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  • WBCS Current Affairs 21/01/2017 to 28/01/2017
    Posted on February 18th, 2017 in Weekly Current Affairs
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    WBCS Current Affairs 21/01/2017 to 28/01/2017

    1. The Union Finance Ministry has announced that the General Anti Avoidance Rule (GAAR) will be effective from the 1 April, 2017. In this regard Income Tax (IT) department has issued a slew of clarifications on implementation of GAAR, seeking to address concerns of foreign investors over implementation of the anti-evasion measure. GAAR seeks to prevent companies from routing transactions through other countries to avoid taxes. The rules are framed mainly to minimize and check avoidance of tax. India will be the 17th nation in the world to have laws that aim to close tax loopholes. At present, GAAR is in force in nations like Australia, Singapore, China and the UK. Issued clarifications GAAR seeks to give the IT department powers to scrutinize transactions structured in such a way as to deliberately avoid paying tax in India. It will not be invoked in cases where investments are routed through tax treaties that have a sufficient limitation of benefit (LOB) clause to address tax avoidance. It should be noted that LOB clause in tax treaties generally requires investors to meet certain spending and employment criteria to avail the benefits of the treaty. All transactions or arrangements approved by courts and quasi-judicial authorities like the authority for advance ruling and that specifically address the issue of tax avoidance will not be subject to the GAAR test. GAAR will not be applicable on compulsorily convertible instruments, bonus issuances or split/consolidation of holdings in respect of investments made prior to 1 April 2017 in the hands of the same investor. In order to prevent misuse of GAAR provisions by the IT department, adequate safeguards also have been put in place based on which GAAR will be invoked. The proposal to apply GAAR first will be vetted by an officer at the level of the principal commissioner or commissioner of income tax and at the second stage by an approving panel headed by a high court judge. GAAR will not apply on foreign portfolio investor if its jurisdiction is based on non-tax commercial considerations and the main purpose is not to obtain tax benefits.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 21/01/2017 to 28/01/2017.

    2. The Indian Navy’s Annual Theatre Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2017 is being conducted off the Western Seaboard. The month long exercise will see participation of ships and aircraft of both the Western and Eastern Naval Command and also assets from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard. Key Facts TROPEX 17 exercise is aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard. It seeks to strengthen inter-operability and joint operations in a complex environment. It assumes special significance in the backdrop of the current security scenario. TROPEX 17 exercise will be conducted in various phases, both in harbour and at sea encompassing the various facets of war-fighting and combat operations. It will see participation of major surface combatants and air assets of the Indian Navy including the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, nuclear submarine Chakra, Landing Platform Dock (LPD) Jalashwa. It will also see participation of recently commissioned destroyer Chennai, the P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The assets of Indian Navy will operate alongside SU-30 MKI, Jaguars, AWACS, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Infantry units of the Indian Army. The last edition of TROPEX exercise was conducted in January 2015 and since its launch it has grown in scale and complexity over the years.

    3. President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Dr Vijay Bhatkar, architect of India’s first supercomputer the Param series, as the chancellor of Nalanda University. He will have term of three years from the date of his appointment as provided under Section 11(3) of the Nalanda University Act. He shall succeed George Yeo, former Foreign Minister of Singapore, who resigned after the Board of the University was reconstituted.

    4. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested indigenously developed cryogenic engine for the upper stage ‘GSLV Mk III’ rocket. The cryogenic upper stage, designated as C25, was tested for 50 seconds at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu demonstrating all the stage operations. It was the first test in a series of two tests. The second test is planned for flight duration of 640 seconds. Key Facts Cryogenic engines are used in the upper stage of a rocket launch as they provide the maximum thrust to a launcher vehicle. The development of C25 cryogenic stage started after approval of GSLV MkIII, ISRO’s next generation launch vehicle, capable of launching heavy four tonne class spacecraft in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). C25 stage was conceptualised, designed and realised by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) with support from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) and Sathish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC). GSLV MkIII vehicle consists of two solid strap-on motors, one earth storable liquid core stage and the cryogenic upper stage. The C25 stage is most powerful upper stage developed by ISRO. It uses Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen propellant combination. This stage carries 27.8 tons of propellants loaded in two independent tanks. Note: Development of a cryogenic stage has unique design challenges liquid Oxygen stored at -195 deg C and as liquid Hydrogen is stored at -253 deg C in its tanks. To store these cryogenic fluids, special multi-layer insulation is provided for the tanks and other structures. Comment The 50 second test of C25 is a significant milestone in the ISRO’s development of indigenous cryogenic propulsion technology. The successful hot test of the stage in the first attempt itself demonstrates the ISRO’s ability to work in new areas like cryogenic technology. The first flight stage for ‘GSLV MkIII-D1’ mission is in an advanced stage of realisation. It is scheduled to launch GSAT-19 during first quarter of 2017. Its flight engine was successfully tested earlier in the High Altitude Test facility and integrated with the flight stage.

    5. The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has reconstituted TOP committee with objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games under Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme. The committee will be headed by Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Gold Medalist. Its members are Anil Khanna, Prakash Padukone, Karnam Malleshwari, P. T. Usha, Murlidhar Raja, Anjali Bhagwat, Rekha Yadav, Dr. S.S. Roy and Inder Dhamija.

    6. President Pranab Mukherjee has given Governor of Assam Banwarilal Purohit additional charge of Meghalaya. Besides, President also gave Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya additional charge of Arunachal Pradesh.

    7. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prohibited Indian entities from making direct investments in any entity located in Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories (NCCT) as identified by Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The prohibition is for aligning instructions under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) with the objectives of the FATF. At present, there is no restriction on an Indian entity with regard to the countries where it can undertake Overseas Direct Investment (ODI). The NCCT initiatives principal objective is to reduce the vulnerability of the financial system to money laundering by ensuring that all financial centres adopt and implement measures for the detection, prevention and punishment of money laundering according to internationally recognised standards.

    8. Outdoor caged trials of genetically modified mosquitoes waere launched in Dawalwadi, Badnapur in Jalna district of Maharashtra to demonstrate the efficiency this technique to suppress wild female mosquito populations that transmit dengue, chikungunya and Zika. The trials are conducted by Oxitec and uses the Release of Insects carrying Dominant Lethal genes (RIDL) technology. Key Facts Oxitec’s technology uses GM male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry a dominant lethal gene. This gene is passed on to offspring after male GM mosquitoes mate with wild female mosquitoes. The lethal gene in the offspring kills the larvae before they reach adulthood. Since male mosquitoes do not bite humans, the release of these GM mosquitoes will not increase the risk of dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Oxitec’s mosquitoes were first released in Brazil were they have successfully reduced the local populations of mosquitoes by more than 90%, whereas insecticides only affect 30%. Advantages: This strategy is considered as most eco-friendly solution so far to control the spread of infectious diseases as it only targets a specific mosquito strain and does not produce any toxic compounds. It has 99% efficiency to kill offspring. Background Dengue is estimated to infect 5.8 million people in India every year, costing the country over $1 billion annually. In recent times, outbreaks of Chikungunya, a mosquito borne viral disease have been increasingly reported in India. Both viral diseases are transmitted by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has fully supported the genetically engineered mosquitoes during last year’s Zika outbreak.

    9. India has been ranked 79th out of 176 countries in the recently released Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year 2016 by the Berlin-based corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI). The index has been complied by using World Bank data, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and other institutions It ranks countries on the score in the scale ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Key Facts Top 10 Countries: New Zealand and Denmark in joint first place (with a score of 90), followed by Finland (3rd), Sweden (4th), Switzerland (5th), Norway (6th), Singapore (7th), Netherlands (8th), Canada (9th) and Germany (10th). Counties bottom of the index: Somalia was ranked the most corrupt country. Other countries with lower rankings were Syria, South Sudan, North Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq. In this edition of list, India, China and Brazil with a score of 40 each figured in the 10 key economies in the mid-range. Over two-thirds of the 176 countries in this year’s index fall below the midpoint of the scale of 0 to very clean of index. The global average score is 43, indicating endemic corruption in a country’s public sector. In this edition of list, India has marginally improved its ranking index for 2016 by two points from 38 score in 2015. India’s condition showed growth with inequality. India’s ongoing poor performance with a score of 40 reiterates the state’s inability to effectively deal with petty corruption and large-scale corruption scandals. Regionally, South Asia had performed poorly. Bangladesh at 27th and Nepal at 29th positions were slotted in the highly corrupt section.

    10. Japan has successfully launched its first military communications satellite Kirameki-2 (kee-RAH-meh-kee 2) satellite. It was launched on board of H-2A rocket that lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. The satellite separated from the rocket and entered a designated orbit.

    11. India has signed a deal with United Arab Emirates (UAE), fifth biggest oil supplier as part of its quest for energy security and strategic reserve system. The deal allows UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) to fill half (about 6 million barrels of oil) of an underground crude oil storage facility at Mangaluru, Karnataka. India has already filled the other half of the Mangaluru storage in Karnataka state with six million barrels of Iranian oil. It also has filled a Vizag storage site in southern Andhra Pradesh with 7.55 million barrels of Iraqi oil and has invited bids from suppliers to fill an 18.3 million-barrel facility at Padur in Karnataka.

    12. President Pranab Mukherjee announced the names of recipients of year 2017 Padma awards viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. He approved conferment of Padma Awards on 89 persons. The list includes 7 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan and 75 Padma Shri Awardees. Out of these selected 89 persons, 19 are women, 5 awardees are from the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs while 6 are posthumous awardees. This edition of list includes more than 15 unsung persons and alsopeople who rendered selfless service at the grassroots. Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards given in various disciplines- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. PADMA VIBHUSHAN: It is the second highest civilian award. It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. Sl. No Name Field State 1. K J Yesudas Art-Music Kerala 2. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Others-Spiritualism Tamil Nadu 3. Sharad Pawar Public Affairs Maharashtra 4. Murli Manohar Joshi Public Affairs Uttar Pradesh 5. Prof. Udipi Ramachandra Rao Science & Engineering Karnataka 6. Sunder Lal Patwa (Posthumous) Public Affairs Madhya Pradesh 7. PA Sangma (Posthumous) Public Affairs Meghalaya Padma Bhushan: It is the third highest civilian award. It is awarded for distinguished service of high order. Sl. No. Name Field State 8. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Art-Music Rajasthan 9. Prof. (Dr.) Devi Prasad Dwivedi Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh 10. Tehemton Udwadia Medicine Maharashtra 11. Shri Ratna Sundar Maharaj Others-Spiritualism Gujarat 12. Swami Niranjana Nanda Saraswati Others-Yoga Bihar 13. H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (Foreigner) Literature & Education Thailand 14. Cho Ramaswamy (Posthumous) Literature & Education –Journalism Tamil Nadu

    13. India and France have signed White Shipping agreement to enable information sharing on maritime traffic and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The agreement was signed in New Delhi after both countries held their second dialogue on maritime cooperation for the IOR.

    14. India celebrated its 68th Republic Day on January 26, 2017 with the theme “Skill India and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”. The day honours the date on which the Indian Constitution came into force on 26th January, 1950 replacing the Government of India Act, 1935 as the governing document. Key Facts This year, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the Chief Guest of the official ceremony. The country’s military prowess and achievements in different fields, state-of-the-art defence platforms, and diverse culture was displayed at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in Delhi. For the first time, a contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG), popularly known as the Black Cat Commandoes, also took part in the parade. A contingent of UAE soldiers also marched down the Rajpath. The Indian Army’s missile firing capability, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash Weapon System, and Dhanush Gun System were displayed at the event. Tableaux from seventeen states and union territories, six Central Ministries and Departments were also presented depicting varied historical, art and cultural heritage of the country. President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Ashok Chakra, country’s highest peacetime military decoration to Havaldar Hangpan Dada posthumously for selfless service to nation.

    15. The Union Government has launched Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS), an online system for recommending appropriate mix of fertilizers to plantations of rubber growers depending upon their soil nature. It was launched for Kottayam (Kerela), the largest rubber growing district of India which will be extended to the entire traditional rubber growing region i.e. the states of Kerela and Tamilnadu. Key Facts RubSIS has developed by Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) under the Rubber Board in collaboration with three other agencies. They are Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, ICAR and National Remote Sensing Center, ISRO RubSIS brings soil data to the fingerprints of rubber growers and recommends the optimum mix and quantities of chemical fertilizers required for the rubber plantation. It is a cost effective tool for sustainable and scientific management of rubber growing soils. Its adoption will prevent indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and soil degradation. It will also lead to reduction in the cost of production of rubber, increase in productivity and reduction in environmental pollution.

    16. India and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) inked 14 agreements in various areas to boost bilateral cooperation between both countries. These agreements were signed after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi. The Crown Prince who is Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces is on a three-day visit. He is chief guest of 2017 Republic Day Parade. Agreements signed are MoU in agriculture and Allied sectors Agreement on Oil Storage And Management MoU for cooperation in programme exchange MoU on cooperation in the field of Defence Industry Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. MoU on Institutional Cooperation on Maritime Transport MoU on Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency MoU on cooperation in prevention and combating of human trafficking MoU on Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport and Highways Sector MoU on trade remedial measures to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest MoU for the cooperation in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and innovation MoU on mutual exemption of entry visa requirements to the holders of Diplomatic, special and Official Passports.

    17. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for launching of Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 (VPBY 2017). The scheme will be launched as part of Government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security. The scheme will be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) during the current financial year i.e. FY 2016-17. It will be open for subscription for a period of one year from the date of launch. Features of Scheme The purpose of the scheme is to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. It will provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for pension on a monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual basis. The Union Government will bear the differential return i.e., the difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum as subsidy on an annual basis.

    18. The Union Ministry of Women & Child Development (WCD) has released National Action Plan for Children (NPAC), 2016 on the occasion of National Girl Child Day (24th January). It was released by Union Minister of Women & Child Development Meneka Sanjay Gandhi in New Delhi. The NPAC has been developed by the Ministry of WCD. Features of NPAC, 2016 The Action Plan has four key priority areas. They are survival, health and nutrition; education and development; participation and protection. It defines objectives, sub-objectives, strategies, action points and indicators for measuring progress under the four key priority areas. It also identifies key stakeholders for the implementation of different strategies. It puts focus on new and emerging concerns for children such as children affected by natural and man-made disasters, climate change and online child abuse etc. Its strategies and action points largely draw upon the existing programmes and schemes of various Ministries and Departments. It takes into account the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides a roadmap towards achieving them though co-ordination and convergence with different stakeholders. Background The National Action Plan for Children (NPAC), 2016 was prepared as per the mandate of the National Policy for Children (2013). The policy provides for formation of a National Co-ordination and Action Group (NCAG) under the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development for coordinating and implementation of the plan and monitor the progress with other Ministries concerned as its members.

    19. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to formally pull US out of the negotiating process of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a mega trade deal of 12 Pacific Rim countries. TPP was one of the major international trade initiatives of his predecessor Barack Obama aimed to set trade rules for the 21st century and bind US allies against growing Chinese economic clout. During the Presidential election campaign, Trump had vowed to withdraw the US from the TPP which he argued was harmful to American workers and manufacturing. About Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) The TPP is a trade agreement under negotiation among 12 Pacific Rim nations accounting for 40% of the world economy. It was promoted by US and signed by 12 countries in 2015. 12 members are Australia, Brunei, Chile, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, US and Vietnam. India was not part of TPP. The aimed to ease the flow of goods, services and investments among member countries and set trade rules for 21st century especially on labour standards, environmental issues, origin criteria and intellectual property. The mega trade deal was considered as counterweight to growing global economic clout of China, the largest economy in the Pacific Rim. TPP’s Impact on India: It might have led to market share losses for certain categories of India’s exports due to preference erosion. It could have indirectly impacted exports in several industrial sectors such as textiles, leather, clothing, plastics, cotton and yarn. Even India’s pharmaceutical sector might had suffered due to higher standards compared WTO norms, including on IPR and ever-greening of patents.

    20. India, along with Brazil, Argentina and some other nations rejected an informal attempt of European Union (EU) and Canada to work towards a global investment agreement at World Trade Organisation (WTO)-level. The EU and Canada proposed agreement incorporates a contentious Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism. They wanted their investment pact to be the template for a similar multilateral agreement. What is Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism? The ISDS mechanism permits companies to drag governments to international arbitration without exhausting the local remedies. It also allows them to claim huge amounts as compensation citing losses they suffered due to reasons, including policy changes. The contentious ISDS mechanism already has been incorporated by investment pact by the EU and Canada. What is India’s position? India has rejected such mechanism. It clearly held that only after all local options have been exhausted for settling disputes between a corporate and a government, then the issues can be taken up in international arbitration tribunals. It also held that such provisions could be a part of bilateral agreements but they can’t be allowed in a multilateral agreement.

    21. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Committee has submitted its 4 volume report on changes in FRBM Act, 2013 to the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The 5 member committee was headed by N.K. Singh, former Revenue and Expenditure Secretary and former MP. Its member included RBI Governor Urjit Patel, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, former Finance Secretary Sumit Bose, and National Institute of Public Finance and Policy Director Rathin Roy. Key Facts The committee was constituted in May 2016 following Finance Minister Budget 2016-17 announcement. It was assigned task to review the working of the FRBM Act over last 12 years to suggest the way forward. It was also tasked to examine the need and feasibility of having a ‘fiscal deficit range’ as the target in place of the existing fixed numbers (percentage of GDP) as fiscal deficit target. The committee has kept in view the broad objective of fiscal consolidation and prudence and has suggested changes required in the context of the uncertainty and volatility in the global economy. The first volume of the report addresses the issue of the fiscal roadmap, fiscal policy, international experience and recommendations therein. The second volume refers to international experience especially from a lot of international organisations particularly OECD, the World Bank, ILO. The third volume deals with Centre-State issues. The fourth volume deals with views of domain experts both from national and international appropriate for fiscal policy

    22. According to scientists from Food Standards Agency (FSA) of United Kingdom, chips, potatoes and bread cooked to brown can cause cancer. According to FSA when the starchy foods are roasted, grilled or fried for too long at high temperatures (above 120 degree Celsius), it produces carcinogenic chemical Acrylamide. What is Acrylamide? Acrylamide is a chemical used primarily in making polyacrylamide and acrylamide copolymers that are used in industrial processes such as a production of dyes, plastics, paper. It is also used in treatment of drinking water and waste water. How does cooking produce Acrylamide? Acrylamide is present in many types of food such biscuits, cakes, bread, coffee, toast, crisps, chips, and other starchy food. It is a natural byproduct of the cooking process. It is produced when Asparagine, a building block of proteins found in many vegetables is heated to high temperatures in the presence of certain sugars. Cooking methods such as baking, frying, grilling, roasting mainly results in production of acrylamide. The darker the colour gets of the food, more acrylamide is present in it. Potential health hazards of Acrylamide Some researches in animals have shown that the chemical Acrylamide is toxic to DNA and causes cancer. Although there is no conclusive evidence but same can be applicable in the case of people. It can also have adverse effects on the reproductive and nervous systems.

    23. The special session of Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment), Act, 2017 to lift Supreme Court imposed ban on the traditional sport of Jallikattu. The bill will now replace the ordinance promulgated in this regard by the Governor on the recommendation of state government. Key Facts The bill amends section 2 of the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. It defines jallikattu as a traditional sport involving bulls. It allows state government to conduct it in notified places on any day from January to May. It also allows other sports involving bulls- vadamadu, manjuviratu, and erudhuvidumvizha performed in different parts of Tamil Nadu. Earlier the state government had promulgated the ordinance in a bid to defuse the raging protests across the state demanding lifting of the ban on jallikattu. Background Jallikattu, a bull taming sport is traditionally held as part of the four-day Pongal festival (harvest festival) in the Tamil Nadu. It is bull taming sport in which a bull vaulter is expected to hang on to the animal’s hump for a stipulated distance or hold on to the hump for a minimum of three jumps made by the bull. The Supreme Court in May 2014 banned the conduct of Jallikattu over the issue of animal cruelty.

    24. The Steel Ministry has released new draft National Steel Policy of 2017, envisaging to double India’s domestic steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030-31. The draft policy anticipates a requirement of Rs. 10 lakh crore of fresh investments to meet production goal and expects creation of at least 11 lakh new jobs in the process. Key Features of Policy Two alternatives vision: (i) Create a globally competitive steel industry that promotes inter-sectoral growth (ii) Create a self-sufficient steel industry that is technologically advanced, globally competitive and promotes inclusive growth. Focuses on: Impediments like high input costs, import dependency, availability of raw materials and financial stress plaguing the sector. Couple of factors such as the demand and production of sponge iron are still under discussion. Gas-based steel plants: Proposes gas-based steel plants and technologies such as electric furnaces to bring down use of coking coal in blast furnaces in order to cut down reliance on expensive imports of coking coal. Public sector firms in the steel sector: They should aim for economies of scale. The will be encouraged to divest their non-core assets through mergers and restructuring. Greenfield steel plants along India’s coastline: These plants will be set up under the aegis of Sagarmala project to tap cheap imported raw materials such as coking coal and export the output in a more cost-effective manner. Cluster-based approach: It will be pursued, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to ensure easy availability of raw materials, optimum land use and economies of scale.

    25. The Union Government has constituted committee (Working Group) to frame uniform rules for the states to avoid delay in proper implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 across the country. The Committee will be headed by Secretary from Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It will submit its report within three months. Composition: It will comprise of representatives from the Union Ministry of Health, DoPT, Labour, Legislative Department and representatives from NGOs as members. It will also have Principal Secretary/Secretary, Social Welfare Department from Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Terms and References of Committee: Suggest model draft rules for the states in order to have a uniform rules across the country and also to avoid delay in finalization of rules by any state. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 The Act was notified in December 2016, after it received assent of President. It comprehensively covers a whole spectrum of problems from physical disabilities to mental illness and multiple disabilities under it. It raises number of disabilities from 7 to 21. It also raises reservation in government jobs for persons with benchmark disabilities from present 3% to 4% and in higher education from 3% to 5% per cent. It includes mental illness, autism, spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, specific learning disabilities, speech and language disability, sickle cell disease, deaf ,blindness, acid attack and Parkinsons disease under the definition of disability. The Act aims to bring Indian laws in line with the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which India became a signatory in 2007. Once it comes into effect, every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years will have the right to free education.

    26. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to set a new world record in space history by launching 103 satellites in one go on a single rocket in the first week of February, 2017. These satellites will be launched on board of ISRO’s workhorse PSLV (C37) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The mission will carry three satellites from India and rest from other countries. How these satellites will be placed in orbit? The satellites will be separated from vehicle in different directions, once launch vehicle reaches the orbital condition. The separation angle and time of separation will be different for every satellite. The separated satellites will have relative velocity of one metre per second. So after 1,000 seconds distance between satellite and rocket will be 1,000 metres. It will ensure that satellite will not collide with another. The first satellite launched will move at relatively faster velocity than the next satellite. Due to different relative velocities, distance between the satellites will increase continuously but the orbit will remain same. The present record of highest number of satellites launched in a single mission has been 37 by Russia in 2014. NASA has launched 29 satellites in one go in 2013. In June 2016, ISRO had launched 20 satellites in one go.

    27. The Union Health Ministry will soon launch population based prevention, screening and control programme for five common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the occasion of World Cancer Day (4th February). They are Hypertension, Diabetes, and Cancers of oral cavity, breast and cervix. This programme will be launched as part of the National Health Mission. Key Facts Under this programme screening will be rolled out in 100 districts in 32 states and Union Territories before March 31, 2017 in the first phase. ASHA and ANM workers will be trained for this purpose. They will also be capture information on major risk factors so that persons at risk could be counselled on leading healthy lifestyles to prevent onset of NCDs. In subsequent phases, Chronic Obstructive Respiratory diseases will be also included and the programme will be scaled up to cover other districts. Need for such Programme Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and stroke, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases (Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases) and Cancer account for over 60% of all mortality in India, of these, nearly 55% are premature mortality. Since these conditions do not exhibit symptoms until complications set in, it is essential to detect them early which enables treatment and prevents high financial costs and suffering. Besides, NCDs imposes a financial and social cost on families and the country. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), India stands to lose $ 4.58 trillion (Rs 311.94 trillion) due to non-communicable diseases between 2012 and 2030

    28. According to Status of Education Report (ASER) 2016, students of Himachal Pradesh stand ahead of Kerala and all other states in terms of learning outcomes. The 2016 ASER was the largest annual household survey of the children in India in the field of education. It focused on status of schooling and basic learning. Key Facts The report found that enrolment rate of students in the age group 6 to 14 in Himachal Pradesh was 99.8%. It secured first rank in achieving learning outcomes in basic reading and mathematics across the country. In language category, outcome of government schools in Himachal Pradesh was 65.3% as compared to the national level of 41.6%. In mathematics, outcome of Himachal Pradesh was 47.4% as compared to the national level of 21.1%. It was found that government schools the state performed better than private schools in mathematics. In learning of English language, Himachal Pradesh ranked fifth in the country with 44% outcome compared to 15.3% achievement at national level.

    29. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member-states have finalised Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for cooperation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector. The MoUs were finalised during the Workshop on MSME Cooperation amongst IORA member countries held in New Delhi. They will take effect for each party upon signature by 5 countries. Focus areas of MoUs Finalise linkages and alliances amongst MSMEs organizations, associations and various institutions engaged in MSME development in IORA countries. Exchange best practices, programs and policies for MSME development. Exchange greater involvement of MSMEs in the global supply chain and increase their market access. Promote women and youth’s economic empowerment. Encourage synergies with the IORA forum. IORA Secretariat at Mauritius will be the coordinating agency for the implementation of the MoU. Besides, for to carrying out activities envisaged under this MoU, IORA special fund will be created by member countries. Workshop on MSME Cooperation amongst IORA member countries: It was organised by Union Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and was attended by around 29 delegates from 14 IORA member-states. About Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) IORA is an international organisation consisting of coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean established in 1997 to promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. It was formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative and Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). Its coordinating Secretariat is located at Ebene, Mauritius. It is a regional forum, tripartite in nature that brings together representatives of Government, Business and Academia, for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them. It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening economic cooperation particularly on trade facilitation and investment, promotion as well as social development of the region. IORA comprises 21 member states and 7 dialogue partners, Indian Ocean Research Group and the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation have observer status.
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