Monthly Pib December 2019

Easy to PICK1 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” DECEMBER 2019 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. 2nd Dec 2019 Blue Flag Certification for beaches Promotion to Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles 04 3rd Dec 2019 Election Commission of India to implement “Political Parties Registration 05 06 4th Dec 2019 Tracking Management System” (PPRTMS) National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons 08 5th Dec 2019 Cabinet approves launch of Bharat Bond Exchange Traded Fund 09 6th Dec 2019 Scheme for Welfare of Transgender Persons 11 The Fifteenth Finance Commission submits its report for 2020-21 to the 13 7th Dec 2019 President 16 9th Dec 2019 Fund allocation under Poshan Abhiyan 17 10th Dec 19 2019 Prime Minister addresses Ekal Vidyalaya Sangathan 22 11th Dec CSIR Developed Anti-Diabetes Medicine 26 2019 National AYUSH Grid 27 12th Dec Head on Generation (HOG) technology 2019 29 13th Dec TRIFED Celebrates 100 days of Prime Minister Van Dhan Yojana 30 2019 (PMVDY) 32 14th Dec 33 2019 Skills Build Platform 34 16th Dec Biofuels 35 2019 36 17th Dec Antibiotics in CROPS 37 2019 Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana for Disabled Persons 38 18th Dec Cabinet approves Agreement on Social Security between India and Brazil 39 2019 40 Data on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use 41 Atal Bhujal yojana 42 43 National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) 44 Subramaniya Bharathi 45 Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme 46 Exercise Mitra Shakti Prime Minister chairs first meeting of National Ganga Council Breast Milk Banks Sustainable Development Cell for Environmental Mitigation Measures GeM Samvaad AMRUT mission Tripura gets its first SEZ

Easy to PICK3 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 19th Dec India-US 2+2 Dialogue 47 2019 DRDO successfully flight-tests Pinaka Missile System off Odisha coast 48 49 20th Dec Afghanistan first country to recognize Indian Pharmacopoeia 50 2019 EChO Network launched 51 Future Skills 52 21st Dec 53 2019 National Population Register (NPR). 54 ‘Nagpur Resolution: A holistic approach for empowering citizens’ 23rd Dec Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested off 55 2019 56 Odisha coast 57 24th Dec National Green Corps ‘Ecoclub’ 58 2019 NITI Aayog to Launch SDG India Index & Dashboard 2019–20 59 Universal Postal Union (UPU) 60 25th Dec 61 2019 Atal Bhujal Yojana (AJY) 63 Recycling of Ships Act 65 26th Dec Good Governance Index 2019 66 Three Technology Development Projects Inaugurated 27th Dec More than 1 Cr Houses Sanctioned Under PMAY(U) 67 2019 eB’krey (eB’krey) Portal 69 28th Dec 70 2019 Biometric enabled Centralised Access Control System (CACS) &Training Module of e-BCAS Project launched 30th Dec 2019 Total Forest and Tree Cover rises to 24.56 percent of the total geographical area of the Country 31st Dec 2019 National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) Chief of Defence Staff

Easy to PICK4 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Blue Flag Certification for beaches Syllabus subtopic: Conservation, Nadu), Eden beach (Puducherry), environmental pollution and degradation, Rushikonda beach (Andhra Pradesh), environmental impact assessment Miramar beach (Goa), Golden beach News: The Ministry of Environment, (Odisha), Radhanagar beach (Andaman Forest and Climate Change has embarked & Nicobar Islands) and Bangaram upon a programme for ‘Blue Flag’ beach (Lakshadweep). Certification for select beaches in the  Rushikonda beach in Andhra Pradesh country. also features in the list of 13 pilot beaches, for development of facilities Prelims and Mains focus: about the Blue and infrastructure accordingly. flag certification, its criteria and significance Agency providing the certification This Certification is accorded by an international agency “Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark” based on 33 stringent criteria in four major heads i.e. (i) Environmental Education and Information, (ii) Bathing Water Quality, (iii) Environment Management and Conservation and (iv) Safety and Services in the beaches. Blue flag beach  The ‘Blue Flag’ beach is an Eco- tourism model endeavouring to provide to the tourists/beach goers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.  13 pilot beaches that have been identified for the certification, in consultation with concerned coastal States/UTs, are Ghoghala Beach (Diu), Shivrajpur beach (Gujarat), Bhogave (Maharashtra), Padubidri and Kasarkod (Karnagaka), Kappad beach (Kerala), Kovalam beach (Tamil

Easy to PICK5 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Promotion to Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles Syllabus subtopic: Government policies lakh e-3 wheelers (e-3W), 55000 e-4 and interventions for development in wheelers (e-4W) passenger cars and 10 various sectors and issues arising out of lakh e-2 wheelers. In addition, creation of their design and implementation. charging infrastructure will be also supported to address range anxiety among News: Since inception of the Faster users of electric vehicles. Adoption and Manufacturing of Under Phase-II of FAME-India Scheme, (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India incentives is being provided to the (FAME India) in 2015, about 2.8 lakh consumers on purchase of electric vehicles have been supported by way of vehicles, used for public transport or extending demand incentives of about Rs. those registered for commercial 359 Crore [Approx.]. As pilot project, 425 purposes in e-3W, e-4W (including e-buses were also supported to various Strong Hybrid) segment however, cities/ states to promote public privately owned registered e-2W are transportation also be covered under the scheme. Prelims and Mains focus: about FAME The demand incentive to these electrical India scheme, merits and challenges in its vehicles is linked to battery capacity i.e. implementation Rs. 10,000/KWh subject to capping of 20% cost of these vehicles. Demand Background incentive is restricted to vehicles with Government approved Phase-I of FAME prices less than the threshold value which India Scheme in March, 2015 for a is Rs 1.5 Lakh for e-2W, 5 lakh for e-3W period of 2 years from 1st April 2015 to and 15 Lakh for e-4W. promote adoption of electrical vehicles with an aim to reduce dependency on fossil fuel and to address issues of vehicular emissions. The Phase-I of the Scheme was extended from time to time and the last extension was allowed till 31st March 2019. Based on outcome and experience gained during the Phase-I of FAME India Scheme and after having consultations with all stakeholders including industry and industry associations, the Government notified Phase-II of FAME India Scheme on 8th March 2019, which is for a period of three years commencing from 1st April 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore. This phase will mainly focus on supporting electrification of public & shared transportation, and aims to support through incentives about 7000 e-buses, 5

Easy to PICK6 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Election Commission of India to implement “Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System” (PPRTMS) Syllabus subtopic: Salient features of the of the Representation of the People Act, Representation of People's Act. 1951. A party seeking registration under News: The Election Commission of India the said section with the Commission has has reviewed the system and process of to submit an application to the registration of political parties. The new Commission within a period of 30 days guidelines will be effective from 1st following the date of its formation in January,2020. Accordingly the “Political prescribed format with basic particulars about the party such as name, address, Parties Registration Tracking membership details of various units, Management System” (PPRTMS) will names of office bearers, etc, as required be implemented through an online portal, under sub-section (4) of the said section, to facilitate tracking of status of and such other particulars that the application by applicants. Commission has specified under sub- Prelims and Mains focus: about Election section (6) of Section 29A of the Commission, the registration of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as political parties, use of technology in the mentioned in the Guidelines for election process registration. Recognition as a About PPRTMS National/State party. The Election The salient feature in the Political Parties Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Registration Tracking Management Order, 1968. A registered political party is System is that the applicant (who is accorded the status of a recognized state or applying for party registration from 1st national party as per the criteria listed in January, 2020 onwards) will be able to ‘The Election Symbols (Reservation and track the progress of his / her Allotment) Order, 1968’. This order was application and will get status update amended from time to time. Recognition through SMS and email. The applicant is as a National Party For any political required to provide contact mobile number party to be eligible for recognition as a and email address of the party / applicant National Party, it has to satisfy any of the in his application if he/she wishes to track three conditions listed below. Recognition the progress of the application. Procedure as a National Party For any political for registration of political parties. he party to be eligible for recognition as a Registration of Political Parties is National Party, it has to satisfy any of the governed by the provisions of section 29A three conditions listed below.

Easy to PICK7 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Recognition as a State Party has to satisfy any of the five conditions For any political party to be eligible for listed below. recognition as a State Party in a state, it Note: National People's Party became the 8th political party to be recognized as a National Party in the country in 2019. BJP, Congress, CPI, CPI(M), BSP, NCP & AITC are seven other political parties to be recognized as National Parties

Easy to PICK8 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for monthly on attaining the age of 60 vulnerable sections of the population by years. the Centre and States and the performance  The Central Government shall give 50 of these schemes. % share of the monthly contribution and remaining 50% News: National Pension Scheme for contribution shall be made by the Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed beneficiary. Persons (originally proposed name was, Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Eligibility: Scheme) has been launched on 12.09.2019 1. Beneficiary is required to have an Prelims focus: Key features, eligibility of Aadhaar card and a saving bank/ Jan- the scheme. dhan Account passbook only. Mains focus: Need for and significance of 2. He/ She should be within 18 to 40 the scheme. years of age group. 3. GSTIN is required only for those with About the scheme: turnover above Rs. 40 lakhs. It is a pension scheme for 4. The beneficiary should not be income the Vyaparis (shopkeepers/retail traders tax payer and also not a member of and self-employed persons) with annual EPFO/ESIC/NPS (Govt.)/PM-SYM. turnover not exceeding Rs 1.5 crore.  It is a voluntary and contributory Significance: This scheme will target enrolling 25 lakh pension scheme. subscribers in 2019-20 and 2 crore  The enrolment under the scheme subscribers by 2023-2024. An estimated 3 crore Vyaparis in the country are expected is free of cost for the beneficiaries. to be benefitted under the pension scheme.  The enrolment is based upon self- certification.  It has a provision for minimum assured pension of Rs 3,000/-

Easy to PICK9 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Cabinet approves launch of Bharat Bond Exchange Traded Fund Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and matching Credit Quality and Average issues relating to planning, mobilization of Maturity of the Index resources, growth, development and employment. • Will invest in a portfolio of bonds of CPSE, CPSU, CPFI or any other News: The Cabinet Committee on Government organizations that Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime matures on or before the maturity Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its date of the ETF approval for creation and launch of Bharat Bond Exchange Traded Fund • As of now, it will have 2 maturity (ETF) to create an additional source of series - 3 and 10 years. Each series funding for Central Public Sector will have a separate index of the Undertakings (CPSUs) Central Public same maturity series. Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), Central Public Financial Institutions (CPFIs) and other Index Methodology: Government organizations. Bharat Bond • Index will be constructed by an ETF would be the first corporate Bond ETF in the country. independent index provider – National Sock Exchange Prelims and Mains focus: about Bharat ETF and its features, impact of the move • Different indices tracking specific on the financial health of CPSEs maturity years - 3 and 10 years Features of Bharat Bond ETF: Benefits of Bharat Bond ETF to investors: ETF will be a basket of bonds issued by Bharat Bond ETF Benefits for CPSEs: CPSE/CPSU/CPFI/any other Government • Bond ETF would offer CPSEs, organization Bonds (Initially, all AAA CPSUs, CPFIs and other Government organizations an additional source of rated bonds) live meeting their borrowing requirements • Tradable on exchange apart from bank financing. • Small unit size Rs 1,000 • Transparent NAV (Periodic • It will expand their investor base through retail and HNI participation NAV during the day) (Daily which can increase demand for their • Transparent Portfolio bonds. With increase in demand for their bonds, these issuers may be able disclosure on website) to borrow at reduced cost thereby • Low cost (0.0005%) reducing their cost of borrowing over a period of time. Bharat Bond ETF Structure: • Each ETF will have a fixed maturity • Further, Bond ETF trading on the exchange will help in better price date discovery of the underlying bonds. • The ETF will track the underlying Index on risk replication basis, i.e.

Easy to PICK10 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” • Since a broad debt calendar to assess • ETF is expected to create new eco- the borrowing needs of the CPSEs system - Market Makers, index would be prepared and approved each providers and awareness amongst year, it would inculcate borrowing investors - for launching new Bond discipline in the CPSEs at least to the ETFs in India. extent of this investment. • This is expected to eventually Developmental impact on Bond increase the size of bond ETFs in Markets: India leading to achieving key • Target Maturity Bond ETF is objectives at a larger scale - deepening bond markets, enhancing expected to create a yield curve and a retail participation and reducing ladder of Bond ETFs with different borrowing costs. maturities across calendar years.

Easy to PICK11 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Scheme for Welfare of Transgender Persons Syllabus subtopic: Government policies Prelims and Mains focus: Key features of and interventions for development in the Bill its significance, merits and various sectors and issues arising out of demerits their design and implementation. Background The Ministry had released Rs. 1.00 Crore to News: The Ministry of Social Justice and National Backward Classes Finance and Empowerment introduced a Bill titled \"The Development Corporation (NBCFDC) for Transgender Persons (Protection of conducting skill development training Rights) Bill, 2019\" in the Lok Sabha in programme for the members of order to provide for protection of rights of Transgender Community during financial transgender persons and their welfare. year 2018-19. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on At present there is no reservation for 05.08.2019 and by the Rajya Sabha on Transgender persons in public sector 26.11.2019. employment.

Easy to PICK12 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”

Easy to PICK13 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The Fifteenth Finance Commission submits its report for 2020-21 to the President Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory 1. the distribution between the Union and and various quasi-judicial bodies the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided News: The Chairman of the 15th Finance between them and the allocation Commission, Shri N.K. Singh, submitted between the States of the respective the report of the Commission for the shares of such proceeds; financial year 2020-21 for further necessary action. The Commission 2. the principles which should govern the apprised the President of the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the recommendations contained therein. States out of the Consolidated Fund of India; Prelims and Mains focus: about the 15th finance commission, its recommendations 3. the measures needed to augment the and functions Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Background Panchayats and Municipalities in the The XV Finance Commission was State on the basis of the constituted by the President of India recommendations made by the Finance under Article 280 of the Constitution on Commission of the State; 27 November 2017 to make recommendations for a period of five 4. any other matter referred to the years from 1st April 2020 to 31 March Commission by the President in the 2025. The Commission had a wide interests of sound finance. ranging Terms of Reference contained in the Presidential Notification. The Commission determines its procedure and have such powers in the What is the Finance Commission? performance of their functions as The Finance Commission is constituted by Parliament may by law confer on them. the President under article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its Appointment of the Finance Commission recommendations on distribution of tax and the qualifications for Members revenues between the Union and the States The Finance Commission is appointed by and amongst the States themselves. the President under Article 280 of the Two distinctive features of the Constitution. As per the provisions Commission’s work involve redressing contained in the Finance Commission the vertical imbalances between the [Miscellaneous Provisions] Act, 1951 and taxation powers and expenditure The Finance Commission (Salaries & responsibilities of the centre and the Allowances) Rules, 1951, the Chairman of States respectively and equalization of all the Commission is selected from among public services across the States. persons who have had experience in public affairs, and the four other members are Functions of the Finance Commission selected from among persons who: It is the duty of the Commission to make  are, or have been, or are qualified to be recommendations to the President as to: appointed as Judges of a High Court; or  have special knowledge of the finances and accounts of Government; or

Easy to PICK14 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  have had wide experience in financial Population is an indicator of the matters and in administration; or expenditure needs of a state. Over the years, Finance Commissions have used  have special knowledge of economics population data of the 1971 Census. The 14th Finance Commission used the 2011 The recommendations of the Finance population data, in addition to the 1971 Commission are implemented as under: data. The 15th Finance Commission has Those to be implemented by an order of been mandated to use data from the 2011 the President: Census.  The recommendations relating to Area is used as a criterion as a state with larger area has to incur additional distribution of Union Taxes and Duties administrative costs to deliver services. and Grants-in-aid fall in this category. Income distance is the difference between  Those to be implemented by executive the per capita income of a state with the orders: average per capita income of all states.  Other recommendations to be made by States with lower per capita income may the Finance Commission, as per its be given a higher share to maintain equity Terms of Reference among states. Forest cover indicates that states with Commissions constituted so far large forest covers bear the cost of not The First Finance Commission was having area available for other economic constituted vide Presidential Order dated activities. Therefore, the rationale is that 22.11.1951 under the chairmanship of Shri these states may be given a higher share. K.C. Neogy on 6th April, 1952. Fifteenth Grants-in-Aid: Finance Commissions have been Besides the taxes devolved to Constituted so far at intervals of every five states, another source of transfers from years. the centre to states is grants-in-aid. As Need for a Finance Commission per the recommendations of the 14th The Indian federal system allows for the division of power and responsibilities between the centre and states. Correspondingly, the taxation powers are also broadly divided between the centre and states. State legislatures may devolve some of their taxation powers to local bodies. Formula used for distribution: The share in central taxes is distributed among states based on a formula. Previous Finance Commissions have considered various factors to determine the criteria such as the population and income needs of states, their area and infrastructure, etc. Further, the weightage assigned to each criterion has varied with each Finance Commission. The criteria used by the 11th to 14thFinance Commissions are:

Easy to PICK15 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Finance Commission, grants-in-aid recommended grants to states for three constitute 12% of the central transfers to purposes: (i) disaster relief, (ii) local states. The 14th Finance Commission had bodies, and (iii) revenue deficit. The 15th Finance Commission

Easy to PICK16 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Fund allocation under Poshan Abhiyan Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for News: Fund allocation under POSHAN vulnerable sections of the population by Abhiyaan has increased in the last 3 years the Centre and States and the performance from Rs. 950.00 crore in 2017-18 to Rs. of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, 3061.30 crore in 2018-19 and to Rs. institutions and bodies constituted for the 3400.00 crore in 2019-20. protection and betterment of these Prelims and Mains focus: About vulnerable sections POSHAN Abhiyan and its significance About POSHAN Abhiyan There is no provision under the POSHAN of various nutrition related Abhiyaan to provide nutritious food. schemes/interventions of various line Providing Supplementary Nutrition is a Ministries. part of Anganwadi Services scheme. POSHAN Abhiyaan ensures convergence

Easy to PICK17 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Prime Minister addresses Ekal Vidyalaya Sangathan Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to festivals etc have helped not only in development and management of Social checking the school dropout rates but also Sector/Services relating to Health, promoted the holistic development of Education, Human Resources, issues children. relating to poverty and hunger. PM suggested that to celebrate the 75 News: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, congratulated Ekal Vidyalaya years of Independence in 2022, the Sangathan for spearheading the ‘Ekal School Abhiyan’ which aims to promote sangathan should encourage its school the education among rural and tribal children. children to organize special skits, musical Prelims and Mains focus: About Ekal competitions, debates and discussions to idyalaya and its role in spreading education to the remote areas. highlight the role of tribes in the Indian Key highlights of PM’s address Freedom Movement. The competitions The PM appreciated the Sangathan volunteers for their role in Nation building may start this year and complete with an by imparting education and awareness to more than 2.8 million rural and tribal all-encompassing national level children who reside in the remotest locations across India and Nepal. competition in 2022. He added that the Congratulating the Sangathan on Ekal family may also organize a Khel- reaching the figure of 1lakh schools across India, PM said that working with Mahakhumbh (sports fiesta) of passion, dedication and commitment turns an impossible Goal into an achievable one. traditional Indian sports. He highlighted the fact that the Sangathan has been awarded with Gandhi Peace PM also presented the idea of pairing Prize due to its commitment towards social service and for being an inspiration private and public schools wherein role model for whole country. students from rural background will learn Prime Minister noted that the Union from their urban counterparts and vice Government is also working versa, thus boosting the idea of ‘Ek Bharat enthusiastically for better Education and Shrestha Bharat’. PM also appreciated the Skill development in India. Schemes like use of e-education and digitization by Ekal scholarship for scheduled tribe’s children, Eklavya Model residential school, Poshan Sansthan and said that the organization Abhhiyan, Mission Indradhanush, and may also come up with a single real time school holidays on the occasion of tribal dashboard for monitoring the progress of all the Ekal Vidyalas in a comprehensive way. Reminding the audience that the day coincides with the ‘Punya Tithi’ of “Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar’’ PM highlighted that Ekal Sangathan has succeeded in realizing Baba Saheb’s dream of imparting equal education to girls and boys. In the four decades long journey of the family, the Sangathan has remarkably promoted out of box thinking through the ‘Panchatantra Model of Education’ such as Promotion of nutrition through Poshan Vatikas, training for bio-

Easy to PICK18 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” fertilizers use in farming, imparting skills Antyoday of Deen Dayal Upadhyay and for using medicinal qualities of herbs, Swami Vivekanad’s dream of a Glorious Training for employment and Generation India. of Social Awareness. He added that it is About Ekal Vidyalaya indeed satisfying to see the Ekal Vidyalaya Ekal Vidyalaya is a movement involved in passouts serving the Nation in the different integrated & holistic development of fields of Education, Policing, Industry and the Army as well. rural & tribal India and Nepal. Prime Minister remarked that as India The main activity undertaken in this completes 75 years of Independence, the movement is to run one-teacher schools success of Ekal Sangathan will help in (known as Ekal Vidyalayas) all over realizing Gandhiji’s ideals of Gram India, in the remotest rural & tribal Swaraj, Social Justice of Baba Saheb, villages to take the education to every child.

Easy to PICK19 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” CSIR Developed Anti-Diabetes Medicine Syllabus subtopic: Science and been engaged in extending research Technology- developments and their oriented Ayurveda based on integrative applications and effects in everyday life health care services for the management of Achievements of Indians in science & Madhumeha which is Diabetes Mellitus. technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. The following are the core activities 1. CCRAS in collaboration with News: The diabetic population in the country is close to hitting the alarming Directorate General of Health Services, mark of 69.9 million by 2025, which Ministry of Health & Family Welfare denotes that the country is expected to has implemented and executed a witness an increase of 266%. programme viz. Integration of AYUSH (Ayurveda) component with Prelims and Mains focus: about the NPCDCS(National Programme for medicine, diabetes, its types, causes and Prevention and Control of Cancer, symptoms, about CSIR Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases & Stroke ) programme in the identified About the medicine districts of 3 states viz. Bhilwara Council of Scientific and Industrial (Rajasthan), Surendranagar (Gujarat) Research (CSIR), through its constituent and Gaya (Bihar) to cater health care laboratories namely CSIR-Central Institute services and to reduce the burden of of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CSIR- NCDs including Diabetes by CIMAP), Lucknow; and CSIR-National combining the strength of Ayurveda Botanical Research Institute (CSIR- and Yoga. The programme was NBRI), Lucknow developed scientifically launched during 2016 and continuing validated herbal product NBRMAP-DB in 3 districts viz. Bhilwara (Rajasthan), as anti-diabetic formulation and the Surendranagar (Gujarat) and Gaya knowhow for the product was licensed to (Bihar). The aforesaid programme is M/s AIMIL Pharma Ltd., Delhi who are now successfully functional in 52 manufacturing and marketing it as BGR- centres (49 CHCs and 3 District 34, across the country. Hospitals) of the all 3 identified districts, through AYUSH- NPCDCS M/s AIMIL Pharmaceuticals, the licensee Clinic/Lifestyle modification Clinics, carried out the clinical study of BGR-34 established for prevention and and the trial was registered in clinical trial management of selected NCDs by registry of India (Registration number: Ayurvedic intervention, Lifestyle CTRI/2016/11/007476). Further, the modifications and Yoga Advice. formulation has shown therapeutic efficacy 2. CCRAS had developed the AYUSH82 for treating newly diagnosed type 2 formulation for diabetes through diabetes, as found in independent clinical scientific process of drug development trials conducted at Banaras Hindu and commercialized through National University (BHU), Varanasi. Research Development Corporation (NRDC) for wider public utility. The Central of Research in Ayurveda 3. Generation of evidences on efficacy & Sciences (CCRAS), and autonomous safety of classical Ayurveda body under Ministry of AYUSH has formulation on Diabetes Mellitus. CCRAS has done efficacy and safety on

Easy to PICK20 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” formulations viz. Nishamalki churna, sufficient insulin. People with type I Saptvinsti Gugullu, Yasad bhasm, diabetes are insulin-dependent, which Guduchi churna, Chandraprabha vati, means they must take artificial insulin Haridra churna anmd Gokshuradi daily to stay alive. Gugullu. o Type 2 diabetes: It affects the way the 4. CCRAS has published the documents body uses insulin. While the body still viz. Protocol on Prevention and makes insulin, unlike in type I, the Management for Diabetes Mellitus and cells in the body do not respond to it as compendium on research articles on effectively as they once did. Diabetes Mellitus which are made  The population with 45 and above age available in the public domain for benefit of practitioner’s, physician and group is the most affected with it. researchers  This is the most common type of Diabetes Diabetes is a Non-Communicable diabetes and it has strong links with Disease (NCD) that occurs either when the obesity. pancreas o Gestational diabetes: This type does not produceenough insulin (a occurs in women during pregnancy hormone that regulates blood sugar, or when the body sometimes becomes glucose), or when the body cannot less sensitive to insulin. Gestational effectively use the insulin it produces. diabetes does not occur in all women and usually resolves after giving birth.  Types  Diabetes affects the five major organs o Type I diabetes: It is also known as namely, Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, juvenile diabetes (as it mostly affects Nervous System, and Eyes (retina). children of age 14-16 years), this type  The factors responsible for the increase occurs when the body fails to produce in diabetes are an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc.

Easy to PICK21 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” About CSIR ocean sciences, Life sciences,  It is an autonomous body and the metallurgy, chemicals, mining, food, petroleum, leather, and environment. largest research and development  Established: 26th September, 1942 (R&D) organisation in India – running  Chairperson: Prime Minister of India 37 laboratories and 39 field stations or  HQ : New Delhi extension centres.  Although it is mainly funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, it operates as an autonomous body registered under the Registration of Societies Act, 1860.  The research and development activities of CSIR includes aerospace engineering, Structural engineering,

Easy to PICK22 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National AYUSH Grid Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to Introduction development and management of Social Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Sector/Services relating to Health, Health and Family Welfare, Government Education, Human Resources, issues of India has launched National AYUSH relating to poverty and hunger. Mission (NAM) during 12th Plan for im- plementing through States/UTs. News: The AYUSH Grid is envisaged as The basic objective of NAM is to promote a comprehensive IT backbone covering the AYUSH medical systems through cost different silos of the AYUSH Sector. effective AYUSH services, strengthening of educational systems, facilitate the Prelims and Mains focus: About the enforcement of quality control of project and its significance in the health Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani & sector, National Ayush Mission Homoeopathy (ASU &H) drugs and sustainable availability of ASU & H raw- Ministry of AYUSH has finalised materials. It envisages flexibility of implementation of the programmes which components of AYUSH Grid Project in will lead to substantial participation of the State Governments/UT. consultation with various stakeholders. The NAM contemplates establishment of a National Mission as well as corresponding The process of Expression of Interest Missions in the State level. NAM is likely to improve significantly the Department’s (EOI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) for outreach in terms of planning, supervision and monitoring of the schemes. on-boarding of Project Management Vision Consultancy (PMC) for the AYUSH Grid 1. To provide cost effective and equitable Project has been completed and the AYUSH health care throughout the country by improving access to the eligible agency discovered through the services. process has been selected. 2. To revitalize and strengthen the AYUSH systems making them as prominent Ministry of AYUSH has taken up various medical streams in addressing the health care of the society. pilot projects like AYUSH Hospital 3. To improve educational institutions Management Information System (A- capable of imparting quality AYUSH education HMIS), Yoga locator application, 4. To promote the adoption of Quality Telemedicine, Yoga Portal, A-HMIS standards of AYUSH drugs and making available the sustained supply of AYUSH trainings, IT course for AYUSH raw-materials. Professionals, etc. which shall be merged Objectives into AYUSH Grid Project after completion 1. To provide cost effective AYUSH Services, with a universal access through of pilot period. Ministry of AYUSH has also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for technical help in AYUSH Grid Project and accordingly, Ministry has handed over projects of Dashboard, GIS facility for various functionalities of AYUSH and AYUSH Information Hub to National e- Governance Division(NeGD)/ Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo- Informatics(BISAG).

Easy to PICK23 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” upgrading AYUSH Hospitals and  Voluntary certification scheme: Project based. Dispensaries, co-location of AYUSH  Market Promotion, Market intelligence & facilities at Primary Health Centres buy back interventions (PHCs), Community Health Centres  Crop Insurance for Medicinal Plants 2. The financial assistance from Government (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs). of India shall be supplementary in the form 2. To strengthen institutional capacity at the of contractual engagements, infrastructure development, Capacity Building and state level through upgrading AYUSH supply of medicines to be provided from Department of AYUSH. This will ensure educational institutions, State Govt. better implementation of the programme through effective co-ordination and ASU&H Pharmacies, Drug Testing monitoring. States shall ensure to make available all the regular manpower posts Laboratories and ASU & H enforcement filled in the existing facilities. The procurement of medicines will be made by mechanism. the States/UTs as per the existing guidelines of the scheme. 3. Support cultivation of medicinal plants by Supporting Facilities under Mission adopting Good Agricultural Practices 1. In order to strengthen the AYUSH infrastructure both attached Central and (GAPs) so as to provide sustained supply State levels, financial assistance for setting up of the Programme Management Units of quality raw-materials and support (PMU’s) will be provided. The PMU will consist of management and technical certification mechanism for quality professionals both at Central and State level and will be essentially on contract or standards, Good through service provider. Agricultural/Collection/Storage Practices. 2. The PMU staff will be engaged from the open market on contractual basis or 4. Support setting up of clusters through outsourcing and the expenditure on their salary will be met out of admissible convergence of cultivation, warehousing, administrative and managerial cost for the mission period. This PMU will provide the value addition and marketing and technical support to the implementation of National AYUSH Mission in the State development of infrastructure for through its pool of skilled professionals like MBA, CA, Accounts and technical entrepreneurs. Specialist etc. All appointments would be contractual and Central Government’s Components of the Mission liability will be limited only to the extent of Central share admissible for Mandatory Components administrative and management costs on  AYUSH Services salary head for the mission period.  AYUSH Educational Institutions  Quality Control of ASU &H Drugs 3. In addition to the Manpower cost for  Medicinal Plants PMU, the States/UTs can avail the financial assistance for such administrative Flexible Components costs like office expenditure, travelling 1. Out of the total State envelop available, 20% funds will be earmarked for flexible funds which can be spent on any of the items given below with the stipulation that not more than 5% of the envelop is spent on any of the components:  AYUSH Wellness Centres including Yoga & Naturopathy  Tele-medicine  Sports Medicine through AYUSH  Innovations in AYUSH including Public Private Partnership  Interest subsidy component for Private AYUSH educational Institutions  Reimbursement of Testing charges  IEC activities  Research & Development in areas related to Medicinal Plants

Easy to PICK24 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” expenditure, contingency, Annual the Resource pool allocated to the States Maintenance Cost (AMC) of infrastructure can be used. For optional items, the including equipment’s, computer, software remaining 20% of Resource pool allocated for HMIS, Training and Capacity Building to the States can be used in a flexible for concerned personnel under each manner, with the restriction that this 20% component, audit, monitoring & of Resource Pool can be spent on any of evaluation, project preparation consultancy the items allowed with constraints that not and additional manpower for AYUSH more than 5% of the envelop is spent on Hospitals and Dispensaries. A total 4% of any of the components: the net funds available for the State is 5. The amount of release against the earmarked for State/UTs administrative Central share will be as follows:- costs under the Mission. Entitled Central Share – (Unspent balance Resource Allocation Framework of the Grant-in Aid released in previous years + interest accrued). 1. For AYUSH Services, Educational Action Plan Institutions and Quality Control of ASU&H Drugs:- For special Category  Indication of tentative State allocation by states (NE States and three hilly States of Department of AYUSH, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu India - 31st, December and Kashmir) Grant-in-aid component will be 90% from Govt. of India and remaining  Budget Provision by the State Government 10% is proposed to be the State along with matching State Share - 31st contribution towards all components under March the scheme. For other States/UTs the sharing pattern will be 75%:25%.  Preparation of State Annual Action Plan by Executive Committee of the State 2. For Medicinal Plants: This component AYUSH Society – 30th April will be financed 100% by Central Government in North Eastern State and  The receipt of State Annual Action Plan in hilly State of Himachal Pradesh, the Department of AYUSH, Government Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir where of India – 1st week of May as in other states it will be shared in the Monitoring and Evaluation ratio of 90:10 between Centre and States.  Dedicated MIS monitoring and evaluation 3. The Resource Pool to the States from cell would be established at Centre/ State the Government of India under the level. It is therefore proposed to have a Mission shall be determined on the basis Health Management Information System of following: (HMIS) Cell at National level with three HMIS Managers and one HMIS Manager  Population with 70% weightage and 2 as at State level. multiplying factor for EAG States, Island UTs and Hilly States.  The concurrent evaluation of the AYUSH Mission shall be carried out to know the  Backwardness determined on the basis of implementation progress and bottlenecks proxy indicator of per capita income will and scope for improvement. Third party have 15% weightage and evaluation will also carried out after two years of Mission implementation.  Performance to be determined on inverse Expected Outcome proportion of percentage of UCs due and pending as on 31st March of previous  Improvement in AYUSH education financial year will have 15% weightage. through enhanced number of AYUSH Educational Institutions upgraded. 4. Components of National AYUSH Mission will have certain core activities that are  Better access to AYUSH services through essential and other activities that are increased number of AYUSH Hospital and optional. For core/essential items 80% of

Easy to PICK25 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Dispensaries coverage, availability of drugs and manpower.  Sustained availability of quality raw- materials for AYUSH Systems of Medicine.  Improved availability of quality ASU & drugs through increase in the number of quality Pharmacies and Drug Laboratories and enforcement mechanism of ASU & drugs.

Easy to PICK26 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Head on Generation (HOG) technology Syllabus subtopic: Science and car attached, instead of two regular Technology- developments and their generator cars. applications and effects in everyday life 2. HOG system is free of air and noise Achievements of Indians in science & pollution: It would bring down yearly technology; indigenization of technology CO2 and NOx emissions, which are and developing new technology. currently at 1724.6 tonnes/annum and 7.48 tonnes/annum respectively, to Prelims and mains focus: Features and zero. significance of HOG and EOG 3. The reduction in emissions could also technologies. help the Railways accrue carbon credits, and trade them on the Context: Between April 2018 and international market. November 2019 around 436 trains have 4. With the noise-emitting generator sets been converted into HOG compliant. gone, noise pollution would also drop. What is Head on Generation (HOG) technology? The system runs the train’s ‘hotel load’ (the load of air conditioning, lights, fans, and pantry, etc.) by drawing electricity from the overhead electric lines through the pantograph. The power supply from the overhead cable is 750 volts at single-phase, and a transformer with a winding of 945 kVA converts it to a 750 Volts 50 Hz output at 3-phase. This energy is then provided to the compartments. How is it different from the present EOG technology? In the End on Generation (EOG) system, the ‘hotel load’ is provided with electricity from two large diesel generator sets. The generator cars are attached to either end of the train, giving the system its name. Benefits of HOG over EOG: 1. HOG-fitted trains do not require power from diesel generators and need only one emergency generator

Easy to PICK27 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” TRIFED Celebrates 100 days of Prime Minister Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for  During the short period after initiation vulnerable sections of the population by of sanctioning the Van Dhan program the Centre and States and the performance on 27 Aug 2019, proposals for of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, establishing 799 VDVKs from 24 institutions and bodies constituted for the States have been received and TRIFED protection and betterment of these has sanctioned 676 Van Dhan Vikas vulnerable sections Kendras (VDVKs) in 18 States Prelims and Mains focus: About covering 2,00,740 beneficiaries for a PMVDY, TRIFED and its significance sanctioned amount of Rs. 99.81 Cr. News: Managing Director, TRIFED updated the media on the completion of  The initiative aims to promote MFPs- ‘100 days of Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan centric livelihood development of Yojana (PMVDY) tribal gatherers and artisans. About PM Van Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)  It mainstreams the tribal community  It is a national programme driven by by promoting primary level value addition to MFP at grassroots level. TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aimed at empowering tribals  Significance: Through this initiative, all over the country to make them the share of tribals in the value chain of entrepreneurs. Non-Timber Forest Produce is expected to rise from the present 20% to around 60%. Implementation: as Nodal Department at the Central  The scheme will be implemented Level and TRIFED as Nodal Agency at the National Level. through Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Easy to PICK28 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  At State level, the State Nodal Agency The head office of the TRIFED is in New for MFPs and the District Delhi. In addition to head office it has collectors are envisaged to play a pivot network of 13 Regional offices located at role in scheme implementation at various places in the country. grassroot level. TRIFED is a national level apex organization functioning under the  Locally the Kendras are proposed to administrative control of Ministry of be managed by a Managing Tribal Affairs. Committee (an SHG)consisting of representatives of Van Dhan SHGs in Objectives of the TRIFED are the cluster. 1. To provide fair price to the 'Minor  Composition: As per the plan, Forest Produce (MFP) collected by TRIFED will facilitate establishment the tribes and enhance their level of of MFP-led multi-purpose Van Dhan income. Vikas Kendras, a cluster of 10 SHGs 2. To ensure sustainable harvesting of comprising of 30 tribal MFP gatherers 'Minor Forest Produce (MFP). each, in the tribal areas. 3. To save the tribes from the exploitation of the business mediators who Significance of MFP: purchase the products of the tribes at  Minor Forest Produce (MFP) is a cheap rate and sell at the higher prices. So TRIFED removed the mediators. major source of livelihood for tribals 4. If the price of the products fluctuates living in forest areas. The importance then TRIFED arranges compensation of MFPs for this section of the society for the tribes from the Ministry of can be gauged from the fact that Agriculture. around 100 million forest dwellers 5. TRIFED also assures the tribes for depend on MFPs for food, shelter, purchasing their products at a medicines and cash income. particular price, primary processing of  It provides them critical subsistence products, storage of products and during the lean seasons, particularly for transportation etc. primitive tribal groups such as hunter 6. TRIFED provides information related gatherers, and the landless. Tribals to fair price markets for the 'Minor derive 20-40% of their annual income Forest Produce (MFP). Like tribes of from MFP on which they spend major all over country sell their products in portion of their time. the trade fair organised at the Pragati  This activity has strong linkage to Maidan, New Delhi every year. women’s financial empowerment as 7. TRIFED helps in increasing the most of the MFPs are collected and bargaining power of the tribes to fetch used/sold by women. MFP sector has good price of the MFP. TRIFED the potential to create about 10 million provides adequate training to the tribes workdays annually in the country. to make value addition to their products. So it can be concluded that About TRIFED the TRIFED is doing great job in The full form of TRIFED is The Tribal ensuring the good price for the Cooperative Marketing Development products of the tribes. It is expected Federation of India. It was established in that in the coming years the TRIFED 1987. It became operational from April will get success in enhancing the 1988. The basic objective of the TRIFED standard of living of this community. is to provide good price of the 'Minor Forest Produce (MFP) collected by the tribes of the country.

Easy to PICK29 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Skills Build Platform Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to disadvantaged backgrounds, or because development and management of Social of lack of knowledge, skill or Sector/Services relating to Health, experience that has seen them become Education, Human Resources. under-employed or unemployed. Prelims and Mains focus: About the  As part of the programme, a two-year platform and its significance in building advanced diploma in Information human resource Technology (IT), Networking and Cloud computing will be offered at the About Skills Build Platform Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and the National Skill Training Institutes  Skills Build is a digital platform (NSTIs). The platform will also be extended to train ITI and NSTI faculty developed by IBM enabling holistic in basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills. learning and aligning it with Skills  Skill Build platform will also provide personal assessment for cognitive India initiative by Government of capabilities and personality via MyInnerGenius to youths/students. India. They will learn basics about digital technologies as well as professional  India is the 4th country where this skills like resume writing, problem solving and communication. Skills Build platform has been Youths/Students will also receive launched on 4th Nov’19, in alliance recommendations on role-based education for specific jobs that include with the Directorate General of technical and professional learning. Also it will be collaborated with other Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Indian and global partners.  IBM has agreed for the placement Development & Entrepreneurship support for some of the students/youths those who are completing the two-year (MSDE), after being launched in UK, advanced diploma in IT, Networking and Cloud computing course in Germany and France. IBM/through its channel partners based on merits.  It will be accessible online through bharat skills (https://bharatskills.gov.in) –a Learning Management System for ITI/NSTI Students and Teachers) and free to use.  Skill Build will focus on personalised coaching and experiential learning and will help develop the skills required to join the workforce in these “New Collar” roles. Also bring untapped talent to the fore, opening roles to individuals often excluded from the labour market due to

Easy to PICK30 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Biofuels Syllabus subtopic: Science and variety of different biomass as well as oil Technology- developments and their seeds on their marginal lands, as inter crop applications and effects in everyday life and as second crop wherever only one crop Achievements of Indians in science & is raised by them under rain fed conditions. technology; indigenization of technology As per National Policy on Biofuels-2018, and developing new technology. this Ministry has constituted a National News: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC), are procuring biodiesel for the biodiesel under the Chairmanship of Minister, blending program since August 2015 and Petroleum & Natural Gas (P&NG) to during Apr 19 - Oct 19, 8.62 crore litres provide overall coordination, effective of biodiesel have been procured by the end-to-end implementation and monitoring OMCs. of biofuel programme. In addition, a Prelims and Mains focus: About National Working Group has also been set up by policy on biofuels 2018, biofuels and its this Ministry consisting eminent and advantages. technical experts in the field of biofuels to National Policy of biofuels monitor the implementation of biofuel Government of India has notified the programme. National Policy on Biofuels-2018, National Policy on Biofuels-2018 has inter which inter alia envisages a crucial role alia envisaged production of biodiesel for Village Panchayats and communities in from Used Cooking Oil (UCO). In order to augmenting indigenous feedstock supplies encourage large scale production of for biofuel production. The Policy has also biodiesel from UCO, OMCs have floated envisioned plantation of non edible oil Expression of Interest for procurement of seeds bearing trees and crops for feedstock biodiesel produced from UCO from 200 generation from wasteland through local locations across the country. communities under Gram Panchayats and Talukas. Farmers are encouraged to grow

Easy to PICK31 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” About Biofuels  manufacture of ethanol depending  Biofuels are derived from renewable on the feed stocks. biomass resources and wastes such as Used Cooking Oil, Plastic, Municipal Solid Waste, waste gases, etc. and provide higher degree of national energy security in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner by supplementing conventional energy resources, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and meet the energy needs of India’s urban and vast rural population.  Ethanol is produced by distilleries from various feed stocks. In order to encourage production of ethanol, the Government has announced remunerative prices for

Easy to PICK32 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Antibiotics in CROPS Syllabus subtopic: Major crops cropping  While registering the pesticide, the patterns in various parts of the country, label and leaflets are also approved different types of irrigation and irrigation which contains the details of crop, systems storage, transport and marketing disease/pest against which it is of agricultural produce and issues and recommended, dose rate, directions related constraints; e-technology in the aid about use, chemical composition, of farmers toxicity triangle, precautions to use and packaging specifications.  Aureofungin, Kasugamycin, What are Pesticides? Validamycin and Streptomycin+ Pesticides are toxic substances but they do not pose any adverse effect on human Tetracycline combination are beings, animals and the environment if they are used as per the label and leaflet antibiotics which are registered under approved by the Registration Committee. Pesticides are registered for use in the the Insecticide Act 1968 for use as country by the Registration Committee only after satisfying about their efficacy pesticides to combat certain fungal and safety to human health, animal and environment. and bacterial diseases in plants.  The use of above pesticides is regulated under the Insecticide Act 1968 and the rules framed there under.

Easy to PICK33 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana for Disabled Persons Syllabus subtopic: Government policies assistive devices are distributed to and interventions for development in eligible Divyangjan for their physical, various sectors and issues arising out of social, psychological and economic their design and implementation. empowerment. Context: Who is eligible? A Central Sector Scheme namely Persons with disabilities fulfilling ‘Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana’ (RVY) is following conditions would be eligible being implemented by D/o Social Justice for assistance under ADIP Scheme: and Empowerment (M/o SJ&E) i. An Indian citizen of any age. Objective ii. Holds a 40% Disablement To provide to senior citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from age- Certificate. related disabilities/ infirmities, with such iii. Has monthly income from all physical aids and assisted living devices which can restore near normalcy in their sources not exceeding Rs. 20,000/- bodily functions. per month. iv. In case of dependents, the income ADIP scheme of parents/guardians should not Department of Empowerment of exceed Rs. 20,000/- per month. Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) v. Who have not received assistance under M/o SJ&E is implementing during the last 3 years for the same ‘Assistance to Disabled Persons for purpose from any source. Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances However, for children below 12 (ADIP)’ Scheme under which aids and years of age, this limit would be one year.

Easy to PICK34 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Cabinet approves Agreement on Social Security between India and Brazil Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and Declaration of the 8th BRICS Leaders’ global groupings and agreements Summit. Taking forward the spirit of the involving India and/or affecting India's Goa Declaration, India and Brazil held the interests negotiations on SSA from 13-16 March 2017 in Brasilia. At the end of the Context: negotiations, both sides initialled the The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime finalized text of the Agreement on Social Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its Security. approval for signing the Agreement on The signed agreement will be hosted on the Social Security between the Republic of Ministry’s website and the website of India and the Federative Republic of Brazil. Employee’s Provident Fund Organisation for the information of the stakeholders so Background that they can secure certificates of coverage India has been entering into bilateral Social to avoid making double social security Security Agreements (SSAs) with other contributions. countries in order to protect the interests of At present, about 1,000 Brazilians are Indian professionals / skilled workers living in India, while about 4,700 Indians working abroad for short durations and are living in Brazil. All posted/detached enhance the competitiveness of Indian workers and self-employed persons will companies. benefit from this proposal without any SSAs broadly provide the following three discrimination. Thus, it would promote benefits: equity and inclusiveness. Export of Social i. Avoiding making of double social Security benefits of Indian workers after their relocation from Brazil is an innovative security contributions by the workers arrangement to ensure that there is no loss (detachment); of social security benefits and also adds to ii. Easy remittance of benefits the competitiveness of Indian companies by (Exportability); reducing their overall costs. iii. Aggregating the contribution periods The SSA will cover the territories of the (in two countries) to prevent loss of Republic of India and the Federative benefits (Totalization). The agreement Republic of Brazil. will also provide for disability insurance benefits to the Indian nationals working abroad. As on date, India has signed SSAs with 18 countries. The idea to ink pacts on social security programmes with BRICS nations was discussed at the meetings of the BRICS Labour& Employment Ministers held on 9 June 2016 in Geneva and on 27-28 September 2016 in New Delhi, respectively. The possibility of concluding social security agreements between BRICS countries also finds mention in the Goa

Easy to PICK35 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Data on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to is high among children and adolescents. development and management of Social This problem of addiction of children is Sector/Services relating to Health, more prevalent in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Education, Human Resources. Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana. Context: The National Crime Record Bureau under the Ministry of Home What has the government done in this Affairs has informed that a total number of 874, 750 and 778 people have died during regard? 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively due to drug overdose in the country. It constituted Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)in November, 2016 and revived the scheme of “Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control”. Background: In 2017, the government approved new The national survey was conducted to Reward Guidelines with increased generate estimates for eight categories of quantum of reward for interdiction or psychoactive substances: Alcohol, seizure of different illicit drugs. Cannabis, Opioids, Cocaine, For effective coordination with foreign Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), countries, India has signed 37 Bilateral Sedatives, Inhalants and Hallucinogens. Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding. Extant of Drug and substance abuse in Narcotics Control Bureau has been India- survey findings: India is home to six crore alcohol addicts, provided funds for developing a new more than the population of 172 world nations including Italy. Alcoholism is a software i.e. Seizure Information condition that requires medical attention, but unfortunately only less than 3% of the Management System (SIMS) which will people with drinking problem get any treatment. Addictions: More than 3.1 crore create a complete online database of drug Indians (2.8%) have reported using cannabis products, Bhang, Ganja, Charas, offences and offenders. Heroin and Opium, in last one year. Unfortunately only one in 20 drug addicts The government has constituted a fund gets treatment at a hospital. Country liquor called “National Fund for Control of Drug accounts for 30% of the total liquor consumption, and Indian made foreign Abuse”to meet the expenditure incurred in liquor also account for the same amount. In Punjab and Sikkim, the prevalence of connection with combating illicit traffic in cannabis use disorders is considerably higher (more than thrice) than the national Narcotic Drugs; rehabilitating addicts, and average. At the national level, Heroin is most commonly used substance followed educating public against drug abuse, etc. by pharmaceutical opioids, followed by opium (Afeem). Less than 1% or nearly The government is also conducting 1.18 crore people use sedatives, non medical or non prescription use. However, National Drug Abuse Survey to measure what is more worrying that its prevalence trends of drug abuse in India through Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment with the help of National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of AIIMS. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has drafted National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2018-2023)for addressing the problem of drug and substance abuse in the country, dumping a long-pending draft policy on the matter.

Easy to PICK36 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Atal Bhujal yojana Syllabus subtopic: Government policies ground water management to foster and interventions for development in behavioural changes that promote various sectors and issues arising out of conservation and efficient use of water. their design and implementation. The scheme will also facilitate convergence of ongoing Government About Atal Bhujal Yojana: schemes in the states by incentivizing their  It is a Rs.6000 crore World Bank focussed implementation in identified priority areas. approved Central Sector Scheme of the Expected outcomes: Ministry of Jal Shakti. The implementation of the scheme is  The funding pattern is 50:50 between expected to have several positive outcomes Government of India and World Bank. like better understanding of the ground  It aims to improve ground water water regime, focused and integrated management in priority areas in the community based approach for addressing country through community issues related to ground water depletion, participation. sustainable ground water management through convergence of on-going and new Priority areas: schemes, adoption of efficient water use The priority areas identified under the practices to reduce ground water use for scheme fall in the states of Gujarat, irrigation and augmentation of ground Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, water resources in targeted areas. Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These States represent about 25% of the Status of groundwater in India: total number of over-exploited, critical and Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) semi-critical blocks in terms of ground is regulating ground water development in water in India. States/UTs. As per the assessment of They also cover two major types of dynamic ground water resources of groundwater systems found in India – country carried out jointly by CGWB and alluvial and hard rock aquifers- and have State Ground Water Departments, out of varying degrees of institutional readiness the total 6584 numbers of assessment units and experience in groundwater (Block/ Taluks/ Mandals/ watershed/ management. Firkka), 1034 units have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’. This may be due to Implementation of the scheme: increase in population, rapid urbanization Funds under the scheme will be provided & industrialization and other related to the states for strengthening the factors. institutions responsible for ground water governance, as well as for encouraging community involvement for improving

Easy to PICK37 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory proposed the concept of the NFRA for and various quasi-judicial bodies the first time. Context: Functions of the NFRA: The National Financial Reporting  Recommend accounting and auditing Authority (NFRA) has issued Audit policies and standards to be adopted by Quality Review (AQR) report of the companies for approval by the Central statutory audit for the year 2017-18 of Government. IL&FS Financial Services Limited (IFIN).  Monitor and enforce compliance with accounting standards and auditing About the NFRA: standards.  The NFRA was constituted by the  Oversee the quality of service of the professions associated with ensuring Government of India in 2018 under the compliance with such standards and Indian Companies Act, 2013. suggest measures for improvement in  The need for establishing the NFRA the quality of service. was felt in the wake of accounting  Perform such other functions and scams and to establish an independent duties as may be necessary or regulator for enforcement of auditing incidental to the aforesaid functions standards and ensuring the quality of and duties. audits. NFRA’s jurisdiction:  While many recommendations of the  The NFRA will oversee the quality of Companies Act came into force in service and undertake investigation of 2014, the setting up of the NFRA was the auditors of listed entities; unlisted delayed due to discontent from the then entities with paid-up capital of not less regulator, the Institute of Chartered than ₹500 crore or annual turnover of Accountants of India (ICAI). over ₹1,000 crore or those having  The ICAI is a statutory body set up aggregate loans, debentures or deposits in 1949. It regulates the profession of of not less than ₹500 crore as of March Chartered Accountancy in the country. 31 of the preceding financial year.  It is a self-regulatory body and has had  The ICAI retains the jurisdiction of a monopoly on training and qualifying small listed companies. chartered accountants, giving them The NFRA will also have oversight over license to practice and regulating them including scrutinising audit quality. auditors of banks, insurers, electricity  Across the globe, over 50 countries have moved away from self-regulatory firms and also those body corporates professional accountant bodies (like ICAI) and created independent audit referred to it by the Centre. regulators (like NFRA).  In India, the move to set up a new oversight body for the accounting and audit professions was approved by a parliamentary panel.  After the Satyam scandal (2009), the Standing Committee on Finance

Easy to PICK38 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Subramaniya Bharathi Syllabus subtopic: Indian culture will  In 1949, he became the first poet cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, whose works were nationalised by the Literature and Architecture from ancient to state government. modern times. Bharthi as a social reformer: Context: Dec 11 is the birth anniversary  He was also against caste system. He of Subramanian Bharati. declared that there were only two About Subramaniya Bharathiyar castes-men and women and nothing  He was a poet, freedom fighter and more than that. Above all, he himself had removed his sacred thread. social reformer from Tamil Nadu.  He condemned certain Shastras that  He was known as Mahakavi denigrated women. He believed in the equality of humankind and criticised Bharathiyar and the laudatory epithet many preachers for mixing their Mahakavi means a great poet. personal prejudices while teaching the  His songs on nationalism and freedom Gita and the Vedas. of India helped to rally the masses to  It will investigate matters, either suo support the Indian Independence moto or on a reference made to it by Movement in Tamil Nadu. the Central Government, of  “Kannan Pattu” “Nilavum Vanminum professional misconduct by chartered Katrum” “Panchali Sabatam” “Kuyil accountants (CA) or CA firms, impose Pattu”are examples of Bharathi’s great a penalty and debar the CA or CA firm poetic output. for up to 10 years.  He published the sensational “Sudesa Geethangal” in 1908.

Easy to PICK39 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme Syllabus subtopic: Government policies by up to three months by taking into and interventions for development in account its progress. various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Significance: The proposed Government Guarantee Context: Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme support and resultant pool buyouts will for NBFCs gets cabinet nod. help address NBFCs/HFCs resolve their temporary liquidity or cash flow mismatch Key features of the scheme: issues. It allows for purchase of high-rated pooled assets from financially-sound non-banking This will also enable them to continue financial companies (NBFCs) and housing contributing to credit creation and finance companies (HFCs) by public providing last mile lending to borrowers, sector banks (PSBs). The scheme would thereby spurring economic growth. cover NBFCs and HFCs that might have slipped into “SMA-0” category during the one-year period prior to August 1, 2018, and asset pools rated “BBB+” or higher. The window for one-time partial credit guarantee offered by the government would remain open till June 30, 2020 or till such date by which Rs 1 lakh crore worth of assets get purchased by the banks, whichever is earlier. The Finance Minister would have the power to extend the validity of the scheme

Easy to PICK40 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Exercise Mitra Shakti Syllabus subtopic: India and its practicing various counter terrorism neighbourhood- relations. drills which has been a great learning experience for both the contingents. Context: The seventh edition of the joint The standards displayed by the training exercise between the Indian contingents delivered a strong & Army and the Sri Lankan Army, reassuring message with regards to the Exercise Mitra Shakti concluded on 14 intent, commitment & capability of December at Aundh Military Station, both the armies towards maintaining Pune. world peace & upholding the mandate of United Nations. Other details  Contingent comprising of 120 Significance of the exercise The conduct of such bilateral military personnel each from Sri Lankan and training exercises is an important step to Indian Army participated in the uphold the values of peace, prosperity, exercise. international brotherhood & trust. The  The two week long exercise had exercise was a grand success and has commenced on 01 December and taught valuable lessons to the troops of the focused on enhancing participating countries. interoperability for developing the capability to undertake joint operations in counter terrorism operations under United Nations mandate.  The themes chosen for the joint training exercise were both, live & contemporary affecting both the nations, the joint training exercise concluded with a 48 hour long culmination exercise which was witnessed by Senior Military & Defence officials of the Indian Army as well as representatives of the Sri Lankan Army.  The culmination exercise showcased the standards achieved by the contingents during the joint training & demonstrated the commitment as well as capabilities of the participating armies in working closely with each other to maintain world peace under the United Nations flag.  Both the contingents displayed high degree of professionalism while

Easy to PICK41 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Prime Minister chairs first meeting of National Ganga Council Syllabus subtopic: Government policies  For the first time, the Central and interventions for development in Government had made commitment of various sectors and issues arising out of Rs. 20,000 crores for the period 2015- their design and implementation. 20 to the five states through which Ganga passes, to ensure adequate as Context: PM Modi chaired the first well as uninterrupted water flows in meeting of the National Ganga Council in the river. Rs. 7700 crores have already Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. been spent so far, prominently for construction of new sewage treatment Background plants. A lot had been accomplished since the Government took up ‘Namami Gange’ in  The Government has set up the Clean 2014 as a comprehensive initiative Ganga Fund (CGF) to facilitate integrating various government efforts and contributions from individuals, NRIs, activities with the aim of pollution corporate entities for funding Ganga abatement, conservation and rejuvenation rejuvenation projects. of Ganga, notable achievements being zero waste creation by paper mills and  For monitoring the work progress and reduction in pollution from tanneries; but activities from various schemes and much more needs to be done. initiatives under Namami Gange and Arth Ganga, PM also gave directions About National Ganga Council for the setting up of a Digital Dashboard where data from villages  The Council has been given overall and urban bodies should be monitored on a daily basis by Niti Ayog and responsibility for superintendence of Ministry of Jal Shakti. Prime Minister also said that like aspirational districts, pollution prevention and all districts bordering Ganga should be made a focus area for monitoring rejuvenation of River Ganga Basin, efforts under Namami Gange. including Ganga and its tributaries.  The first meeting of the Council was aimed at reinforcing the importance of a ‘Ganga-centric’ approach in all departments of the concerned states as well as relevant Central Ministries.

Easy to PICK42 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Breast Milk Banks Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for life, and may remain part of the healthy vulnerable sections of the population by infant diet for the first two years of life the Centre and States and the performance and beyond. of these schemes; mechanisms, laws,  UNICEF India mentions mothers, both institutions and bodies constituted for the in high- and low-income countries, protection and betterment of these face challenges such as poor healthcare vulnerable sections. and nutrition. Sometimes, families end up giving babies honey or sugared What are Breast Milk Banks? water as their first oral feed, referred to  They are known as Comprehensive as prelacteal feed.  Milk banks have a dedicated set of Lactation Management Centres counsellors to answer such queries (CLMC) and Lactation Management about lactation management and Unit (LMU), depending on the level of convince new mothers about the health facilities where these units are benefits of donating milk. established. Initiatives by India:  Established under “National  MAA – “Mothers Absolute Guidelines on Establishment of Affection”: A nationwide programme of the Ministry of Health and Family Lactation Management Centres in Welfare to promote breastfeeding. Public Health Facilities” by the  Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh: Ministry of Health and Family Established in collaboration with the Norwegian government. Welfare. Need for Milk Banks:  It is universally accepted that breast milk is the optimum exclusive source of nutrition for the first six months of

Easy to PICK43 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Sustainable Development Cell for Environmental Mitigation Measures Syllabus subtopic: Conservation, utilisation of available resources in a environmental pollution and degradation, sustainable way. environmental impact assessment Context: The Ministry of Coal has 2. Act as nodal point at Ministry of Coal decided to establish a ‘Sustainable level in this matter. Formulate the Development Cell’. future policy framework for the environmental mitigation measures About the cell: including the Mine closure Fund. Objective: To promote environmentally sustainable coal mining in the country and Significance address environmental concerns during the This move gains significance as the new decommissioning or closure of mines. private entities are now going to form a significant part of the future, a set of Roles and functions: guidelines for proper rehabilitation of 1. Advise, mentor, plan and monitor the mines need to be evolved in tune with global best practices. mitigation measures taken by the coal companies for maximising the

Easy to PICK44 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” GeM Samvaad Syllabus subtopic: Government policies Merchandise Value out of which 50% and interventions for development in has been transacted by MSMEs. various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  State Departments and Organizations and Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) Context: A national outreach have been using GeM for their Programme, GeM Samvaad, was buying needs. Sellers from the State launched by Anup Wadhawan, Secretary, are also benefitting through the access Department of Commerce, Ministry of to national Public Procurement market Commerce & Industry, Government of using the portal. India and Chairman, GeM in New Delhi today.  Through GeM Samvaad the marketplace is looking forward to About the outreach programmme receiving feedback from users which  The outreach programme will take shall be used for making improvements and advancements in the system. place with stakeholders across the country and with local sellers in order About GeM to facilitate on-boarding of local sellers  Government e Marketplace (GeM) is on the marketplace while catering to specific requirements and procurement the national public procurement needs of buyers. portal offering end to end solutions for all procurement needs of Central  The outreach programme will take and State Government Departments, place from 19 Dec 2019 to 17 Feb PSUs, autonomous institutions and 2020 and will cover all the States and local bodies. UTs of the country.  Since its commencement on 9th  GeM has more than 15 lakh products August 2016, GeM has transformed and around 20,000 services, more than public procurement in the country by 3 lakh registered sellers and service leveraging technology and making providers and more than 40,000 procurement contactless, paperless, Government buyer organizations. In its and cashless. short journey of three years, GeM has processed more than 28 lakh orders worth Rs. 40,000 crores in Gross

Easy to PICK45 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” AMRUT mission Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for 4. Thirteen Cities and Towns on the stem vulnerable sections of the population by of the main rivers with a population the Centre and States and the performance above 75,000 and less than 1 lakh. of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the 5. Ten Cities from hill states, islands and protection and betterment of these tourist destinations (not more than one vulnerable sections from each State). Context: Unable to meet set targets for urban renewal in 500 cities, the Centre has Implementation: decided to extend the mission period of its 1. AMRUT adopts a project approach to flagship initiative Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation ensure basic infrastructure services (AMRUT) by two more years. relating to water supply, sewerage, storm-water drains, transportation and About AMRUT mission: development of green spaces and parks Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban with special provision for meeting the Transformation (AMRUT) is the new needs of children. avatar of the Jawaharlal Nehru National 2. Under this mission, 10% of the budget Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). But, allocation will be given to states and in a significant departure from the earlier union territories as incentive based on mission, the Centre will not appraise the achievement of reforms during the individual projects. previous year. 3. States will only submit state annual The Mission will focus on the following action Plans to the centre for broad Thrust Areas: concurrence based on which funds will 1. Water Supply. be released. 2. Sewerage and septage management. 4. Central assistance will be to the extent 3. Storm Water Drainage to reduce of 50% of project cost for cities and towns with a population of up to 10 flooding lakhs and one-third of the project cost 4. Non-motorized Urban Transport. for those with a population of above 10 5. Green space/parks. lakhs. Five hundred cities have been selected 5. Under the mission, states will transfer under AMRUT. The category of cities funds to urban local bodies within 7 that have been selected under AMRUT days of transfer by central government is given below: and no diversion of funds to be made 1. All Cities and Towns with a population failing which penal interest would be charged besides taking other adverse of over one lakh with notified action by the centre. Municipalities as per Census 2011, including Cantonment Boards (Civilian areas). 2. All Capital Cities/Towns of States/ UTs, not covered in above. 3. All Cities/ Towns classified as Heritage Cities by MoHUA under the HRIDAY Scheme.

Easy to PICK46 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Tripura gets its first SEZ Syllabus subtopic: Effects of Feni River in South Tripura which is liberalization on the economy, changes in underway. industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.  After it is set up, 100 percent Income Tax exemption will be provided on Context: The Ministry of Commerce export income for SEZ units under and Industry has notified the setting up of Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act the first ever Special Economic Zone for the first 5 years. Also 50 percent (SEZ) in Tripura on December 16, 2019. exemption will be provided for the next 5 years and 50 percent of the  The SEZ is being set-up at Paschim ploughed back export profit for another Jalefa, Sabroom, South Tripura 5 years. District, which is 130 km away from Agartala. It will be a Sector Specific About Special Economic Zone Economic Zone for Agro-Based Food  The main objective of SEZ is to Processing. provide an internationally  The estimated investment in the project competitive and hassle-free will be around 1550 Crore. The environment for export production. developer of the SEZ will be Tripura  The SEZs imply a qualitative Industrial Development Corporation transformation of traditional Export (TIDC) Ltd. The SEZ is estimated to Processing Zone. generate 12,000 skilled jobs. Rubber  The units operating in these zones are based industries, textile and Apparel deemed as outside the nations` Industries, bamboo and Agri-food customs territory and shall have full Processing Industries will be set-up in flexibility in operations. the SEZ.  They can import capital goods and raw materials duty free. The only  Setting up of the SEZ in Sabroom will precondition is that the units in the open up new avenues to attract zones would have to be a net foreign private investment considering the exchange earner. proximity of the Chittagong Port and construction of the bridge across

Easy to PICK47 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India-US 2+2 Dialogue Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and Command and intend to expand similar global groupings and agreements cooperation between their respective involving India and/or affecting India's Armies and Air Forces. A number of interests other initiatives to enhance military-to- military cooperation were also agreed Context: Defence Minister Shri Rajnath upon. Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defense  The two sides concluded the Dr Mark T Esper and Secretary of State Industrial Security Annex during the Michael R Pompeo in Washington DC on visit. Priority initiatives have been December 18, 2019 for the second annual identified for execution under the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) programme. The What was discussed in the meeting? two sides also concluded a standard  Both sides positively appraised the operating procedure for this process. These measures are expected to growing partnership between India and provide momentum to collaboration the United States, and noted that between the private defence important milestones had been industries of both India and the US. achieved since the inaugural 2+2 The two sides also agreed to move dialogue in New Delhi in 2018. Both forward in their engagement in the area sides reiterated their commitment to of defence innovation. advancing a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo- Significane Pacific region. This 2+2 Ministerial is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two  Both sides also committed to further countries and provides for a review of the security, defence and strategic deepen military-to-military partnership between India and the United States. cooperation, including between the Indian Navy and the US Navy Fleets under US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, and Africa

Easy to PICK48 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” DRDO successfully flight-tests Pinaka Missile System off Odisha coast Syllabus subtopic: Science and About Pinaka Missile System Technology- developments and their  The Pinaka is an Artillery Missile applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & System capable of striking into enemy technology; indigenization of technology territory up to a range of 75 and developing new technology kilometres with high precision.  The Pinaka MK-II Rocket is Context: Pinaka Missile System modified as a missile by integrating developed by Defence Research and with the Navigation, Control and Development Organisation (DRDO) was Guidance System to improve the end successfully flight-tested from the accuracy and enhance the range. The Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the Navigation system of the missile is Odisha coast at 1200 hrs today. also aided by the Indian Regional  The mission achieved all the objectives Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).  The missile system has been jointly including enhancing the range, developed by various DRDO accuracy and sub-system functionality. Laboratories viz. Armament Research The missile was fired from Pinaka & Development Establishment launcher system in deployment (ARDE), Research Centre Imarat configuration. The flight article was (RCI), Defence Research and tracked by multiple range systems viz. Development Laboratory (DRDL), Telemetry, Radars, Electro-optical Proof & Experimental Establishment targeting system (EOTS), etc. which (PXE) and High Energy Materials confirmed the text book flight Research Laboratory (HEMRL). performance.

Easy to PICK49 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Afghanistan first country to recognize Indian Pharmacopoeia Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to  As per, the Second Schedule of the development and management of Social Drugs and Cosmetics Act, IP is Sector/Services relating to Health, designated as the official book of Education, Human Resources, issues standards for drugs imported and/or relating to poverty and hunger. manufactured for sale, stock or exhibition for sale or distribution in Context: The Indian Pharmacopoeia India. (IP) has been recognised formally by the National Department of Regulation of  The IP Commission’s mission is to Medicines and Health Products of the promote public and animal health in Ministry of Public Health of Islamic India by bringing out authoritative and Republic of Afghanistan. officially accepted standards for  It will also be used based on the quality of drugs including active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients requirement as reputable and dosage forms, used by health pharmacopoeia in the laboratory of professionals, patients and consumers. medicines and health products quality.  With this, a new beginning has been  This is achieved by developing the made and Afghanistan has become the standards for medicines and supporting first country to recognize IP pursuant their implementation. In addition, IPC to the efforts of Department of also develops IP Reference Commerce and Ministry of Health Substances (IPRS) that act as and Family Welfare. fingerprint for identification of an article under test and its purity as About Indian pharmacopoeia (IP) prescribed in the IP monographs.  IP is an officially recognized book of  Standards prescribed in the IP are standards as per the Drugs and authoritative in nature and are enforced Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 by the regulatory authorities for quality thereunder. control of medicines in India.  The IP specifies the standards of drugs manufactured and marketed in India in terms of their identity, purity and strength. Significance  The quality, efficacy and safety of the medicines are important from healthcare perspective. In order to ensure the quality of medicinal products, the legal and scientific standards are provided by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) in the form of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).

Easy to PICK50 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” EChO Network launched Syllabus subtopic: Government policies How will it work? and interventions for development in  Through interactive sessions with various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. citizens, industry, academia, and the government, the Network will identify Context: EChO Network, a national gaps in knowledge regarding selected program to provide a template for topics in human and environmental cross-disciplinary leadership in India ecosystems. with the specific focus of increasing research, knowledge, and awareness of  The program will then train Indian ecology and the environment was postdoctoral leaders in research and launched yesterday in New Delhi by Prof. outreach on these topics, while also K Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific incorporating current public and Adviser to the Government of India. private efforts into a national network. Why was it needed?  It would then go on to establishing  India has recently embarked on a nation-wide awareness in these issues through public discourse and education number of national-level efforts to for citizens, industry, and government promote ecological and environmental with information exchange at all research on the subcontinent; however, educational levels. there remains a lacuna of trained scientists with interdisciplinary skills  Over time EChO Network intends to and collaborative mindset. create an international distributed institute comprising individuals housed  There is a need to train a new within industry, government, private, generation of educators and students and academic sectors, combining their who can identify and solve problems in expertise and resources collectively to an interdisciplinary manner and who tackle large scale problems. can listen to our natural world and tackle real-world problems in Significance of EChO medicine, agriculture, ecology, and EChO Network would develop a national technology. Hence, this network will network to catalyse a new generation of inspire an entirely new approach to Indians who can synthesize Indian education and exploration interdisciplinary concepts and tackle necessary for the post-technological real-world problems in medicine, world. agriculture, ecology, and technology. With no precedent for such a network  India faces unprecedented threats to its anywhere in the world, EChO Network human environmental and ecosystems, establishes a new platform to change solving which requires a confluence of how science is embedded in our modern India’s strong technological expertise society. and knowledge of the natural world itself.