WBCS Current Affairs 26/03/2017 to 01/04/2017

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 26/03/2017 to 01/04/2017.

1. India, world’s 3rd largest energy consumer has joined International Energy Association (IAE) as associate member. India will also now have a greater say in global energy issues. With India as a associate member, IEA now formally covers 70% of the world’s energy consumption, thus increasing its relevance. Key Facts India’s participation will enrich the energy efficiency and renewable sectors of IEA members and other countries. India will gain from IEA’s data gathering processes, survey methodologies and range of energy data, which will enable India in the near future to set up its own robust integrated database agency. It also gives an opportunity to India to be the voice of the developing world and represent the interests of the emerging markets. It will enable India to be involved in the key committees and dialogues of the IEA. About International Energy Association (IEA) IEA is an inter-governmental organization established in 1974 as per framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It was established in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis after the OPEC cartel had shocked the world with a steep increase in oil prices. Members: Presently it has 29 member countries. India is lone associate member of IAE. Headquarters (Secretariat): Paris, France. Mandate: Its prime focus is on the “3Es” of effectual energy policy: energy security, economic development and environmental protection. It also seeks to promote alternate energy sources (including renewable energy), rational energy policies and multinational energy technology co-operation. It acts as energy policy advisor to 29 member countries and also non-member countries like China, India and Russia. Publications: World Energy Outlook report. Relevance: Today, IEA is an important part of global dialogue on energy, providing research, statistics/data, analysis and recommendations on the global energy sector. Over 70% of world’s energy consumption is now under the IEA umbrella which increases its relevance in global energy governance manifold.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 26/03/2017 to 01/04/2017.

2. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of two fundamental conventions of International Labour Organization (ILO) concerning with Child Labour. They are Minimum Age Convention (No 138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No 182). Now these conventions will be legally binding. Key Facts Minimum Age Convention (No 138) or Convention 138: It is concerned with minimum age for admission to employment. So far, it has been ratified by 169 countries. Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No 182) or Convention 182: It is concerned with the prohibition and immediate action for elimination of the worst forms of Child Labour. It has been ratified by 180 countries. Background The Government has adopted multipronged strategy including both project based approach and stringent legislative measures to address the concerns related to child labour in the country. However, there is a need to further ensure a safe and fulfilled future for the children by ensuring proper implementation of provisions of Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 which completely prohibits children employment below 14 years in any occupation or process. Recent initiatives taken by Government to eradicate child labour also needs to be maintained for elimination of child labour for attainment of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Comment The ratification of these conventions will be step ahead in direction of achieving goal of eradication of child labour from country as it would be legally binding to comply with the provisions of the Conventions. By ratifying these conventions, India will also join majority of the countries who have adopted the legislation to prohibit and place severe restrictions on the employment and work of children. About International Labour Organisation (ILO) The ILO is a United Nations agency dealing with labour issues, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all. It was established in 1919 as an agency of the League of Nations and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. India is a founder member of the ILO. At present, it has 187 members. The principal means of action in the ILO is the setting up of International standards in the form of Conventions, Recommendations and Protocol. So far India has ratified 45 Conventions, out of which 42 are in force. Out of these 4 are Core or Fundamental or Conventions.

3. The North Western Railway has declared the Barmer-Munawab and Pipad Road-Bilara rail routes in Rajasthan as Green Corridors. With this total number of green corridors has increased to five. The 114-km-long Manamadurai– Rameswaram stretch of Southern Railway was India’s first ‘Green corridor’. Okha-Kanalus and Porbandar-Wasjaliya railway sections of Gujarat also have been declared green corridors. What is green corridor? The Green Corridor ensures zero toilet discharge on rail tracks as part of its commitment to clean environment under the ‘Swachh Rail-Swachh Bharat’ initiative. Trains in the section have been equipped with bio-toilets to ensure zero discharge of human waste on the rail tracks and preventing corrosion of the tracks. About Bio toilets Indian Railway had developed the environment friendly ‘Bio-toilets’, in association with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Bio-toilets evacuate discharge into a biodigester tank, containing anaerobic bacteria, fitted underneath the train coach in a small space. The bacteria convert human faecal matter into water and small amount of gases (including methane) by process of hydrolysis, acetogenesis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis. Indian railways aims to install human waste discharge free bio-toilets in all its coaches as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission by September 2019.

4. Drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has increased price of stents by around 2% after taking into account wholesale price index. It will increase price of bare metal stents to Rs. 7,400 rupees from Rs. 7,260 and of drug-eluting stent to Rs. 30,180 rupees from Rs. 29,600. What is coronary stent? A coronary stent is a tube-shaped device placed in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It keeps the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart diseases. Bare-metal stent: It is a mesh-like tube of thin wire used in cardiac arteries was bare metal often made of 316L stainless steel. More recent stents (‘2nd generation’) use cobalt chromium alloy. Drug-eluting stents: It is a peripheral or coronary stent placed into narrowed, diseased peripheral or coronary arteries that slowly releases a drug to block cell proliferation. It is often preferred over bare-metal stents because the latter carry a higher risk of restenosis, the growth of tissue into the stent resulting in vessel narrowing. Background In July 2016, stents were included in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and were added to the Schedule I of the Drug Prices Control Order, 2013, in December 2016, bringing the devices under price control. In February 2017, the NPPA had brought stents under price control and capped ceiling price of coronary stents. About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) NPPA is nodal government regulatory agency that controls the prices of pharmaceutical drugs in India. It functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Chemical and Fertiliser. It advices Union Government in matters relate to drug policies and pricing and revisions/changes in the drug policy. It also monitors availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and to take remedial steps. NPPA decides the ceiling prices of essential medicines under The Drug (Prices Control) Order 2013.

5. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved amendments in the Mega Power Policy, 2009 to push 31 GW stranded projects entailing an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The initiative mainly aims at bringing down power tariff for making electricity more affordable and achieving the ambitious goal of 24X7 power for all. Key Facts The amendment extends the time period for the provisional Mega projects (25 projects), for furnishing the final Mega certificates to the Tax authorities to 120 months instead of 60 months from the date of import. However, developers will be required to keep their Bank Guarantee (in lieu of duty exemption claimed) or Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) alive. CCEA also approved 25 projects for Mega Policy benefits in proportion to long term PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), as permitted under the policy, once specified threshold capacity of project is commissioned. However, the money realized by the developer, as a result of release of proportionate Bank Guarantee will first be utilized for repayment of the Bank dues by the developer. Further a suitable mechanism will be worked in consultation with Department of Revenue (Finance Ministry) for operationalisation of release of proportionate Bank Guarantee. Comment This decision is expected to enable developers to competitively bid for PPAs in future. Once the developer commissions the specified threshold capacity, proportional mega benefits will facilitate easing out liquidity crunch with the banks/developers and improve the viability of their projects. Increased power availability will further boost country’s overall growth and also ensure that cost of power to the consumers does not increase.

6. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved removal of all quantitative ceilings on individual organic products and allowed unrestricted exports of all organic and organic processed products. The removal of quantitative ceilings will be irrespective of any existing or future restriction/prohibition on the export of their basic product (non-organic). However, in respect of organic pulses and lentils, the quantitative ceiling on exports will continue but enhanced from the existing 10,000 MT per annum (MTPA) to 50,000 MTPA. in view of their acute shortage in the country. Benefits Removal of quantitative celling on wheat, non-basmati rice, organic sugar and increasing limit on export of organic pulses is expected to contribute to Government’s objective of doubling the farmers’ income by 2022. It will lead to reduction in input costs in farming and aid farmer in gaining premium price for organic agriculture products. It will also result in increased adoption of organic agriculture by farmers and complement various Government programs like National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NSAM), Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (OVCDNER) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) taken up to encourage organic agriculture. Note: All organic products exports in the country are certified by Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).

7. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for amendment in Para 5 of New Urea Policy (NUP), 2015. The amendment is related to the production beyond Re-Assessed Capacity (RAC) and inclusion of Para 8 in NUP 2015 to protect the production beyond RAC by urea units and boost indigenous urea production in the country. Key Facts It also raises ceiling imposed on production beyond RAC during the year 2016-17 to enable all urea unit to produce additional production which otherwise were not able due to low Import Parity Price (IPP). Further, Department of Fertilizers has been authorized to take appropriate decision in consultation with Department of Expenditure to address any future fluctuation in IPP that would have adverse impact on the production beyond RAC by urea units. New Urea Policy 2015 It was notified in May 2015 with the objective of maximising indigenous urea production, promoting energy efficiency in the urea units and rationalizing the subsidy burden on the Government. Under it, it is mandatory for all the indigenous urea producers to neem coat 100% of their urea production with the objective of increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency, promote balanced use of fertilizers and prevent diversion of urea for purpose other than agriculture.

8. The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has announced regional aviation routes and airlines after the first round of bidding under UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Scheme. In the first round, as many as 128 routes connecting 70 big and small airports across the country were selected and all flights will become active within 4-6 months. Key facts The airlines selected under this round are SpiceJet, Air India subsidiary Alliance Air and regional airlines Turbo Megha Airways, Air Deccan and Air Odisha Aviation Some of the inactive airports selected are Shimla, Bikaner, Agra, Gwalior, Rourkela, Kadapa, Jharsuguda, Vidyanagar, Burnpur, Kullu, Diu, Mysore, Shillong, Jagdalpur, Salem, Utkela, and Hosur. The regional airlines will connect these destinations with their nearest bigger airports such as Delhi, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Jaipur, among others.

About UDAN Scheme UDAN is an innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market. It is a market-based mechanism in which airlines bid for seat subsidies. Under this scheme, half of the seats on the plane will be capped at Rs. 2,500 per hour’s flight. Government will subsidise the losses incurred by airlines flying to dormant airports by charging Rs. 2,500 per hour’s flight. 80% of the subsidy will be collected by charging a levy of up to Rs. 8,500 on each departing flight of domestic airlines and the rest 20% will come from the respective State governments. Government will provide subsidy to airlines for first three years of operations when they will have exclusive flying rights on the selected routes. Once the market in these routes gets jump started, it will operate on a commercial basis as per market forces of supply and demand. Comment UDAN is first-of-its-kind scheme globally that aims to create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes. It will also strive to make flying affordable to the common man even in small towns. The scheme will help to stimulate growth (in terms of employment and investment) in the regional aviation market and connect underserved and unserved airports in the hinterland areas that were not having flight services.

9. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched two mobile applications —e-challan and m-parivahan to provide a comprehensive digital solution for enforcement of traffic rules. These applications will provide access to various services and information, and enable citizens to report any traffic violation or road accident. m-parivahan It is a citizen-centric app that will facilitate access to various transport-related services. It will bring convenience to citizen and transparency in the system It is an empowering app for the citizen which provides access to various services, information and utilities related to the transport sector. It will provide a virtual driving licence and registration certificates through back-end connection to the transport national register. It will give full details of the car and the owner, including his driving licence and registration certificate if a vehicle number is entered into the app. This will help check the genuineness of a vehicle’s ownership and driver. It will also help in passenger safety when hiring a driver or when buying a second-hand vehicle. e-challan eChallan is an integrated enforcement solution to manage traffic violations through mobile app and back-end web application, for use by the Traffic Police and Transport Enforcement Wing. It will help in improving transparency by connecting all stakeholders through a common system and ensuring data integrity. It will also help in easing operations and efficient monitoring through digitization of records and will enhance the visibility of offenders, leading to better traffic management. Both apps also have additional common functionalities like road accident and traffic violation reporting by citizen, concept of virtual and enforceable DL/RC etc. They will also facilitate “good Samaritans” through technology.

10. Central America’s smallest nation El Salvador became first country in the world to ban metal mining nationwide. In this regard, it has passed a law that bans all mining for gold and other metals. The law imposes broad prohibition on the extraction of minerals to protect the nation’s allegedly quite fragile environment, water reservoirs and reduce social tensions. Key Facts The new law bans all exploration, extraction and processing of metals both in open pits and mines It bans the use of cyanide and mercury for mining. It does not apply to quarrying or the mining of coal, salt and other non-metallic resources. Background According to UN, El Salvador is one of the most densely populated countries and second-most environmentally degraded in America after Haiti, making it sensitive to potential impact of large mining projects. The new mining ban law comes after a long-dragged dispute over a proposed gold mine by Pac Rim Cayman, a unit of Canadian-Australian company OceanaGold Corp over the environmental issue. In October 2016, El Salvador Government had won an international arbitration case filed by Pac Rim over a rejected licence to build gold mine in the country’s north. The international arbitration panel had rejected the company’s claim for compensation.

11. The Union Government has launched the Online Vigilance Clearance System and e-Service Book in New Delhi. It was launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh in New Delhi. The online system aims to fast track process of cases of vigilance clearance for senior-level appointments in central government. Key Facts Initially, the system will be made available for board-level appointments done by Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Later it will be extended for senior appointments in banks and in government departments. It will reduce time taken for vigilance clearance from three months to a day or two. All Central Government Ministries have been asked to regularly update database of officers on the system which will act as computerized database and provide the details of officers clearly. e-Service Book It will electronically maintain service records, including leave, history of work done by employees at various departments, house building allowance and other relevant details. It will help in maintaining the employee’s service related records online that will result in quick processing of cases of salary (in cases of inter-departmental or inter-state transfers) or pension (in case of retirement). It has been started on pilot-project mode for the employees of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and soon it will be extended to other departments as well.

12. India has signed its first loan agreement with the New Development Bank (NDB)/BRICS Bank for $350 million to be used in the development and upgradation of district roads in Madhya Pradesh. The objective of the project is the upgrade major district roads in Madhya Pradesh to improve road connectivity of the interior areas of the state with the national and state highway networks. The project will include upgradation, reconstruction and rehabilitation of approximately 1,500 km of district roads to intermediate lane, all-weather standards. It will also have road safety features and improved road maintenance and management. About New Development Bank The NDB is a multilateral bank created by BRICS nations viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The goal of the bank is to fund infrastructure projects in emerging economies for sustainable development. It had started its operations in July 2015 with initial authorized capital of $100 billion. It is headquartered in Shanghai, China. In the NDB, each participant country has been assigned one vote, and none of the countries have veto power. Renowned Indian banker Kundapur Vaman Kamath is the President (first) of NDB.

13. The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) and Indian Army have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to identify the critical technological areas that can be enhanced in the armed forces. The MoU was signed by IITM Director Bhaskar Ramamurthi and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (P&S) Lt. Gen. Subrata Saha in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Key Facts The MoU will facilitate IITM to achieve a better understanding of the critical technology requirements of the Indian Army through seamless interaction between the Army officers and IITM faculty. Under it, Indian Army will sponsor four officers for doctoral programmes besides a five-day Technology Development Programme for 15 officers on a biannual basis. The IITM faculty will work closely with the Indian Army to identify areas where the institute can contribute positively to enhancing the capabilities.

14. The Union Finance Ministry has lowered interest rates on all nine small saving schemes by 0.1% for the April-June quarter as compared to January-March quarter. These schemes includes Public provident fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), Kisan Vikas Patra, Sukanya Samriddhi Account, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme. It does not include Post Office Savings Account. Key Facts Investments in the PPF scheme will fetch lower annual rate of 7.9% from previous rate of 8%. 5-year National Savings Certificate will also fetch lower annual rate of 7.9% from previous rate of 8. Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) investments will yield 7.6% Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme, will offer 8.4% annually, from 8.5% at present. Senior Citizens Savings Scheme will offer 8.4% for the 5-year. The interest rate is paid quarterly. Term deposits of 1-5 years will fetch a lower 6.9-7.7 % that will be paid quarterly. The 5-year recurring deposit has been pegged lower at 7.2%. However, interest on savings deposits has been retained at 4% annually. The Ministry also has notified that rates of small saving schemes will be linked to government bond yields. The move is expected to prompt banks to lower their deposit rate in line with the small savings rate as offered by government. Since April 2016, interest rates of all small saving schemes are recalibrated on a quarterly on the basis market-linked interest rates system What are small saving schemes? Small Savings Schemes are more of social welfare schemes .They are government run schemes that provide higher interest rate. These schemes are meant for small investors backed by a sovereign guarantee and tax benefits.

15. Gujarat Assembly has passed the Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to amend Gujarat Animal Preservation Act, 1954. The amendment bill makes the existing law stricter and provides for harsher punishment and higher penalties to prevent cow slaughter in the state. Key Facts This bill has more stringent provision against the cow slaughtering and cow transportation for slaughtering. It allows cow transportation only with permit issued by Government authority. Only 7 officials are notified for issuance of permit contrary to 25 earlier. It does not allow transportation of cows during night hours. It also makes slaughtering of cow cognizable and non-bailable offence. It also raises the minimum jail term for illegal ferrying of cows for slaughter from 7 to 10 years against the current provision of 3 to 7 years. It also increases the monetary penalty from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Vehicle used for illegal cow transportation will be seized permanently by the Government. Earlier the government used to confiscate such vehicles only for six months. Background Gujarat Government had enacted the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act-1954 as per Article 48 of Constitution for the preservation of milch animals, and for cattle that are suitable for breeding or agricultural purposes. It was amended in 2011 for better implementation of the Act.

16. The third edition of G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) meeting was held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The two-day meeting took place under the G20 German presidency, and was co-hosted by the Union Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It was inaugurated by Shaktikanta Das, Economic Affairs Secretary and Dinesh Sharma, special secretary in the Finance ministry was head the programme. Key Facts The two day meeting held discussions on the current global economic conjecture as well as deliberations on the policy options that countries can pursue to counter the challenges. It also deliberated on the inclusive growth agenda of G20 and formulated a framework that will enable countries to help frame country specific inclusive growth policies. The high-profile meeting was attended by around 100 financial and economic policy mandarins from around 19 countries of G20. Officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, OECD, ILO, UNCTAD, European Central Bank, European Commission, Financial Stability Board and Asian Development Bank also participated in it. Background The first two FWG meetings under the German presidency of G20 were held at Berlin in December 2016 and at Riyadh in February 2017. The fourth and the last G20 FWG meeting under the G-20 German presidency is likely to be held in Argentina before the G20 leaders’ summit in July 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. Note: This was the fourth occasion that India, hosted the FWG meeting since its inception in 2009.Previously, India had hosted the G20 FWG meeting in Neemrana (2012 under Mexican presidency), Goa (2014 under Australian presidency) and in Kerala (2015 under Turkish presidency). About G20 The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for its members’ international economic cooperation and decision-making. It is deliberating on global economic issues and other important development challenges. It comprises total 19 countries plus the European Union (EU), representing 85% of global GDP, 80% of international trade, 65% of world’s population. It was started in 1999 as a meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in the aftermath of the Southeast Asian (Tiger economies) financial crisis. In 2008, the first G20 Leaders’ Summit was held in Washington DC, US. The group had played a key role in responding to the global financial crisis. Its members include India, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, UK, US and EU.

17. Kanha in Madhya Pradesh became first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot named Bhoorsingh the Barasingha, to create a better connect with its visitors, especially the younger generation. The mascot Bhoorsingh will soon feature in more artwork, posters and merchandise for the park management at Kanha. Key Facts The mascot aims to present the hard ground swamp deer (Barasingha) as the spirit of the reserve and spread awareness to save it from possible extinction. It will also create a unique identity for Kanha, and also spread awareness and allow the younger generation to connect with all wildlife. The mascot has been designed by cartoonist Rohan Chakravarty, who runs a popular website greenhumour.com which showcases over 350 cartoons, comics and illustrations on wildlife and nature conservation, environment, sustainability etc. About Barasingha Barasingha, or swamp deer is a deer species distributed in the Indian subcontinent. It is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. The Kanha tiger reserve, spread over Mandla and Balaghat districts (in Madhya Pradesh) is the only place in the world where the Barasingha species exists. Barasingha differs from all the Indian deer species such that its antlers carry more than three tines. Because of this distinctive character it is designated barasingha, meaning “twelve-tined. It has been listed vulnerable in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. About Kanha Tiger Reserve It is one of the tiger reserves of India and the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh. Its present-day Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Hallon and Banjar. Kanha National Park was created in June 1955 and was made the Kanha Tiger Reserve in 1973. Today it stretches over an area of 940 square km in the two districts Mandla and Balaghat. It the largest National Park in Central India and was ranked in the top 10 Famous Places for Tourists. It had inspired Rudyard Kipling for his famous novel Jungle Book. The park has a significant population of Bengal tiger, Indian leopards, sloth bear, barasingha and Indian wild dog.

18. The Indian Navy has unveiled the Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System (IAAMS) at Rajali Air Station in Tamil Nadu. The aim of IAAMS is to modernise the meteorological infrastructure of the nine Naval Air Stations (NAS). It is expected to bring accuracy in weather monitoring mechanism in the Indian Navy. Key Facts IAAMS is equipped with the state-of-the-art meteorological sensors viz., Radar Vertical Wind Profiler, Ceilometer, Transmissometer and Automatic Weather Observation System. It undertakes automatic and continuous recording of relevant weather parameters that are vital for accurate weather forecasting. It has a special alarm feature that alerts the duty staff during abnormal change of weather parameters that may affect safe flying operations. It can also provide automatic dissemination of routine weather reports as per standards of World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to other air stations and Air Traffic Controller towers without human intervention. Background The IAAMS is an ambitious project of the Indian Navy to modernise the meteorological infrastructure of the nine Naval Air Stations (NAS). Installation of the system at remaining eight stations is expected to be completed by March 2019. After completion, the project will give a major fillip to aviation safety, through automation of weather monitoring process.

19. The Supreme Court has banned the sale and registration of Bharat Stage (BS)-III emission norm-compliant vehicles from April 1, 2017, when environmentally friendly BS-IV emission norms will come into force across the country. The order came after all vehicle manufacturers including their association -Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) approached SC to stop the ban till existing stock is sold. SC Order The SC bench held that health of the citizen is more important than the commercial interests of the automobile industry. All the vehicle registering authorities under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 are prohibited from registering such vehicles on and from April 1, 2017 that do not meet BS-IV emission standards. Vehicles that have already been sold on or before March 31, 2017 will be not included in this ban. From 1 April 2017, BS-IV fuel emission standards will kick in and all new vehicles have to comply it. What are manufacturers saying? Vehicle manufacturers have argued that they were entitled to make BS-III vehicles till March 31, 2017. So, the sale and registration of these vehicles should not be prohibited after April 1, 2017 with the introduction of BS-IV norms. They should further be given a reasonable time to dispose of their existing stock which is as about 820,000 vehicles (worth Rs 12,000-crore) most of them two-wheelers. Government also has favoured the prospect of selling the existent stock of BS-III vehicles, as it done twice before when fuel emission norms were upgraded to BS-II and BS-III, respectively. Issue Many vehicles including heavy commercial vehicles with BS-III built engines, employ a mechanical fuel pump and used fuel less efficiently. It negatively influences environment by subsequent emissions of nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. How BS-IV engines cut emissions? Passenger vehicles compliant with Bharat Stage-III emission norms vary widely from their Bharat Stage-IV compliant engines, depending on the size of the car and whether they are petrol or diesel versions. BS-IV compliant engines differ in the electronics, sensor system, and its ability to process low-sulphur fuel and their “after-exhaust” system that determines emissions. BS-IV engines also require that the sulphur content of the fuel they use be less than 50 part per million (ppm) whereas BS-III ones can run on 350 ppm fuel. The transition from BS-III to BS-IV will lead to substantial reductions in particulate matter emissions. For instance, from new trucks, the emissions dip by 80% and from cars by 50%. Similarly, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions can also drop between 41 and 80%, depending on the engine sizes. Note: India also has set a deadline of 2020 to switch to BS-VI norms, by skipping stage V. This huge leap towards cleaner and environment friendly fuel, will include technology upgrade, making vehicles costly.

20. Lok Sabha has passed four Bills relating to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). It paves way for implementing a new, consolidated indirect tax regime from the proposed date of July 1, 2017. The four bills passed were Central GST Bill, Integrated GST Bill, GST Compensation Bill, and the Union Territory GST Bill, 2017. These Bills were passed as Money Bills, thus eliminates the role of Rajya Sabha. Key Facts The tax rates under GST regime will be based on the recommendation GST Council. Council has two-thirds voting by States and one-third by Centre. The GST laws passed by Parliament will not apply to Jammu and Kashmir, as it will have to legislate its own law and integrate with the GST regime. There will be no single rate under GST as it will be not possible and it will be highly regressive. So The GST Council has recommended a four-tier tax structure 5, 12, 18 and 28%. On top of the highest slab (28%), a cess will be imposed on luxury and demerit goods to compensate the states for revenue loss for five years. Essential food articles will not taxed and those will continue to be zero rated under the GST. All other commodities will be fitted into the nearest tax bracket. The fifth GST legislation, the State GST Bill, needs to be separately passed by the respective legislative assemblies of each of the States and Union Territories with legislature. Background GST is touted as the biggest taxation reform since independence. It will subsume indirect taxes such as central excise, service tax, VAT and other local levies to create an uniform market. GST regime is expected to boost GDP growth by about 2% and check tax evasion. It will make commodities “slightly cheaper” and exports more competitive. It will also improve tax compliance and ensure that assessees get input credit of the taxes paid

21. According to Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under Union Power Ministry, India for the first time has become a net exporter of electricity during the April-February period in fiscal 2016-17. During this period, India exported around 5,798 million units of electricity to Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. It is 213 million units more than the import of around 5,585 million units from Bhutan. Key Facts In the last three years, India’s export to Nepal and Bangladesh has increased 2.5 and 2.8 times respectively. New transmission lines with Bangladesh and Myanmar has helped India sell more power. India’s power export to Nepal: India is exporting around 190 MW power to Nepal over 12 cross border interconnections at 11kV, 33kV and 132 kV level. It has further increased by around 145 MW after commissioning of Muzaffarpur (India)–Dhalkhebar (Nepal) 400kV line (being operated at 132 kV) in 2016. It is further expected to increase by around 145 MW shortly over 132 kV Katiya (Bihar)– Kusaha (Nepal) and 132 kV Raxaul (Bihar)– Parwanipur (Nepal). India’s power export to Bangladesh: At present, India has exported around 600 MW power to Bangladesh. The export got further boost after commissioning of the first cross border interconnection between Baharampur (India) and Bheramara (Bangladesh) at 400kV in September 2013. It was further augmented by commissioning of second cross border Interconnection between Surjyamaninagar (Tripura) in India and South Comilla (Bangladesh). India’s power import from Bhutan: On an average, Bhutan has been supplying around 5,000-5,500 million units to India. A few more cross border links are in the pipeline with neighbouring countries which would further increase India’s power export. Background Ever since the cross border trade of electricity started in mid-1980s, India has been importing power from Bhutan and marginally exporting to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. India is also investing heavily on generation infrastructure over the past few years. In the past two years, a massive surge in the local supply of raw materials like coal has also helped power companies to boost output. About Central Electricity Authority (CEA) The CEA is a statutory organisation constituted under section 3(1) of Electricity Supply Act 1948. Now, it has been superseded by section 70(1) of the Electricity Act 2003. It advises the government on matters relating to the National Electricity Policy (NEP) and formulates short-term and perspective plans for the development of electricity systems. It is the designated authority for cross border trade of electricity. It also prescribes the standards on matters such as construction of electrical plants, electric lines and connectivity to the grid, safety and grid standards and installation and operation of meters. It is also responsible for concurrence of hydro power development schemes of central, state and private sectors for efficient development of river and its tributaries for power generation.

22. The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered a complete ban on all mining activities in the state for four months. The court gave this order while hearing on Public Interest Litigation (PIL). It comes after a forest guard was allegedly killed by illegal miners near Corbett National Park when he had tried to stop them. Key Facts The HC bench ordered the state government to constitute a high-powered committee to look into various aspects of mining activities and find out whether mining activity should be permitted in the state at all. The committee will also prepare a 50-year blueprint taking into consideration environment limits vis-a-vis mining operations and submit an interim report within four month. It will also assess the damage caused to the rivers, springs, rivulets and environment and ecology of Uttrakahnd by mining and determine compensation payable to the persons affected by mining activities. It will identify places to be earmarked for safe mining so that there would be no loss of revenue to the government and requirements of people can also meet at the same time. Till the committee submits its report, there shall be a complete ban on mining activities, including in forest areas, rivers, rivulets and streams. The HC held that Shivalik region of the Himalayas is further getting fragile by mining activities. Mining activities needs to be regulated by the state to ensure that no illegal mining is carried out. It directed state government not to grant any fresh licence/mining lease/prospecting licence, in any form till the final report is furnished by the high powered committee to this court. Comment The HC order will stop mining in interstate rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna and also nearly 100 seasonal rivers and rivulets on foothills of the state, apart from forest areas.

23. United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres has appointed David Beasley as head of the Rome-based World Food Programme (WFP). Beasley will replace Etharin Cousin, who has been the WFP executive director since 2012. He is former governor of US state of South Carolina. About World Food Programme (WFP) The WEF is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security. It works to help people who cannot produce or obtain enough food for themselves and their families. It was established in 1961 after the 1960 Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Conference. Its headquarter is in Rome (Italy) and has more than 80 country offices around the world. It provides food assistance to an average of 80 million people in 75 countries each year. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) and part of its Executive Committee.

24. Odisha became the first state in the country to adopt Self Help Groups (SHG) based model for financial inclusion model to extend banking services in the unbanked areas through SGHs. In this regard, state government has inked agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI). The SHGs formed under the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) will be eligible to provide banking services. Key Facts The agreement assumes significant as 70% of the gram panchayats in the State do not have brick and mortar bank branches. As per the agreement, OLM will function as corporate agent and around 3 lakh SHGs operating under it will be the banking correspondents (BCs). In the first phase SHGs will be engaged as BCs in around 1000 remote GPs in scheduled areas having no banking facilities. Gradually in later phases, it will be extended to 4000 non-banked GPs. Subsequently entire State will be covered under the financial inclusion programme. About Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) an autonomous society of Department of Panchayati Raj of the state government. It commenced its operations in 2012. It is successor of Orissa Poverty Reduction Mission (OPRM) launched in 2006 to implement various poverty reduction programmes in the state. OLM presently is implementing both National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and National Rural Livelihoods Project. Odisha was the first state in the country to launch NRLM in its bid to bring down rural poverty by promoting diversified and gainful self-employment to the rural poor. OLM aims at: (i) Mobilizing all poor households into functionally effective SHGs and their federations (ii) Enhancing their access to bank credit and other financial, marketing and technical services (iii) Building their capacities and skills for sustainable and gainful livelihoods development; (iii) Converging various schemes for efficient delivery of economic and social support services to poor with optimal results.

25. US Senate has voted overwhelmingly to approve Montenegro as 29th member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) by 97-2 vote. So far, 25 other NATO members have ratified Montenegro’s accession, a country of 620,000 people seen as a geostrategic ally. The Spain and Netherlands have yet to do so. About North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) The NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty signed in April 1949. It consists of 28 independent member countries across North America and Europe. It is based on a system of collective defence whereby its member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. NATO’s headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium. Its headquarters of Allied Command Operations is near Mons. The combined military spending of all NATO members constitutes over 70% of the global defence spending.

26. Indian Navy has commissioned latest indigenously developed surveillance ship INLCU L51. It was commissioned at a ceremony held in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Command of Navy INLCU L51 is the first of the eight ships of the LCU Mk IV Class. It has been built and designed indigenously by Kolkata based M/s Garden Reach Ship Builders & Engineers Ltd.

27. Indian Air force has formally launched web based e-billing system Aviation Turbine Fuel Digital Issue and Payment (ATF DIP). It was unveiled by Chief of Air Staff (CoAS), Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa in New Delhi and it will be implemented from April 1, 2017. Key Facts The web based e-billing system was launched in line with the Union Government’s flagship Digital India programme. It has been developed for the speedy accounting and clearance of Aviation Fuel bills of Oil Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The aviation fuel management in the IAF involves over 2 lakh transactions per year. The new platform will streamline the ATF bill payment system.

28. The Parliament has passed the Mental Healthcare Bill, 2016 that decriminalises suicide attempt by mentally ill people and guarantees the right to better healthcare for people with mental illness. It was first passed in Rajya Sabha in August 2016 and later in Lok Sabha in March 2017. Now it will go to president for assent. Key Features of Bill Rights of persons with mental illness: It gives every person right to access mental healthcare from services operated or funded by the government. It also includes good quality, easy and affordable access to services. It also provides right to equality of treatment, protect such persons from inhuman treatment, access to free legal services, medical records and right to complain in case of deficiencies in provisions. Advance Directive: It empowers a mentally-ill person to have the right to make an advance directive that explains how they want to be treated for the requisite illness and nominate their representative. Mental Health Establishments: Every mental health establishment must register with the respective Central or State Mental Health Authority. For registration, the concerned establishment must fulfill different criteria as mentioned in the Bill. Procedure and process: It also outlines the procedure and process for admission, treatment and subsequent discharge of mentally ill persons. Community based treatment: It focuses on community based treatment and special provisions for women and health. Mental Health Review Commission and Board: It will be quasi-judicial body responsible for reviewing procedure for making advance directives. It will advise the government on the protection of rights of mentally ill persons’. It will constitute Mental Health Review Boards in states’ districts will help of state governments. Decriminalising suicide: It effectively decriminalises suicide attempt under the section 309 (attempt to commit suicide) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) by mentally ill persons by making it non-punishable Prohibits electro-convulsive therapy: It will be not used for minors. It will be allowed only with the use of anaesthesia. Background The Bill is the first mental health law framed as per the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to which India is signatory. It requires the countries to align their laws with the Convention. The Bill provides “rights-based” approach to mental illness by consolidating and safeguarding the rights of fundamental human rights of the patients. In India, around 6 to 7% of the population suffers from some kind of mental illnesses, while 1 to 2% suffers from acute mental disease.

29. The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has launched the e-Cinepramaan, an online film certification system of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This initiative was launched on the lines of Union Government’s vision of ease-of-doing business and digital India, to make the entire process transparent and efficient. Its objective is to eliminate the need for human interface to the extent possible and enable good governance by automating film certification process. Features of e-Cinepramaan The system will show status of each application online in the dashboard of the producer and concerned CBFC official. Producers of short films/promos/trailers less than 10 minutes can submit their creations online for examination purposes without need to not visit CBFC Office/Theatre. In case of films longer than 10 minutes, the producer/applicant will only have to show the film at the Examining theatre. He will not have to visit the CBFC Offices at all except to collect their certificates.

30. India and Nepal have signed an agreement to renew supply of petroleum to Nepal for a period of five years i.e. till 2022. The renewed agreement, which was overseen by the Petroleum Ministers of both countries, was signed even as both sides pledged to build a new pipeline for LPG. Key Facts The agreement was signed between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and Nepal Oil Company (NOC) and was overseen by Petroleum Ministers of both countries. The renewed agreement is an umbrella document between the two countries detailing the continued supply of petroleum, oil and lubricant products. It also puts in place an institutional mechanism for cooperation in the areas of additional services and technical assistance between the two countries. Under it IOC will supply about 1.3 million tonnes of fuel annually to Nepal with a promise to double the volume by 2020. Background Indian Oil has been supplying petroleum and petroleum products to Nepal since 1974. The renewing of the agreement is considered India’s continued support to Nepal in meeting its complete hydrocarbon requirement. It has pledged to continue supplies, though petroleum supply to Nepal was severely hit during 2015-16 due to the blockade on the border. Thus, the new agreement also maintains the fuel supply exclusivity to India. Motihari-Amlekhgunj Pipeline Both countries are also working to further deepen engagement in the oil and gas sector, including construction of petroleum product Motihari-Amlekhgunj Pipeline. Once the pipeline completed, it will further ensure continuous and uninterrupted supply of products to Nepal. India also agreed to extend the proposed Raxaul-Amlekhganj product pipeline to Chitwan and to start work on the pipeline in 2017-18.

31. The Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries (FPI) has sanctioned 101 new integrated cold chain projects across the country. These projects will leverage a total investment of Rs. 3,100 crore for creation of modern infrastructure for the food processing sector. Key Facts Of the 101 new projects –53 projects are for fruits and vegetables, dairy (33) and remaining are fish, meat, marine, poultry, ready-to-eat/ready-to-cook sectors. Maharashtra as cornered the maximum number (21) of the projects followed by Uttar Pradesh (14), Gujarat (12), Andhra Pradesh (8) and Punjab and Madhya Pradesh (6 each). These projects will benefit around 4.7 million tonnes of agri and horticulture produce with a value of up to Rs. 12,000 crore and help to reduce wastage by 13%. They will create additional capacity of 2.76 lakh MT of cold storage/controlled atmosphere storage. It will also benefit 2.6 lakh farmers and provide employment to 60,000 people. The projects are aimed at doubling farmers’ income, reducing wastage in the agri-supply chain and creating huge employment opportunities. Need for Cold chain grid India is one of the largest food producers in the world and the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables yet only 2.2% of our fruits and vegetables are processed. According to CIPHET (Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology) study, total wastage of fruits and vegetables in India was pegged at Rs. 92,000 crore on the basis of the wholesale prices of 2014. Existing cold storages are concentrated in a few States and roughly 80% to 90% are used for potatoes The National Cold Chain Grid in the country will connect food producing hubs to cold storage and processing industries. It will further aid to double farmers’ income and create huge job opportunities.

32. The Indian Navy has de-inducted TU142M Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft after 29 years of dedicated service to the nation and 30,000 hours of accident-free flying. The aircraft was formally de-inducted at a ceremony held at INS Rajali naval air station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu. Now its role will be taken on by the newly inducted Boeing P-8I aircraft.

33. The Union Defence Ministry has approved most of the proposals of a committee of experts, headed by Lt. Gen. D.B. Shekatkar (Retd) to bring host of reforms in the military and improve financial management. Around 90 recommendations have been of the committee were approved. Most of these recommendations are measures to increase coordination among the three Services and cut down flab in Army to make it lean and agile.

34. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has joined the 36th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (36-ISEA) organised by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR). It has send four teams-one team each from Space Applications Centre (SAC), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) and and Space Physics Laboratory(SPL). Key Facts The main objective of this expedition is to install stakes on ice for Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) measurements around two Indian bases Bharati and Maitri in Antartica. It will validate glacier surface velocity derived from satellite data to estimate thickness of snow over land and sea ice using Ground Penetrating Radars (GPR’s). It will also verify conditions of snow over sea and land ice. ISRO teams will also study of snow melt and freeze dynamics in Antarctica using space-based and ground-based observations. It will also study measurements of Atmospheric Black Carbon (BC), greenhouse gases and solar radiation fluxes at Antarctica on a long-term basis. About Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) ISEA is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional program conducted every year by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. It was started in 1981. It has gained global acceptance after India signed Antarctic Treaty. Subsequently, India had constructed Dakshin Gangotri Antarctic research base in 1983. It was superseded by the Maitri base from 1990, India’s newest base in Antarctica, Bharati, was commissioned in 2015. It is constructed out of 134 shipping containers.

35. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over three naval systems to the Indian Navy. These latest systems will significantly enhance the navy’s navigation and communication network. The systems were handed over to Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba by Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi. The naval systems given to Indian Navy are USHUS-II submarine sonar Directing gear for hull-mounted sonar array, Inertial navigation system for ship applications. Defence Minister also released two other products developed by DRDO, namely IP-based secure phone: It incorporates an indigenous encryption algorithm on a “trustworthy hardware platform”. It will provide high level of secrecy to voice and data, for communication of strategic and tactical plans of the Armed Forces. Gallium Nitride Technology: It will substantially help in the development of next generation radars, seekers and communication systems, for application in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

36. India and World Bank have singed Signs Financing Agreement for IDA credit of $100 million for the “Uttarakhand Health Systems Development Project. The project aims to improve access to quality health services, particularly in the hilly districts of the state and to expand health financial risk protection for residents of the State. Key Facts The project has two main components, (i) Innovations of engaging the private sector and (ii) Stewardship and system improvement. Out of the total project size of $125 million, $25 million will be contribution of the State Government. The project will benefit the residents of hilly districts of state in particular The project’s planned design consists of multiple self-contained clusters of clinical services managed by operators on a PPP basis. It also provides services for free or at nominal charges, backed up by a robust oversight and monitoring mechanism fully integrated with the expanded health insurance program in the State. It is concurrent with strengthening the state’s capacity to implement the project. It will be functional till September, 2023.

37. The Union Finance Minister has approved re-organisation of field formations of the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) for the implementation of Goods & Services Tax (GST). Under it, CBEC will be renamed as the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) after getting required legislative approval. Key Facts The existing formations of Central Excise & Service Tax under the CBEC will be re-organised to implement and enforce the provisions of the proposed GST Laws. The proposed CBIC will supervise the work of all its field formations and Directorates and assist the Government in policy making in relation to GST, continuing Central Excise levy & Customs functions.

38. The eleventh edition of the Earth Hour was observed across the world on 25 March 2017 to take a global call on climate change. To mark this day, cities worldwide turned their lights off from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. This year millions of people from some 170 countries and territories had taken part in the annual event in a bid to highlight global warming caused by the burning of coal, oil and natural gas to drive cars and power plants. Environmental activists this year also have focused to raise awareness on another problem that gets far less attention: Light Pollution. About Earth Hour Earth Hour is an annual international event organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The first Earth Hour was held on March 31, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. It is held annually in end of March month to encourage everyone to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event encourages households and businesses to turn off their lights and electrical appliances for one hour at the appointed time to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change. Its goal is to raise awareness for sustainable energy use and create a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Since its inception, it has become annual global environmental event (movement). Now it has grown to engage more than 7,000 cities and towns across 172 countries worldwide. What is Light Pollution? Light pollution is artificial brightening of the night sky caused by man-made lightening sources, which has a disruptive effect on natural cycles and inhibits the observation of stars and planets. It is also known as photo pollution or luminous pollution and basically is the misdirected or obtrusive of natural light by excessive artificial light. More than 80% of humanity lives under skies saturated with artificial light. Components of light pollution Glare: excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort. Skyglow: brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas. Clutter: bright, excessive and confusing groupings of light sources. Light trespass: light falling where it is not intended or needed. Effects of Light Pollution Disturbs the reproductive cycles of some animals. Disturbs migration of birds that navigate using the stars and to disorient night-flying insects. In humans, it disturbs circadian rhythms that regulate hormones and other bodily functions. Excessive blue light emitted form LEDs directly affects sleep pattern in Human by suppressing the production of the hormone melatonin, which mediates the sleep-wake cycle in humans. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): It is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) working in the field of the biodiversity conservation, and the reduction of humanity’s footprint on the environment.

Our own publications are available at our webstore (click here).

For Guidance of WBCS (Exe.) Etc. Preliminary , Main Exam and Interview, Study Mat, Mock Test, Guided by WBCS Gr A Officers , Online and Classroom, Call 9674493673, or mail us at – mailus@wbcsmadeeasy.in
Please subscribe here to get all future updates on this post/page/category/website