Table of Contents Saubhagya Dashboard is a platform for monitoring household electrification...

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Table of Contents

Polity & Governance ................................................................................................................................................. 1

1. PM to inaugurate World Food India 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper

II) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Various schemes and programs initiated by the Government to achieve the target of

Doubling of Farmers Income (Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper II) ................... 1

3. Cabinet approves Continuation of sub-schemes under Umbrella Scheme Integrated

Child Development Services (ICDS) (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper

II).2

4. Shri R.K. Singh launches Saubhagya Web-Portal – a Platform for Monitoring

Universal Household Electrification (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

............................................................................................................................................................................ 3

5. Government set to achieve Rural Housing Targets (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains

Paper II).......................................................................................................................................................... 5

6. Transforming 115 backward districts across the country (Relevant for GS Mains

Paper II).......................................................................................................................................................... 5

7. SAUBHAGYA Scheme launched in Manipur (Relevant for GS Prelims, Mains Paper II

& III) ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

International Organizations and Relations ............................................................................................... 7

1. India Pavilion Launched at Cop 23 in Bonn Conserving Now, Preserving Future is

India s Theme (Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper II) ................................................ 7

2. Joint Indo-Bangladesh Exercise Sampriti 2017 Culminates (Relevant for GS Prelims

and GS Mains Paper II) ............................................................................................................................ 7

3. Cabinet approves India s Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction &

Development (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II) ....................................... 8

4. New Cross-Border Train between India & Bangladesh, Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan

Express (Relevant for GS Prelims and Prelims Paper II) ................................................................. 9

5. Indo – Kazakhstan Joint Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK 2017 Begins (Relevant for GS

Prelims and Mains Paper II) .............................................................................................................................. 9

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Economics .................................................................................................................................................................... 11

1. Cabinet approves Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for payment of outstanding

subsidy to fertilizer companies during 2016-17 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper III) ....................................................................................................................................... 11

2. Centre Promulgates Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to Encourage

Bamboo Cultivation in Non-Forest Areas (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper

III) .................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Science & Technology ........................................................................................................................................... 14

1. Draft Regulation of CAR on Civil Use of Drones Announced (Relevant for GS Prelims

and Mains Paper III) .............................................................................................................................. 14

2. First Heli Expo India & International Civil Helicopter Conclave Inaugurated

(Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper III) ........................................................................... 15

3. DRDO Conducts Successful Flight Trial of NIRBHAY Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile

(Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper III) ........................................................................... 15

4. Inland Waterways Authority of India pushes for early completion of Jal Marg Vikas

Project on Ganga (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III) ....................................... 16

Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................................................ 17

1. Indian Women s hockey team won Asia Cup 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims) ............. 17

2. PM congratulates Chennai on inclusion in UNESCO creative Cities Network (Relevant

for GS Prelims) .......................................................................................................................................... 17

3. Northeast to get India s first ever Air Dispensary : Dr Jitendra Singh (Relevant for GS

Prelims) ....................................................................................................................................................... 17

4. The India Youth Development Index and Report 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims) ...... 18

5. Namami Barak Festival (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................................................................... 19

6. Justice Dalveer Bhandari re-elected to the International Court of Justice (Relevant

for GS Prelims) .......................................................................................................................................... 19

7. India becomes second largest fish producing country in the world (Relevant for GS

Prelims) ....................................................................................................................................................... 20

8. National Biomaterial Centre inaugurated (Relevant for GS Prelims) .............................. 21








9. Cabinet approves setting up of the 15th Finance Commission (Relevant for GS

Prelims) ...................................................................................................................................................... 21

10. Government announces Trajectory to achieve its targets of commissioning 100 GW

of Solar generating capacity and 60 GW of Wind power by 2022 (Relevant for GS

Prelims) ...................................................................................................................................................... 21

11. President Of India Inaugurates International Gita Mahotsava-2017 (Relevant for GS

Prelims) ...................................................................................................................................................... 22






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Polity and Governance

1. PM to inaugurate World Food India 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains

Paper II)

The Prime Minister Inaugurated World Food India 2017. WFI is the most anticipated international mega food events, as India welcomes to host biggest ever congregation of global investors and business leaders of major food companies. Aim of WFI

The World Food India aims to transform Food Economy and realize the vision of doubling of farmers income by establishing India as a preferred investment destination and sourcing hub for the global food processing industry. The World Food India platform will strengthen India s position as a Global Food Factory and is a positive step towards making the Country Food Secure. Expectations from WFI

India is expected to attract an investment of US$ 10 billion in food processing sector and generate 1 million jobs in the next 3 years.

Participation of Countries

Germany, Japan and Denmark are Partner Countries to World Food India. Italy & Netherlands are the Focus Countries. (Adapted from The PIB)

2. Various schemes and programs initiated by the Government to achieve the target

of Doubling of Farmers Income (Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper II)

Prime Minister has set a target to double the farmers income by 2022. The Ministry is working towards achieving the goal. And to achieve this target, the Prime Minister has advocated a seven-point strategy. Seven Point Strategy

i. Special focus on irrigation with sufficient budget, with the aim of Per Drop More Crop . ii. Provision of quality seeds and nutrients based on soil health of each field. iii. Large investments in Warehousing and Cold Chains to prevent post-harvest crop losses. iv. Promotion of value addition, through food processing. v. Creation of a National Farm Market, removing distortions and e-platform across 585 Stations. vi. Introduction of a New Crop Insurance Scheme to mitigate risks at an affordable cost. vii. Promotion of ancillary activities like poultry, beekeeping, and fisheries. Other schemes for Farmers






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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Soil Health Card, Neem-Coated Urea and e-NAM Schemes are a few of the programs that aim to improve the productivity and earnings of the farmers.

(Adapted from The PIB)

3. Cabinet approves Continuation of sub-schemes under Umbrella Scheme

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper II)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for continuation of Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, Child Protection Services and National Crèche Scheme from 1.4.2017 to 30.11.2018 with an outlay of over Rs.41,000 crore. These are the sub-schemes under Umbrella Scheme Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Features:

The approved Schemes include: 1. Anganwadi Services 2. Scheme for Adolescent Girls 3. Child Protection Services 4. National Crèche Scheme The Cabinet has also approved: – Implementation of Scheme for Adolescent Girls for out of school girls in the age group of 11-14 years, its phased expansion – Phasing out of the on–going Kishori Shakti Yojana for out of school girls in the age group of 11-14 years. Cost Sharing

The decision also provides for conversion of National Crèche Scheme from Central Sector to Centrally Sponsored Scheme with the revised cost sharing between Centre and States as 60:40 for all States and UTs with legislature, 90:10 for NER and Himalayan States and 100% for UTs without legislature and implementation of the Scheme through States/UTs instead of existing implementation agencies. Impact:

The sub-schemes listed above are not new schemes, but are continuing from the XII Five Year Plan. The programme through targeted interventions will strive to reduce the level of malnutrition, anaemia and low birth weight babies, ensure empowerment of adolescent girls, provide protection to the children who are in conflict with law, provide safe place for day-care to the children of working mothers, create synergy, ensure better monitoring, issue negative alerts for timely action, encourage States/UTs to perform, guide and supervise the line Ministries and States/UTs to achieve the targeted goals and bring more transparency.






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Beneficiaries:

More than 11 crore children, pregnant women & Lactating Mothers and the Adolescent Girls will be benefited through this scheme. Implementation Strategy and Targets:

Anganwadi Services (ICDS) and Child Protection Services are already in operation in the entire country. The Scheme for Adolescent Girls will be expanded in a phased manner. National Creche Scheme will continue to be implemented in 23,555 creches. Approval for National Nutrition Mission shall be obtained separately. Background:

The ongoing schemes have been rationalized by the Government in financial year 2016-17 and have been brought under Umbrella ICDS as its sub-schemes. These sub-schemes need to be continued for delivering the child related services to the intended beneficiaries. The aims of these schemes are as under:

Anganwadi Services (ICDS) aims at holistic development of children under the age of six years and its beneficiaries are children of this age group and Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers. The objective of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls is to facilitate, educate and empower Adolescent Girls so as to enable them to become self-reliant and aware citizens through improved nutrition and health status, promoting awareness about health, hygiene, nutrition, mainstreaming out of school AGs into formal/non formal education and providing information/guidance about existing public services. The objectives of Child Protection Services are to provide safe and secure environment for children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection, reduce vulnerabilities through a wide range of social protection measures, prevent actions that lead to abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment and separation of children from families etc., bring focus on non-institutional care, develop a platform for partnership between Government & Civil Society and establish convergence of child related social protection services. National Creche Scheme aims at providing a safe place for mothers to leave their children while they are at work, and thus, is a measure for empowering women as it enables them to take up employment. At the same time, it is also an intervention towards protection and development of children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. Shri R.K. Singh launches Saubhagya Web-Portal – a Platform for Monitoring

Universal Household Electrification (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

The Ministry of Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Saubhagya Web Portal.






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About Saubhagya

The Saubhagya Dashboard is a platform for monitoring household electrification progress, which would disseminate information on Household Electrification Status (State, District, village-wise), Household Progress on live basis, State-wise Target vs Achievement, Monthly Electrification Progress, etc. Challenges and Benefits

The Ministry said that achieving electrification of 4 crore households is a big challenge, nevertheless the Government is committed to achieve this target by December 2018, with the cooperation of all the States. This would, in turn, bring about a huge improvement in the Quality of Life of the Citizens of India. Change in Power Ecosystem

The Government is bringing a change in the Power ecosystem in the Country by pushing towards mandatory metering of all new electrical connections through pre-paid or smart meters. This would make paying of electricity bills viable for the poor, reduce power losses and increase compliance in paying electricity bills. Power Generation through Crop Residue

On the sidelines of the Saubhagya Web portal launch, it is also informed that the Ministry has directed NTPC to mix straw/ crop residue pellets with coal, upto 10%, for power generation in all of its Thermal Power Plants. This step would reduce crop residue burning in agriculture dominated States like Punjab, Haryana etc. and hence reduce air pollution that is currently being experienced. BACKGROUND OF SAUBHAGYA SCHEME

Saubhagya scheme was launched by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 25th September, 2017 with an outlay of Rs. 16,320 Crores including Budgetary Support of Rs. 12,320 Crores. Under Saubhagya scheme, all willing households in rural areas and poor families in urban areas are given free electricity connections. There are around 4 Crore un-electrified households in the country and they are targeted for providing electricity connections by December 2018. Till recently, the focus of electrification has been on village electrification through creation of village electricity infrastructure for all households and providing free electricity connections to poor household families in rural areas. Now, Saubhagya has come into existence for providing free electricity connections to all households (both APL and poor families) in rural areas and poor families in urban areas. Nodal Agency

Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is the Nodal Agency for the operationalization of the scheme throughout the country.






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(Adapted from PIB)

5. Government set to achieve Rural Housing Targets (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS

Mains Paper II)

Hon ble Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) exactly one year ago on 20th November, 2016 from Agra. A target of completing one crore new houses by 31st March, 2019 was set. Of these, 51 lakh houses had to be completed by 31st March, 2018. Status of the scheme

As on 20th November, 2017, 9.03 lakh houses have already been completed. It is expected that 10 lakh PMAY(G) homes will be completed by 30th November, 2017, 15 lakh houses by 31st December 2017, 25 lakh houses by 31st January, 2018, 35 lakh houses by 28th February, 2018 and 51 lakh houses by 31st March, 2018. Method of deciding beneficiaries

The use of Socio Economic Census (SECC 2011), validation by Gram Sabha and use of Space Technology for geo-tagging has ensured that there are least inclusion errors and it is only the homeless and those living in one kuccha room with kuccha roof or two kuccha rooms with kuccha roof are the beneficiaries of this pro-poor programme. (Adapted from PIB)

6. Transforming 115 backward districts across the country (Relevant for GS Mains

Paper II)

In keeping with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi s vision of a New India by 2022, Government has embarked upon a major policy initiative for the rapid transformation of 115 backward districts across the country. Background:

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given a Vision for a new and vibrant India by 2022, the year when India celebrates its 75th year of Independence. A total of 115 districts have been identified for this purpose on the basis of objective criteria. Such criteria include education, health, nutrition basic infrastructure like rural road connectivity, rural household electrification, access to potable water and individual toilets etc. These districts include 35 districts which are affected by violence by Left Wing Extremists. Besides, while selecting these districts, it has been ensured that Ministries of Government of India, implementing social sector Scheme would select at least one most backward districts in every State for extending the reach of the programme in different part of the country. Improvement in one district is likely to spur similar growth in neighbouring districts through demonstration effect.

(Adapted from PIB)

7. SAUBHAGYA Scheme launched in Manipur (Relevant for GS Prelims, Mains Paper II

& III)






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The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) was launched in Manipur. A total of approximately 1.75 lakh households (1.62 lakh rural households and 0.13 lakh urban households) of Manipur are proposed to be included under the Scheme. Details of the Scheme:

It may be noted that Saubhagya is a scheme launched to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the Country at a cost of Rs. 16,320 crore including Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) of Rs. 12,320 crores from Government of India. Keeping in view the role of electricity in human and socio-economic development, Government of India has formulated the scheme to ensure last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified urban and rural households in the country. All States and Union Territories of the country are required to complete household electrification in their respective jurisdiction by 31st March, 2019. REC is a nodal agency

Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), a Navaratna CPSE under the Ministry of Power has been appointed as the nodal agency for coordinating the implementation of the scheme. The prospective beneficiary households for free electricity connections under the scheme will be identified using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011 data.

(Adapted from PIB)






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International Organisations and Relations

1. India Pavilion Launched at Cop 23 in Bonn Conserving Now, Preserving Future is

India s Theme (Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper II)

The India Pavilion at COP 23 was inaugurated by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at Bonn in Germany. The Minister is leading the Indian delegation, which is participating in the 23rd Conference of Parties (COP-23) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) being held at the Bonn, Germany from November 6-17, 2017. Theme of India

India s theme for COP 23 Conserving Now, Preserving Future takes India s message forward. The India Pavilion will create awareness about India s positive climate actions.COP 23, the India Pavilion, focuses on India s positive climate actions on adaptation, mitigation, clean technology innovation and renewable energy. Background

The India Pavilion at COP 21, Paris and COP 22, Marrakesh showcased climate change related activities under the themes of Climate Justice and Sustainable Lifestyles. (Adapted from The PIB)

2. Joint Indo-Bangladesh Exercise Sampriti 2017 Culminates (Relevant for GS Prelims

and GS Mains Paper II)

Joint Indo-Bangladesh Training Exercise SAMPRITI 2017, which is being conducted at Counter Insurgency & Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte in Mizoram culminated with a validation exercise. 7th in SAMPRITI Series

It is the seventh such exercise in the SAMPRITI series. The exercise has been aimed to strengthen and broaden the aspects of interoperability and cooperation between the Indian and Bangladesh Armies. It was conducted in a progressive manner wherein the participants initially familiarised themselves with each other’s organisational structure and tactical drills. Subsequently, the training advanced to various joint tactical exercises by the two Armies. The final exercise was reviewed by Major General Md Moshfequr Rahman of the Bangladesh Army and Major General M S Ghura of the Indian Army. The combined exercise






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was an unprecedented success. Besides promoting understanding and interoperability between the two Armies, it further helped in strengthening bilateral ties. Background

SAMPRITI Exercise is important bilateral defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh. Earlier six editions of the exercise were hosted alternately by both countries. The first edition of the exercise in this series was held at Jorhat in Assam in 2010.

(Adapted from PIB)

3. Cabinet approves India s Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction &

Development (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II)

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved India s Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) Necessary steps will be initiated by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance to acquire the membership of the EBRD. 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 score 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. 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. 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






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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. (Adapted from PIB)

4. New Cross-Border Train between India & Bangladesh, Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan

Express (Relevant for GS Prelims and Prelims Paper II)

Earlier Initiatives

The Bandhan Express train is the second train to be flagged off after the introduction of Maitree Express between Kolkata and Dhaka Cantonment stations in April, 2008. It covers the distance between Kolkata and Khulna through Petrapole & Benapole route to cater to the demands of the people from both the countries to enhance the connectivity. Schedule of Bandhan Express

The Bandhan Express will be a weekly service on every Thursday. The immigration and Customs checks will take place at Kolkata International Passenger Terminal for the Indian side and at Benapol border station for Bangladesh side. About Bhairab and Titas Bridge

The second Bhairab Bridge and Titas Bridge in Bangladesh built under the assistance of the Government of India are two of the most important projects in Bangladesh for infrastructure and rolling stock development. The one kilometre long second Bhairab Railway Bridge was built over the mighty Meghna river at a cost of around USD 75 million by Indian contractors and consultants. Similarly, the Titas bridge over river Titas in Eastern Bangladesh was built with a cost of around USD 25 million. Both these bridges are on the main Chittagong to Dhaka Trunk Rail Line, which will help in faster movement of both passenger and freight trains of Bangladesh.

(Adapted from PIB)

5. Indo – Kazakhstan Joint Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK 2017 Begins (Relevant for GS

Prelims and Mains Paper II)

A fourteen day joint training exercise PRABAL DOSTYK – 2017 between the Indian Army and the Kazakhstan Army commenced with the Opening Ceremony at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. PrabalDostyk means Robust Friendship It is second edition of the joint military






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training exercise between both countries. The first edition of exercise was held in Karaganda region of Kazakhstan in September 2016. About the joint Exercise

The fourteen day joint training aims to build and promote bilateral army-to-army relations and exchange skills and experiences between Kazakhstan and the Indian Army. It also aims at enhancing military ties between two countries for achieving interoperability between two armies. The exercise will help in strengthening ties between two countries and would serve as platform for exchange of drills and procedures leading to seamless interoperability. The training contingents comprise of platoon strength from the 11th Gorkha Rifles of Indian Army and similar strength of Kazakhstan Army. The Indian troops participating in joint exercise have undergone extensive training in counter terrorism and low-intensity conflict operations at Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte, Mizoram.

(Adapted from PIB & gktoday.in)






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Economics

1. Cabinet approves Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for payment of outstanding

subsidy to fertilizer companies during 2016-17 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper III)

Implementation of Special Banking Arrangement

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has accorded the ex-post facto approval for implementation of Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for Rs. 10,000 crore for payment of outstanding claims because of fertilizer subsidy in the year 2016-17. CCEA has also approved that, in future, Department of Fertilizers would avail the SBA with the concurrence of Department of Expenditure.

Loan for settlement

Under the SBA, the Government raised a total loan of Rs. 9,969 crore for settlement of outstanding subsidy bills with SBI. The loan amount along with interest liability on the part of Government amounting to Rs. 80.90 crore were paid to SBI. SBA for an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore for the year 2016-17 has already been implemented/ operationalised to overcome the liquidity problems of the fertilizer companies. Background:

Government is making available fertilizers, namely Urea and 21 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers. For making funds available to the fertilizer companies against their subsidy claims, Ministry of Finance had approved SBA for an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore with Government interest liability limited to G-Sec rate. Accordingly, an SBA was worked out with SBI for an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore to meet the outstanding subsidy claims of fertilizer companies. The loan together with Government interest thereon has been repaid from 2017-18 within the sanctioned budget. (Adapted from The PIB)

2. Centre Promulgates Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to Encourage

Bamboo Cultivation in Non-Forest Areas (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper

III)

Provisions of ordinance

The Union Government, in a landmark initiative, has promulgated the Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to exempt bamboo grown in non-forest areas from definition of tree, thereby dispensing with the requirement of felling/transit permit for its economic use. Bamboo, though, taxonomically a grass, was legally defined as a tree under






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the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Bamboo grown in the forest areas shall continue to be governed by the provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927. Position before ordinance

Before this amendment, the felling and transit of bamboo grown on forest as well non-forest land attracted the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 (IFA, 1927). This was a major impediment for bamboo cultivation by farmers on non-forest land. Objective behind amendment

The major objective of the amendment is to promote cultivation of bamboo in non-forest areas to achieve twin objectives of increasing the income of farmers and also increasing the green cover of the country. It will also create a viable option for cultivation in 12.6 million hectares of cultivable waste land.

The measure will go a long way in enhancing the agricultural income of farmers and tribals, especially in North-East and Central India. The amendment will encourage farmers and other individuals to take up plantation/ block plantation of suitable bamboo species on degraded land, in addition to plantation on agricultural land and other private lands under agroforestry mission. The move is in line with the objective of doubling the income of farmers, besides conservation and sustainable development. The other benefits of amendment include enhancing supply of raw material to the traditional craftsmen of rural India, bamboo based/ paper & pulp industries, cottage industries, furniture making units, fabric making units, incense stick making units. Besides promoting major bamboo applications such as wood substitutes and composites like panels, flooring, furniture and bamboo blind, it will also help industries such as those dealing with food products (bamboo shoots), constructions and housing, bamboo charcoal etc. The amendment will greatly aid the success of recently constituted National Bamboo Mission.

Present cultivation of bamboo

Bamboo grows abundantly in areas outside forests with an estimated growing stock of 10.20 million tonnes. About 20 million people are involved in bamboo related activities. One tonne of bamboo provides 350-man days of employment. An enabling environment for the cultivation of bamboo will help in creation of job opportunities in the country. The amendment will unleash the potential of bamboo in terms of rural and national economy apart from ecological benefits such as soil-moisture conservation, landslide prevention and rehabilitation, conserving wildlife habitat, enhancing source of bio-mass, besides serving as a substitute for timber. Demand of bamboo

The current demand of bamboo in India is estimated at 28 million tonnes. Though India has 19% share of world’s area under bamboo cultivation, its market share in the sector is only 6%. At present, India imports timber and allied products, such as pulp, paper, furniture etc. In 2015, India imported about 18.01 million cubic meters of timber and allied products






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worth Rs 43000 crores. The amendment will help in addressing some of these issues, besides meeting the demand from domestic production. As per the assessment of United Nation’s Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the bamboo business in the North-East Region alone has a potential of about Rs. 5000 crores in the next ten years. The amendment will therefore, help in harnessing this great potential and enhance the scope to increase the present level of market share and improve the economy of the entire country, particularly the North Eastern region. (Adapted from The PIB)






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Science and Technology

1. Draft Regulation of CAR on Civil Use of Drones Announced (Relevant for GS Prelims

and Mains Paper III)

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced draft regulations on civil use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, commonly known as Drones. About the Drones

As per the draft Civil Aviation Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), the drones have been classified as follows on the basis of their maximum take-off weight : 1) Nano : Less than or equal to 250 gm 2) Micro : Greater than 250 gm and less than or equal to 2 kg 3) Mini : Greater than 2 kg and less than or equal to 25 kg. 4) Small : Greater than 25 kg and less than or equal to 150 kg. 5) Large : Greater than 150 kg As per the draft regulation all drones are proposed to be operated in visual line of sight, during day time only and below 200 feet. Dropping of any substance, carriage of hazardous material or animal or human payload is not permitted. Commercial Drones Registration

All commercial categories of drones except those in the Nano category and those operated by government security agencies, will have to be registered by DGCA as per ICAO proposed policy, in the form of Unique Identification Number (UIN). Various Categories

The Mini and above categories will require Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), but the model aircraft up to maximum take-off weight of 2 Kgs flown below 200 feet inside educational institution premises will not require UIN/UAOP. Other Provisions

The draft regulation also mandates remote pilots to undergo requisite training, except for Nano and micro categories. As per the draft regulation, the Micro and above category drones will have to be equipped with an RFID/SIM, return to home option and anti-collision lights. The draft regulation also specifies certain restricted areas of operations of drones. Drones cannot be operated within an area of 5km from the airport, within permanent or temporary Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas as notified by AAI in AIP and without prior approval over densely populated areas or over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway and within 50 km from international border and beyond 500 m (horizontal) into the sea along the coastline.






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2. First Heli Expo India & International Civil Helicopter Conclave Inaugurated

(Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper III)

The 1st Heli Expo India and International Civil Helicopter Conclave-2017 is inaugurated. Advantages of this service

This helicopter taxi service has a huge potential for enforcing law and order, air ambulance services, to check forest fire and can provide better connectivity to religious and tourist destinations located in rough terrain of hilly areas. India has achieved a growth rate of about 20% in domestic air travel section in the last three years, which is the highest growth rate in the world Civil Aviation Sector. However, this growth rate is confined to fixed wing traffic only and the helicopter traffic is much less in India. New National Civil Aviation Policy

As per the new NCAP, helicopters are free to fly from point to point without prior ATCclearance in airspace below 5000 feet. The aviation agencies should start exploring the option to start helicopter taxi services between Delhi -NCR and other North Indian States. (Adapted from The PIB)

3. DRDO Conducts Successful Flight Trial of NIRBHAY Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile

(Relevant for GS Prelims and Mains Paper III)

NIRBHAY- Successfully tested

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved yet another feat with the successful test flight of NIRBHAY – India s first indigenously designed and developed Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile which can be deployed from multiple platforms. It was successfully test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The missile has the capability to loiter and cruise at 0.7 Mach, at altitudes as low as 100 m. The flight test achieved all the mission objectives completely from lift-off till the final splash, boosting the confidence of all scientists associated with the trial. About the Missile

The guidance, control and navigation system of the missile is configured around the indigenously designed Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) and MEMS based Inertial Navigation System (INS) along with GPS system. The missile majestically cruised for a total time duration of 50 minutes, achieving the range of 647 km. The missile was tracked with the help of ground-based radars and other parameters were monitored by indigenous telemetry stations developed by DRDO. (Adapted from The PIB)






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4. Inland Waterways Authority of India pushes for early completion of Jal Marg Vikas

Project on Ganga (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

About the project

Jal Marg Vikas is a project on the river Ganga which is being developed between Allahabad and Haldia to cover a distance of 1620 Kms. The project envisages development of a fairway with three metres depth which would enable commercial navigation of at least 1500 ton vessels on the river. Objective

The objective of this is to ensure adherence to timelines and budgeted costs of the project and full compliance with the other stated guidelines. Functions of this project

The Jal Marg Vikas Project seeks to facilitate plying of vessels with capacity of 1500-2000 tons in the Haldia-Varanasi stretch of the River Ganga. The major works being taken up under JMVP are development of fairway, Multi-Modal Terminals, strengthening of river navigation system, conservancy works, modern River Information System (RIS), Digital Global Positioning System (DGPS), night navigation facilities, modern methods of channel marking etc.

(Adapted from PIB)






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Miscellaneous

1. Indian Women s hockey team won Asia Cup 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims)

About Women s Hockey Asia Cup 2017

The 2017 Women s Hockey Asia Cup was the ninth Hockey Asia Cup for women. It was held from 28 October to 5 November 2017 in Kakamigahara, Gifu, Japan. The winner of this tournament qualified for the 2018 World Cup in England. India won their second title, after beating China in the final.


2. PM congratulates Chennai on inclusion in UNESCO creative Cities Network

(Relevant for GS Prelims)

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated people of Chennai on inclusion of Chennai in UNESCO creative Cities Network. About UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a project of UNESCO launched in 2004 to promote cooperation among the cities which recognized creativity as a major factor in their urban development. As of 2017, there are 180 cities from 72 countries in the network. The Network recognizes the following creative fields: • Crafts and Folk Arts • Media Arts • Film • Design • Gastronomy • Literature • Music The overall situation and activities within the Network is reported in the UCCN Membership Monitoring Reports, each for a 4-year period for a particular city. The Network recognizes the concept of creative tourism, defined as travel associated with creative experience and participation.

(Adapted from The PIB and Wikipedia.org)

3. Northeast to get India s first ever Air Dispensary : Dr Jitendra Singh (Relevant for

GS Prelims)






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Northeast is all set to get India s first-ever Air Dispensary based in a helicopter and the Union Ministry of Development of Northeast (DONER) has already contributed Rs. 25 crore as part of the initial funding for this initiative. About Air Dispensary

It is a helicopter-based Dispensary/OPD service in such far flung and remote areas, where no doctor or medical facility was available and the patient, in need, also did not have any access to any medical care. About the plan

The helicopter will be based at two locations, namely Imphal in Manipur and Meghalaya in Shillong. Both cities have premier postgraduate medical institutes from where specialist doctors, along with the necessary equipment and paramedical staff, would be able to move into the helicopter and hold a dispensary/OPD in different locations across the eight States of North Eastern Region. On its way back, the same helicopter can also transport a sick patient, requiring admission, to a city hospital. The three twin-engine helicopters are planned to be placed for initial operation on six routes in the region around Imphal, Guwahati and Dibrugarh.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. The India Youth Development Index and Report 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Union Ministry released the India Youth Development Index and Report 2017. The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Tamil Nadu, an Institute of National Importance has come out with Youth Development Index and Report 2017. Objective

The objective of constructing the India Youth Development Index (YDI) 2017 is to track the trends in Youth Development across the States. Key Highlights – The Index enables recognizing the high and low performing states, identifies the weak domains and informs the policy makers the priority areas of intervention for youth development in the states. – The Construction of Youth Development Index for the year 2017 was done using the latest definition of youth as used in National Youth Policy – 2014 (India) and World Youth Development Report of Commonwealth (15 – 29 years) as well as using the Commonwealth Indicators in order to facilitate Global comparison. – In the India Youth Development Index 2017, the first five dimensions are retained same as that of Global YDI.






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– The indicators and weights have been modified based on the availability of data at sub-national level and the importance of the indicators in explaining Youth Development with the aim of capturing the multidimensional properties. Significance – This report is of immense value to enable comparisons across geographical areas and categories, as human development index has done in comparing the development situation across regions, nations and localities. – The index also measures the achievements made besides serving as an advocacy tool for youth development and facilitates to identify priority areas for development of Policy and Interventions. – The YDI-2017 will enable the policy makers track the national and the regional progress as well setbacks in youth development policies, planning, priority identification and implementation strategies. – Besides providing insights to suggest alternatives and options, it also aids in judicious allocation of resources. (Adapted from PIB)

5. Namami Barak Festival (Relevant for GS Prelims)

The first ever Namami Barak festival was held at Silchar in Assam. The event was organised at 3 locations in Barak Valley also known as Southern Assam. Key facts

The 3-day festival was held to pay tribute to river Barak and highlight its potential for inland water trade. The festival also showcased the local culture. About Barak river

Barak River is 564 kilometres long river. It rises in hill country of Manipur where it is biggest and most important of hill country rivers. After Manipur it flows through Mizoram and Assam. It later enters Bangladesh where it forks into Surma and Kushiyara rivers. The sixth national waterway stretch is on this river. (Adapted from PIB)

6. Justice Dalveer Bhandari re-elected to the International Court of Justice (Relevant

for GS Prelims)

Justice Dalveer Bhandari got re-elected to the International Court of Justice.

About Justice Dalveer Bhandari

Justice Bhandari is an Indian member of the International Court of Justice and was a judge of the Supreme Court of India. He was nominated by the Government of India as its official candidate at ICJ in January 2012. The vacancy arose after the resignation of sitting Court Judge Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh from Jordan on being appointed as Prime Minister. In the elections held on 27 April 2012, Bhandari secured 122 votes in the United Nations






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General Assembly against 58 for his rival, Florentino Feliciano, who was nominated by the Government of the Philippines. He was re-elected for a second term on 20 November 2017 after UK s nominee Christopher Greenwood withdrew his nomination. Manner of Election of ICJ judge

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial body of the UN. Established in 1946 to replace the Permanent Court of International Justice, the ICJ mainly operates under the statute of its predecessor, which is included in the UN Charter. It has two primary functions: to settle legal disputes submitted by States in accordance with established international laws, and to act as an advisory board on issues submitted to it by authorized international organizations. Selection Process

The Court is composed of 15 judges serving in their individual capacities. Candidates are first nominated by the national groups in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. From the list of candidates, judges are elected to nine-year terms by an absolute majority in both the General Assembly (97 votes) and Security Council (8 votes). The timing of elections is staggered so that the GA elects a third of the Court once every three years. The ICJ statute describes qualified candidates as persons of high moral character, who possess the qualifications required in their respective countries for appointment to the highest judicial offices, or are jurisconsults of recognized competence in international law. Past judges have been law professors, diplomats, and judges. Although the judges do not represent their nations but act as independent agents, there cannot be more than one judge of each nationality. As a matter of practice, the Court often includes judges with the same nationality as one of the States party to a case. A State party with a case before the ICJ, when no judge of its nationality is a member of the Bench, may choose a justice to sit ad hoc on the bench. (Adapted from PIB and http://www.unelections.org)

7. India becomes second largest fish producing country in the world (Relevant for GS

Prelims)

According to Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh, the total fish production in the country reaches at about 11.41 million tonnes in 2016-17.

(Adapted from PIB)





http://www.unelections.org/


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8. National Biomaterial Centre inaugurated (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Smt. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State (HFW) today inaugurated the National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank) at the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). The main thrust & objective of this centre is to fill up the gap between demand and supply as well as quality assurance in the availability of various tissues. In India, it is mainly the living donors who are donating organs and only about 23% of the organ transplant is being done with organs obtained from the cadavers. There is a need to promote cadaver or deceased organ donation rather than relying on living donors in order to avoid the risk of commercial trading of organs and also to avoid the inherent risk to the health of the living donor.

(Adapted from PIB)

9. Cabinet approves setting up of the 15th Finance Commission (Relevant for GS

Prelims)

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of the 15thFinance Commission. Under Article 280 (1) of the Constitution, it is a Constitutional obligation. The Terms of Reference for the 15thFinance Commission will be notified in due course of time. Background:

Article 280(1) of the Constitution lays down that a Finance Commission (FC) should be constituted …within two years from the commencement of this Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of every fifth year or at such earlier time as the President considers necessary… .In keeping with this requirement, the practice has generally been to set up next Finance Commission within five years of the date of setting up of the previous Finance Commission. Fourteen (14) Finance Commissions have been constituted in the past. The 14th Finance Commission was set up on 02.01.2013 to make recommendations covering the period of five years commencing on 1st April 2015. The Commission submitted its Report on 15th December 2014. The recommendations of the 14thFinance Commission are valid upto the financial year 2019-20. In terms of Constitutional provisions, setting up the 15thFinance Commission, the recommendations of which will cover the five years commencing on April 1, 2020, has now become due.

(Adapted from PIB)

10. Government announces Trajectory to achieve its targets of commissioning 100

GW of Solar generating capacity and 60 GW of Wind power by 2022 (Relevant for GS

Prelims)

The Government today announced the trajectory for achieving its targets of commissioning 175 GW of Renewable Energy (RE), 100 GW of solar generating capacity and 60 GW of wind power, by 2022.






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(Adapted from PIB)

11. President Of India Inaugurates International Gita Mahotsava-2017 (Relevant for

GS Prelims)

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsava-2017 today (November 25, 2017) in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the message of the Gita is relevant for all times to come. From an ancient society based on agriculture to a society based on commerce and industry, and now to a knowledge society – the message of the Gita has been everlasting. The Gita guides us in resolving the dilemmas and struggles between right and wrong that exist within every human being. What is right and what is wrong? What should we do and not do? Answers to these questions emerge from the Gita.

(Adapted from PIB)





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