three and ten years).
Ministrys expectation
Ministry believes that this proposed levy is a small amount but which
can go a long distance in bringing more travelers and cities to the Indian
aviation network.
Given the high growth in the sector we expect that the airlines could be
in a position to absorb a part of the levy and not adversely impact the
passengers significantly.
Benefits-
The collaboration with JAMSTEC will not only enhance capability in the
field ofatmospheric and climate research, ocean technology observation
and hazard mitigation but also provide much needed exposure and
hands-on experience to Indian scientists.
About- For the 1st time in the Country, an LNG fuelled bus has been launched
by the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
Joint effort of- Petronet LNG Limited (PLL), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and
Tata Motors Ltd to introduce LNG as a fuel in commercial vehicles in the state
capital
LNG-
Introduction of LNG in transport segment will also help India to meet its
COP21 commitment
Government Steps-
The KSRTC, which has a fleet of 6,000 buses, has already announced
plans to use natural gas.
(Topic: Defence)
About- Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata, alongwith Indian Coast Guard Ship
Varuna, comprising the 1st Training Squadron, are on a visit to Chittagong,
Bangladesh from 11 15 Nov 16 as part of their Overseas Deployment during
Autumn Term 16. The Senior Officer of the 1st Training Squadron, Captain DJ
Revar, would be embarked on board INS Tir.
The people of India and Bangladesh have close cultural bonds and a
shared vision of a democratic society.
Indian Navy has also been providing training to personnel from Friendly
Foreign Countries for more than four decades, wherein more than 13,000
personnel from over 40 countries have been trained.
The Indian Navys focused approach for providing high quality training by
constantly adapting to evolving tactics and technologies, has gained it a
reputation of being one of the finest training destinations.
Government has asked the forestry sector to help the country meet its
goal of creation of 2.5-3.0 billion tonnes of additional carbon sinks, as
per the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Climate change alters existing biome types and can cause forest dieback
with consequent loss of biodiversity.
Indias forests serve as a major sink of CO2, offsetting around 12% of the
total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the country. IUCN had
elaborated about its initiatives in India.
Indias Efforts-
The initiatives are aimed at increasing the share and volume of freight
traffic on the more energy efficient rail and water based transport modes.
About- The India Pavilion witnessed two major side events on Climate Change
Adaptability, organised by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development
and Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR, RD & GR) and The Ministry of Agriculture.
Second session for the day, hosted by Ministry of Agriculture, was held
under the chairmanship of Director General, MANAGE, Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Theme- IITF and its Digital India theme will project its deep commitment to
fulfil the vision of the PM of India. The theme assumes special significance
for highlighting countrys persistent efforts to alleviate poverty through
meaningful convergence of digital technologies and e-governance.
Participants-
This year, as many as 7000 participants are taking part in the fair. The
Partner Countryis the South Korea and the Focus Country is
Belarus.
Over 150 companies from 27 countries are taking part in the fair.
These include: Australia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar,
Netherlands, Oman, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore,
Tibet, Turkey, Thailand, UAE and UK.
Extending Indias global appeal for investment in diverse sectors, the fair
also manifests a multi-pronged strategy of Indian economy which is
driven by Make in Indiainitiative and reforms to transform trade
and industry into an engine of socio- economic growth.
IITF 2016
Apart from IITF, it holds world class fairs and expositions in the
country and overseas, exploring new markets of Africa, ASEAN,
Latin America, North America and CIS countries for Indian
products and services.
About- Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, while chairing the 1st
meeting of Governing Council for Indian Council for Fertilizer and Nutrient
Research (ICFNR) held in New Delhi.
ICFNR
ICFNR Functioning-
NFL will also provide secretarial assistance including staff for ICFNR.
For the initial funding, seed money from the three Fertilizer PSUs viz.
NFL, RCF and FAGMIL will be provided on annual basis.
(Topic: Commerce)
ICN-
CCI-
CCI eagerly looks forward to hosting this international event which will
provide a rare opportunity to attract domestic and international
competition enforcement experts to deliberate on international best
practices and host of competition issues being faced by the Competition
agencies the world over.
(Topic: Health)
These initiatives will strengthen our health communications initiatives and will
bring us closer to people who need our services the most.
NCD
NCDs are acquired lifestyle ailments, which place a very high burden
through the healthcare cost.
The magazine will cover different aspect of health: women and child
health, elderly health, seasonal ailments, daily nutritional needs, safe
medication practices, home remedies healthy living and many more.
The e-version of this magazine is also available for download. The current
issue is in Hindi and English and the next version will be available in 13
other languages.
No more Tension-
All Health Mobile Apps launched by the Health Ministry shall be available at
one click on the National Health Portal (NHP)
About- Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, visited
the dwelling units of Lalbagh clusters in Azadpur area of Delhi, where the PV
Integrated Micro Solar Dome (MSD) Surya Jyoti have been installed.
MSD-
Micro Solar Dome (MSD) is a clear and green energy initiative of-
Department of Science and Technology. This project will also
supplement the Green Energy initiatives.
Micro Solar Dome (MSD) is a day and night lighting single device unique
in its features, that has-
Objective- In order to capture day light and concentrate the same inside a dark
room, particularly in urban slum or rural areas which lack electricity supply, a
low cost and energy efficient Micro Solar Dome has been tested and developed.
About 1000 Micro Solar domes now working in the slums of Delhi,
Kolkata, Agartala, Guwahati, Bhopal and Bengaluru.
Surya Jyoti-
There are about 130 number of Surya Jyoti at Lalbag and nearby areas.
The latest Surya Jyoti operates in three modes, day light without any
electricity, night time with solar PV and night time with conventional grid
after 17 hours of operation.
PV Integrated Micro Solar Dome has been included as a product for off
grid solar lighting applications by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
and is eligible for subsidy at par with other solar lighting
products. Attempts are being made to integrate Surya Jyoti for subsidy in
rural and urban housing schemes, MP Local Area Development Schemes
and corporate social responsibility activities of public sector enterprises
GS-2
Union HRD Minister inaugurates Kala Utsav -2016
Kala Utsav-
This will not only provide platform for children but through Art and
Culture will strengthen the cause of Nation Building.
The four day long festival will witness an assembly of all state level
winners who will compete with each other at the national level and who
will be judged by distinguished artistes from the art fraternity.
Kala Utsav has been initiated as an annual art festival for the students of
secondary and higher secondary levels by Ministry of Human Resource
Development in 2015. Students of government schools from all across
the country joined hands to manifest the splendor of Indias cultural
diversity in its pioneering year itself.
Kala Utsav 2016 will include competitions in four art formsDance,
Music, Theatre and Visual Arts. The festival will conclude with felicitation
ceremony of prize winners of Kala Utsav 2016 at the Siri Fort Auditorium
on 18th
Benefits-
Along with a competitive spirit, Kala Utsav also promotes a network art,
artisans and students through the concept of online projects.
About- Minister of State for Power and Coal (Independent Charge), the Minister
of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs,
along with the Minister of State for External Affairs inaugurated Hunar Haat,
which is being organised for the first time at India International Trade Fair
(2016) at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
About 184 master artisans from all corners of the country are showcasing their
traditional art and skills at about 100 stalls in Hunar Haat at India
International Trade Fair.
Hunar Haat
Hunar Haat (Skill Haat) exhibition is aimed at promoting and supporting
artisans from Minority communities and providing them domestic as well
as international market for display and sell their products.
Special feature of this unique Hunar Haat is that besides providing free
of cost stall to artisans/craftsmen, the Minority Affairs Ministry has also
made arrangements for their transport and helping in their daily
expenses. This has helped poor but rich in art & skill artisans to reach
Delhi easily and display their arts/skills at the international platform.
Cane and bamboo work from North eastern states; cloth work and
embroidery (chikan) work, brass artefacts, Jardoji clothes work of Uttar
Pradesh
Indian silk-cotton work are also a part of the exhibition. The artisans are
also displaying live making of products before visitors.
USTTAD
The USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts
for Development) of Ministry of Minority Affairs scheme aims at
preserving & promoting the rich heritage of the traditional arts &
crafts of the Minority communities. These crafts have gradually lost
their employability in the light of globalisation & competitive market.
About- Qaumi Ekta Week (National Integration Week) will be observed all over
the country, from 19th to 25th November, 2016.
NFCH-
About- Union Cabinet chaired by the PM has given its approval to the Status-
cum-Progress Report and constitution of Special Committee for Inter-Linking
of Rivers in compliance of Supreme Court judgment in the matter of Writ
Petition: Networking of Rivers along.
Help in-
GS-3
Meeting of Consultative Committee of MPs for the Ministry Of Railways
with the Agenda Harnessing Green Energy For Railways Held
(Topic: Railway)
Indian Railways-
Vision 2020 document of the Indian Railways states that the key target is
to utilize at least 10% of its energy requirement from renewable sources.
Its cost of production is gradually becoming less and but there are still
issues of storage of solar energy.
Producing energy through waste and biomass are other options which
need to be looked into.
Railways has already done energy audit and working for more energy
efficient system.
Indian Railways is taking many green initiatives like bio toilets, waste
recycling, revival of water bodies, plantation along the tracks, etc and will
continue to take such measures.
(Topic: Railways)
(Topic: Railways)
About- An MOU has been entered into between Ministry of Railways (MOR) and
Ministry of Urban Development (MOUD) for integrated planning of railway
stations in the cities included in the SMART Cities and AMRUT scheme.
Benefit- This would lead to an integrated public transit hub around the railway
stations and encourage Transit Oriented Development.
Steps taken-
Aim- To facilitate joint collaborative research projects in the iron & steel sector
in India.
Initial corpus for setting up of SRTMI is Rs. 200 crore of which 50% is to
be provided by Ministry of Steel and the balance by the participating
steel companies.
Thereafter, the centre will run on yearly contributions from the steel
companies based on their turnover of the previous year.
(Topic: Defence)
About- Four Naval Systems developed by DRDO will be handed over to the
Indian Navy by the Defence Minister at a function.
The systems have been designed and developed by NPOL, a Kochi based
premier laboratory of DRDO which has outstanding contributions and
achievements in the design of SONAR systems for the Indian Navy to its
credit.
ABHAY
HUMSA UG
Intensifying the command over the high seas is the HUMSA-UG that is
designed for upgrading the existing HUMSA SONAR system of the Indian
Naval platforms.
NACS-
NACS has been integrated with the HUMSA-NG SONAR array and proved
onboard naval platforms and this will be fitted on all frontline ships.
AIDSS-
(Topic: Defence)
Flight accomplished the main objectives of proving the flying platform, such
as take-off, bank, level flight and landing etc.
TAPAS 201, the MALE UAV has been designed and developed by
Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the Bangalore-based
premier lab of DRDO with HAL-BEL as the production partners.
The UAV weighing two tonnes was put into air by a dedicated team of
young scientists of DRDO. It was piloted (external and internal) by the
pilots from the Armed Forces.
It is also the first R&D prototype UAV which has undergone certification
and qualification for the first flight from the Center for Military
Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and Directorate General of
Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).
About- Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences has
called for villagers to be trained to handle animal diseases like Brucellosis on a
cooperative basis.
Brucellosis-
Infection Spread-
Severe infections of the central nervous system or lining of the heart may
also occur. Quite often brucellosis is diagnosed after ruling out all other
fevers such as those caused by malaria, typhoid, dengue etc. Therefore,
the disease is under reported and many medical professionals are not
even aware of the problem.
ICB
Launch of online portal for facilitating trade between India and Iran
Iran and India have enjoyed deep social, cultural, economic and political
connections and relations that have enriched both countries.
The two countries have grown closer in the turbulent times at the peak of
the economic sanctions against Iran, when it was India which emerged as
a valuable trading partner of Iran.
(Topic: Environment)
Himalayas must be seen as a single, living entity and not in separate parts.
Only if Himalayas survive will Indian culture and civilisation survive, Minister
of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said
at COP 22 in Marrakech. Addressing a session Impact of Climate Change on
the Himalayan Ecosystem held as a side-event at the India Pavilion in COP 22.
The side-event held at the India Pavilion was an attempt to highlight the
emerging needs for evolving new models of conservation and sustainable
development that help restoring intricate balance between economic
interests and ecological imperatives in the region under changing climate
scenario.
NAPCC
Himalayas-
Nearly 70% of the population still relies for health care on medicinal
plants.
These services are reviewed and restructured as per the viability study,
giving due regard to the availability of cargo for a given port-pair at
desired freight levels, transit time and other such considerations which
impact the service schedule and profitability.
Naval escort provided by Indian naval ships in the Gulf of Aden since
2008.
(Topic: Taxation)
About- A revised Agreement between India and Cyprus for the Avoidance of
Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal evasion (DTAA) with respect to
taxes on income, along with its Protocol, was signed in Nicosia, which will
replace the existing DTAA that was signed by two countries on 13th June 1994.
New Agreement provides for Assistance between the two countries for
collection of taxes.
India and UK Sign three Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (B- APAs)
taking the total number of APAs signed [both- bilateral and unilateral] to
111
(Topic: Taxation)
About- Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) signed three (3) Bilateral Advance
Pricing Agreements (APAs) taking the total number of APAs signed [both-
bilateral and unilateral] so far to 111. These Agreements are a result of the
understanding reached with the Competent Authority of United Kingdom (UK)
some time ago.
Key Highlights-
With this, India and UK have concluded 5 bilateral APAs and some more
would be concluded in the near future. The total number of bilateral
APAs concluded so far by the CBDT is 7.
APA
During the last three years including the current year, complaints as and when
received by Central Pollution Control Board are forwarded to the concerned
State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees to examine the
issues raised and to take necessary action in light of the provisions of the Bio-
Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules.
Bio-Medical Waste-
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), requested all the State Pollution
Control Board (SPCBs,) Pollution Control Committee (PCCs) and Director
General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) for
About- Government has taken a new initiative to create a Film Promotion Fund
to promote Indian cinema in the International Film Festivals.
Directorate of Film Festivals has been designated as the nodal agency for
implementing this initiative based on the recommendations of a panel of
experts constituted by the Government.
IFFI
The 47th edition of IFFI would screen three films for specially-abled
children with special audio described technology under the Accessible
India Campaign/ Sugamaya Bharat Abhiyan. This screening would take
place in collaboration with UNESCO and Saksham.
Inspired by the Governments Clean India Drive, IFFI 2016 will showcase
a special package of 20 award winning short films based on the Swachh
Bharat theme.
These 20 films were short listed from 4,346 entries and awarded at the
Swachh Bharat Film Festival organized by National Film Development
Corporation on 2nd October in New Delhi.
IFFI would recognize young talent under this new competition section.
This section would showcase some of the outstanding directorial debuts
of 2016 from across the world of cinema. The winner would be honoured
with a Silver Peacock and a cash price of rupees ten lakhs.
Aim-
Participation offers-
IM Intermoda-
It is the ideal place to publicize the Indian brand and step up sales,
launch new products and expand companys network of business
contacts in the highly potential Latin American market.