W.B.C.S Current Affairs 23 June 2018 To 29 June 2018

The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 23 June 2018 To 29 June 2018.

1) President Ram Nath Kovind launched Solar Charkha Mission under which Government will disburse subsidy of Rs 550 crore to thousands of artisans, generating employment in rural areas. It was launched during the event of Udyam Sangam (National MSME Conclave) on the occasion of World MSME Day (observed on 27 June). Key Facts: Under this mission, Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) will cover 50 clusters across the country including in the Northeast and each cluster will employ 400 to 2,000 artisans. Its ultimate aim is to generate employment in rural areas and contribute to the green economy. It also aims at linking five crore women across the country to the initiative. The mission is expected to create one lakh jobs during the first two years.

2) NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurs Platform (WEP) has signed five separate Statement of Intent (SoIs) with Financial Institutions & Social Organisations to create opportunities and support women entrepreneurs. These organisations are Shri Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank Limited, Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited, SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited, Sreemanta Sankar Mission and the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). Women Entrepreneurs Platform (WEP): WEP was launched by NITI Aayog on the occasion of International Women’s day (March 8, 2018). Its objective to b build vibrant ecosystem for women across country to help realise their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses. It also aims to power vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through an enabling network of industry collaborations, partnerships, mentors and peer-to-peer connect. It also seeks to address bottlenecks faced by both aspiring and established women entrepreneurs by streamlining information across government and private sector schemes and initiatives with informative, interactive website as a dedicated resource and knowledge base. WEP aspires to substantially increase number of women entrepreneurs to create and empower dynamic new India by opening up avenues of growth and opportunity for women entrepreneurs. These aspirations of women entrepreneurs are manifested in three pillars on which WEP is built: Ichha Shakti: Motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to start their enterprise; Gyaan Shakti: Providing knowledge and ecosystem support to women entrepreneurs to help them foster entrepreneurship; Karma Shakti: Providing hands-on support to entrepreneurs in setting-up and scaling up businesses. The WEP platform operates within broader framework of industry collaborations and partnerships, which cut across sectors in economy. It will provide unique services such as credit evaluation of women-led startups by CRISIL and potential equity investments through an Rs. 10 crore fund established by DICE Districts.

3) The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned manufacture and sale of Oxytocin drug formulations for domestic use in private sector to prevent its misuse from 1st July 2018. Its import also has been banned. It also has not allowed retail or wholesale chemists to stock this drug in their shops in any form or name. Jenceforth, Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd will only manufacture the drug and supply it directly to registered private and public hospitals. Oxytocin: Oxytocin, often called love hormone, is released naturally in human bonding activities such as childbirth , breastfeeding and sex,. It is uterine stimulant hormone, prescribed for initiation of uterine contractions and induction of labour in women as well as stimulation of contractions during labour. It is also used to help abort fetus in cases of incomplete abortion or miscarriage, and control bleeding after childbirth. It may be used for breast engorgement. Misuse: It has become controversial hormonal injection that is misused widely in the dairy industry, agriculture and horticulture. The drug’s abuse in dairy animals to make them release milk at a time convenient to farmers, shortens their lives and makes them barren sooner. The hormone is also used to increase size of vegetables such as pumpkins, watermelons, brinjals, gourds and cucumbers. Even its misuse is reported among trafficked children, injected to accelerate puberty among girls. It is also being misused to speed up deliveries for pregnant women in overcrowded government hospitals.

4) The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of additional 6.5 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) facilities at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka. It also approved construction of dedicated SPMs (Single Point Mooring) for the two SPRs. This decision is in line with Government’s announcement of setting up of two additional SPRs during 2017-18 budget. Key Facts: The SPR facilities at Chandikhol and Padur will be underground rockcaverns. They will have capacities of 4 MMT and 2.5 MMT respectively. These facilities will provide an additional supply of about 12 days of petroleum reserves and is expected to augment India’s energy security. They will be built up project under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to reduce budgetary support of Government of India. The terms and conditions of such PPP participation will be determined by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in consultation with Ministry of Finance after conducting road shows to elicit requirements of market, including prospective investors. Background: Central Government under phase I of SPR programme has built three underground crude oil storage facilities (Strategic Petroleum Reserves) with total capacity of 5.33 MMT capacity at Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh, storage capacity of 1.33 million tonnes), Mangalore (Karnataka, 1.5 million tonnes) and Padur (Kerala, 2.5 million tonnes) to provide energy security of 10 days of consumption in response to external supply disruptions. They are maintained by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV), which is wholly owned subsidiary of Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

5) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the capital infusion of Rs. 2000 crore for strengthening of Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) to enhance insurance coverage to micro, small medium enterprises (MSMEs) exports. The amount will be infused in three financial years i.e. Rs.50 crore in 2017-18, Rs.1450 crore in 2018-19 and Rs.500 crore in 2019-20. Key Facts: The infusion of capital will enhance insurance coverage to MSME exports and strengthen India’s exports to emerging and challenging markets like Africa, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) and Latin American countries. With enhanced capital, ECGC’s underwriting capacity and risk to capital ratio will improve considerably. Significance: With stronger underwriting capacity, ECGC will be in better position to support Indian exporters to tap new and unexplored markets. Increased capital infusion will also help ECGC to diversify its product portfolio and provide cost effective credit insurance which will help exporters to gain stronger foothold in difficult markets. Covers from ECGC will help in improving competitive position of India exporters in International markets. More than 85% of customers benefitted by ECGC’s covers are MSMEs. ECGC covers exports to around 200 countries in the world. Background: ECGC is a premier export credit agency of Union Government to provide Export Credit Insurance Services to facilitate exports from the country. It offers credit insurance schemes to exporters to protect them against losses due to non-payment of export dues by overseas buyers due to political or commercial risks.

6) The Union Cabinet has approved Implementing Arrangement (IA) between India and France for pre-formulation studies of Maritime Domain Awareness Mission signed in March 2018. The proposed joint mission will be devoted to maritime domain awareness, with objective to provide relevant data and services to both nations. Key Facts: The objective of the mission is to monitor the maritime traffic and identify non-compliant ships at maximum possible revisit frequency. The monitoring system will provide end to end solution for detection, identification, monitoring of vessels in the regions of interest for India and France. As per the IA, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and France’s Centre Nationale Dètudes Spatiales (CNES), will jointly undertake various activities during these pre-formulation studies. They will present pre-formulation concept study results to respective senior management for review within one year of its signing.

7) The International Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day is observed every year across the world on June 27. This year is second edition after the day was instituted in April 2017. The day highlights strong contribution of MSME businesses worldwide to livelihoods, communities and economies, and need to support MSMEs towards their success. Objectives of this day are to advocate importance of MSMEs in youth employment, raise awareness around the skills needed by youth to acquire decent jobs and raise awareness around youth entrepreneurship. The campaign slogan of MSME Day 2018 is ‘The Youth Dimension’. Importance of MSMEs: They are major job providers and catalysts for growth. They are critical force in realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They promote innovation, creativity and decent work for all. Four in five new formal jobs created in emerging markets are among MSMEs. The private sector led by MSMEs drives jobs growth, accounting for 87% of total employment in 2016. MSMEs tend to employ larger share of vulnerable sectors of workforce, such as women, youth, and people from poorer households. They can even sometimes be only source of employment in rural areas. MSMEs as group are main income provider for income distribution at “base of the pyramid”. Background: The Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through resolution A/RES/71/279 to recognize need to improve small business access to microfinance and credit. The resolution was introduced by delegation of Argentina and was co-sponsored by 54 member states and adopted without vote by 193-member UNGA in April 2017. The goal is to encourage member states to facilitate observance of the day by increasing awareness and actions to support small business.

8) French state-run power utility EDF and American conglomerate General Electric (GE) have signed strategic cooperation agreement with State-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) to build for construction of 6 EPR (European Pressurized Reactors) type nuclear reactors of capacity 1,650 megawatt (MW) each at Jaitapur nuclear plant in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Key Facts: This strategic cooperation agreement is for long term partnership for construction of conventional island on each of 6 reactor units of Jaitapur nuclear plant. GE Power will design conventional island for the plant and supply its main components. EDF will supply EPR technology and will be responsible for building and coordinating industrial partners for this project. It will be responsible for engineering integration covering entire project (nuclear island, conventional island and auxiliary systems) and will provide all the requisite input data. Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant: It is proposed 9900 MW nuclear power project to come at Madban village of Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra (west coast of India). State-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) is builder and operator of this plant. It will be built under Indo-France Civil Nuclear Deal signed in December 2010. It will have 6 EPR designed and developed by Areva of France, each of 1650 MW, thus totalling 9900 MW. EPR is third generation pressurised water reactors (PWR). The estimated cost of this project was around US $15 billion (Rs. 1,000 billion). Consortium of French financial institutions will finance this project as a loan. The layout of nuclear power plant comprises two major parts — nuclear island and conventional (turbine) island. The nuclear island is heart of nuclear power plant, while conventional (turbine) island houses key component which extracts thermal energy from pressurized steam and converts it into electrical energy. On completion, Jaitapur power plant would be world’s largest nuclear power generating station by net electrical power rating. It will also play pivotal role in achieving Union Government’s ambitious target of 22,480 mw nuclear power generation capacity by 2031.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 23 June 2018 To 29 June 2018.

9) India announced to increase its grant to Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) new four-year investment cycle, known as GEF-7 from $12 million to $15 million. It was announced at the GEF Council meeting held at Da Nang, Vietnam and approved a $4.1 billion replenishment of GEF-7. Key Facts: With India’s increased financing commitment, it is playing crucial role to mitigate climate change and other environmental challenges across the globe. India is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, is both donor and recipient of GEF. India has been a leading developing country participant in GEF since its inception and has played a major role in shaping GEF. India is both donor and recipient of GEF. The GEF meeting Council will be followed be sixth GEF Assembly (June 27-28), which meets every four years. It is expecting 1,200 participants, including heads of state, environment ministers, United Nations (UN), NGOs and business leaders. Global Environment Facility (GEF): GEF is multilateral financial mechanism that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. It was established on the eve of 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems. It addresses six designated focal areas: biodiversity, climate change, international waters, ozone depletion, land degradation and Persistent Organic Pollutants. It unites 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector to address global environmental issues. It is based in Washington DC, United States. Since its inception, GEF has provided $17.9 billion in grants and mobilised an additional $93.2 billion in financing for more than 4,500 projects in 170 countries. GEF also serves as financial mechanism for following conventions: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Minamata Convention on Mercury, The GEF, although not linked formally to Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete Ozone Layer, supports its implementation in countries with economies in transition.

10) The 3rd Annual Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) concluded in Mumbai, Maharashtra in optimistic note to raise its lending capacity to boost prosperity and security in Asia. The meeting was jointly organised by Department of Economic Affairs under Union Finance Ministry and AIIB. Key Facts: The theme of third meeting was ‘Mobilising Finance for Infrastructure: Innovation and Collaboration’. It was attended by over 3,000 delegates from 86 member countries of AIIB. It was held on high note to improve connectivity within region and in turn enable citizens in the region to reach their potential and enjoy prosperity and security. It had several concurrent sessions that discussed critical issues pertaining to environment, low carbon emissions, connectivity through railway network across borders among several others. The first AIIB board of governors annual meeting was held in Beijing, China in 2016 and second in Jeju, South Korea in 2017 . The fourth annual meeting will be held in Luxembourg in July 2019. Luxembourg is a founding member of AIIB. It is also leading international financial center in Europe and facilitator of investments between Europe and Asia. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): AIIB is multilateral development bank initiated by China. Its purpose is to provide finance to infrastructure development and regional connectivity projects in Asia-Pacific region. It is viewed as Asia’s response to West-dominated Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB). It was officially established in December 2015 with mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond and opened for business in January 2016. It is headquartered in Beijing, China. Its goals are to boost economic development in Asia-Pacific region, provide infrastructure, and promote regional cooperation and partnership. It priorities investments in energy, power generation, transport, rural infrastructure, environmental protection and logistics in Asia. So far it has 86 members including India (US is not its member of AIIB but its allies Canada, Germany, UK, Australia and South Korea have joined it). It has an authorised capital of US $100 billion. China is largest shareholder of AIIB with 26.06% voting shares. India with 7.5% vote share is second largest shareholder followed by Russia, Germany and South Korea.

11) Th has proposed to set up 3000 Van Dhan Kendras involving 30,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the country under its Van Dhan Scheme. This will help in empowering tribals by providing them skill up-gradation and capacity building training for value addition of forest produce for modernizing traditional tribal-rural economic system. Van Dhan Scheme: The scheme was launched by Prime Minister on 14th April, 2018 during the celebrations of Ambedkar Jayanti at Bijapur Chattisgarh. It aims at targeting livelihood generation for tribals by harnessing non-timber minor forest produces (MFP), the true wealth of forest (i.e. Van Dhan). For this, it will provide them skill up-gradation and capacity building training for value addition of forest produce. Value addition will ensure remunerative prices to tribals. It also aims at building upon traditional knowledge and skill sets of tribals by adding technology & IT for value addition. It also aims to promote MFPs-centric livelihood development of tribal gatherers and artisans It will promote and leverage collective strength of tribals (through SHGs) to achieve scale. Implementation: It will be implemented through Ministry of Tribal Affairs at Central Level and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) as nodal agency at National Level by providing training and technical support. At State level, state nodal agency for MFPs and district collectors will play pivot role in scheme implementation at grassroot level. Van Dhan Vikas Kendra: TRIFED will facilitate establishment of MFP-led multi-purpose kendras predominantly forested tribal districts. These kendras will be cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of 30 tribal MFP gatherers each. They will provide skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up of primary processing and value addition facility. Locally these kendras will be managed by Managing Committee (an SHG) consisting of representatives of Van Dhan SHGs in cluster. Big corporates will help to create secondary level value addition facility at district level and tertiary level value addition facility at state level under the PPP model.

12) India has pledged $5 million for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in the Near East. Besides India, 19 countries also made pledges (contributions) for UNRWA at the Pledging Conference for UNRWA held in New York, US. Among the donors, Sweden has pledge to contribute US $250 million over four years, $ 51 million and UAE $50 million. Background: UNRWA’s financial situation had become catastrophic due to sudden loss of US $300 million in voluntary contributions. It is facing shortfall of $250 million. This comes after US President Donald Trump announced in January 2018 that US will cut its contributions to UNRWA, questioning value of such funding. The agency was expecting $365 million from US (Its largest contributor) but has received only $65 million of $125 million it had planned to send to UNRWA. In March 2018, India had announced at conference in Rome (Italy) that it was raising its annual contributions from $1.25 million per year to $5 million for the next three years. Untied Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA): UNRWA is relief and human development agency of UN which supports more than 5 million registered Palestinian refugees, and their descendants. It is only UN agency dedicated to helping refugees from specific region or conflict and is separate from UNHCR. Establishment: It was established December 1949 following 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV). Mandate: UNRWA has contributed to the welfare and human development of four generations of Palestine refugees , who had fled or were expelled from their homes during 1948 Palestine war as well during and following 1967 Six Day war. Originally, it was intended to provide jobs on public works projects and direct relief, but now it provides services like education, health care, and social services to population it supports. It also allows refugee status to be inherited by descendants. Region of operation: It provides aid in five areas of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem; and aid for Palestinian refugees outside these five areas is provided by UNHCR. It serves about 5.3 million refugees scattered around Middle East. Funding: It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. It also receives some funding from regular budget of UN, which is used mostly for international staffing costs.

13) The Union Government has appointed Anant Barua as whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). He is has been appointed to post for three years on the pay as admissible to additional secretary to the central government or a consolidated salary of Rs 4 lakh per month. Anant Barua: Barua is at present executive director in SEBI. He had taken charge as executive director of market regulator in May 2010. Prior to this assignment, he was legal adviser, Legal Affairs Department (LAD), SEBI. He had been working in LAD since 1992. He is commerce graduate with LL.B from the University of Delhi. He was on deputation to Central Bank of Bahrain as legal adviser and has also worked with National Fertilizers Ltd. (NFL), Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) and DCM Ltd. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): SEBI is statutory regulator for securities market in India established in 1988. It was given statutory powers through tSEBI Act, 1992. Its mandate is to protect interests of investors in securities, promote development of securities market and to regulate securities market. It is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. SEBI is responsive to needs of three groups, which constitute market, issuers of securities, investors and market intermediaries. It has three functions quasi-legislative (drafts regulations in its legislative capacity), quasi-judicial (passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity) and quasi-executive (conducts investigation and enforcement action in its executive function).

14) The Union Government has appointed senior bureaucrat S Ramesh as chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the apex policy-making body for indirect taxes. He has been appointed as chairman of CBIC with the status of special secretary to the central government. He will succeed Vanaja N Sarna who retired on June 30, 2018. S Ramesh is 1981 batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise). Prior to this appointment he was member in CBIC, mandated with responsibility of implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC): CBIC is the nodal national agency responsible for administering Customs, GST, Central Excise, Service Tax & Narcotics in India. It is part of the Department of Revenue under Union Ministry of Finance. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It was renamed to present name from Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) in March 2017. It is one of the oldest government departments of India (established in 1855 by the then British Governor General of India, to administer customs laws in India and collection of import duties / land revenue). CBIC deals with tasks of formulation of policy concerning levy and collection of customs and central excise duties and service tax, prevention of smuggling and administration of matters relating to customs, central excise, service tax and narcotics. It is administrative authority for its subordinate organizations, including Central Excise and Service Tax Commissionerates, Custom Houses and Central Revenues Control Laboratory.

15) The Union Government has appointed senior bureaucrat S Ramesh as chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the apex policy-making body for indirect taxes. He has been appointed as chairman of CBIC with the status of special secretary to the central government. He will succeed Vanaja N Sarna who retired on June 30, 2018. S Ramesh is 1981 batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise). Prior to this appointment he was member in CBIC, mandated with responsibility of implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC): CBIC is the nodal national agency responsible for administering Customs, GST, Central Excise, Service Tax & Narcotics in India. It is part of the Department of Revenue under Union Ministry of Finance. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It was renamed to present name from Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) in March 2017. It is one of the oldest government departments of India (established in 1855 by the then British Governor General of India, to administer customs laws in India and collection of import duties / land revenue). CBIC deals with tasks of formulation of policy concerning levy and collection of customs and central excise duties and service tax, prevention of smuggling and administration of matters relating to customs, central excise, service tax and narcotics. It is administrative authority for its subordinate organizations, including Central Excise and Service Tax Commissionerates, Custom Houses and Central Revenues Control Laboratory.

16) The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on June 26 across the world to raise awareness of major problem that illicit drugs. The day is also observed as an expression of United Nations’ (UN) determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve goal of an international society free of drug abuse. The 2018 theme of this day is “Listen First – Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe”. It seeks to highlights ncreased incidence of drug abuse in the youth and kids. It aims at increasing support for science-based prevention of drug use and invests more in well-being of kids, youngsters and their families. Background: The day was officially instituted by UN after UN General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution 42/112 in December 1987. The date was chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu’s (Chinese scholar and official of the Qing dynasty) dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, just before the First Opium War in China (1839–42). The day recognizes that despite continued and increased efforts by international community, the world drug problem continues to constitute serious threat to public health, safety and well-being of humanity, in particular young people, and national security and sovereignty of States and that it undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development. It encourages Commission and UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to continue their work on international drug control and urges all Governments to provide fullest possible financial and political support to enable UNODC to continue, expand and strengthen its operational and technical cooperation activities, within its mandates.

17) The second tranche of Bharat-22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), comprising shares of 22 companies, has received bids worth Rs. 15,436 crore, much higher than government’s fund raising target. The second tranche was targeted to achieve fund mop up of Rs 6,000 crore with green-shoe option for another Rs. 2,400 crore. Key Facts: At the end of the bidding of second tranche, the ETF was over-subscribed by 2.57 times base issue size of Rs. 6,000 crore. Total of 1.2 lakh bids were made for the follow-on fund offer (FFO), attracting wide participation across all investor segments. The government is also likely to exercise green-shoe option to retain additional Rs 2,400 crore worth bids received. Bharat-22 ETF: Bharat 22 is a well-diversified ETF spanning six sectors — basic materials, energy, finance, industrials, FMCG and utilities. The sector wise weightage in the Bharat 22 Index is industrials (22.6%), finance (20.3%), utilities (20%), energy (17.5%), FMCG (15.2%) and basic materials (4.4%). It was launched by Union Government to meet some part of its disinvestment target of Rs. 80,000 crore in current fiscal. The banking segment includes stocks from State Bank of India (SBI), Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda (BoB), Indian Bank, Rural Electrification Corporation and Power Finance Corporation. The energy segment includes Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BP), and Coal India. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs): ETFs are essentially index funds that are listed and traded on exchanges like stocks. They are basically basket of stocks with assigned weights that reflects the composition of an index. They are similar to mutual funds in a certain manner but are more liquid as they can be sold quickly on stock exchanges like shares. The ETFs trading value is based on the net asset value of the underlying stocks that it represents. Their trading value is based on net asset value of the underlying stocks that it represents. Their price changes daily as they are traded throughout day. ETF route is considered as safer mode of disinvestment as it shields investors against stock market volatility.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 23 June 2018 To 29 June 2018.

18) India and Seychelles have signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) including in area of infrastructure development in Seychelles, cyber security and white-shipping arrangement. The agreements were signed between both countries after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Seychelles President Danny Faure in New Delhi. India has announced US $100-million credit to Seychelles for augmenting its defence capabilities. It also announced to hand over second Dornier aircraft to Seychelles as promised by PM Modi during his visit there in 2015. The aircraft will reach Seychelles before its National Day on June 29, 2018. Signed agreements are- MoU regarding Indian Grant Assistance for implementation of small development projects through local bodies, educational and vocational institutions. Twinning Agreement on Establishment of Friendship and Cooperation between Panaji (Municipal Corporation), Goa (India) and Victoria City of Seychelles. MoU in the area of Cyber Security: It was signed between Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) and Seychelles’ Department of Information Communications Technology. Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Seychelles for the years 2018-2022. Technical Agreement on Sharing White Shipping Information between Indian Navy and National Information Sharing and Coordination Center of Seychelles: It will enable the two countries to exchange data regarding identity and movement of non-military commercial vessels. MoU between Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of Ministry of External Affairs of India and Department of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles.Key Takeaways from talks bilateral talks: Assumption Island: Both India and Seychelles have agreed to work together on project to develop naval base at Assumption Island keeping each other’s concerns in mind. Both countries are key strategic partners for each other and they respect the core values of democracy. They share geo-strategic vision of maintaining peace, security and stability in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Defence and security cooperation: Both countries share robust defence and security cooperation. The US $100-million credit from India to enable Seychelles to buy defence equipment to boost its maritime capacity. Both countries have strategic convergence in dealing with maritime challenges. Both countries are straddled between one of important Sea Lanes of Communication and vulnerable to piracy. They face dangers of international crimes such as piracy, drugs, human trafficking and illegal exploitation of oceanic resources. India is committed to augment Seychelles defence capabilities, maritime infrastructure and increase capabilities of its defence personnel.

19) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed setting up of Board of Management (BoM) in all Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) having deposits of over Rs 100 crore within one year to strengthen governance and promote professional management in these banks. BoM will be in addition to the Board of Directors (BoD). The BoD will continue to be apex policy setting body and constitute various committees of board including BoM to assist it to carry out its functions. Key Facts: Functions: BoM will look after all administrative functions of UCBs as spelt out in respective Co-operatives Act. It will be responsible for credit, risk and liquidity management of UCBs. It will consider loan proposals, recommend action for recovery of bad loans, implement sound internal controls and oversee compliances, among others. Composition: BoM will be constituted by BoD. BoM will have minimum of 3 members in UCBs having deposit size up to Rs 100 crore and 5 members in UCBs having deposit size above Rs 100 crore. The maximum number of members in BoM will not exceed 12. Not more than 50% of BoM members should be from BoD. Under all circumstances, BoM should have atleast two members outside from BoD. Criteria: 50% of the members of BoM will consists of persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of one or more of the following matters such as accountancy, agriculture and rural economy, banking, co-operation, economics, finance, law, small scale industry, information technology and other matter the special knowledge useful to UCB. Implementation: Existing UCBs having deposit size exceeding Rs 100 crore will set up BoM within period of 1 year and banks less than it may constitute BoM within 2 years. Background: The expert committee on licensing new urban co-operative banks (2010) constitued under chairmanship of YH Malegam had recommended that BoM should be constituted in every UCB, in addition to BoDs. This was reiterated by high powered committee on UCBs headed by R. Gandhi constituted in January 2015 by RBI. Under the present legal framework, BoD of UCB performs both executive and supervisory roles and has responsibility to oversee functioning of UCB as cooperative society and as a bank.

20) The World Food Prize 2018 was awarded to Lawrence Haddad and Dr. David Nabarro for their individual but complementary global leadership in elevating maternal and child undernutrition within food security. The World Food Prize is most prominent global award for individuals whose breakthrough achievements alleviate hunger and promote global food security. This year’s $250,000 prize will be divided equally between two recipients. Key Facts: Lawrence Haddad is British economist and food policy researcher and Dr. David Nabarro has worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) on health and hunger issues. Both have dedicated their careers to reducing hunger and malnutrition. Their work has deepened understanding of nutrition’s impact on individual health and also on human capital and economic growth – compelling world leaders to invest in evidence-based solutions. Their work has resulted in reducing world’s number of stunted children by 10 million between 2012 and 2017. World Food Prize: The prize recognizes achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. It was conceived in 1986 by Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug (considered as father of the Green Revolution). The prize is annual award carrying monetary award of $250,000. The prize emphasizes importance of a nutritious and sustainable food supply for all people and is considered as means of establishing role models who would inspire others. Since its formation, 7 Indians have won it. They are Dr Sanjaya Rajaram (2014), Dr Modadugu Vijay Gupta (2005), Dr Surinder K. Vasal (2000), Dr B. R. Barwale (1998), Dr Gurdev Khush (1996), Dr Verghese Kurien (1989) and Prof. M. S. Swaminathan (1987, he was first recipient of the prize).

21) Seychelles has gifted pair of Giant Aldabra tortoise to India as a goodwill gesture. They were brought to India as gift from the President of Seychelles Danny Faure during his five-day visit to India. The pair was handed over to Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad after Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in New Delhi gave permission to house them. The tortoises are both aged about 20 years and weighs around 120 and 150kg. They have been kept under quarantine at Nehru Zoological Park and will continue to be under observation for 30 days, after which they will be released into enclosure for public view, where presently Galapagos tortoise is also housed. Gifting or giving Aldabra tortoise on loan to friendly countries is a part of the Seychellois diplomacy. Earlier, in 2010, Seychelles had loaned two giant tortoise to Shanghai Zoo in China, while another pair was presented to Guangzhou Zoo in 2014. Aldabra Giant Tortoise: Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is endemic to Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles. It is said to be one of the largest species of tortoises on planet and also one of the world’s longest living animals (can live above 200 years). kg Aldabra Atoll has been protected from human influence and is home to around 100,000 giant tortoises, the world’s largest population of the animal. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified this species of tortoises as Vulnerable in its Red List of Threatened Species.

22) Gujarat government has launched Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY), solar power scheme for farmers enabling them to generate electricity for their captive consumption as well as sell surplus power to grid and earn extra buck. It is claimed to be first such scheme in the country, where farmer will produce his power and sell surplus to State power utility. The pilot project of the scheme will kickoff from July 2018 and about 137 feeders will be set up. It will cover as many as 12,400 farmers from 33 districts. The project cost is around Rs 870 crore and it will generate 175 MW. Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY): The scheme aims at empowering farmers of state to generate their own electricity using solar energy and help doubling their income. Under it, farmers of state having existing electricity connection will be given solar panels as per their load requirements. It envisages setting up of separate feeders for agricultural solar energy consumption. Cost Sharing: The State and Central governments will give 60% subsidy on cost of project. The farmer is required to take 5% cost, while 35% will be provided to him as affordable loan with interest rates of 4.5 to 6%. Duration of scheme: It is 25 years, which is split between 7-year period and 18-year period. For first 7 years, farmers will get per unit rate of Rs 7 (Rs 3.5 by state power utility + Rs 3.5 by state government). For the subsequent 18 years they will get rate of Rs 3.5 for each unit sold.

23) According to recent report by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) for the Asia-Pacific region, gender inequality in India is extremely high at the workplace and in terms of legal protection and political voice. The report had assessed inequality on the basis of Gender Parity Score (GPS) that uses 15 indicators of gender equality in work and society under four broad categories. It ranks countries on scale of 0 (signifying inequality) to 1 (signifying parity). Key Facts: India related facts: India’s score was 0.30 in gender equality at work and 0.78 in legal protection and political voice.. It is behind Asia-Pacific average in all four categories of GPS, but ahead of Bangladesh and Pakistan. It has progressed faster than any other country in Asia-Pacific region in last decade, primarily due to advances in education of girl child and reduction in maternal mortality. Benefits of advancing women’s equality: It will add $4.5 trillion to collective GDP of Asia Pacific countries annually in 2025, a 12% increase over business-as-usual GDP trajectory. This presumes best-in-region scenario in which each country matches rate of progress of fastest-improving country in its region — China in the case of the Asia-Pacific. In case of India, it will add $770 billion in 2025 over and above its business-as-usual GDP.

24) The first satellite named RemoveDEBRIS was successfully deployed from International Space Station (ISS) and to demonstrate a range of innovative technologies to clean up space debris orbiting Earth. It was transported to ISS via SpaceX CRS-14 launch in early April 2018. The satellite was designed, built and manufactured by consortium of space companies and research institutions led by Surrey Space Centre at University of Surrey, United Kingdom. The project is co-funded by European Commission. RemoveDEBRIS Mission: RemoveDEBRIS mission is aimed at performing key Active Debris Removal (ADR) technology demonstrations (e.g capture, deorbiting) representative of operational scenario during low-cost mission using novel key technologies for ADR. The mission plans is to test efficacy of several ADR technologies on mock targets in low Earth orbit (LEO), rather than engaging in ADR of real space debris. The mission will comprise of main satellite platform that once in orbit will deploy two CubeSats as artificial debris targets to demonstrate four methods for release, capture and deorbit two space debris targets, called DebriSATs. These four methods are- Net capture: It involves net that will be deployed at target CubeSat. Harpoon Capture: It will be launched at target plate made of representative satellite panel materials. Vision-based navigation: It will send data about debris back to the ground for processing using cameras and LiDAR (light detection and ranging). De-orbiting process: The spacecraft after entering Earth’s atmosphere during de-orbiting process will burn up, leaving no debris behind. Background: More than 5 decades of human space exploration since first Soviet-launched Sputnik satellite in 1957 has produced hazardous belt of orbiting space debris. There are estimated to be more than 100 million pieces of space debris circling our planet in lower orbit, posing growing threat to future space exploration. These pieces of debris travel at high speeds. A relatively small piece of orbital debris can inflict a great deal of damage on satellites or spacecrafts orbiting in the space. This phenomenon is Kessler Syndrome which describes a self-sustaining cascading collision of space debris in LEO may render space eventually inoperable for important space services like navigation, weather forecasting, communications etc.

25) India and Bangladesh have agreed to institute Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) as an annual exercise between navies of two neighbouring countries. The first edition of CORPAT between two navies was inaugurated by Indian Navy’s Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba during his visit to Bangladesh. The aim Navy Chief’s visit was to consolidate bilateral defence relations between India and Bangladesh and to explore new avenues for naval cooperation. Key Facts: The first edition of joint patrol exercise CORPAT was held undermilitary cooperation of both countries. It saw participation of four maritime patrol aircraft, two from Bangladesh Navy and two from Indian navy, and four frigates, two from Bangladesh Navy (BNS Dhaleswari and BNS Abu Bakar) and two from Indian navy (INS Kadmatt and INS Satpura). During the joint patrol, naval forces of both the countries shared information through naval communication and understanding. The warships and patrol aircraft jointly patrolled from Bangladesh’s sea territory and sailed towards the Indian waters in Bay. Significance: The institution of CORPAT between India and Bangladesh is considered as major step towards enhanced operational interaction between both navies. The joint patrol will help to curb maritime crimes, including militancy in sea, and stop various sea crimes like smuggling and piracy in Bay of Bengal. At present, both naval forces are patrolling their respected water territories round-the-clock on individual purpose. Background: Indian Navy regularly conducts CORPATs with Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar. It also conducts EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) surveillance of Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles on their request. . The CORPAT exercise between navies carries out search and rescue operations, institutes measures for vessels indulged in unlawful activities as well as control pollution. The naval cooperation between India and Bangladesh has been traditionally strong and encompassed wide span which includes operational interactions through port calls, passage exercises along with capacity building, capability enhancement and training initiatives. Over last few years, Indian Navy has expanded its assistance to countries in the region through material support, training, EEZ surveillance, hydrographic assistance, provisioning of platforms, joint exercises and offering slots in professional training courses.

26) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved investment of $200 million in India’s National Investment & Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) to give greater impetus to mega infrastructure projects. It will be investing US $100 million now and remaining $100 million in the time to come. India: largest recipient of AIIB: AIIB so far approved $4.4 billion investments in 25 projects. Of these investments, $1.2 billion have been approved for six infrastructure projects in India, making it largest recipient of funds from the multilateral agency. AIIB is China led multilateral development bank set up in 2016. Its purpose is to provide finance to infrastructure development and regional connectivity projects in Asia-Pacific region. It has 83 member nations. India is second largest shareholder in AIIB after China. It is headquartered in Beijing, China. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIFF): NIIF was set up in December 2015 to catalyse funding into the country’s infrastructure sector. It has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India as a Category II Alternate Investment Fund. It has been set up as a fund of funds structure with aim to generate risk adjusted returns for its investors alongside promoting infrastructure development. It has targeted corpus of Rs 40,000 crore to be raised over the years — 49% of it will be funded by government at any given point of time. The remaining 51% will be raised from domestic and global investors, including international pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral/bilateral investors. Its Governing Council is chaired by Finance Minister and has already been set up to act as an advisory council to the NIIF.

27) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is testing credit rating model, a new system that will assist banks in assessing credit risk and probability of fraud using big data analysis. The system is expected to help banks, particularly rural and cooperative banks, tackle the issue of rising nonperforming assets (NPAs). Currently, rural and cooperative banks depend on judgement of bank manager, resulting in high NPAs and frauds. A credit rating model can assist banks to quantify risks under the big data context. Key Facts: The MeitY sponsored project includes Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Bangalore-based IT firm Processware System and two cooperative banks as partners. The project is aimed at helping banks quantify risks associated with retail loans such as personal loans, gold loans and vehicle loans. Under this project, a statistical and machine learning algorithmic model has been developed to predict probability of default with aim to reduce NPAs. It will also help in predicting different types of frauds in banking sector based on RBI guidelines. Besides, a web-enabled software is also being tested to assist banks to easily adopt models for credit rating, NPAs and fraud. Validation of these models has been done using data from several banks.

28) The Day of the Seafarer is being observed every year on 25 June across the globe as an expression of thanks to the seafarers for their contribution to the economy and civil society of the world. It also acknowledges the risks and personal costs endured by seafarers while being in their jobs. The theme for year 2018 is ‘Seafarers wellbeing’. It highlights issues of seafarers wellbeing, particularly mental health. It deals with specific strategies to tackle stress and other issues affecting seafarers mental conditions and make tools available more widely known. Background: The Day of the Seafarer was designated by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2010. It was established in resolution adopted by 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)Convention, 1978. For the first time it was observed in 2011 and since then it is observed annually. It has also been included in the list of observances by United Nations. The day acknowledges that almost everything that we use in our daily lives has been directly or indirectly linked with sea transport. A per IMO, around 90% of the world’s goods trade is carried out through ships.

29) India has signed two Memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with Cuba to enhance cooperation in biotechnology and traditional medicine. The MoUs were signed after delegation-level talks between President Ram Nath Kovind and his Cuban counterpart Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel in Havana, Cuba. President Ram Nath Kovind visited Cuba as last leg of his three-nation visit to Greece, Suriname and Cuba. During the delegation level talks both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in biotechnology, renewable energy and traditional medicine. Cuba reaffirmed its support to India’s candidature for permanent seat in United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Key Facts: MoU on Traditional Systems of Medicine: It aims to increase cooperation in traditional medicine and homeopathy between both countries. MoU on Bio Technology: It aims to deepen collaboration on biotechnology between both countries. It was signed between BioCubaFarma, Cuba’s state company for pharmaceutical and biotechnology products, and India’s Kalam Institute of Health Technology.

30) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved setting up of committee to lay down standards for metro rail systems in the country. The committee will be headed by E Sreedharan (famously known as metro man of India) who is credited for changing face of public transport in India with his leadership in building Konkan Railway and Delhi Metro. Key Facts: The committee will recommend standardisation norms for various components of Metro rail systems that are currently imported. It look into all aspects rather that than evolving standards for each component separately. It will come up with uniform standards for various components that will be followed by metro rail systems across the country. Significance: The uniform standards for metro rail systems across the country are aimed at cutting costs in construction and operation of metro rail systems in the country. It will aid in manufacturing of various components of metro rail systems domestically, giving boost to government’s Make in India policy. It will bring India to international standard, where every metro has same standards, same signaling system and track gauge, etc.

31) India has signed two Memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with Cuba to enhance cooperation in biotechnology and traditional medicine. The MoUs were signed after delegation-level talks between President Ram Nath Kovind and his Cuban counterpart Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel in Havana, Cuba. President Ram Nath Kovind visited Cuba as last leg of his three-nation visit to Greece, Suriname and Cuba. During the delegation level talks both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in biotechnology, renewable energy and traditional medicine. Cuba reaffirmed its support to India’s candidature for permanent seat in United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Key Facts: MoU on Traditional Systems of Medicine: It aims to increase cooperation in traditional medicine and homeopathy between both countries. MoU on Bio Technology: It aims to deepen collaboration on biotechnology between both countries. It was signed between BioCubaFarma, Cuba’s state company for pharmaceutical and biotechnology products, and India’s Kalam Institute of Health Technology.

32) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved setting up of committee to lay down standards for metro rail systems in the country. The committee will be headed by E Sreedharan (famously known as metro man of India) who is credited for changing face of public transport in India with his leadership in building Konkan Railway and Delhi Metro. Key Facts: The committee will recommend standardisation norms for various components of Metro rail systems that are currently imported. It look into all aspects rather that than evolving standards for each component separately. It will come up with uniform standards for various components that will be followed by metro rail systems across the country. Significance: The uniform standards for metro rail systems across the country are aimed at cutting costs in construction and operation of metro rail systems in the country. It will aid in manufacturing of various components of metro rail systems domestically, giving boost to government’s Make in India policy. It will bring India to international standard, where every metro has same standards, same signaling system and track gauge, etc.

33) Mongolia has launched construction of its first strategically important oil refinery funded by India in southern Dornogovi province. The ground-breaking ceremony of long-awaited project was attended by Mongolian Prime Minister Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and Indian Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh. Key Facts: The refinery will be capable of processing 1.5 million tonnes of crude oil per year. That is about 30,000 barrels per day (bpd). It planned for completion in late 2022. On completion, it will meet all of the nation’s demand for gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The cost of the refinery is estimated at $1.35 billion, and it will include a pipeline and its own power plant. Its financing is part of $1 billion soft credit line agreement between Mongolia and Export-Import Bank of India, made during 2015 official visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The refinery will process Mongolia’s own crude oil, which is now sold to China. The large landlocked country wedged between giants China and Russia had produced 7.6 million barrels of oil in 2017, about 21,000 bpd, amounting to 6% of its total export earnings. Significance: The strategically important oil refinery will make Mongolia independent from energy imports and stabilise fuel and commodity prices in its domestic markets. It is expected to boost Mongolia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 10%. It will end country’s dependence on Russian fuel as it imported almost 1.5 million tonnes of oil products in 2017, virtually all from Russia, thus diversifying its sources of oil products from the current single source. The refinery is expected to increase Magnolia’s crude oil output, helping it to increase its export earnings. The refinery project is also considered as important milestone in bilateral ties between India and Mongolia.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 23 June 2018 To 29 June 2018.

34) The Indian Army contingent comprising of 7 Garhwal Rifles Infantry Battalion Group was awarded United Nations Medal for “selfless service”. The contingent is part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in South Sudan. It has been complimented for carrying out numerous operational tasks with utmost professionalism and dedication to the UN mandate. It has played an active and decisive role in ensuring peace and stability in violence hit Jonglei State of South Sudan. Background: South Sudan had gained independence from Sudan in 2011, making it the newest nation in the world. Civil war had broken out in infant nation in 2013. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is newest UN Peacekeeping Mission. India, with 2,237 troops, is the highest contributor in terms of troops to UNMISS. In addition to India, 53 nations from around the world have contributed troops to the peacekeeping mission. India and UN Peacekeeping: The Indian Army is the largest cumulative troop contributor to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions mandated to maintain stability and negotiate peace settlement in turbulent regions of the world. So far India has provided almost 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions over the past six decades, including 14 of the current 16 missions. Last year, 7,606 Indian peacekeepers were deployed in UN missions.

35) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Vanijya Bhawan, a new office complex in New Delhi for the Department of Commerce. Vnijya Bhawan will help in ease of doing business by bringing all Departments of Commerce under one roof. Key Facts: The complex is located near India Gate and is being built on plot of 4.33 acres, belonging to erstwhile Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D). It will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 226 crore and is expected to be completed by December 2019. The building will be a modern, eco-friendly structure. It will be completely paperless office with modern facilities such as smart access control, video conferencing and completely networked systems.

36) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has notified that use of Aadhaar biometric data for criminal investigation is not allowed under Aadhaar Act, 2016. This comes after National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Director Ish Kumar made strong pitch for police to be provided with limited access to Aadhaar data to aide them in catching first-time offenders and for identification of unidentified bodies. UIDAI’s Notification: As per Section 29 of the Aadhaar Act, the biometrics data collected by UIDAI can be used only for purpose of generating Aadhaar and for authentication of identity of Aadhaar holders and cannot be used for any other purpose. The very limited exception to this is allowed under Section 33 of Aadhaar Act, which permits use of or access to Aadhaar biometric data in cases involving national security only after pre-authorisation by oversight committee headed by Cabinet Secretary. This is also consistent stand taken by Union Government in ongoing Aadhaar case in the Supreme Court. Based on this legal stance, UIDAI has never shared any biometric data with any crime investigating agency. Background: The NCRB Director at the 19th All India Conference of Directors of Finger Prints Bureau in Hyderabad had said that limited access to Aadhaar data was needed to be given to police for purpose of catching first time offenders and for identification of unidentified bodies. At present around 50 lakh cases were registered every year in the country and most of them (80 to 85%) are committed by first time offenders who leave their fingerprints, which are available in police records. So there is need for access to Aadhaar data to police for purpose of investigation.

37) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has notified that use of Aadhaar biometric data for criminal investigation is not allowed under Aadhaar Act, 2016. This comes after National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Director Ish Kumar made strong pitch for police to be provided with limited access to Aadhaar data to aide them in catching first-time offenders and for identification of unidentified bodies. UIDAI’s Notification: As per Section 29 of the Aadhaar Act, the biometrics data collected by UIDAI can be used only for purpose of generating Aadhaar and for authentication of identity of Aadhaar holders and cannot be used for any other purpose. The very limited exception to this is allowed under Section 33 of Aadhaar Act, which permits use of or access to Aadhaar biometric data in cases involving national security only after pre-authorisation by oversight committee headed by Cabinet Secretary. This is also consistent stand taken by Union Government in ongoing Aadhaar case in the Supreme Court. Based on this legal stance, UIDAI has never shared any biometric data with any crime investigating agency. Background: The NCRB Director at the 19th All India Conference of Directors of Finger Prints Bureau in Hyderabad had said that limited access to Aadhaar data was needed to be given to police for purpose of catching first time offenders and for identification of unidentified bodies. At present around 50 lakh cases were registered every year in the country and most of them (80 to 85%) are committed by first time offenders who leave their fingerprints, which are available in police.

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