IAS BEE 22nd November, 2017iasbee.com/PIB DECEMBER 2017.pdfShri Girish Ahuja, practicing Chartered...

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22nd November, 2017

1. Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open for public viewing.

2. Successful maiden test firing of Brahmos ALCM (Air Launched Cruise Missile) from Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.

3. Cabinet approves setting up of the 15thFinance Commission

4. Fishing boat Jehovah Jireh in Palk Bay

5. New National Policy on Biofuels and Pradhan Mantri Ji- Van Yojana: see schemes edition

6. Expansion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao for a Pan India coverage in all the 640 districts (as per census 2011) of the

Country

a. see schemes edition

7. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia.

Held annually, currently in the state of Goa, on the western coast of the country, the festival aims at providing a

common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art; contributing to the

understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos;

and promoting friendship and cooperation among people of the world.

8. The festival is conducted jointly by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and the

Government of Goa. The 48th edition (latest) of IFFI was held at Panjim Goa from 20 November 2017 inaugurated by

SRK.

9. National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank) at the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization

(NOTTO).

a. National level Tissue Bank will fulfill the demands of tissue transplantation including activities for procurement,

storage and fulfill distribution of biomaterials. The centre will take care of the tissue allografts that includes bone

and bone products e.g. deep frozen bone allograft, freeze dried bone allograft, dowel allograft, AAA Bone,

duramater, facialata, fresh frozen human amniotic membrane, high temperature treated board cadaveric joints

like knees, hips and shoulders, cadaveric cranium bone graft, loose bone fragment, different types of bovine

allograft, used in orthodontics, skin graft, cornea, heart valves and vessels. The Centre will also add other tissues

gradually.

10. Global Conference on Cyber Space 2017 held in New Delhi

a. Over the last year, the GFCE community joined hands in the development of two documents which could form

the basis for a coordinated response to cyber challenges. These efforts accumulated into the Global Agenda for

Cyber Capacity Building and GFCE Global Good Practices; GFCE wide agreed upon and voluntary recommended

good practices on cyber capacities. Both the Global Agenda and the Good Practices drafts were presented during

this pre-event followed by a reflection on the next steps.

11. Constitution of Task Force for drafting a New Direct Tax Legislation

a. During the Rajaswa Gyan Sangam held on 1st and 2nd September, 2017, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

had observed that the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act) was drafted more than 50 years ago and it needs to be re-

drafted. Accordingly, in order to review the Act and to draft a new Direct Tax Law in consonance with economic

needs of the country, the Government has constituted a Task Force with the following Members:

i. Shri Arbind Modi, Member (Legislation), CBDT - Convener

ii. Shri Girish Ahuja, practicing Chartered Accountant and non-official Director, State Bank of India;

iii. Shri Rajiv Memani, Chairman & Regional Managing Partner of E&Y;

iv. Shri Mukesh Patel, Practicing Tax Advocate, Ahmedabad;

v. Ms. Mansi Kedia, Consultant, ICRIER, New Delhi;

vi. Shri G.C. Srivastava, Retd. IRS (1971 Batch) and Advocate.

12. The National Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (NFCSR) at IICA is responsible for Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Foundation has been designed around the new provisions of Companies Act,

2013. The NFCSR conducts various activities in partnership with Corporates in the field of CSR, oriented towards

social inclusion.

a. IICA is a think-tank and repository of data and knowledge to support rational decision-making for the policy

makers, regulators as well as other stakeholders working in areas related to the corporate sector. It offers

services to stakeholders in the field of corporate laws, corporate governance, CSR, accounting standards,

investor education, etc. Various activities of IICA also help first-generation entrepreneurs and small business for

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imparting multi-disciplinary skills as they are unable to afford to employ separate experts in management, law,

accountancy, etc.

13. BIS has published National Building Code 2016 which provides guidelines for regulating the building construction

activities across the country and serves as a model code for adoption by all agencies involved in building construction.

14. Governments sends a proposal to United Nations for declaring the year 2018 as International Year of Millets

a. Significance of millet:

i. Millet is a common term to categorize small-seeded grasses that are often termed nutri-cereals or dryland-

cereals, and includes sorghum, pearl millet, ragi, small millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, kodo

millet and other millets. An important staple cereal crop for millions of small holder dryland farmers across

sub-saharan Africa and Asia, millets offer nutrition, resilience, income and livelihood for farmers even in

difficult times. They have multiple untapped uses such as food, feed, fodder, biofuels and brewing. Therefore,

millets are Smart Food as they are Good for You, Good for the Farmer and Good for the Planet.

ii. Nutritionally superior to wheat & rice owing to their higher levels of protein with more balanced amino acid

profile, crude fiber & minerals such as Iron, Zinc, and Phosphorous, millets can provide nutritional security

and act as a shield against nutritional deficiency, especially among children and women. The anaemia (iron

deficiency), B-complex vitamin deficiency, pellagra (niacin deficiency) can be effectively tackled with intake of

less expensive but nutritionally rich food grains like millets. Millets can also help tackle health challenges such

as obesity, diabetes and lifestyle problems as they are gluten free, have a low glycemic index and are high in

dietary fibre and antioxidants

iii. Adapted to low or no purchased inputs and to harsh environment of the semi-arid tropics, they are the

backbone for dry land agriculture. Photo-insensitive & resilient to climate change, millets are hardy, resilient

crops that have a low carbon and water footprint, can withstand high temperatures and grow on poor soils

with little or no external inputs. In times of climate change they are often the last crop standing and, thus, are a

good risk management strategy for resource-poor marginal farmers.

15. National Policy of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

16. Cabinet approves expansion of umbrella scheme "Mission For Protection And Empowerment For Women" and

introducing a new scheme ' Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra': See schemes edition for details

17. Cabinet approves India's Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction & Development

o The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved India's Membership for

European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD)

o Necessary steps will be initiated by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance to acquire the

membership of the EBRD.

o Impact:

Membership of EBRD would enhance India's international profile and promote its economic

interests. Access to EBRD's Countries of Operation and sector knowledge.

India's investment opportunities would get a boost.

It would increase the scope of cooperation between India and EBRD through co-financing

opportunities in manufacturing, services, Information Technology, and Energy.

EBRD's core operations pertain to private sector development in their countries of operation. The

membership would help India leverage the technical assistance and sectoral knowledge of the bank

for the benefit of development of private sector.

This would contribute to an improved investment climate in the country.

The membership of EBRD would enhance the competitive strength of the Indian firms, and provide

an enhanced access to international markets in terms of business opportunities, procurement

activities, consultancy assignments etc.

This would open up new vistas for Indian professionals on the one hand, and give a fillip to Indian

exports on the other.

Increased economic activities would have the employment generating potential.

It would also enable Indian nationals to get the employment opportunity in the Bank.

o Financial Implications:

The minimum initial investment towards the membership of EBRD will be approximately €1 (one)

million. However, this assumption is based on India deciding to buy the minimum number of shares

(100) required for obtaining the membership. If India were to buy a higher number of Bank shares,





the financial implications could be higher. In-principle approval of the Cabinet at this stage is being

obtained for joining the Bank.

o Background

The issue relating to acquiring the membership of the "European Bank for Reconstruction &

Development (EBRD)" had been under consideration of the Government. With the country's

impressive economic growth over the years and enhanced international political profile, it was

considered appropriate that India should expand its presence on the global developmental landscape

beyond its association with the Multi-lateral Development Banks (MDBs) such as the World Bank,

Asian Development Bank and African Development Bank. The decision to join the Asian

Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB) was taken earlier in

this backdrop.

23rd November 2017

1. Guru Tegh Bahadur

Revered as the ninth Nanak, was the ninth of ten Gurus of the Sikh religion.

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi mark the places of execution and cremation of

the Guru's body.

The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered as the Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur every year

on 24 November, according to the Nanakshahi calendar released by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak

Committee in 2003.

2. Exclusive 'Rural Livelihood' scheme for Northeast: see schemes edition for detail.

3. Ordinance to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 promulgated: see economics and polity

4. UMANG App: see schemes

5. GCCS 2017:

a. Cyber4All: A Secure and Inclusive Cyberspace for Sustainable Development, this is the fifth edition of GCCS

wherein international leaders, policymakers, industry experts, think tanks and cyber experts will gather to

deliberate on issues and challenges for optimally using cyber space.

b. The overall goals of GCCS 2017 are to promote the importance of inclusiveness and human rights in global

cyber policy, to defend the status quo of an open, interoperable and unregimented cyberspace, to create

political commitment for capacity building initiatives to address the digital divide and assist countries, and to

develop security solutions in a balanced fashion that duly acknowledge the importance of the private sector

and technical community.

24-11-2017

1. The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will inaugurate the International Gita Mahotsava-2017 tomorrow

(November 25, 2017) in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

2. Brahma Sarovar is an ancient water pool sacred to Hinduism in Thanesar.

3. Exemption of 'bamboo' from Forest ActL this will enable easy culling of Bamboo.

4. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme: refer to schemes edition

5. IAF Kiran MK-IA Aircraft

6. Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Exercise (DANX) was conducted under the aegis of Andaman & Nicobar

Command. Main objective of the exercise was to practice & validate procedures and drills of all the Command forces

aimed at defending Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

7. GOI floats Series-III of Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18: see economics

8. Communal Harmony Flag Day observed by National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) 24th Nov, 2017

9. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS): conducted a first-of-its-kind multi-State mega mock

exercise on tsunami preparedness covering the entire eastern coastline of the country.

a. Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC): issued a massive tsunami threat notification for the eastern

coast through e-mails, fax and SMSes.

10. Government of India renewable energy targets: see environment.





25th PIB November 2011

1. Constitution day: Constitution Day (National Law Day), also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated in India on 26

November every year to commemorate the adoption of Constitution of India. On 26 November 1949, the

Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, and it came into effect on 26 January 1950.

2. National Law Day:

3. Per capita availability of milk increased from 307 gm/day in 2013-14 to 351 gm/day in 2016-17

4. National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest uniformed youth organization in the world, is celebrating its 69th

Raising Day today.

5. The National Law Day-2017

a. Celebrated jointly by the Law Commission of India and NITI Aayog on 25th-26th November at Vigyan Bhawan

in the capital.

b. Main focus of the event will be on following issues (Important for mains)

i. Judicial Review and Parliamentary Democracy – Balancing the Separation of Powers.

ii. Appointments to Higher Judiciary – Constraints of Collegium System and Reforms Ahead.

iii. Structural Reforms for Overcoming Delays in Justice Delivery.

iv. Scope of Judicial Powers: Judicial Activism.

27th November 2017

1. Distinguished Indologist Award 2017

a. Indology is the study of India, its multifaceted and ancient culture and civilization.

b. 2017 (Third): Professor Hiroshi Marui of Japan.

c. 2016 (Second): Prof. Yu Long Yu of the People’s Republic of China

d. 2015 (First): Prof. Heinrich Freiherr Von Stietencron of Germany.

e. This award is given by The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)

f. It was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first Education Minister. Its

objectives are to actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs

pertaining to India’s external cultural relations; to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual

understanding between India and other countries; to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and

people; and to develop relations with nations.

2. International Ambedkar Conclave, organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarian.

3. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the guru and Pramukh, or president, of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an

international Hindu socio-spiritual organization.

4. Common Services Centers (CSC) scheme is one of the mission mode projects under the Digital India

Programme: See schemes and Policies edition for detail

5. Constitution of 15th Finance commission:

a. Period: the recommendations of this commission will be implementated 2020-2025

b. The Government of India, with the approval President of India, has constituted Fifteenth Finance Commission

in pursuance of clause (1) of article 280 of the Constitution, read with the provisions of the Finance

Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951 w.e.f. 27th November, 2017. The Commission will make

recommendations for the five years commencing on April 1, 2020.

c. This Commission will be headed by Shri. N.K.Singh, former Member of Parliament and former Secretary to the

Government of India. Shri Shaktikanta Das, former Secretary to the Government of India and Dr. Anoop Singh,

Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University shall be the members of the Commission. Dr. Ashok Lahiri,

Chairman (Non-executive, part time), Bandhan Bank and Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog shall be the

Part time members of the Commission. Shri Arvind Mehta shall be the Secretary to the Commission.

6. G 20 Sherpa:

a. A sherpa is the personal representative of a head of state or government who prepares an international

summit, particularly the annual G8 Summit.

b. Shri Shaktikanta Das, Former Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, has been appointed as India’s G 20

Sherpa.

7. GST: see economics Mains

8. Government Floating Rate Bonds





a. Floating rate notes (FRNs) are bonds that have a variable coupon, equal to a money market reference rate,

like LIBOR or federal funds rate, plus a quoted spread (also known as quoted margin). The spread is a rate

that remains constant.

9. The first edition of the International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency

(INSPIRE 2017) was kicked off in Jaipur.

10. Start-Up India: Stand-Up India :: see schemes and policies edition.

11. Global Entrepreneurship Summit

a. The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is being held for the first time in South Asia in Hyderabad, India,

from November 28-30.

b. It is Co-hosted by the Governments of the United States and India, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

will inaugurate the summit and Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump will lead the U.S. contingent to GES.

c. This is the eighth edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, the preeminent gathering of entrepreneurs,

investors, and supporters from around the world. With the theme of “Women First, Prosperity for All,” this

will be the first GES in which women are the majority, over 52.5 per cent, of the participants.

28th November 2017

1. Vigyan Chintan- scientific ecosystem in Kolkata

2. New India 2022: see schemes and policies

3. Act East policy: See international Relations

4. Global Entrepreneurship Summit, 2017 See pib 27th November 2017

5. Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Exercise (DANX) was conducted under the aegis of Andaman &

Nicobar Command. Main objective of the exercise was to practice & validate procedures and drills of all the

Command forces aimed at defending Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

6. Common Services Centers (CSC) scheme is one of the mission mode projects under the Digital India

Programme: See schemes and Policies edition for detail.

7. Government appoints Shri B.N. Sharma (IAS:1985) as Chairman of the National Anti-profiteering

Authority under GST

a. The Authority has been set up for a two-year period

b. The Authority is mandated to ensure that the benefits of input credit and the reduction in GST rates

on specified goods or services are passed on to the consumers by way of a commensurate reduction

in prices. With the Chairman and Technical Members now having been appointed, the Authority becomes

functional thereby reassuring consumers of Governments' commitment that GST would result in lower

prices of goods and services.

8. Health Ministry and ICMR launch India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI)

a. The goal of this project is to reduce morbidity and mortality due to CVDs, the leading cause of death in

India, by improving the control of high blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for CVDs among

adults in India.

b. The IHMI aims to reduce disability and death related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause

of death in India, by improving the control of high blood pressure (hypertension), reducing salt

consumption and eliminating artificial trans-fats, leading risk factors for CVD.

c. It is a collaborative project of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health and Family

Welfare (MoHFW), State Governments, World Health Organization (WHO), and Resolve to Save Lives

initiative of Vital Strategies.

9. Bulk Solid Waste Generator’s Compliance of Solid Waste Management Rules 2016

a. See Swachh Bharat Abhiyan scheme in Schemes edition

10. Awards at IFFI 2017

a. Atom Egoyan (Canada) receives the Lifetime Achievement Award

b. “120 BEATS PER MINUTE” (French film) bags Best Movie award at IFFI 2017, receives Golden Peacock

Trophy

c. Amitabh Bachchan receives Indian Film Personality of the Year award

11. SAUBHAGYA Scheme launched in Manipur

a. 1.75 lakh households of Manipur proposed to be included under the Scheme

b. The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA): See Schemes and policies for details





12. SANJHI Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana

a. Every Hon’ble Member of Parliament is expected to develop 3 (three) Gram Panchayats by March 2019

using Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) funds.

b. See schemes and policies edition for detail.

13. SAGARMALA: Flagship program launched in 2015 for port led development, has four limbs, namely, port

modernization and new port development; port connectivity; port led industrialization; and port community

development.

14. Airbnb partners with Skill India

15. National Mission for Clean Ganga

a. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is the implementation wing of National Ganga Council

which was set up in October 2016 under the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management)

Authorities order 2016. The order dissolved National Ganga River Basin Authority. The aim is to clean the

Ganga and its tributaries in a comprehensive manner.

b. See schemes and policies for more detail

16. The India International Trade Fair

a. Started in 1980.

b. It is an event for the business community.

c. It is a premier event organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO).

d. ITPO: The nodal trade promotion agency of the Government of India.

e. The event is held between 14–27 November every year at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.

29th Nov, 2017

1. Basic Services for Urban Poor Schemes.

2. The Mizoram Accord was signed between the Mizo National Front and the Government of India on June 30, 1986.

The MNF was a secessionist movement to protest against the negligence and indifference of the Government of India

to the people of Mizoram at the time of a severe famine, mautam, during the late 1950s. After a major uprising

followed by years of struggle in underground activities, but to no avail, the movement conceded to work within the

Indian Constitution and to renounce violence and turmoil that had prevailed throughout Mizoram.

3. Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana:

a. A new Central Sector Scheme: (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing

Clusters) with an allocation of Rs. 6,000 crore for the period 2016-20 coterminous with the 14th Finance

Commission cycle. The scheme will be implemented by Ministry of Food Processing Industries

(MoFPI).Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana:

4. Competition Commission of India: It is the duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having adverse effect on

competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in the

markets of India.

5. Navika Sagar Parikrama – Tarini

6. Higher education funding agency

a. The HEFA would finance the civil and lab infrastructure projects through a 10-year loan. The principal

portion of the loan will be repaid through the ‘internal accruals’ (earned through the fee receipts, research

earnings etc) of the institutions. The Government would service the interest portion through the regular Plan

assistance.

b. All the Centrally Funded Higher Educational Institutions would be eligible for joining as members of the

HEFA. For joining as members, the Institution should agree to escrow a specific amount from their internal

accruals to HEFA for a period of 10 years. This secured future flows would be securitised by the HEFA for

mobilising the funds from the market. Each member institution would be eligible for a credit limit as decided

by HEFA based on the amount agreed to be escrowed from the internal accruals.

7. Ministry of Railways launched 1ST Swarna Rajdhani ( Train no 12313 New Delhi- Sealdah Rajdhani) rake.

Under Project Swarna, a detailed programme to significantly improve passenger experience on Rajdhani & Shatabdi

trains.

8. Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G):





30th November 2017

1. MSME:

a. We know that formal SMEs contribute up to 60 per cent of total employment and up to 40 per cent of national

income (GDP) in emerging economies. In India, they contribute up to 45 per cent of its GDP. The Indian SME

sector employs nearly 46 crore people, which is the second largest workforce in the country after the

agricultural sector, and is growing at 11.5 per cent annually.

2. Mirabai Chanu, who has won a gold at the World Weightlifting Championship 2017 held in Anaheim, United States

(48 kg category).

3. Shri Pankaj Advani has won the IBSF World Billiards Championship:

a. It is the premier, international, non-professional tournament for the game of English billiards.

4. Aadi mahotsav: The Aadi Mahotsav, a celebration of the spirit of Tribal Culture, Craft, Cuisine and Commerce, came to

a glittering conclusion at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, on the evening of 30th November, 2017.

a. TAM Squash- a non alcoholic drink developed by TRIFED & IIT-Delhi.

b. The non alcoholic drink is made up of Tamarind, Mahua & Aawla.

5. TRIFED: The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India: see polity for more details.

6. 7th edition of three day ‘Kathakar: International Storytellers Festival’ tomorrow at the Indira Gandhi National

Centre for the Arts ( IGNCA).

7. An Indian Air Force Embraer transport aircraft specialised to conduct Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)

function, successfully carried out Air to Air Refuelling (AAR), to fly a long duration flight beyond the aircraft’s

stated endurance. It is also the first time that AAR has been carried out on the Embraer platform.

8. The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has floated Series III of Sovereign

Gold Bonds 2017-18, for the period from October 09, 2017 to December 27, 2017 (with subscription period Monday

to Wednesday every week). The Bonds will be issued on the succeeding Monday after each subscription period.

9. NCRB Publication “Crime in India 2016- Statistics”: Declining trends in murder, rioting, robbery and dacoity cases

during last three years.

10. International Tourism Mart:

a. Co-hosted by The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the North Eastern States

b. Venue: Guwahati, Assam

c. The 6th International Tourism Mart, will put the spotlight on India’s “Act East Policy”, blossoming ties with

ASEAN and the larger East Asia region, home to the world’s rapidly growing economies and India’s emerging

tourism markets. Besides deliberations on promotion of tourism in the North East Region in general, keeping

the objectives of the.

d. Act East Policy” in view, the panel discussions will also focus on promoting cultural ties, people-to-people

contact with countries in the ASEAN region providing enhanced connectivity to the States of North Eastern

Region with other countries in our neighborhood, thereby developing inter-regional tourism between the

ASEAN and North East Region of India.

11. Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘OCKHI’ over Lakshadweep area and adjoining Southeast Arabian Sea and Cyclone

Warning for Lakshadweep Islands.

12. Member States of BIMSTEC ( Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ) met in

New Delhi this week to discuss modalities for promoting coastal shipping in the region. In this first meeting of the

Working Group on 27th and 28th of November, member countries discussed the draft text of BIMSTEC Coastal

Shipping Agreement drafted by the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India.

5th December 2017

Water circuits to be developed on the lines of power circuits

o There is a need of river connectivity, construction of Barrages, Dams, Rubber dams and Bandhas, drip and

piped irrigation in the country and highlighted the need for water circuits in the country on the lines of

power circuits for better water conservation.

6th International Tourism Mart (ITM) -2017

o Mart is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the unique tourism treasures of North Eastern States. Keeping

in view the Act East Policy of the Government, this platform will serve its purpose.





The Government of India has envisaged ushering a Gas Based economy by increasing the share of natural gas in

primary energy mix of the country from current level to 15% in coming years. In order to move forward, the

Government has put thrust in enhancing domestic gas production, encouraging the import of Liquefied Natural Gas

(LNG), completion of national gas grid and speedier roll out of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the country.

International Solar Alliance to become a Treaty-based International Intergovernmental organization on 6th

December, 2017.

“Scientific facts Indicate Pollution Impacts Human Health and well being”:

o India will Host World Environment Day Celebration in 2018: Environment Minister.

o Towards a Pollution free planet” is theme of 3rd United Nations Environment assembly in Nairobi.

6th December 2017

The Paik Rebellion, also called the Paika Bidroha, was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company's

rule in Odisha in 1817. The Paikas rose in rebellion under their leader Bakshi Jagabandhu and, projecting Jagannath as

the symbol of Odia unity, the rebellion quickly spread across most of Odisha before being ruthlessly put down by the

company's forces.

Intensified Mission Indradhanush:

o Mission Indradhanush (MI) was launched with a strategy to focus on unvaccinated and partially vaccinated

children in the pockets of low immunization coverage in high risk and hard-to reach areas identified through

Polio micro-plans.

o More than 2.55 crore children and around 68.71 lakh pregnant women have been immunized during the four

rounds of immunization spanning over two years divided into four phases, with each phase comprising of

drives of 7 working days each for four consecutive months.

7th December, 2017

Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) in aftermath Andaman and Nicobar

o INS Jamuna: Hydrographic survey ship in the Indian Navy, under the Southern Naval Command.

o INS Sharda: Sukanya class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy

o INS Shardul: Shardul-class amphibious warfare vessels of the Indian Navy

o INS Kalpeni: Car Nicobar class of high-speed offshore patrol vessel

Border Protection Grid to be set up in Border States:

o

8th December 2017

1. After scaling of Mt Everest in 2005, IAF launched a unique and unprecedented series of mountaineering expeditions

'Mission Seven Summits' with an aim to fly tricolour and IAF flag on the highest peaks in every continent.

2. Stok Kangri (6,153 metres (20,187 ft)) is the highest mountain in the Stok Range of the Himalayas in the

Ladakh region of north-west India. The peak is located in Hemis National Park, 12 km southwest of the trailhead

(3,610 metres (11,844 ft)) in the village of Stok and around 15 km southwest of the city of Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

a. Despite its high altitude, Stok Kangri is a popular trekking peak and is often climbed as an initial non-

technical foray into high altitude mountaineering. However, the difficulty of Stok Kangri is often

underestimated and the need to acclimatise before and during the ascent makes Stok Kangri an enduring

challenge. In late July and August, all but the top of the peak may be snow-free. The elevation data was

verified by GPS readings from 11 satellites at the Summit during a late July 2007 joint Nepalese-US expedition

which encountered snow cover for 85% of the final four-hour, four km, 900 metre climb.[citation needed]

The shortest route to the peak is along the Stok valley, following the Stok Chu to Stok village. This valley's

grazing landscape, especially near the village, was devastated by the 2010 Ladakh floods, the most severe in

decades. 3. National Trachoma Survey Report (2014-17) : India is now free from ‘infective trachoma’, and termed this as a

momentous achievement

GET2020 program, The World Health Organization leads an international alliance of interested parties to work for the

global elimination of trachoma, the Alliance for Global Elimination of Trachoma by the year 2020 (GET 2020);





Trachoma (Rohe/Kukre-रररर/ररररररर) is a chronic infective disease of the eye and is the leading

cause of infective blindness globally. Trachoma is a disease of poor environmental and personal hygiene and

inadequate access to water and sanitation. It affects the conjunctiva under the eyelids. Repeated infections

cause scarring leading to in-turning ofthe eyelashes and eyelids. This further causes damage to the cornea

and blindness. It is found affecting the population in certain pockets of the States of North India like Gujarat,

Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Nicobar Islands. Trachoma infection of the eyes was the most

important cause of blindness in India in 1950s and over 50% population was affected in Gujarat, Rajasthan,

Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. It was the most important cause of corneal blindness in India, affecting

young children.

4. National eCourts Project

a. The Committee, of the Supreme Court of India in association with the Department of Justice (DoJ) of the

Government of India held a two day National Conference in New Delhi on December 2 and 3 in which all the

Central Project Coordinators of various High Courts connected with the ongoing National eCourts Project

along with eCommittee Members, senior officers from DoJ, NIC and many other senior Judicial officers

participated.

b. The major objectives of the Project are to make whole judicial system ICT enabled by putting in place

adequate and modern hardware and connectivity; automation of workflow management in all courts;

electronic movement of records from taluka/trial to appeal courts; installation of video conferencing (VC)

facility and recording of witness through Video Conferencing; connecting all courts in the country to the

National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) through WAN and additional redundant connectivity; citizen centric

facilities such as electronic filing, e-payment and use of mobile applications in all courts; touch screen based

kiosks in each court complex, full computerisation of State and district level judicial and service academies

and centres.

5. Public Procurement Portal for MSEs - MSME Sambandh .The Portal will help in Monitoring the Implementation of

Public Procurement from MSEs by CPSEs, 80% of jobs in industry is given by MSME with just 20% of investment.

6. Conference of Power and New & Renewable Energy Ministers of States and UTs Concludes .

Resolution for Future Roadmap to Reform Power Sector and ensure 24x7 Power for All adopted by wide consensus

among States.

7. International conference on Ground water

Today 80% of the rural domestic needs and 65% of the irrigation water requirement and 50% of industrial

and urban water needs are sourced from our ground water resources.

Over exploitation of ground water has started threatening the sustenance of agricultural activities in many

key regions in the country including Punjab, Bundelkhand and Rajasthan posing a grave threat to the

food security in future.

Over exploitation of ground water has also started affecting the ground water quality in many areas from the

geogenic source of contaminants such as arsenic.

Moreover, climate change is expected to alter the ground water recharge regimes across the country due to

increase in extreme rainfall events.

GEOGENIC SOURCE: Arsenic and Flouride, High concentrations of parameters like salinity, iron, manganese,

uranium, radon and chromium, in groundwater, may also be of geogenic origin.

8. AIBA Youth World Women Boxing Championship at Guwahati.

11th December, 2017

Fact Sheet on 2nd Phase of Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017 100 % deployment of VVPATs at all Polling Stations in Goa for the first time.

Size of Electorate Number of Assembly Constituencies

<100000 NIL

100000 - 150000 NIL

150000 - 200000 7





> 200000 86

The electors who have received the Electoral Photo ID Card (EPIC) are further categorized by sex which, as the charts show, are fairly evenly constituted by Males and Females. Further, there are 455 electors reported from the ‘Others’ in the electorate and there are a total of 29 NRI voters and 12,423 voters from the Services. Details of the Electorate with EPICs: -

Male Female Others Total

Population 1,76,44,705 1,64,52,445 0 34097150

Size of Electorate 1,15,47,435 1,07,48,977 455 22296867

EPIC Issued To 1,15,47,435 1,07,48,977 455 22296867

Age and Sex-wise Composition of Electorate:

Age Male Female Others Total

18-25 years 21,20,421 16,16,880 149 37,37,450

26-40 41,99,901 38,91,655 181 80,91,737

41-60 37,80,873 36,34,757 97 74,15,727

>60 14,46,240 16,05,685 28 30,51,953

Total Electors 1,15,47,435 1,07,48,977 455 2,22,96,867

The following is a graphical representation of demographic statistics of the electorate based on different age groups among males and females. There are a total of 455 electors documented from the ‘Others’.





1. Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)

2. Inauguration of Online Examination Web Portal of Indian Air Force by Hon'ble RRM

3. Semiconductor

4. NIC-CERT

a. NIC-CERT has been setup with the objective of creating a comprehensive framework that integrates world

class security components and inbuilt threat intelligence for detection, prevention and incident response.

Using the tools the team will correlate events that would help in generating a canvas of the attack surface and

identify the vulnerabilities and possible exploits. The gathered intelligence assimilated with the knowledge of

the open web would give the CERT the ability prevent and predict attacks.

5. “LaQshya| लललललल’’

a. Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative, a Safe Delivery Mobile Application for health workers who

manage normal and complicated deliveries in the peripheral areas, and also released the Operational

Guidelines for Obstetric High Dependency Units (HDUs) and Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

6. Mechi River

a. The Mechi River is a trans-boundary river flowing through Nepal and India. It is a tributary of the Mahananda

River.

7. Ground Water vision 2030

a. An International conference is being organized on the Ground water issues in the country with a theme of

“Ground water Vision 2030- Water Security, Challenges and Climate Change Adaptation

b. See magazine DECP03 for more details.





8. Chinnaswami Subramania Bharati, also known as Bharathiyar (11 December 1882 – 11 September 1921) was an

Tamil writer, poet and journalist, and Indian independence activist and social reformer from Tamil Nadu.

12th December, 2017

1. Indeginous tribes of Sikkim: Rai, Mangar, Gurung, Thami, Bhujel, Jogi, Sanyasi, Giri, Newar, Khas (Bhawn and

Chettri) and Dewan (Yakha).

2. Sikkim has been declared ‘Organic State’ by the Government. Sikkim is the first state to be declared as ODF state.

3. Second UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture at Muscot.

4. Two new Bridges in Arunachal Pradesh on Eze river (tributary of Dibang river)

5. Government gets 100 applications from educational institutions for the World Class University tag which will enable

these insituions to work in an autonomous manner.

6. The second India-Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Motor Rally–IMT 2 successfully completed its first leg from

Guwahati to Bangkok on 3rd December 2017. The rally was flagged off from Guwahati on 25th November, 2017 with a

total of 50 participants including five women, in 20 SUV vehicles. It made night halts in Kohima and Imphal before

being flagged off by Mr. Tharadol Thongruang, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Thailand, for the border town of

Moreh. After a hassle free and smooth facilitation at the Land Border Crossing on the Indian side of the Moreh Tamu

border, the rally proceeded towards Myanmar. In Myanmar the rally passed through Kalay, Bagan, Mandalay, Yangon

and Mawlamyine. The rally then crossed over to Thailand at the Mae Sot Border on 2nd December and reached

Bangkok on 3rd December, via the old capital Sukhothai.

13th December, 2017

1. North East BPO Promotion Scheme:

The government remains committed to rapid and comprehensive development in the North Eastern states of India

Integrating initiatives to improve connectivity and recognising the talent of the youth of North Eastern states, the government by setting-up the BPOs has given a massive push to development in the region.

1,630 seats have been allocated to 12 units of 11 companies across 5 states of North East India. Out of these, 7 units have started operations on 900 seats giving initial employment to 723 persons. Some of the locations where BPOs have commenced operations in the North East are Guwahati, Jorhat, Kohima,

Imphal etc. After the 8th round of bidding that closed on 10th November, 2017, six companies have submitted their bids for

an additional 550 seats, which are under evaluation. There are 5 new bidder who have bid for six new locations such as Diphu, Majuli, Kokrajhar and Silchar in Assam,

Dimapur (Nagaland) and Agartala (Tripura). 2. India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for US$ 250 Million for “Skills Acquisition and Knowledge

Awareness for Livelihood Promotion” (SANKALP) Project A Financing Agreement for IBRD loan of USD 250 million (equivalent) for the “Skills Acquisition and Knowledge

Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Project” was today signed with the World Bank. The Financing

Agreement was signed in New Delhi by Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs Shri Sameer Kumar Khare

on behalf of Government of India and Mr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of

the World Bank.

The Objective of the project is to enhance institutional mechanisms for skills development and increase access to

quality and market-relevant training for the work force.

The Key result areas for the project include Institutional Strengthening at the National and State Levels for

Planning, Delivering, and Monitoring High-Quality Market-Relevant Training; Improved Quality and Market

Relevance of Skills Development Programs; Improved access to and completion of skills training for female

trainees and other disadvantaged groups; and Expanding skills training through private-public partnerships

(PPPs).

3. National Rural Drinking Water Programme

14th December, 2017

1. The Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu launched the New Delhi Edition of Marathi daily ‘Lokmat’ .





2. PM dedicates INS Kalvari to the nation: See IAS BEE current affairs for more details.

3. Wholesale Price in India: November data released. See IAS BEE current affairs for more details.

4. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India issues Guidelines for Technical Standards for Core Services: Based on

recommendations of the Technical Committee, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has laid down the

Technical Standards for the performance of Core Services

5. Government has lifted the ban on Muslim women going for Haj without “Mehram” (male companion): Muslim

women, from across the country, are applying in large numbers to go for Haj without “Mehram”.

6. ECO-NIWAS (Energy Conservation – New Indian Way for Affordable & Sustainable homes):

7. Sakhi One Stop Centres: to support women affected by violence. Ministry of Women and Child Development

15th December, 2017

1. New projects inaugurated his week:

a. Tuirial Hydropower Project at Aizwal

b. Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura Road

2. DoNER has set up a Rs. 100 crore Northeast Venture Capital Fund

3. Cabinet approves Agreement with UNESCO on establishment of International Training Centre for Operational

Oceanography in Hyderabad:

4. The Government has approved the dissolution of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applicable on all debit card/BHIM

UPI/ Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS) transactions up to and including a value of Rs. 2000 will be borne by

the Government for a period of two years with effect from 1st January, 2018 by reimbursing the same to the banks.

5. North-East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme" (NESIDS):

a. Government has changed the funding pattern of projects in Northeast in departure from the earlier practice

of 90:10 funding of Northeast projects implying 90% funds from Centre and 10% from the respective State,

from now onwards, the Union Cabinet has agreed that the entire 100% of the funding will be borne by the

Centre, which will result in a huge relief to the exchequer of the State Government and will also put an end to

the frequent requests received from the State Governments about lack of funds for them to contribute their

share.

b. The new scheme under the name "North-East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme" (NESIDS), is being

introduced from the year 2017-18, thus restructuring the existing DoNER Scheme of "Non-Lapsable Central

Pool of Resources" (NLCPR).

6. The President of India in November promulgated the Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to exempt

bamboo grown in non-forest areas from the definition “Tree”, thereby dispensing with the requirement of obtaining a

permit for felling of bamboo for economic use. It is a historic amendment because the bamboo was legally defined as a

"Tree" under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 which proved to be a major impediment for bamboo cultivation by non-

farmers on non-forest land.

7. Sakhi One Stop Centres in Strengthening Multi Sectoral Response to Violence in New Delhi.

18th December 2017

1. Major economic reforms done by government of India in financial year 2017-2018

a. Historic year for the Ministry of Finance with significant recognition by Moody’s Investors Service upgrading

India’s local and foreign currency issuer ratings after 13 years; India moving up 30 ranks in the World Bank’s

Doing Business Report and visible signs of financial system cleansing by the Demonetization exercise.

b. Transformational Reforms - Overhauling of Indirect Tax System by the introduction of the Goods and Services

Tax (GST) to replace multiple Central and State taxes and a New Direct Tax Code also initiated to re-write the

Income Tax Act.

c. Recapitalization of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and an Alternative Mechanism for their consolidation. The

Financial Inclusion and Social Security Schemes – PMJDY and APY achieved significant milestones

d. Redefining fund raising by Disinvestment, the Government launched a new Exchange Traded Fund (ETF),

BHARAT 22 as a unique blend of 22 stocks of CPSEs, PSBs & strategic holding of SUUTI.





2. AICTE action plan has been released for Improving the quality of technical education so as to increase employability of

the students (see http://www.iasbee.com/)

3. Institutions of Eminence

a. University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued / notified enabling regulatory architecture in the form of

UGC (Declaration of Government Educational Institutions as Institutions of Eminence) Guidelines, 2017 and

UGC (Institutions of Eminence Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2017 to enable 10 public and 10

private Institutions to emerge as World Class Teaching and Research Institutions. Applications were invited

by UGC from the eligible Public & Private Institutions/Sponsoring Organisations for becoming ‘Institutions of

Eminence’, for which the last date was 12.12.2017.

b. These IoEs will have freedom to choose their own path to become world class institutions for which greater

autonomy like to admit foreign students up to 30% of admitted students; to recruit foreign faculty upto 25%

of faculty strength; to offer online courses upto 20% of its programmes; to enter into academic collaboration

with top 500 in the world ranking Institutions without permission of UGC; free to fix and charge fees from

foreign students without restriction; flexibility of course structure in terms of number of credit hours and

years to take a degree; complete flexibility in fixing of curriculum and syllabus, etc. shall be provided. It is

expected that IoEs will come up in top 500 of the world ranking in ten years time and in top 100 eventually

overtime.

21st December 2017

1. DARPAN – “Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for A New India” Project to improve the quality of service, add

value to services and achieve “financial inclusion” of un-banked rural population.

2. Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI).

3. SHe-Box : In order to ensure the effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace

(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Ministry of Women & Child Development has launched an

online complaint management system titled Sexual Harassment electronic–Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints

related to sexual harassment at workplace of all women employees in the country, including government and private

employees.




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