Monthly Pib January 2020

Easy to PICK1 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” JANUARY 2020 PT-MAINS Copyright ©Aspire IAS All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Aspire lAS.

Easy to PICK2 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Date Topic Page No. 1st Jan 2020 Krishi Karman Awards India–Africa Trade Relations 04 2nd Jan 2020 Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) 05 107th Indian Science Congress (ISC) 07 3rd Jan 2020 09 Savitribai Phule 11 4th Jan 2020 6th Jan 2020 KVIC opened first silk processing plant in Gujarat to boost production of 12 signature Patola Saree 7th Jan 2020 13 Children’s Science Congress (CSC) 14 8th Jan 2020 Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) 15 17 9th Jan 2020 Election Commission IBBI amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation 19 10th Jan 21 2020 Process) Regulations, 2016 23 Special Drive to Remove Speed Breakers from National Highways 25 11th Jan 27 2020 India-Mongolia Cooperation on Outer Space 28 India-Sweden Cooperation in Polar Science 30 13th Jan Fast Track Special Courts for Speedy disposal 32 2020 Exercise MILAN 2020 34 14th Jan Baba Kalyani committee recommendations 2020 35 Wings India 2020 36 15th Jan Purvodaya 38 2020 39 Light Combat Aircraft (Naval version) 41 16th Jan 42 2020 Bamboo- A wonder grass 43 NIC e-Office 44 17th Jan 46 2020 Implementation of adoption programme 47 National Anti-Doping Agency 49 Saksham Campaign 50 FASTag Rules relaxed 51 India- Finland Defence Cooperation Indian Digital Heritage (IDH) initiative India-Norway Dialogue on Trade & Investment K9 VAJRA-T Gun GSAT-30 Satellite Khadi Rumals by militancy affected women GeM Samvaad

Easy to PICK3 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 18th Jan World Economic Forum meeting 2020 52 2020 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) 54 Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure 55 20th Jan 56 2020 APEDA 57 PRAGATI portal 59 21st Jan 60 2020 Startup India 62 Commission on OBC sub-categorization 64 22nd Jan 3rd Apex Conference of the Smart Cities 65 2020 Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Birth Anniversary 69 Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA) 70 23rd Jan International Summit on Women in STEM 71 2020 74 DefExpo 2020 76 24th Jan Committee on Child pornography 77 2020 79 10th National Voters’ Day 81 25th Jan Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) 82 2020 84 Bodo Accord 86 27th Jan 3rd Global Potato Conclave 88 2020 Measures to protect Commercial decision making by Banks 89 Waste to Energy Plant in Bhubaneshwar 91 28th Jan Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 93 2020 National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 95 29th Jan 2020 Operation Vanilla RFID project 30th Jan 2020 NCRB launches two online national level services 31st Jan Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2019-20 2020

Easy to PICK4 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Krishi Karman Awards Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for fishing Vessels and Fishing Vessel vulnerable sections of the population by Transponders to select farmers of the Centre and States and the performance Tamil Nadu. of these schemes; mechanisms, laws,  He will also distribute Kisan Credit institutions and bodies constituted for the Cards (KCC) to select farmers of protection and betterment of these Karnataka. vulnerable sections About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Prelims and Mains focus: about the key Nidhi (PM KISAN) takeaways from the event; PM KISAN: its Under this programme, vulnerable objectives and significance landholding farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares, will be Context: PM Modi will distribute Krishi provided direct income support at the rate Karman Awards and Commendation of Rs. 6,000 per year. Awards to states at a public meeting in This income support will be transferred Tumkur Karnataka on Thursday, 2.1.2020. directly into the bank accounts of He will also give away Agriculture beneficiary farmers, in three equal Minister’s Krishi Karman Awards for installments of Rs. 2,000 each. Progressive Farmers. The complete expenditure of Rs 75000 crore for the scheme will borne by the Details of the event Union Government in 2019-20.  The event will also witness the release Significance of the scheme: of the 3rd installment of PM Kisan Around 12 crore small and marginal (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman farmer families are expected to benefit Nidhi) of Rs 2000 for the period from this. It would not only provide December 2019-March 2020. This will assured supplemental income to the most benefit approximately 6 crore vulnerable farmer families, but would also beneficiaries. meet their emergent needs especially  Prime Minister will also hand over before the harvest season. It would pave Certificates to beneficiaries under PM the way for the farmers to earn and live a Kisan from 8 States/UTs. respectable living.  At the same event, Prime Minister will also handover the Keys of Deep Sea

Easy to PICK5 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India–Africa Trade Relations Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and During the meeting, wide ranging global groupings and agreements discussions were held cutting across involving India and/or affecting India's sectors like MSME, Agriculture, interests Information Communication Technology Prelims and Mains focus: about the trade (ICT), Tourism, Administration of relations with different African countries Standards, Development of Human and their significance Resources in Higher Education, Science & Context: In order to promote India- Technology, Investment Promotion and Africa trade and economic relations, Protection, Air Services, Energy, Plastics, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Textile, Pharmaceuticals, Oil & Gas, regularly reviews India’s trade with Africa Health, Immigration, Automobile and through institutional mechanisms like other engineering products. Collaboration Joint Commission Meetings (JCMs), in the field of issue of recognition of Joint Trade Committees (JTCs), and Indian Pharmacopoeia in Kenya was also Joint Working Groups(JWGs). discussed. Background India-Nigeria trade relations On the Occasion of World Cotton Day The First India-Nigeria JTC was held on organized by WTO in Geneva on 7th 19th – 20th December, 2019 in New Delhi, October, 2019, Ministry of Commerce & under the Co-chair of Commerce Industry, Government of India announced Secretary, Government of India and his the launch of Phase-II of C-TAP in 11 Nigerian counterpart. During the meeting African countries. The programme is discussions were held in various sectors aimed at enhancing productivity in cotton including oil and natural gas, market sector, improving the post-harvest and access in bovine meat, rice, recognition of plant by-products industry in the pharmacopoeia, cooperation of SME participating countries, as well as building sector, higher education and power. the capacity of the cotton-based textile sector. Department is currently working on India-South Africa trade relations implementation plan in consultation with The first meeting of the India-South stakeholders such as foreign counterparts Africa JWG on Trade and Investment through Indian Missions, Ministry of was held in January, 2019, to deliberate External Affairs, institutes engaged in upon the bottlenecks including non-tariff cotton research and capacity building barriers, and suggest the way forward to activities inIndia. further deepen India’s trade with the region. India-Kenya trade relations The 9th Session of the India-Kenya Joint India-Mauritius trade relations Trade Committee was held in New Delhi The proposed India-Mauritius on 19-20 August, 2019 under the co- Comprehensive Economic Cooperation chairmanship of Minister of Commerce and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) and Industry, Piyush Goyal and his seeks to mutually benefit both the Kenyan counterpart Mr. Peter Munya, countries, in the area of trade in goods, Cabinet Secretary (Minister) for Ministry and trade in services. of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Seven rounds of India-Mauritius CECPA Government of the Republic of Kenya. negotiations have been held till now. The

Easy to PICK6 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 7th round was held during 19-23 State (Commerce & Industry) with Trade November, 2018 in Mauritius. During Ministers of African countries, issues these rounds, negotiations were held related to trade, investments, and cutting across trade in Goods, trade in cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceutical Services, Rules of Origin, Technical sector were discussed.The conclave also Barriers to Trade and Sanitary and Phyto- focused on new ideas and strategies, for sanitary(SPS) measure, Trade Remedies enhancing the engagement between Indian and Dispute Settlement. and the Southern African Development India- Mauritius CECPA negotiations for Community (SADC- a 16-member trade in goods and trade in services, have organization) in various sectors. Various been completed. The Agreement is near opportunities in project exports were finalization. discussed by Indian and African business delegates in B2B meetings. Efforts of India to enhance its trade relations with Africa Ministry of Commerce & Industry jointly In order to leverage the huge presence of with Confederation of Indian Industry Indian business community in Africa for (CII) organized the India-Africa Higher promoting India’s exports to the region, Education and Skill Development Summit three rounds of interactions of Minister of on 26 – 27 August 2019 at New Delhi. Commerce & Industry were organized through Indian Missions with Indian business community in Madagascar, Tanzania, Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Ghana, Botswana, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and Egypt over Digital Video Conference (DVC) in May, 2019. For promoting India-Africa trade and economic relations, a regional conclave was organised by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India jointly with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in March, 2019 at New Delhi. On the sidelines of the Conclave/Regional Conclave, bilateral meetings with participating countries were also held at the Ministerial level to boost up Indian participation in project exports opportunities in African countries. The conclave was attended by Head of the States from three African countries. More than two dozen Ministers along with around 500 business delegates from Africa participated in the Conclave. On the sidelines of the conclave, bilateral meetings were held between Minister of

Easy to PICK7 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) Syllabus subtopic: Effects of which lays down a roadmap for 102 liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on lakh crore rupees worth of industrial growth. investments. Energy sector will Prelims and Mains focus: about OALP, HELP: objectives and significance comprise about 24% of the projected Context: Ministry of Petroleum and capital expenditure in Natural Gas today signed contracts for 7 blocks, awarded under Open Acreage infrastructure. Licensing Programme (OALP) Bid Round - IV. About HELP  Hydrocarbon Exploration and Background The Government had launched OALP Bid Licensing Policy (HELP) was Round – IV on 27th August 2019. The Bid introduced in the year 2016, primarily Round-IV offered 7 blocks under characterized by Revenue Sharing International Competitive Bidding (ICB) Mechanism replacing the earlier process. The bidding round closed on 31st New Exploration and Licensing October, 2019. Policy (NELP) which had Production Subsequent to evaluation, all 7 blocks Sharing Mechanism. were approved for award to ONGC, for which the Revenue Sharing Contracts  The Hydrocarbon Exploration & have been signed today, in the presence of the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Licensing Policy (HELP), which has & Steel. The total area awarded today in the 7 Onland blocks is 18,510 sq.km.. The adopted the Revenue Sharing contract blocks are spread across 3 sedimentary basins. model, is a giant step towards improving the ‘Ease of Doing Reforms in hydrocarbon sector Business’ in the Indian Exploration  The govt. has shifted its focus from and Production (E&P) sector. revenue to production maximisation and have adopted the path of  It comes with attractive and liberal continuous reform. Technology terms like reduced royalty rates, no oil infusion in E& P activities has seen cess, marketing and pricing freedom, tremendous progress in recent times. round the year bidding, freedom to  Oil and gas companies are adopting investors for carving out blocks of digitisation, new technologies for their interest, a single license to cover augmenting production and growth. both conventional and unconventional  Energy sector will witness huge hydrocarbon resources, exploration investments in coming years. permission during the entire contract Government has recently released the period, and an easy, transparent and report of the task force on National swift bidding and awarding process. Infrastructure Pipeline for 2019-25  This was the maiden bidding round under the further liberalized policy terms, which focused on production maximization with higher weightage to work programme as part of evaluation criteria in Category I basin and no revenue share commitment as part of bidding parameters for category II and III basins.

Easy to PICK8 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Significance  With the successful roll out of the HELP/OALP regime, based on the world-class National Data Repository (NDR), the Government has achieved massive enhancement of exploration acreage in India. The exploration acreage which stood at approximately 80,000 sq. km. in 2019 from earlier regimes has now been enhanced to approx. 2,15,000 sq. km. after 4 rounds of OALP.

Easy to PICK9 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 107th Indian Science Congress (ISC) Syllabus subtopic: Science and About the plenary sessions of the Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Congress Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology  There are 28 Plenary Sessions on and developing new technology. areas ranging from Climate Smart Prelims and Mains focus: About the ISC: objectives and significance; various other Agriculture for Food Security, Crop events held as part of ISC Improvement Towards Food & Context: India’s largest annual gathering of scientific luminaries from Nutrition Security, Materials Science countries across the world, the '107th Indian Science Congress', will be held And Technology For Rural from January 3 to 7, 2020 at University of Agricultural Sciences (UASB), GKVK Development, Challenges and Campus, Bangalore, Karnataka focusing on ‘Science & Technology: Rural Opportunities In Cancer Drug Development’. Discovery, Artificial Intelligence And Significance of ISC  The Congress is a major focal point Medical Technology, Advances In for scientists, researchers and Basic Medical And Clinical academicians interested in various aspects of science discoveries and Interactions, Non-Communicable technologies.  The five-day long event aims to bring Diseases In Rural Population as well as together science fraternity across the world to discuss scientific innovation Cancer Research - Therapeutic and research. Applications. About the participants  The Nobel Laureates who will be  The areas also include Nano Materials for Energy, Environment and Health participating include German Care, Novel Solutions for Oil and Gas Physicist, Prof. Stefan Hell who is Industry Problems and so on in which one of the directors of the Max Planck senior scientists and officials will Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in discuss on the status, challenges, Göttingen, Germany. He received the opportunities and scope in these Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014 research areas. ‘for the development of super- resolved fluorescence microscopy’ Farmers Science Congress and Prof. Ada E. Yonath from Israel.  With focus on Rural Development She is a protein crystallographer who was awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize for through Science and Technology, for Chemistry. the first time in the history of Indian Science Congress, a Farmers Science Congress is being held.  It will cover themes ranging from farmers innovation on integrated agriculture and entrepreneurship for doubling farmers income, climate change, bio-diversity, conservation, ecosystem services & farmers empowerment to agrarian distress, rural bio-entrepreneurship, policy issues.  The event will have the presence of experts and scientists from Indian

Easy to PICK10 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Council of Agricultural Research  “Vigyan Sancharak Sammelan” is an (ICAR) and University of Agricultural initiative for Science Sciences (UAS) along with farmers communicators' for professional whose innovative approaches have led growth. to significant contributions.  This programme will focus on the Rashtriya Kishore Vaigyanik Sammelan theme \"Science & Technology: (Children’s Science Congress) Rural Development \".  A two day event ‘Rashtriya Kishore  Science Communicators’ role is to Vaigyanik Sammelana’ will be held at UASB, GKVK as part of the 107th facilitate public engagement with Indian Science Congress on 4th and 5th January 2020. scientific issues. Science  The aim is to provide a unique opportunity for children to view communication plays an integral part selected projects and interact with the in one’s scientific career. Being able to student delegates and children will also have the opportunity to listen, effectively disseminate research interact with eminent scientists and Nobel Laureates. Events like one findings within the community and to minute video competition, Infosys Foundation - ISCA Travel Awards for consider collective opinions in School Children, visit to exhibitions, live science demonstrations and prioritizing research needs is an science magic show will be organized as a part of the Science Congress. important attribute of scientific Women Science Congress maturity. Thus, dissemination of  It aims to provide single platform for scientific information and inculcation women working in different arena of science and technology to showcase of scientific attitude among masses at their achievements and experiences. large is the need of the hour.  It will also prepare a vision document or a road map for women in  With this broad goal, Science science and technology and Communicators’ Meet will be held to recommend policies to enhance the bring together experts in the field of role and utilize the full potential of science communication with particular women in science and technology. reference to rural development. It will provide an opportunity to  In this session, women are invited to academicians, science journalists, share ideas and experiences to activists, filmmakers, scientists and motivate the younger women to other communicators from all over the actively participate in science to world to meet, deliberate and exchange identify and find simpler solutions their views on how to develop science through Science and Technology. communication. Vigyan Sancharak Sammelan - 2020 (Science Communicators Meet - 2020)

Easy to PICK11 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Savitribai Phule Syllabus subtopic: The Freedom Struggle  During this highly patriarchal and - its various stages and important orthodox Indian society when women contributors /contributions from different had no say in anything, Savitribai’s parts of the country. courageous campaign covered social issues such as child marriages, child Prelims and Mains focus: about widows, practice of ‘Sati’, women Savitribai Phule and her contributions to education and fighting for equal rights Indian society for all women. Context: PM Modi paid tributes to Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti.  Even after death of Jyotirao Phule in 1890, she carried on legacy of his About Savirtribai Phule Satyashodhak Samaj.  Savitribai was among the country’s  She died while serving people first women to speak up for the rights suffering from bubonic plague in of women. Maharashtra in 1897.  She was the first woman teacher of the first women’s school in India and also a first pioneer in modern Marathi poetry.  She was married at the age of nine to the 13-year old Jyotirao Phule.  She was home taught to read and write by her husband.  Later the couple founded India’s first school for girls and women in Bhidewada, Pune (Maharashtra).  It started with just nine girls from different castes enrolled as students – but it became a historic step when female education was considered taboo in the orthodox Indian society prevalent then.  During the British rule in India, the Phule couple had launched a crusade against social discrimination based on caste and gender, and also had sparked the flame for women’s equal rights.

Easy to PICK12 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” KVIC opened first silk processing plant in Gujarat to boost production of signature Patola Saree Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory of former All India Khadi and Village and various quasi-judicial bodies. Industries Board. Prelims and Mains focus: About KVIC: Functions: It is an apex organization its objectives and functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with regard to khadi Context: In a historic initiative taken by and village industries within India, which Khadi and Village Industries Commission seeks to – “plan, promote, facilitate, (KVIC), a first Silk Processing Plant was organise and assist in the establishment inaugurated today at Surendranagar in and development of khadi and village Gujarat which would help cut down the industries in the rural areas in coordination cost of production of silk yarn with other agencies engaged in rural drastically and increase the sale and development wherever necessary.” availability of raw material for Gujarati Patola Sarees locally. The Commission has three main objectives which guide its functioning.  The plant has been set up by a khadi These are: institution at a cost of Rs 75 lack in which KVIC has contributeed Rs 60  The Social Objective – Providing lakh. The unit has employed 90 local employment in rural areas. women, 70 of which belong to the Muslim community.  The Economic Objective – Providing salable articles. About Patola Saree Patola, the trademark Saree of Gujarat, is  The Wider Objective – Creating self- considered to be very costly and worn only reliance amongst people and building by the Royals or the Aristocrat. Reason up a strong rural community spirit. being the raw material silk yarn is purchased from Karnataka or West Bengal, where silk processing units are situated, thus increasing the cost of the fabric manifolds. About Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC): The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament (Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956). In April 1957, it took over the work

Easy to PICK13 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Children’s Science Congress (CSC) Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to opportunity to listen and interact with development and management of Social the Young Scientists and Nobel Sector/Services relating to Health, Laureates. Education, Human Resources, issues relating to poverty and hunger. About NCSTC 1. The National Council for Science and Prelims and Mains focus: about CSC and its significance; about NCSTC: its Technology Communication (NCSTC) objectives and functions is mandated to communicate Science and Technology to masses, stimulate Context: The Rashtriya Kishore scientific and technological temper and Vaigyanik Sammelan (Children’s coordinate and orchestrate such efforts Science Congress) prominent event of the throughout the country. The Indian Science Congress, was programmes of NCSTC aims at inaugurated by the Nobel Laureate Prof. building capacity for informed decision Ada Yonath, Bharat Ratna Prof C.N.R. making in the community and promote Rao in the presence of Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, scientific thinking. It is devoted Head, NCSTS, Department of Science and towards societal upliftment through the Technology (DST) and other dignitaries. dissemination of scientific knowledge in an informed manner and builds About CSC programmes with the help of different  Children Science Congress is media which percolate down to every nook and corner of the society. financially supported by the National Council for Science and Technology 2. The NCSTC focuses on outreach Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and technology. activities, training in Science and  The main objective is to provide a unique opportunity to children of the Technology communication, age group of 10-17 years to use their scientific temperament and development, production & knowledge and to quench their thirst for creativity by conducting scientific dissemination of S & T software, experiments to solve problems identified by them. The students also incentive programmes, and field based get an opportunity to interact with scientists and subject experts. Sci-Com projects, research in S&T  Every year about 7-8 lakhs school children in the age group of 10-17 communication, international co- years participate at various levels from the districts, states & union territories. operation, motivating students and Around 2 to 3 best projects from each state are exhibited in the Indian teachers, environment awareness and Science Congress. Several projects made by students are being showcased programmes with a special component in the University of Agricultural Science campus and students had the exclusively for women. 3. Some of its important successful initiatives, over the years include the campaigns over the Year of Scientific Awareness, Year of Physics, Year of Astronomy, Year of Mathematics, observation of the National Science Day and National Mathematics Day, the National Children’s Science Congress, National Teacher’s Science Congress, and Science Express etc.

Easy to PICK14 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory  Continual enhancement in performance and various quasi-judicial bodies levels has resulted in substantial energy efficiency improvement of Prelims and Mains focus: about the new about 43% in the minimum energy norms and star labeling program of performance standards (MEPS) for BEE; About BEE: its functions split units, which are the most popular RACs sold in the market. Context: The Central Government in consultation with the Bureau of Energy  ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency (BEE) has notified new energy efficiency ratio) is the energy performance standards for Room Air performance index used for Room Conditioners (RACs) on 30th October Air Conditioners (RACs) and its 2019. assessment is based on the bin hours defined in ISO 16358. What are the new standards?  The Indian Seasonal Energy  Star labelling program for Room Air Conditioners (RACs) has led to an Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) as per the estimated 4.6 Billion Units of energy new standards will range from (3.30 - savings in FY 2017-18 alone and a 5.00) for split and (2.70 – 3.50) for cumulative energy savings of 46 window air conditioners. billion units translating to 38 million  Additionally, the 24-degree Celsius tonnes of carbon emission reduction. default setting has been made mandatory for all room air conditioners About BEE covered under the ambit of BEE  BEE is a statutory body under the star-labelling program vide this notification. These performance Ministry of Power, Government of standards will be applicable from 1st India. January 2021 onwards.  It develops policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing the About the Star-labelling program energy intensity of the Indian  BEE launched the voluntary star economy.  BEE coordinates with designated labelling program for fixed-speed consumers, designated agencies, and room air conditioners (RACs) in 2006, other organization to identify and and this program became mandatory utilize the existing resources and on 12th January 2009. infrastructure, in performing the  Thereafter, in 2015, voluntary star functions assigned to it under the labelling program for inverter room air Energy Conservation Act 2001 conditioners was launched and which was made mandatory with effect from 1st January 2018.  The BEE star labelling program for Room Air Conditioners now covers both fixed and inverter RAC up to a cooling capacity of 10,465 watts (2.97 TR).

Easy to PICK15 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Election Commission Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory have equal powers and receive equal and various quasi-judicial bodies salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are similar to those Prelims and Mains focus: About the ECI; of a judge of the Supreme Court its composition and functions Composition Context: Election Commission of India The following provisions have been made today announced the Schedule for in Article 324 of the Constitution General Election to the Legislative regarding the composition of the election Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2020. commission:  The election commission shall consist About Election Commission of India (ECI) of the chief election commissioner and,  India’s Election Commission (ECI), a if any, such number of other election commissioners as may be fixed from constitutionally mandated body was time to time by the president. set up in 1950 to foster India’s  The President will appoint the chief democratic process. It is headquarted election commissioner and other in New Delhi. election commissioners.  The election commission functioned  When any other election commissioner as a single member body consisting of is so appointed, the chief election the Chief Election Commissioner since commissioner shall act as the chairman its inception in 1950 and until October, of the election commission. 1989.  The President may also appoint such  In October 1989, the president regional commissioners as he may appointed two additional election deem necessary to assist the election commissioners to cope with the commission after consultation with the election commission’s increased work election commission. due to the reduction of the voting age  The President shall determine the from 21 to 18 years. conditions of service and tenure of  Thereafter, the Election Commission office of the election commissioners functioned as a multimember body and the regional commissioners. consisting of three election commissioners. However, the two Powers and functions posts of election commissioners were The Election Commission’s powers and abolished in January 1990 and the functions with regard to parliamentary Election Commission was reverted to elections, state legislatures and presidential the earlier position. and vice – presidential offices can be  The President again appointed two classified into three categories: more election commissioners in  Administrative October 1993. The Election  Advisory Commission has functioned as a multi  Quasi-Judicial – member body consisting of three election commissioners since then and Following are powers and functions of until today. ECI in detail:  The chief election commissioner and the two other election commissioners

Easy to PICK16 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  To determine the territorial areas of the parties on the basis of their polling electoral constituencies across the performance country in accordance with  The Election Commission is assisted Parliament’s Delimitation Commission by deputy election commissioners. Act. They come from the civil service and are appointed by the tenure system  To prepare and periodically revise commission. In turn, they are assisted electoral rolls and to register all by the secretaries, joint secretaries, eligible voters. deputy secretaries and secretaries posted to the commission’s secretariat.  To notify the dates and schedules of elections and to scrutinise nomination papers.  To grant recognition to political parties and allot election symbols to them.  To act as a court for settling disputes related to granting of recognition to political parties and allotment of election symbols to them.  To appoint officers for inquiring into disputes relating to electoral arrangements.  To determine the code of conduct to be observed by the parties and the candidates at the time of elections.  To prepare a roster for publicity of the policies of the political parties on radio and TV in times of elections.  To advise the president on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of Parliament.  To advise the governor on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of state legislature.  To cancel polls in the event of rigging, booth capturing, violence and other irregularities.  To request the president or governor to have the staff required to conduct elections requested.  To oversee the election machinery across the country to ensure free and fair elections.  To advise the president whether elections can be held in a state under president’s rule in order to extend the period of emergency after one year.  Registering and granting political parties the status of national or state

Easy to PICK17 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” IBBI amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016 Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and over the amount of its claims admitted, issues relating to planning, mobilization of within 180 days of the liquidation resources, growth, development and commencement date. Where the employment. secured creditor fails to pay such Prelims and Mains focus: about the new amounts to the Liquidator within 90 amendment; IBBI: structure, role and days or 180 days, as the case may be, functions the asset shall become part of Context: The Insolvency and Liquidation Estate. Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)  The amendment provides that a notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Liquidator shall deposit the amount Board of India (Liquidation Process) of unclaimed dividends, if any, and (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 on 6th undistributed proceeds, if any, in a January 2020. liquidation process along with any income earned thereon into the Changes made by the amendment Corporate Liquidation Account  The amendment clarifies that a person, before he submits an application for dissolution of the corporate debtor. It who is not eligible under the Code to also provides a process for a submit a resolution plan for insolvency stakeholder to seek withdrawal from resolution of the corporate debtor, the Corporate Liquidation Account. shall not be a party in any manner to a compromise or arrangement of the The amended regulations are effective corporate debtor under section 230 of from 6th January 2020. the Companies Act, 2013. About IBBI  It also clarifies that a secured creditor IBBI or Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board cannot sell or transfer an asset, of India came into existence on 1st of Oct which is subject to security interest, to 2016 to regulate and counter various bad any person, who is not eligible under loan cases reported by various creditors, the Code to submit a resolution plan which especially involved banks in India. for insolvency resolution of the The IBBI falls under Insolvency and corporate debtor. Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and regulates the profession as well processes related to  The amendment provides that a insolvency and bankruptcy. secured creditor, who proceeds to realise its security interest, shall It plays the role of governing body for all contribute its share of the insolvency Insolvency Resolution Professionals, resolution process cost, liquidation Insolvency Professional Agencies and process cost and workmen’s dues, Information Utilities. It enacts rules as within 90 days of the liquidation well enforce them to resolve the corporate commencement date. It shall also pay insolvency, corporate liquidation, excess of realised value of the asset, individual insolvency and individual which is subject to security interest,

Easy to PICK18 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” bankruptcy as per Insolvency and Structure of IBBI: Bankruptcy Code, 2016. It helps to IBBI is constituted by ten-member implement the provision of the IBC and committee which includes one chairman, acts to amend any law under it to suite the three members from Central Government current challenges. It works towards who cannot be below the rank of Joint resolving any insolvency for corporates, Secretary or equivalent, One member is individuals and partnership firms in a time nominated by RBI (Reserve Bank of India) bound fashion to maximize the value of in this committee, and rest five members insolvent entity and give back the due are nominated by Central Government of amount to the creditors. which three should function as full time members. Power and Functions of IBBI: IBBI is entrusted to administer the Conclusion: insolvency and bankruptcy regime in the IBBI came into existence because there country. It perform tasks like registration was deemed lack of a properly structured of insolvency professional’s agencies, and organization to take care of falling certify and monitor insolvency resolution companies and their liquidation. This professionals. IBBI is also responsible to havoc was creating mistrust amongst the create information utilities and renew them stakeholders in the market and thus as and when the case be. IBBI forms rules genuine people who needed the credit were for minimum eligibility requirements for suffering out of it. This was also framed to agencies to register themselves as support the falling companies to stand insolvency professional agencies or again on their feet by restructuring their professionals to get certified as insolvency credits so that they can repay them easily resolution professionals. It also levy fee or and make a fresh start. other charges from these agencies and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code provided professionals. It specifies the regulations the legal framework to facilitate the for their functioning in proper and law resolution in such cases and is dedicated to abided manner. keep developing this framework and IBBI also ensures and enforces that any related functions and professionals to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 is provide better resolutions. levied in minimum time available to get maximum gain from debtor's assets to pay off the creditors. They are responsible to carry out the audits and inspections on debtor's assets and creditor's claims. They also specify the regulations for collecting and storing data by various information utilities and provide proper access to the various stakeholders to such data as and when appropriate. They also form communities as may be required in a case to disseminate the information related to it. They are headed to promote transparency amongst the stakeholders while the case is running until it is resolved. Section 196 of IBC 2016 explains about powers and functions of the board.

Easy to PICK19 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Special Drive to Remove Speed Breakers from National Highways Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory At certain locations, control of speed and various quasi-judicial bodies becomes necessary to promote orderly traffic movement and improved safety. Prelims and Mains focus: About the Considering the fact that National move and its significance; FASTag; NHAI Highways are designed to cater to high speed traffic without any Context: A special drive has been initiated hindrance, the drive to remove speed for removal of all sorts of speed breakers breakers from national highways under on National Highways. the jurisdiction of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Reason for the move  The step comes in a bid to ensure  Electronic Toll Collection through FASTag has been implemented from smooth and hassle-free traffic 15th December 2019 to provide movement, especially at toll plazas. commotion-free movement on With the effective implementation of highways. Positive effects of ETC are FASTag on toll plazas and conversion being realized by the commuters on of cash toll lanes to FASTag lanes, the toll plazas. Introduction of speed speed breakers/ rumble strips breakers-free highways is another step constructed at toll plazas are being in commitment to provide safe, smooth removed with immediate effect for and seamless journey to commuters on smooth vehicular movement. National Highways.  The speed breakers result in considerable delay, damage to the vehicles and significant discomfort to vehicle occupants and more fuel consumption due to acceleration and deceleration. This initiative will save time, money and facilitate smooth vehicular movement especially to ambulances, elderly and unwell people commuting on National Highways. In the larger context, this will also ensure avoidable wastage of transportation fuel for which country is heavily import-dependent, and will also result in lesser pollution. Conclusion  Roads of different categories and under different situations are designed for designated speeds at which vehicles can travel with convenience and safety.

Easy to PICK20 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” About NHAI  NHAI is an autonomous agency of the Union Government, responsible for management of a network of over 70,000 km of national highways in India.  It was established through National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988.  In February 1995, it was formally made an autonomous body.  It is a nodal agency of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.  It is responsible for the development, management, operation and maintenance of National Highways.

Easy to PICK21 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India-Mongolia Cooperation on Outer Space Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and undertaken within the framework of this global groupings and agreements Agreement will be jointly decided by the involving India and/or affecting India's respective Participants on a case-by-case interests basis subject to the availability of funds. Prelims and Mains focus: about the Benefits: India-Mongolia cooperation on Outer Cooperation with and the Government of Space and its significance Mongolia through this Agreement would lead to develop a joint activity in the field Context: The Union Cabinet, chaired by of application of space technologies for the the PM Modi, has given its approval for an benefit of humanity. Thus all sections and Agreement between Government of the regions of the country will get benefited. Republic of India and Government of Mongolia on Cooperation in the Implementation Strategy and Targets: Exploration and Uses of Outer Space The signed Agreement would lead to for Peaceful and Civilian Purposes. concluding specific implementing  The Agreement was signed at New Arrangement and setting up of Joint Working Group, to work out the plan of Delhi on 20 September 2019 during action including the time-frame and the the state visit of the President of means of implementing this Agreement. Mongolia to India. Impact: Details: The signed Agreement will provide  This Agreement shall enable pursuing impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the following potential interest areas of the field of remote sensing of the earth; cooperation such as, space science, satellite communication; satellite technology and applications including navigation; space science and exploration remote sensing of the earth; satellite of outer space. communication and satellite based navigation; Space science and Background: planetary exploration; use of spacecraft  Department of Space (DOS) and the and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology. Mongolian Ministry of Infrastructure  The Agreement would lead to set up a signed an 'Agreement for cooperation Joint Working Group, drawing in space science, technology and members from DOS/ISRO and applications' on January 15, 2004. Communications and Information Apart from training of Mongolian Technology Authority of the officials on space technology Government of Mongolia, which will application, no major cooperative further work out the plan of action activities have been taken up. When including the time-frame and the our Embassy in Mongolia was means of implementing this contacted for reviving the cooperation, Agreement. it is understood that Mongolian Ministry of Infrastructure is abolished Financial Implications: and the space activities are presently The financial arrangements to cover handled by Communication and expenses for the co-operative activities

Easy to PICK22 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Information Technology Authority (CITA) of Mongolia.  Embassy has further mentioned that high level delegation from Mongolia is expected to visit India during September 2019 and space cooperation would be one of the agenda. Embassy requested ISRO to share a draft Agreement on space cooperation for further taking up with CITA. Accordingly, a draft Agreement for India-Mongolia Space cooperation was drafted and shared with Embassy, with approval of Chairman, ISRO/ Secretary, DOS.  Subsequently, Mongolian side has given its concurrence and both sides have arrived at workable version and proposed to sign the agreement during high level delegation visit from Mongolia.

Easy to PICK23 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India-Sweden Cooperation in Polar Science Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and About the Antarctic Treaty global groupings and agreements  The treaty was opened for signature on involving India and/or affecting India's interests December 1, 1959, and officially entered into force on June 23, 1961. Prelims and Mains focus: about India-  The original signatories were 12 Sweden cooperation in Polar Science and countries: Argentina, Australia, its significance; about Antarctic treaty and Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New the Arctic Council Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and News: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the the United States. PM Modi, has been apprised of the  India is also a party to the Antarctic Agreement on cooperation in polar Treaty. science between Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), India and Ministry of Some important provisions of the Education and Research, Sweden. The Treaty: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  Antarctica shall be used for peaceful was signed on 2nd December 2019 during the visit of Their Majesties of the purposes only. Kingdom of Sweden to India.  Freedom of scientific investigation in About the collaboration Antarctica and cooperation toward that  India and Sweden are both signatories end shall continue.  Scientific observations and results to the Antarctic Treaty and to the from Antarctica shall be exchanged Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on and made freely available. Environmental Protection.  India is expanding its infrastructure development in Antarctica. The  Sweden as one of the eight \"Arctic government is rebuilding its station, States\" is one of the Member State in Maitri, to make it bigger and last for at the Arctic Council whereas India has least 30 years. the Observer Status in the Arctic Council. About Arctic Council  It is an Intergovernmental forum which  Sweden has a vigorous scientific program in the Polar Regions, both in addresses issues faced by the Arctic Arctic and Antarctic. India likewise, governments and people living in the has sustained scientific research Arctic region. programs in both the Polar Regions as  It is not a treaty-based international well as in the oceanic realm. organization but rather an international  The collaboration between India and Sweden in polar science will enable sharing of the expertise available with both Countries.

Easy to PICK24 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” forum that operates on the basis of and supporting mechanism to consensus.  The decisions, recommendations or encourage national actions to reduce guidelines of the Arctic Council are non-enforceable and strictly the emissions and other releases of prerogative of the individual state.  Its mandate explicitly excludes military pollutants. security. 2. Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) — monitors the Arctic environment, ecosystems and human populations, and provides scientific advice to support Members governments as they tackle pollution  The Ottawa Declaration (1996) lists and adverse effects of climate change. the following countries as Members of the Arctic Council: Canada, the 3. Conservation of Arctic Flora and Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Fauna (CAFF) — addresses the Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United conservation of Arctic biodiversity, States. working to ensure the sustainability of the Arctic’s living resources. 4. Emergency Prevention,  In addition, six organizations Preparedness and Response (EPPR)— protect the Arctic representing Arctic indigenous environment from the threat or impact peoples have status as Permanent of an accidental release of pollutants or Participants. The category of radio nuclides. Permanent Participant was created to 5. Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) –protection provide for active participation and full and sustainable use of the Arctic consultation with the Arctic indigenous marine environment. peoples within the Council. They 6. Sustainable Development Working include: the Aleut International Group (SDWG) — works to advance Association, the Arctic Athabaskan sustainable development in the Arctic Council, Gwich’in Council and to improve the conditions of Arctic International, the Inuit Circumpolar communities as a whole Council, Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North and the Saami Council.  Observer status in the Arctic Council is open to non-Arctic states, along with inter-governmental, inter- parliamentary, global, regional and non-governmental organizations that the Council determines can contribute to its work. Arctic Council Observers primarily contribute through their engagement in the Council at the level of Working Groups. Arctic Council working groups: 1. Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) — strengthening

Easy to PICK25 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Fast Track Special Courts for Speedy disposal Syllabus subtopic: Government policies  The Scheme was circulated to all and interventions for development in concerned State Governments/ Union various sectors and issues arising out of Territories Administrations in their design and implementation. September, 2019. Shri Ravi Shankar Prelims and Mains focus: about the Prasad, Union Minister of Law and scheme to set up fast track special courts Justice has written and appealed to all for speedy disposal of cases; about the Chief Ministers of States for POCSO Amendment Act, 2019 opening these courts and for effective Context: Incidents of rape and gang rape implementation of the Scheme which of minor girls below age of twelve years will act as strong deterrence against and similar heinous crimes against women such crimes. have shaken the conscience of the entire nation. Therefore, the offences of rape and  Out of total 31 States and UTs, so far, gang rape of women and children require 24 have joined this scheme (Andhara effective deterrence through fast and Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, time bound completion of trial relating Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, to sexual offences. To bring out more Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya stringent provisions and expeditious trial Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, NCT and disposal of such cases, Union of India of Delhi, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Act, 2018. Tripura, UT of Chandigarh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh) for About the scheme of Fast track special setting up of 792 numbers of FTSCs/ courts including 354 exclusive POCSO  The govt. has taken up work of setting courts. Efforts are constantly being made to obtain consent/willingness of up of Fast Track Special Courts remaining States/UTs. (FTSCs) as a part of National Mission for Safety of Women (NMSW). Conclusion Accordingly, the Central Government The Department of Justice in the has started a Scheme for setting up of Government of India is constantly 1023 FTSCs across the country based endeavoring to extend requisite assistance on pendency of subject cases obtained to the High Courts and State Governments from various High Courts (1,66,882 in setting up of these Courts for prompt numbers as on 31.03.2018) for time trial and disposal of cases to ensure safe bound trial and disposal of pending and worth living environment especially to cases related to rape and POCSO women and children in totality. 216 Act. numbers of POCSO courts have already  Further, in pursuance to the direction been operationalized in 12 States under the of Supreme Court of India in Suo Moto scheme. Writ Petition (Criminal) No.01/2019 dated 25.07.2019, out of 1023 FTSCs, About POCSO, 2012 389 Courts have been proposed to be The Protection of Children from Sexual set up exclusively for POCSO Act Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 was related cases in Districts where formulated in order to effectively address pendency of such cases is more than sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of 100. children.

Easy to PICK26 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” It deals with sexual offences against offences for storage of pornographic persons below 18 years of age, who are material involving children. These include: deemed as children. (i) transmitting, displaying, distributing such material except for the purpose of Protection of Children from Sexual reporting it and (ii) failing to destroy or Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019 delete or report pornographic material Key changes proposed: involving child. Penetrative sexual assault: The bill increases minimum punishment for this Impact: offence from 7 years to 10 years. It also The amendment is expected to discourage provides for with imprisonment between the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as 20 years to life, with fine if person a deterrent due to strong penal provisions commits penetrative sexual assault on incorporated in the Act. child below age of 16 years. It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and Aggravated penetrative sexual assault: ensures their safety and dignity. The Bill adds two more grounds to The amendment is aimed to establish definition of aggravated penetrative sexual clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse assault. These include: (i) assault resulting and punishment thereof. in death of child and (ii) assault committed during natural calamity or in any similar situations of violence. It also increases minimum punishment from 10 years to 20 years, and maximum punishment to death penalty. Aggravated sexual assault: The Bill adds two more offences to definition of aggravated sexual assault. These include: (i) assault committed during natural calamity and (ii) administrating or help in administering any chemical substance or any hormone to child for the purpose of attaining early sexual maturity. Child Pornography: The Bill defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct that involves child such as photograph, video, digital or even computer generated image indistinguishable from actual child. It also enhances punishments for certain offences related to child pornography. Storage of pornographic material: It increases punishment for storage of pornographic material with imprisonment between three to five years, or fine, or both. In addition, it also adds two other

Easy to PICK27 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Exercise MILAN 2020 Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Prelims and Mains focus: about the MILAN 2020 exercise and its significance Context: After successfully hosting the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Feb 2016, the City of Destiny Visakhapatnam is gearing up to host another International Naval event ‘MILAN’ in March 2020. About MILAN 2020  MILAN 2020 is a multilateral naval exercise aimed to enhance professional interaction between friendly foreign navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime domain.  The Exercise with the theme ‘Synergy Across the Seas’ would provide an excellent opportunity for Operational Commanders of friendly foreign navies to interact with each other in areas of mutual interest.  Of the 41 navies invited, confirmations from over 30 navies have been received towards their participation in MILAN 2020.  The MILAN series of biennial exercises commenced in 1995. It was conducted at Andaman and Nicobar Command until last year.

Easy to PICK28 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Baba Kalyani committee recommendations Syllabus subtopic: Government policies and the application for constructing and interventions for development in minimum built up area by Developer various sectors and issues arising out of or Co-developer beyond a period of ten their design and implementation. years from the date of notification of the SEZ on merits of each case.. Prelims and Mains focus: about the Baba Kalyani Committee and its Reforms in SEZs recommendations; SEZs reforms in India Other changes and initiatives taken for the SEZs include delegation of powers to Context: Commerce and Industry & Development Commissioner for shifting of Railways Minister Piyush Goyal chaired a SEZ unit from one zone to another, meeting yesterday in New Delhi to review supplies of services in DTA against the remaining recommendations of the foreign exchange or Indian Rupees to be Baba Kalyani report on Special counted towards NFE, enable a trust to be Economic Zone (SEZ) policy of India. considered for grant of permission to set- The meeting was attended by members of up a unit in a SEZ, setting up of cafeteria, the Baba Kalyani group along with gymnasium, creche and other similar representatives from the Department of facilities/ amenities and uniform list of Revenue, Department of Legal Affairs and services to SEZ. legal firms. About the Committee Key recommendations of the committee  The Baba Kalyani led committee was The recommendations which have been completed include: constituted by the Ministry of 1. review of specific exclusions proposed Commerce and Industry to study the existing SEZ policy of India and had in NFE computation in light of Make submitted its recommendations in in India initiative, November 2018. 2. sharing of duty exempted assets/  The objectives of the committee were infrastructure between units to be to evaluate the SEZ policy and make it allowed against specific approval, and WTO compatible, suggest measures formalization of de-notification for maximizing utilization of vacant process for enclaves and delinking its land in SEZs, suggest changes in the present mandatory usage for SEZs SEZ policy based on international purpose only. experience and merge the SEZ policy with other Government schemes like 3. The other implemented coastal economic zones, Delhi- Mumbai industrial corridor, national recommendations are support to industrial manufacturing zones and food and textile parks. servicification of manufacturing zone, Conclusion allowing manufacturing enabling If India is on the path to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025 then the present services companies, broad-banding environment of manufacturing competitiveness and services have to definition of services/allowing multiple services to come together and flexibility to enter into a long term lease agreement with stakeholders in Zones in line with the State policies

Easy to PICK29 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” undergo a basic paradigm shift. The success seen in services sector like IT and ITeS have to be promoted in other services sectors like health care, financial services, legal, repair and design services. The Government of India has set a target of creating 100 million jobs and achieving 25% of GDP from the manufacturing sector by 2022, as part of the flagship Make in India programme. Further, the Government plans to increase manufacturing value to USD 1.2 trillion by 2025. While these plans are intended to propel India into a growth trajectory, it requires evaluation of existing policy frameworks to catalyse manufacturing sector growth. At the same time, policy needs to be compliant with the relevant WTO regulations.

Easy to PICK30 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Wings India 2020 Syllabus subtopic: Infrastructure: Energy, in the industry. Organized by Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of Prelims and Mains focus: About the India, AAI and FICCI the event is event and its significance; About AAI: expected to attract top leaders, special vision and misson invitees in foreign ministers for civil Context: Wings India 2020, a flagship aviation and global CEOs, suppliers, event of Indian Civil Aviation industry strategic partners, organizations and will be held at Begumpet Airport, the media. Hyderabad from 12-15 March 2020. Conclusion About the event and its significance India, being the third largest domestic 1. ‘Wings India 2020’- a four-day event Civil Aviation market in the world and showing a robust growth, is poised for themed: “Flying for All’’ is an greater heights. With the kind of fleet international platform focused on expansion underway, India will soon have new business acquisition, investments, about 2000 civil aviation aircrafts in the policy formation and regional sky. The govt. is planning to double the connectivity in civil aviation industry. number of airports with Airports Authority of India (AAI) readying to 2. It is a platform for the aviation invest more than Rs.25,000 crores in fraternity to discuss challenges along Airport infrastructure and we have a with new developing growth spots structured privatisation program in place. that can be targeted to ensure a positive curve. About Airport Authority of India (AAI) 1. Airports Authority of India (AAI) was 3. The aviation sector will provide win- win opportunities for not just players constituted by an Act of Parliament within the country but also abroad. and came into being on 1st April 1995 by merging erstwhile National 4. Privatisation will strengthen the civil Airports Authority and International aviation sector and will contribute Airports Authority of India. The towards its massive expansion. In the merger brought into existence a single coming years Delhi and upcoming Organization entrusted with the Jewar airports combined will be bigger responsibility of creating, upgrading, than any other airport in the world. maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure both on the 5. It as an opportunity to address ground and air space in the country. challenges of Civil aviation sector, highlight fuel efficiency, reliable and 2. AAI manages a total of 137 airports capable airplanes, enabling airlines in which include 23 International airports India to open new routes and stay (3 Civil Enclaves), 10 Custom Airports profitable in this ever-competitive (4 Civil Enclaves) and 104 Domestic market. airports (23 Civil Enclaves). AAI provides air navigation services over 6. Wings India 2020 is also Asia’s 2.8 million square nautical miles of air largest and most popular gathering space.

Easy to PICK31 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”

Easy to PICK32 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Purvodaya Syllabus subtopic: Government policies behind many other Indian states in terms and interventions for development in of economic and development indicators various sectors and issues arising out of such as GSDP per capita and Human their design and implementation. Development Index (HDI). Prelims and Mains focus: About In India’s march towards a $5 trillion Purvodaya and its significance; the issue of economy, the 5 Eastern states can play a development of Northeastern region of major role where steel sector can become India. the catalyst. The presence of natural resources, coupled with an already Context: Ministry of steel in partnership established steel industry, presents an with CII and JPC is organising the excellent opportunity for Eastern India to launch of Purvodaya-Accelerated spearhead the expected growth in the Development of Eastern Region through domestic steel industry, the region at large an Integrated Steel hub, in line with and the country as a whole. This Eastern Prime Minister's Vision for focused belt has the potential to add more than development of the Eastern States. 75% of the country’s incremental steel capacity envisioned by the National Steel  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Policy. It is expected that out of the 300 has highlighted the need for focused MT capacity by 2030-31, over 200 MT can development of the Eastern states in come from this region alone, driven by order to unleash their untapped Industry 4.0.Rs.100 lakh crore potential thereby ensuring the growth infrastructure investment announced by the of the region as a whole and the Government in the next 5 years will result country at large. in additional boost to construction and infrastructure through various initiatives Background such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Sagarmala, The Eastern region of India, though Bharatmala, etc. Steel industry has a extremely rich in resources, lags behind multiplier effect in the GDP as well as in other states in terms of development. employment. These States would march Eastern states of India (Odisha, Jharkhand, ahead on the development index because Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Northern of which the Ministry of Steel has Andhra Pradesh) collectively hold ~80% envisioned an Integrated Steel Hub in this of the country’s iron ore, ~100% of coking region, which will serve as a catalyst in the coal and significant portion of chromite, transformation of Eastern India by bauxite and dolomite reserves. In addition developing a vibrant steel industry. to its rich mineral reserves, these states also have a significant locational About the Integrated Steel hub advantage. There is a presence of major ports such as Paradip, Haldia, Vizag, The proposed Integrated Steel Hub, Kolkata etc. with >30% of India’s major port capacity, 3 major National Waterways encompassing Odisha, Jharkhand, as well as strong road, rail connectivity to most parts of the country. Despite these Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Northern advantages, these states are currently Andhra Pradesh, would serve as a torchbearer for socio-economic growth of Eastern India.

Easy to PICK33 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The objective of this hub would be to policy is being created to address the enable swift capacity addition and improve challenges faced in land acquisition, overall competitiveness of steel producers raw material linkage etc. This being both in terms of cost and quality. In done in consultation with Central addition to increased steel capacity, this Government Ministries, State hub would also help enhance best-in- class Governments and industry value addition capabilities. The Integrated stakeholders. Steel Hub would focus on 3 key elements: 3. Critical logistics and infrastructure 1. Capacity addition through easing the projects are being identified for expedition across the 12 major steel setup of greenfield steel plants zones identified in the region 2. Development of steel clusters near (Kalinganagar, Angul, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Nagarnar, Bhilai, Raipur, integrated steel plants as well as Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Durgapur, demand centres Kolkata, Vizag). These include major 3. Transformation of logistics and rail, road and port capacity expansion utilities infrastructure which would projects to debottleneck existing change the socio-economic landscape capacity and create world-class in the East multimodal logistics infrastructure 4. These elements would be supported across these zones. through additional enablers such as ensured availability of raw materials, Conclusion presence of supporting industries such Creation of such a world-class steel hub as capital goods and well-established would significantly contribute to avenues for skill development. Purvodaya by propelling socio-economic development in the Eastern region. Steel Steps Taken by Ministry of Steel capacity addition as envisioned in the hub would entail capital investments of >70 Various steps to make this hub a reality are Bn. $ and lead to an incremental GSDP of >35 Bn. $ through steel alone. Growth of already being taken by the Ministry. The steel industry through such a hub would lead to significant employment Central Ministries, the State Governments opportunities across the entire value chain, creating over 2.5 Million jobs in the and Private Players across the spectrum are region. Creation of world-class logistics and allied to the cause of Purvodaya. The utilities infrastructure would also spur development of other manufacturing following actions have already been industries across sectors. This would also be accompanied by social infrastructure in initiated by the Ministry of Steel, in co- the form of cities, schools, hospitals, skilling centres etc. Such development, ordination with the various stakeholders: especially in the most under-developed regions in these states, will play a 1. A policy facilitating the creation and significant role in overall socio-economic growth of Eastern India, thus reducing the upgradation of steel clusters has been disparity between the East and other regions of the country. put up after due consultation with Central Ministries, State Governments and industry. Kalinganagar and Bokaro have been identified as pilot locations for steel clusters around ISPs. Task Forces and Working Groups, with the support of the respective State Governments, have been created. Detailed planning for operationalization of these clusters is currently underway. 2. In an effort to ease capacity addition through greenfield route, a framework

Easy to PICK34 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Light Combat Aircraft (Naval version) Syllabus subtopic: Science and built in 1987 and had served the Technology- developments and their Soviet navy (named as Baku). It was applications and effects in everyday life later renamed Admiral Gorshkov under Achievements of Indians in science & the Russian navy. technology; indigenization of technology  India had purchased it in 2004 at and developing new technology. cost of $2.3 billion and was Prelims and Mains focus: About INS commissioned in Indian Navy in Vikramaditya and its significance; about November 2013 at Severodvinsk in DRDO Russia. Context: After completing extensive trials  INS Vikramaditya design is based on on the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF), Kiev-class aircraft carriers. It is 284 Naval version of Light Combat Aircraft metres long and 60 metres high (high (LCA) did a successful arrested landing as 20-storeyed building). It weighs onboard INS Vikramaditya today. 40,000 tonnes and is biggest and  LCA Navy has been developed by heaviest ship in e Indian Navy. Its air wing consists of 30 MiG 29K fighter Defence Research and Development jets and six Kamov helicopters. It is Organisation (DRDO). based at its home port at Karwar in About INS Vikramaditya Karnataka.  Currently it is most powerful aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy. It was

Easy to PICK35 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Bamboo- A wonder grass Syllabus subtopic: Government policies Common Facility Centers and and interventions for development in Bamboo Technology Parks. various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. 5. Promotion of the use of bamboo as construction material for eco-tourism, Prelims and Mains focus: about the rural housing and community workshop; Importance of bamboo in buildings in rural areas. improving livelihoods. 6. Partnership between NEHHDC and Context: The deliberations of the two-day J&K Government to assist the J&K workshop-cum-exhibition on Bamboo with artisans for the promotion and the aim of creating opportunities for the marketing of bamboo products and sustainable development in Jammu and handicrafts. Kashmir concluded at Jammu. About the workshop  The workshop-cum-exhibition was During the two-day workshop-cum- organized by the Ministry of exhibition, various technical sessions were Development of North Eastern held on Bamboo Wood Making and its Region, North Eastern Council, Products, Cane and Bamboo Handicraft Govt. of India and Govt. of Jammu and experience of North Eastern region, Status Kashmir through Cane and Bamboo and Scope of Bamboo Stick industry with Technology Center (CBTC), special reference to Agarbatti making Guwahati, Assam and the Department and Potential and Uses of Bamboo in of Social Forestry, Govt. of Jammu Housing and Construction. The and Kashmir. participants had a threadbare discussion on the topics they spoke about. They The recommendations for the growth of elaborated the contents of their Bamboo industry in Jammu and presentations with respect to the relevant Kashmir on the pattern of North topics on Bamboo cultivation and its scope Eastern Region. in the Union Territory of Jammu and The recommendations are: Kashmir. As a part of the workshop, 1. Identify and increase the coverage of several interactive sessions were held in every module to provide participants an appropriate species of bamboo in opportunity to attain better understanding Jammu and Kashmir through tissue of various topics covered in the workshop- culture research and establish cum-exhibition. The artists also performed nursuries and distribute endlings. a live programme for the Bamboo 2. Formation and promotion of bamboo- promotion in the Union Territory of related farmers and organisations and Jammu and Kashmir. Pertinently, the bamboo clusters throughout the workshop-cum-exhibition was held with bamboo producing areas of J&K with an aim to promote Bamboo cultivation the involvement of PRIs. which will ensure greater opportunities for 3. Capacity building of J&K the sustainable development in the Union farmers/artisans and bamboo Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. enterpreneurs at CBTC Assam. 4. Technical collaboration of CBTC with the J&K Government for setting up of

Easy to PICK36 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” NIC e-Office Syllabus subtopic: Important aspects of (KMS), Collaboration & Messaging Services (CAMS) & Personnel governance, transparency and Information Management System (PIMS) are the part of the e-office accountability, e-governance- applications, system being implemented. models, successes, limitations, and Significance E-Office fosters paper-less culture which potential; citizens charters, transparency & will not only save operational cost but also reduce the carbon foot print which is one accountability and institutional and other of the most urgent needs of the world and directly impacting every citizen of the measures. country. Prelims and Mains focus: About NIC e- About National Informatics centre Office and its significance; About National (NIC) Informatics Office  National Informatics Centre (NIC) was Context: After the successful completion established in 1976, and has rich of the Phase 1 execution of NIC e office experience in providing ICT and for 50000 users in 58 units, Indian eGovernance support to the Railways has signed MoU with RailTel, a Government for the last 4 decades and miniratna PSU under Ministry of bridge the digital divide. It has Railways, for the phase 2 of the project. emerged as a promoter of digital opportunities for sustainable Details of Phase- 2 development. In phase 2, RailTel will register 39000 users over 34 Railway divisions on NIC e  NIC spearheaded “Informatics-Led- office platform by 30th June 2020. The Development” by implementing ICT phase 1 of NIC e-office execution started applications in social and public with a mandate to complete the work by administration and facilitates electronic March 2020. But with a lightning speed of delivery of services to the government execution RailTel completed the work way (G2G), business (G2B), citizen (G2C) ahead of time and successfully created and government employee (G2E). 50000+ users in 58 units of Indian Railways and trained the executives to  NIC, through its ICT Network, handle the platform in a span of mere 6 “NICNET”, has institutional linkages months’ time. with all the Ministries /Departments of the Central Government, 37 State About NIC e-office Governments/ Union Territories, and  NIC e-Office is a cloud enabled about 720+ District Administrations of India. software developed by National Informatics centre (NIC) that is being  NIC has been closely associated with deployed/hosted from RailTel Tier III the Government in different aspects of certified data centres at Secundrabad Governance besides establishing a and Gurgaon. It is based on Central Nationwide State-of-the-Art ICT Secretariat Manual of e-Office Procedure (CSMeOP).  Currently 4 modules (File Management System (eFile), Knowledge Management System

Easy to PICK37 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Infrastructure, it has also built a large number of digital solutions to support the government at various levels, making the last-mile delivery of government services to the citizens a reality. The following major activities are being undertaken: 1. Setting up of ICT Infrastructure 2. Implementation of National and State Level e-Governance Projects/Products 3. Consultancy to the Government departments 4. Research & Development 5. Capacity Building

Easy to PICK38 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Implementation of adoption programme Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for adoption pool, rehabilitation of older vulnerable sections of the population by and special needs children and issues the Centre and States and the performance related to adoption being faced by the of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, implementing agencies and state institutions and bodies constituted for the bodies. protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections About CARA  Central Adoption Resource Authority Prelims and Mains focus: about the implementation of adoption programme; (CARA) is an autonomous and about CARA: mandate and functions statutory body of Ministry of Women and Child Development in Context: Adoption is no longer an act of the Government of India. It was set up bringing a child home but it is a legal in 1990. process where all the rights and privileges of a child are safeguarded along with the  It functions as the nodal body for the transfer of responsibilities to adoptive adoption of Indian children and is parents in a legal manner said Union mandated to monitor and regulate Minister of Women and Child in-country and inter-country Development (WCD), Smriti Zubin Irani adoptions. in New Delhi today.  CARA is designated as the Central  She further said that a large number of Authority to deal with inter-country parents are waiting to adopt, even as adoptions in accordance with the the total number of reported provisions of the 1993 Hague adoptions is less when compared to Convention on Inter-country the figures of destitute and orphan Adoption, ratified by Government of children in the country. India in 2003.  She urged all stakeholders that  CARA primarily deals with the deliberations must lead to the way adoption of orphaned, abandoned forward in order to improve the and surrendered children through its implementation of the adoption associated and recognised adoption programme thereby ensuring the best agencies. interest of the children. She further said that the Government is committed  In 2018, CARA has allowed to take all measures to ensure a bright individuals in a live-in relationship to future for the children of the country. adopt children from and within India.  Officials and stakeholders from all States and UTs participated in the consultations. Major issues deliberated upon during the national consultation were simplification of the adoption process, bringing more children in need of care and protection into the

Easy to PICK39 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Anti-Doping Agency Syllabus subtopic: Government policies 5. Where funding is provided, and interventions for development in withholding some or all funding, various sectors and issues arising out of during any period of his or her their design and implementation. ineligibility, to any Athlete or Athlete Support Personnel who has violated Prelims and Mains focus: about NADA anti-doping rules; and its functions; Khelo India initiative an its significance 6. Vigorously pursuing all potential anti- doping rule violations within its Context: Minister of State(I/C) for Youth jurisdiction including investigating into Affairs & Sports, Shri Kiren Rijiju whether Athlete Support Personnel or andactor Suniel Shetty have called for a other Persons may have been involved clean and drug-free sports culture, in each case of doping. urging Khelo India athletes to refrain from any banned substances. 7. Planning, implementing and monitoring anti doping information  During a workshop in Guwahati today and education programs. to educate youngsters about the dangers of dope, Suniel Shetty, who is Primary Functions a brand ambassador of the National National Anti Doping Agency is mandated Anti-Doping Agency shared his own for Dope free sports in India. The primary success story to underline the objectives are to implement anti-doping importance of sports in a child’s life. rules as per WADA code, regulate dope control programme, to promote education National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and research and creating awareness about NADA was established by the doping and its ill effects. Government of India, with the objective of acting as the independent Anti-Doping The primary functions of NADA are as Organization for India having a vision of under: dope free sports. The NADA has the o To implement the Anti Doping Code to necessary authority and responsibility for: achieve compliance by all sports organ 1. Planning, coordinating, implementing, izations in the Country. monitoring and advocating o To coordinate dope testing program thr improvements in Doping Control; ough all participating stakeholders. o To promote anti doping research and e 2. Cooperating with other relevant ducation to inculcate the value of dope national organizations, agencies and free sports. other Anti-Doping Organizations; o To adopt best practice standards and qu ality systems to enable effective imple 3. Encouraging reciprocal Testing mentation and between National Anti-Doping continual improvement of the program. Organizations; About Khelo India – 4. Promoting anti-doping research; The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a

Easy to PICK40 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” strong framework for all sports in India and establish India as a great sporting nation. To accomplish the above objectives, Khelo India programme has been divided into 12 verticals, namely:  Play Field Development  Community Coaching Development  State Level Khelo India Centres  Annual Sports Competition  Talent Search and Development  Utilization and Creation/Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure  Support to National/Regional/State Sports Academics  Physical fitness of school children  Sports for Women  Promotion of sports amongst people with disabilities  Sports for Peace and Development  Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games Talented players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels by the High-Powered Committee will be provided annual financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per annum for 8 years. Khelo India School Games are a part of the Khelo India programme. There are 16 disciplines as follows: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.

Easy to PICK41 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Saksham Campaign Syllabus subtopic: Conservation, children and is available on E-Pathshala on environmental pollution and degradation, NCERT website. environmental impact assessment Petroleum Conservation and Research Prelims and Mains focus: about the Association (PCRA) in association with details of the Saksham campaign and its Institute of Petroleum-Dehradun has significance developed high energy efficient PNG burner/Gas stove for household where Context: ‘Saksham’, an annual one- piped gas is supplied which will save gas month long, people-centric fuel as compared to modified LPG stove for conservation mega campaign of PNG. Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of On mass awareness about fuel Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas conservation, PCRA has developed is going to be launched on 16th January by attractive messages and recently developed Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and an animated documentary ‘Pollution Ka Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a Solution” which is available on PCRA function to be held in Delhi. website and YouTube. Details of the campaign The annual Saksham National PCRA and Oil & Gas companies shall Competition which generally is launched carry out various interactive programs in the month of July, involving schools during this month-long campaign. and students in Essay, Painting and Quiz Activities like ‘Saksham’ Cycle Day, competition is a big hit now. This year the Cyclothons, Workshops for drivers of competition has achieved reaching a commercial vehicles, Seminars for record breaking figure of participation of housewives/cooks on adopting simple fuel 1.48 crore students. saving measure, Nationwide campaign through Radio, TV, Digital Cinemas, As a part of involvement with the public in Outdoor etc. are planned with an aim to the field, an awareness Campaign on 100 reach the nook and corner of the country busiest intersections of Delhi through with the message of fuel conservation, CRRI on encouraging switching-off Greener Environment and better engine at red light behavior was recently Health. PCRA also plans to make use of carried out by PCRA and the outcome of the social media platforms for various this campaign was remarkable with customized campaigns on fuel encouraging results of approx. 22% conservation through Facebook, twitter, reduction in idling fuel losses for petrol MyGov. fuel “before” and “after” the campaign phase. Similarly, approx. 14%, 12% and PCRA has been creating awareness 19% reduction in Diesel, CNG and LPG amongst the general public about the need respectively was observed due to for fuel conservation and adopting tips for awareness campaign. saving the fuel. PCRA has prepared a comic book jointly with NCERT on the ‘Saksham’ is strengthening its foot print as theme ‘Fuel Conservation’ aimed at a flagship Fuel Conservation mega younger generation especially the school campaign program of the country.

Easy to PICK42 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” FASTag Rules relaxed Syllabus subtopic: Government policies summary report on daily basis be sent to and interventions for development in the Ministry. various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. The Ministry has further asked NHAI to ensure that the least possible number of the Prelims and Mains focus: about the move declared FASTag lane of Fee Plaza be by Ministry of Road Transport and converted into the hybrid lanes temporarily Highways and its significance; about and further that at least 75% lanes of these Fastags; NHAI 65 fee plaza remain declared and operational as ‘FASTag lane of Fee Plaza’ News: Ministry of Road Transport and in order to incentivize the vehicles Highways has decided to relax the carrying FASTag. conditions regarding declaration of FASTag Fee lanes for 30 days from today The Ministry has emphasized that this at the identified 65 high cash temporary measure is to be adopted for transactions fee plazas of NHAI. The 30 days only for such 65 fee plazas to concerned fee plazas have been allowed to facilitate smooth flow of traffic so that no convert up to 25 per cent of all fee lanes inconvenience is caused to the citizens. to hybrid (cash plus FASTag) lanes NHAI shall take necessary measures during this time. within this time to ensure smooth flow of traffic through the fee plazas and ensure Background declaring “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” for The move comes in the wake of NHAI all the lanes within this period. raising concerns regarding high cash transactions on its 65 identified fee plazas. NHAI has pointed out that most of the fee plazas are functioning with one hybrid lane on each side and while efforts are being made to bring more fee plazas within the ambit, the said identified fee plazas were facing heavy traffic rush on the hybrid lanes. About the move With a view to save the citizens from inconvenience, the Ministry has decided that depending on the traffic pile up at these 65 fee plazas, not more than 25 percent FASTag lane of Fee Plaza may be temporarily converted to hybrid lanes. This is to be considered and decided on a case to case basis not below the level of the RO concerned. In a directive issued to NHAI in this regard, the Ministry has said that daily evaluation of such cases be made to take necessary corrective action and a

Easy to PICK43 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India- Finland Defence Cooperation Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and formalised in the run up to DefExpo 2020, global groupings and agreements to be held in Uttar Pradesh capital involving India and/or affecting India's Lucknow between February 5-9, 2020. interests In 2019, Mr Juusti had led a delegation to Prelims and Mains focus: about the Aero India in Bengaluru and post his visit, defence cooperation and its significance the Permanent Secretary had evinced their interest to participate in the ‘Make in Context: Defence Secretary Dr Ajay India’ vision and formalise an arrangement Kumar and Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Defence Industrial cooperation through of Defence of Finland Mr Jukka Juusti an MoU. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further defence cooperation On February 13, 2016, Prime Minister of between India and Finland, here today. Finland Mr Juha Sipila had bilateral The MoU on co-operation in the field of discussions with Prime Minister Shri Production, Procurement, Research and Narendra Modi during his visit to India for Development of Defence related the inauguration of the ‘Make in India’ Equipment and Industrial cooperation has week. In April 17, 2018, Prime Minister been inked on the sidelines of Raisina Modi held a bilateral meeting with Mr Dialogue 2020. Under the broad ambit of Sipila during the first India-Nordic the MoU, cooperation between Finnish Summit in Stockholm, Sweden. Also, a companies and Indian Defence Public delegation from Finland had visited India Sector Undertakings could be explored. between November 29 – December 02, 2018 to explore new business A draft MoU between the two countries in opportunities for Finnish companies. the field of defence cooperation amongst others was under discussion since the DefExpo 2018 and has now been

Easy to PICK44 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Indian Digital Heritage (IDH) initiative Syllabus subtopic: Government policies are completed under the DST mentored and interventions for development in initiative Indian Heritage in Digital various sectors and issues arising out of Space (IHDS). their design and implementation.  These two projects are executed by a Prelims and Mains focus: about the event multi-disciplinary teams from Indian and its significance; about IDH initiative; Institute of Technology, Delhi, Indian ViRaasat Institute of Technology Bombay, National Institute of Design Bengaluru, Context: The Union Minister of State for CSIR-CBRI Roorkee, Karnataka State Culture and Tourism (IC), launched a Council for Science and Technology, month long special exhibition titled Indian and a women-led, IDH start-up Vizara Heritage in Digital Space and a two day Technologies, New Delhi. long first international heritage symposium today in New Delhi.  The goals of these projects are to create digital installations using 3D About the event laser scan data, AR, holographic  The exhibition was organized in projections and 3D fabrication,to provide interactive and immersive collaboration with Indian Institute of experiences showcasing the glory of Technology, Delhi. The exhibition will Hampi and five Indian monuments remain open for public till 15th namely Kashi Vishwanath Temple, February, 2020. Varanasi; TajMahal, Agra; Sun Temple, Konark; Ramachandra  The visitors in this exhibition will be Temple, Hampi ; and RaniKiVav, able to see the recreations of the socio- Patan . cultural life and traditions of Hampi, architectural and conjectural  This special exhibition, first of its reconstructions of several important structures and experience kind in India, has a major focus to demystification of many murals. display the latest interventions in the  This special exhibition showcase adaptation and infusion of cultural heritage domain, that are being technologies being developed under the Indian Digital Heritage (IDH) driven by cutting-edge technologies initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), such as 3D fabrication, Artificial Government of India in the cultural heritage domain of the country. Intelligence, Augmented, Virtual and  The exhibition demonstrate the Mixed Reality, Holographic outcome of two flagship projects viz., A digital mini-spectacle to showcase Projections and Projection Mapping the glory of Hampi and Augmented reality based interactions with etc. physical models of monuments; that  A special installation named ‘ViRaasat’, consisting of a scaled down 3D printed replica shall provide a mixed reality experience to visitors for selected monuments, using laser- scanning, 3D modelling and rendering, 3D printing, computer vision and spatial AR.

Easy to PICK45 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Conclusion This is a very significant initiative; use of technology in heritage is very important but it should not be limited to research only, it should reach to people in such a way that they get a chance to know and understand the unseen aspects of heritage sites easily. About IDH India Digital Heritage is a unique initiative by DST (Department of Science and Technology) supporting collaborative projects between researchers in the areas of Technology and Humanities for digital documentation and interpretation of our tangible and intangible heritage. The project highlights art, architecture and cultural legacy of the world heritage site Hampi in Karnataka, the medieval capital of the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Easy to PICK46 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India-Norway Dialogue on Trade & Investment Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and and Invest India. Representatives from global groupings and agreements the Federation of Indian Chambers of involving India and/or affecting India's Commerce and Industry (FICCI), interests Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), fisheries, ICT, renewable energy, Prelims and Mains focus: about the electrical equipment, IT and solar India-Norway Dialogue and its energy sectors participated in the significance industry interaction. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal News: The first Session of India-Norway Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Dialogue on Trade & Investment (DTI) Economic Affairs highlighted various was convened in New Delhi on 15-16 policy initiatives of the Government January, 2020. The session was based on for promoting investment in the the Terms of Reference (ToR) signed country. between India and Norway on 8th January, 2019 in New Delhi, during the Conclusion visit of Prime Minister of Norway. This was the first meeting after the signing of  Cumulative FDI equity inflows to DTI. India from Norway during April, 2000 to September, 2019 were around About the Session USD257 million. While economic exchanges between India and Norway  The first Session was preceded by an remain satisfactory, there are ample industry interaction on 15th January, opportunities for further intensification 2020 with the representatives from and diversification in mutually Indian industry, where discussions beneficial areas and their were held on various areas of mutual complementarities. interest like blue economy, shipping & maritime, ICT, renewable energy,  Both sides noted that the dynamic fisheries and MSME. nature of commercial exchange between the two countries will result in  Both sides exchanged views on increasing number of companies investment opportunities available in interested in establishing and gaining the respective countries as also the access to the markets in India and facilitations being extended by Norway. respective Governments for creating attractive investment environments.  Presentations were also made by the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC)

Easy to PICK47 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” K9 VAJRA-T Gun Syllabus subtopic: Science and Government under the ‘Make in India’ Technology- developments and their initiative to achieve $26 billion defence applications and effects in everyday life industry by 2025 and provide Achievements of Indians in science & employment to 2-3 million people. technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Some of the reforms highlighted include  setting up of Defence corridors in Uttar Prelims and Mains focus: About the details of the gun and its role in India’s Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; defence  simplification of industry licensing Context: Defence Minister flagged off process; 51st K9 VAJRA-T Gun from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Armoured System  increase in Foreign Direct Investment Complex at Hazira in Gujarat today. (FDI) cap; Details  steps to promote defence exports;  The Defence Minister called for active streamlining of Defence offsets policy; participation of the private sector in  establishing Defence Investor Cell; defence manufacturing, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to  providing Government-owned trial and make India an arms manufacturing testing facility to the private sector, hub and net defence exporter. and  While he acknowledged the increasing  schemes for startups and small & participation of the private industry in medium enterprises to promote defence production, he stressed that a innovation. lot still needs to be done to make India a global defence manufacturing hub.  The Strategic Partnership (SP) model has been introduced in the  He assured that the Government will Defence Production Policy (DPP) make all efforts to remove any under which private sector will be able roadblocks and work together to to manufacture fighter aircraft, achieve the goal of indigenisation and helicopters, submarines and armoured self-reliance in defence sector. vehicles and emerge as global giants. Reforms in Defence sector Defence minister also listed out various far reaching reforms introduced by the

Easy to PICK48 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” About the Gun L&T Defence is currently executing the ‘K9 VAJRA-T’ Tracked, Self-Propelled Howitzer Guns program - the contract awarded to the company by Ministry of Defence through global competitive bidding.

Easy to PICK49 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” GSAT-30 Satellite Syllabus subtopic: Science and  GSAT-30 has a unique Technology- developments and their configuration of providing flexible applications and effects in everyday life frequency segments and flexible Achievements of Indians in science & coverage. technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.  The satellite will provide communication services to Indian Prelims and Mains focus: About the mainland and islands through Ku- GSAT-30 satellite and its applications band and wide coverage covering Gulf countries, a large number of Context: India’s latest communication Asian countries and Australia satellite GSAT-30 was successfully through C-band. launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana during the early hours today.  GSAT-30 will provide DTH The launch vehicle Ariane 5 VA-251 Television Services, connectivity to lifted off from Kourou Launch Base, VSATs for ATM, Stock-exchange, French Guiana at 2:35 am IST Television uplinking and Teleport carrying India’s GSAT-30 and Services, Digital Satellite News EUTELSAT KONNECT for Eutelsat, Gathering (DSNG) and e-governance as scheduled. applications. After a flight lasting 38 minutes 25  The satellite will also be used for seconds, GSAT-30 separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical bulk data transfer for a host of Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. emerging telecommunication applications. About GSAT-30 Communication What next? In the days ahead, orbit-raising satellite manoeuvres will be performed to place the satellite in Geostationary Orbit  GSAT-30 derives its heritage from (36,000 km above the equator) by using its onboard propulsion system. ISRO’s earlier INSAT/GSAT During the final stages of its orbit raising operations, the two solar arrays satellite series and will replace and the antenna reflectors of GSAT-30 will be deployed. Following this, the INSAT-4A in orbit. satellite will be put in its final orbital configuration. The satellite will be  With a lift-off mass of 3357 kg, operational after the successful GSAT-30 will provide continuity completion of all in-orbit tests. to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites.  After a flight lasting 38 minutes 25 seconds, GSAT-30 separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.

Easy to PICK50 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Khadi Rumals by militancy affected women Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for families of militancy affected areas vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of J&K of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the  A humble contribution of the citizens protection and betterment of these vulnerable section of India could be a stepping stone for Prelims and Mains focus: about the the beginning of the ‘Journey of initiative by MSME and its significance; about KVIC Transformation’. Branded Context: handkerchiefs in the market costs In line with the suggestions of Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium somewhere around Rs. 100-200 per Enterprises (MSME) Shri Nitin Gadkari on December 17, 2019 while launching sale piece, whereas fine quality Khadi of ‘Khadi Rumal’ being stitched by militancy affected women of Jammu Rumal cost just Rs. 50. and Kashmir (at Nagrota near Jammu), Chairman KVIC, Shri VK Saxena has approved the enhancement of wages from Rs. 2 to Rs. 3 per piece w.e.f. 1st Jan 2020. Quite noticeably, each women artisan at Nagrota used to earn around Rs. 170 - Rs. 200 stitching 85-90 Khadi Rumals on an average working 4 hours per day. Now with revised wages, each woman will earn around Rs. 250 – Rs. 300 per day, thus increasing their income by around 50%. Since the launch on 17th December 2019, approximately 30,000 Khadi Rumals have been sold by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). Nagrota a centre has been established by KVIC to provide employment to local women. A major step towards nation building  Since the inception of this training center, the intention of KVIC has been to promote ‘Khadi Rumal’ and contribute meaningfully to the