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The Hindu

Current Affairs

October -2018

1 | P a g e

1. CITIZENSHIP

• New Rules on Granting Citizenship

2. RIGHTS ISSUE

• ME-TOO Campaign

3. JUDICIARY

• Supreme court allows states to fix own Two – hour cracker slots on Diwali

4. INTERNAL SECURITY

• National Police Memorial

• India – China Ink First – Ever Internal Security Cooperation Agreement

5. e-GOVERNANCE

• Self4 Society APP

• India – China Ink First – Ever Internal Security Cooperation Agreement

6. CORRUPTION, ACCOUNTABILITY

• Tribunals for speedy disposal of Benami Cases

7. ETHICAL GOVERNANCE

• Centre sets up GOM on Sexual Harassment

• 10 Odisha Villages Declare their Habitats

• Panel to study Issues raised by #METOOINDIA

• Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention

• WIPO’S Marrakesh Treaty

• India Energy Forum

• Low Safety Air Score

• India – Russia in Defence Deal

• India to Import oil from IRAN

• Alternative in Nobel

• Operation Samudra MAITRI

• President Kovind to visit TAJIKISTAN

• India Wins Election to UNHRC

• Pakistan Accepts India Invite to SCO Meet

2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. POLITY / GOVERNANCE

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1. AGRICULTURE

• Flood hit Plantations Look for Rescue Act

• National Taskforce on Land Reforms

• Punjab to Post Nodal Officers to Curb Stubbling Burning

• Fines Fail to Deter Stubble Burning

2. BANKING:

• Centre RBI Difference

3. CAPITAL MARKET:

• ECB Norms Relaxed oil Companies

• Oil Bond

4. FINANCIAL INCLUSION:

• Cabinet NOD to panel on United nations Sustainable Development goals

5. INFRASTRUCTURES:

• Hunar Haat

• Government Invites Bids for International UDAN Flights

6. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, NATIONAL INCOME

• Lagoon Villas to come to Lakshadweep’s Emeralds

• Panel for adopting un model on cross – Border Insolvency

7. INVESTMENT

• India Leadership Summit

1. ECOLOGY ECOSYSTEM

• Punjab Government Bans sale of Herbicide

• Moths are key to Pollination in Himalayan Ecosystem

2. BIO DIVERSITY

• Ant as Pollinator

• Mission Sequence Gene

• Mission Anti-Microbial Resistance

• Mammals of India (MAOI)

3. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS:

• Global Warming of 1.5oC, an IPCC

3. ECONOMY

4. ENVIRONMENT



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4. POLLUTION & WASTE MANAGEMENT

• SC Control on fire Crackers

• Air Pollution Weakens Bones

• India’s First methanol cooking fuel Debuts in Assam

• Pollution hits a high in Delhi

• Green Fire crackers unlikely to hit market this Deepavali

• Delhi Tops National Charts in Bad Air Quality

• Sale BAN on BS – IV Vehicles from 2020

5. INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION & REPORT

• News Species of Humming bird Identified in Ecuador

• 88-Million-Year-Old ISLE and Crater to be Geoparks

6. NATIONAL CONSERVATIONS & MITIGATIONS

• Black Spotted Turtles

• CDV in GIR Forests

• Human Animal Conflict

• Mandated Flow in Ganga

7. DISASTER MANAGEMENT

• Study – Cyclone Forecast

• Cyclone – TILTI

• C-FLOWS, (Chennai Flood Warning System)

8. MEDICINE, HEALTH

• Eat Right Movement

• Zika Virus

• UN Launches Work Place Mental Health Strategy

1. INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY

• Indian Institute of Skills

• Bharat – WI-FI project

• Centre Launches two Schemes to Promote Higher Education Research

2. DEFENCE:

• Mehar Baba Prize

3. SPACE TECHNOLOGY

• Chandra X-RAY Observatory enter safe mode

• Bepicolombo Mission

• Chandra Observatory

5. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY



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4. BIO TECHNOLOGY

• Dark Microbial Matter

• Bio – Bank for Drug Resistant Microbes

• Bacteria to Degrade Toluene

• Type 2 Polio Virus Contamination

5. ROBOTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

• MASCOT – New Robot on Asteroid

• Cell Sized Robots

6. NUCLEAR INVENTION

• Phosphorous Origin

• Sphere to Fight Water Pollutants

• Carrots make Concrete Stronger and Greener

7. MEDICINE & PHARMA

• New Antibody for Cancer Treatment

1. HISTORY IN NEWS

• 75TH Anniversary of Azad Hind Government

2. ARCHITECT & ART FORMS

• 5000 Years old Rock Paintings – ANJUKULIPATTI Paintings

• World Peace Movement

• Gold Found at KEEZHADI

• PM to unveil Patel Statue

3. TRIBALS, FESTIVALS, PRIZES & AWARDS

• Anna burns wins man Booker prize for ‘INCREDIBLY ORIGINAL’ Milkman

6. ART & CULTURE



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NEW RULES ON GRANTING CITIZENSHIP

Prelims: Polity & Governance Citizenship

• The government has authorised 16 collectors across seven states to register members of

minority communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh as Indian citizens.

About:

• The collectors of Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Kutch (Gujarat),

Bhopal and Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune and Thane (Maharashtra),

Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur (Rajasthan), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and West Delhi and

South Delhi were empowered to extend citizenship rights to eligible people under the

Citizenship Act-1955. The notification said that the home secretary of the state or union

territory concerned has also been given the same power in case the applicant is not a

resident of the mentioned districts, subjects to certain conditions.

• Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from the three countries can avail of

this facility. Under the new rules, notified on October 24, the migrants can apply online,

and the verification reports or the security clearance reports of the applicants shall be

made available to the Centre through an online portal.

The conditions are:

1. The application for registration as a citizen of India or grant of certificate of naturalisation

as citizen of India under the said rules should be made by the applicant online,

2. The verification of the application would be done simultaneously by the collector or the

secretary at the district or state levels, and the application and the reports thereon will be

made accessible simultaneously to the central government through an online portal.

3. In addition, the collector or secretary is allowed to conduct probes for ascertaining the

applicant's suitability. The instructions issued by the central government from time to time

will also have to be strictly adhered to by the authorities concerned. Furnish a copy

thereof to the Central government within seven days of registration.

Impact:

• The illegal immigrants who are to be granted the benefit of this legislation are to qualify

for citizenship only on the basis of religion; a requirement that goes against one of the

basic tenets of the Indian Constitution, secularism.



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• The relaxation criteria for eligibility of illegal migrants to gain citizenship is unreasonable.

With no explanation given as to the inclusion of this clause, it is prima facie

unconstitutional, failing the test of reasonability contained in Article 14 (Right to Equality)

of the Constitution and corrupting the “basic structure doctrine” (Kesavananda Bharati v

State of Kerala1973).

• The most glaring discrepancy is that it categorically states that religious minorities from

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh will no longer be treated as illegal immigrants. It

specifically names six religions, that is, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and

Christians. Muslims and Jews have been deliberately kept out of the ambit. Even though

some of these religions are also religious minorities in India, it is notable that four of these

six religions fall under the ambit of Hindu personal law.

• As of today, the largest religious minority in India is that of Muslims it makes little sense

to deliberately keep them out of the ambit of this bill.

Background:

• A parliamentary committee has been examining the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016,

which proposes to grant citizenship to six persecuted minorities: Hindus, Jains, Sikhs,

Parsis, Christians and Buddhists who came to India from Pakistan, Afghanistan and

Bangladesh before 2014.

• As the Bill is pending, the Home Ministry gave powers to the Collectors in Chhattisgarh,

Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to grant

citizenship and naturalisation certificates to the migrants under Sections 5 and 6 of the

Citizenship Act, 1955. No such power has been delegated to Assam officials.

• Official data put the number of such migrants in India at two lakhs. There are 400

Pakistani Hindu refugee settlements in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur. Hindu

migrants from Bangladesh mostly live in West Bengal and north-eastern States.

Citizenship:

• The constitution of India gives ‘Single Citizenship” for all its citizens India. This implies

that there is no disparate domicile for a state. Provisions for citizenship are mentioned

in Article 5 to 11 in Part II of the Constitution. Individuals who are not Indian Citizens are

considered Aliens.



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• The Citizenship Act, 1955 also deals with the citizenship. However, neither of these

legislations have defined citizenship clearly and only provide the prerequisites for a

“natural” person to acquire Indian citizenship.

Indian Citizenship can be acquired by following four means:

1. Citizenship by birth

2. Citizenship by descent

3. Citizenship by registration

4. Citizenship by naturalization

Termination/Renunciation of citizenship:

1. Renunciation: Renunciation is covered under Section 8 of the Citizenship Act 1955. If an

adult makes a declaration of renunciation of Indian Citizenship, he would lose Indian

Citizenship. Along with him, any minor child of that person also loses Indian Citizenship

from the date of renunciation. The child has the right to resume Indian Citizenship when

he turns eighteen.

2. Termination: It is covered under Section 9 of Citizenship Act 1955. Any Indian Citizen

who by naturalization or registration acquires the citizenship of another country shall

cease to be a Citizen of India.

METOO CAMPAIGN

Prelims: Rights Issues

Mains: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States

and the performance of these schemes

A campaign is under way in Odisha’s migration-prone districts to sensitise migrant

women workers about sexual exploitation.

Background:

• Now, 300 women are undergoing an orientation programme in the State that seeks to

empower them to raise their voices against any type of sexual exploitation and ensure the

safety of accompanying vulnerable adolescent girls.

• The Western Odisha Migration Network, a civil society organisation, with support from

organisations such as Aide et Action, Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women and Aaina

are working on a database of women migrant worker leaders.



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• They have also created a list of potential migrant women and adolescent girls. A register is

being introduced in all these six panchayats to track migration of all age groups.

• Sexual exploitation of women migrant workers from Odisha is widely regarded to be

pronounced. There have been a number of legal instruments to deal with sexual

harassment in the informal sector.

• But their agonising and harrowing ordeal mostly remains under wraps. They often suffer

silently with no one to back them or confront their tormenters. As there is no such

complaint committee where grievances can be redressed.

• Important helpline numbers are being circulated among women workers for intimation in

the event of an exigency. Women as dignified workers have the right to work in a non-

exploitative environment outside the State and come back.

SUPREME COURT ALLOWS STATES TO FIX OWN

TWO-HOUR CRACKER SLOTS ON DIWALI

Mains: G.S-III Environmental Conservation

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court permitted local authorities to stagger the two-hour window for

bursting crackers on Diwali to cater to local considerations. The top court was acting on

plea by the Tamil Nadu government which had claimed that Diwali was celebrated in the

morning with crackers.

Court’s order:

• A bench comprising Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan permitted to make local

variations but did not extend the time to burst crackers. On the other hand, the court

rejected a slew of petitions seeking to have the ban on both production and sale of high-

emission polluting crackers only for this year in the NCR. The court was however,

ambivalent about the rest of India. The ban on making polluting crackers will possibly

stay and only green crackers will be made from next year onwards.

• The bench, though given the short notice at which it had ordered the switch from more

polluting to less polluting crackers, made a relaxation on sale of less polluting crackers

among the existing ones that have been made so far. The Supreme Court on Tuesday



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modified its October 23 order restricting the time for bursting crackers on Deepavali and

other religious festivals to two hours, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

• Instead, it allowed Tamil Nadu and adjacent southern States to decide when people can

burst crackers on festival days, provided the total time does not cross the two-hour mark.

This means the authorities can stagger the time-slots and even make it an hour in the

morning and another in the night.

Green rule for NCR:

• Further, the court said its direction that only green crackers can be manufactured and sold

is only applicable to Delhi and the National Capital Region areas. On October 23, the court

had held that only green or improved crackers would be used in religious festivals and

other occasions, including weddings. The court had fixed a uniform slot for bursting

crackers across the country. During Deepavali and other religious festivals, the slot is

between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL

Prelims: Current Affairs

In news:

• PM to unveil National Police Memorial, 34,864 personnel have been killed in action Since

1947

• The memorial is in recognition of the sacrifice made by nearly 35,000 police personnel

killed in action since Independence.

Background:

• A 30foot granite pillar, weighing around 238 tonnes, has been installed at Chanakyapuri in

the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi to honour the policemen.

• The sculpture has been conceptualized by of the National Gallery of Modern Art.

• The stones to construct the pillar were sourced from Khammam in Telangana.

• Since 1947, as many as 34,864 police personnel have been martyred. Many of these brave

lives were lost in the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Assam,

Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Maoist affected regions of the Country. Further, a large

number of police lives were lost in prevention of crime, combating mafia and criminal



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gangs, arrest of wanted criminals and narcotics smugglers, and dealing with various law

and order duties.

• The memorial will also have a ‘Wall of Valour’, engraved with the names of police

personnel, including those killed in the 1965 India-Pak war, the 26/11 Mumbai terror

attacks of 2008 and the 2001 Parliament attack.

• The Prime Minister will also unveil the country’s first National police museum.

INDIA, CHINA INK FIRST-EVER INTERNAL SECURITY

COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Mains: G.S-II India and its Neighbourhood- Relations.

Why in News?

• India and China set the ball rolling on their first high-level meeting on bilateral security

cooperation in New Delhi, more than a year after a tense standoff at Doklam between the

militaries of the two countries.

About the security pact:

• The meeting, which was co-chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh and

China’s state councillor and minister of public security Zhao Kezhi,

discussed issues of bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and welcomed

increased cooperation in the area of security cooperation.

• Kezhi is visiting India from 21 to 25 October.

• Singh, however, raised the issue of China repeatedly blocking the proposal to

designate Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar as a global terrorist,

according to senior home ministry officials.

• Since 2017, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, has

blocked bids at the UN by the US, France and Britain to list Azhar as a global terrorist,

citing lack of consensus among members of the UN Security Council.

• “An agreement on security cooperation between the ministry of home affairs of India and

the ministry of public security of China was also signed by the two ministers. The

agreement will strengthen and consolidate discussions and cooperation in the areas of

counter-terrorism, organized crimes, drug control and other such relevant areas,” the

home ministry said.


https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/U89PuDgYb6GSR6IEolTLrL/A-year-after-Doklam-lessons-not-fully-learnt.html

https://www.livemint.com/Politics/h074H8BmzsTgo2Jh1eE3xK/At-UN-China-twice-blocked-Indias-bid-to-ban-JeM-chief-Maso.html


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• This meeting comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President

Xi Jinping’s meeting in the Chinese city of Wuhan in April, where they decided on a

number of steps to bring down tensions and normalize ties following the Doklam

standoff.

• The Wuhan meeting was also followed by meetings between the two leaders on the side-

lines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Qingdao in June and the BRICS leaders’

summit in Johannesburg in July.

• Other than terrorism, India is also keen to discuss the establishment of cooperation

between the two countries to tackle transnational crimes and cybercrimes.

SELF4 SOCIETY APP

Prelims: Polity & Governance – E Governance

• Professionals keen on doing volunteer work in their free time will be provided a platform

by the government through an app, #Self4Society, developed by My Gov.

About:

• It was the result of the conversations between PM and several corporate leaders who had

said their employees wanted to do volunteer work but did not have any guidance.

• A lot of companies run volunteering initiatives. This platform will help to create better

synergies among so many initiatives and lead to a much better outcome of the efforts of

professionals.

• Companies have observed that a spirit of service and volunteering improves employee

satisfaction and reduces employee attrition. This app comes after discussions with

companies from the information technology sector on these lines.

• The app will have incentives, gamification and intra- and inter-company competitions,

and social networking.

• At first, this will be aimed at IT companies, with more joining in when it takes off. The

volunteer time for the government’s flagship programmes such as Swachh Bharat is

expected to increase.



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TRIBUNALS FOR SPEEDY DISPOSAL OF BENAMI CASES

Mains: GS: Paper – III Inclusive growth and issues arising it.

The Union Cabinet approved setting up of the Appellate Tribunal and Adjudicating

Authority for speedy disposal of case’s related to benami transactions.

About:

• The government made an appointment of Adjudicating Authority, along with the three

additional Benches and to establish the Appellate Tribunal under the PBPT Act.

• To provide the officers and employees to Adjudicating Authority, Benches of the

Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal by diverting the existing posts at the same

level/rank from the Income Tax Dept./Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

• The Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal shall sit in the National Capital

Territory of Delhi (NCTD). Benches of Adjudicating Authority may sit in Kolkata,

Mumbai and Chennai, and the necessary notification in this regard shall be issued after

making consultation with the Chairperson of the proposed Adjudicating Authority.

• Earlier this month, the government had notified sessions courts in 34 States and Union

Territories, which will act as special courts for trial of offences under the benami

transaction law. The Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal will be based in

Delhi.

Background:

• Benami transaction refers transactions made in a fictitious name, or the owner is not aware

of the ownership of the property, or the person paying for the property is not traceable.

• With a view to curb the menace of black money, Parliament in August 2016 had passed

the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act.

• The rules and all the provisions of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act come into

force on November 1, 2016.

• After coming into effect, the existing Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988, was

renamed as the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988.

• The law prescribes that every trial should be conducted “as expeditiously as possible” and

every endeavour should be made by the Special Court to conclude it within six months

from the date of filing of the complaint.


https://accommodationtimes.com/?s=Central+Board+of+Direct+Taxes


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Significance:

• The approval will result in effective and better administration of cases referred to the

Adjudicating Authority and speedy disposal of appeals filed against.

• The order of the Adjudicating Authority before the Appellate Tribunal.

• Appointment of the Adjudicating Authority would provide first stage review of

administrative action under the PBPT Act. Establishment of the proposed Appellate

Tribunal would provide an appellate mechanism for the order passed by the Adjudicating

Authority under the PBPT Act.

CENTRE SETS UP GOM ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Mains: GS: Paper – I Role of women & women’s organization population and associated

issues.

A Group of Ministers, headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, has been constituted by

the government to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks to deal with and

prevent sexual harassment at workplace.

About:

• The GoM has been set up in the wake of #MeToo movement where several women have

publicly named people who had harassed them at their workplace.

• The members of the GoM are Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Defence Minister

Nirmala

• The GoM will, within 3 months of its constitution, examine the existing legal and

institutional frameworks for dealing with matters of sexual harassment of women at

workplace & provisions for the safety of women.

• The GoM has been constituted in view of the need for broader consultation on this issue,

from the point of view of developing recommendations and laying down a comprehensive

plan of action and for ensuring its timely implementation

• It will recommend action required for effective implementation of the existing provisions,

as well as for strengthening the existing legal and institutional frameworks for addressing

issues related to sexual harassment at workplace.



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10 ODISHA VILLAGES DECLARE THEIR HABITATS

UNTOUCHABILITY-FREE

Prelims: Miscellaneous

Why in News?

• As a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, 10 villages in seven panchayats in the Daringbadi block

of Odisha’s Kandhamal district declared their habitats untouchability-free.

Background:

• In the Gramsabha meetings of the seven panchayats,

resolutions relating to complete eradication of

untouchability by pallisabha (smaller village or hamlet

councils) in these 10 villages were approved in

accordance with the Article-17 of the Indian

Constitution (Abolition of untouchability).

• The villages are: Sundardanda of Pliheri panchayat, Sripanka of Daringbadi panchayat,

Ganadkamba and Sikaketi of Badabanga panchayat, Padanketa of Danekbadi panchayat,

Sanagudumaha, Sikapata and Jidingmala of Greenbadi panchayat, Budanpipali of

Bhramarbadi panchayat, and Penapusi of Sinagabali panchayat.

• This path-breaking decision could be taken up by these villages, inhabited mostly by

tribals and Scheduled Castes, due to a month-long effort by social organisations Jagruti

and Antaranga, of Kandhamal.

• The main indicators of a untouchability-free village are it must have people of different

communities and castes; it should not have any physical form of untouchability; and all

the public facilities such as drinking water source and community hall are free for

everybody to use without discrimination.

• All religious places such as temples, churches, traditional places for worship should be

open to all. All villagers can participate common functions such as marriage, festivals,

celebrations and funerals.



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PANEL TO STUDY ISSUES RAISED BY #METOOINDIA

Mains – G.S-II Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre

Why in News?

• The government will set up a committee of judges and lawyers to examine the existing

legal and institutional framework to deal with complaints of sexual harassment at the

workplace, Minister for Women and Child Development Menaka Gandhi.

#Me too Movement:

• The global outrage over the Harvey Weinstein incident in the West, where the noted

Hollywood producer was accused of sexual harassment by over 70 women, the

#MeToo movement has finally arrived in India, engulfing the whole media and

entertainment industry.

• Several women have bravely come out with stories about harassment and sexual abuse at

workplace at the hands of the powerful and higher-ups.

• The #MeToo movement, which began as a hashtag on Twitter in 2017 amid the Weinstein

incident, has now become a global phenomenon.

• Created by Alyssa Milano, the movement soon found support with noted Hollywood

actors Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Lawrence, and Uma Thurman.

• The movement was chosen as the Person of the Year by the Time magazine. It also gave

birth to the more militant Time’s Up campaign.

What are Vishaka guidelines and what do they say?

• The guidelines date back to 1997 when the Supreme Court laid them down while passing

judgment in a public interest litigation filed by Vishaka and other women’s rights groups

over the infamous Bhanwari Devi gangrape case. Bhanwari Devi, a social worker from

Rajasthan had in 1992 prevented the marriage of a one-year-old girl, inviting wrath of the

villagers. The gangrape was allegedly an act of revenge.

• Hearing the PIL, the apex court took note of the fact that the civil and penal laws of the

time did not adequately provide for specific protection of women from sexual harassment

at workplaces, and made it legally binding for employers to observe some guidelines to

ensure prevention of sexual harassment of women.


https://indianexpress.com/about/me-too-movement/

https://indianexpress.com/about/jennifer-lawrence/


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• Prohibition, prevention, redress — these were the three key obligations that were imposed

on institutions as the guidelines defined sexual harassment at workplaces. The Supreme

Court said every organisation must set up an internal complaints committee or ICC to

look into matters of sexual harassment of women at the workplace.

What is the law that currently governs sexual harassment at workplace?

• In 2013, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and

Redressal) Act was passed broadening the Vishaka guidelines. Defining sexual

harassment in clearer terms, the new law laid down the procedures for complaint and

inquiry, and the action to be taken.

• The Act mandates that every organisation with 10 or more employees set up an internal

complaints committee of ICC at each office or branch. It defines various aspects of sexual

harassment and protects all women working at, or even visiting, a workplace, in any

capacity. The Act defines as “victim” any woman “of any age whether employed or not”,

who alleges to have been “subjected to any act of sexual harassment”.

What constitutes sexual harassment at workplace?

• The Vishaka guidelines define as sexual harassment any unwelcome sexually

determined behaviour (whether directly or by implication). These are:

• Physical contact and advances

• A demand or request for sexual favours

• Sexually coloured remarks

• Showing pornography

• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature With the

2013 law broadening these guidelines, the Ministry of Women & Child Development has

published a Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act. The handbook

has detailed instances of unwelcome behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment at the

workplace. These can be, broadly:

• Sexually suggestive remarks or innuendos; serious or repeated offensive remarks;

inappropriate questions or remarks about a person’s sex life

• Display of sexist or offensive pictures, posters, MMS, SMS, WhatsApp, or emails



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• Intimidation, threats, blackmail around sexual favours; also, threats, intimidation or

retaliation against an employee who speaks up about these

• Unwelcome social invitations with sexual overtones, commonly seen as flirting

• Unwelcome sexual advances

• According to the handbook, “unwelcome behaviour” is experienced when the victim feels

bad or powerless; it causes anger/sadness or negative self-esteem. It adds unwelcome

behaviour is one which is “illegal, demeaning, invading, one-sided and power based”.

• The Act specifies five circumstances that amount to sexual harassment. These are:

• Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment

• Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment

• Implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status

• Interference with her work or creating an offensive or hostile work environment

• Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety.

MAHATMA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL SANITATION CONVENTION

Prelims: Indian International Relations

• President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation

Convention organised by the Drinking Water and Sanitation Ministry to mark the

beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Ministers and delegates from 68 countries are participating in the event.

About:

• The Convention will include plenary sessions and technical sessions, as well as an

exhibition of global sanitation innovations. The participating dignitaries will also be taken

on a Gandhi Trail, including visits to places of significance to Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

• The President addressed the convention and suggested the five important themes that

countries may choose to adopt while meeting the problem of insufficient sanitation. They

include ensuring that people lead the planning, implementation and management of

sanitation programmes.

• The President said achieving universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and

hygiene by 2030 is a major challenge in many parts of the world.



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• He also said, the Swachh Bharat Mission is not just about physical cleaning, it is about

spiritual, social cleansing and reawakening which represent the spirit of our independence

movement.

• Swachh Bharat is a revolution playing out in real time. As an instrument of mass

mobilisation, as a people's movement, and as a national goal towards which there is near

total commitment, it represents the spirit of our independence movement.

MGISC:

• The Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) will be a 4-day event

that will bring together Sanitation Ministers and sector specialists from around the world.

It is organised by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India.

Participants will share success stories, exchange best practices and engage in frank

discussions around sanitation. The culmination of the event will be the launch of

Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth year celebrations. The Convention aims to share sanitation

success stories and lessons from the participating countries and will culminate on October

2nd, 2018, with the launch of the Mahatma's 150th birth year celebrations in India, as SBM

enters its final year of implementation.

• The Convention will include a field visit, plenary sessions, and technical sessions. A

parallel exhibition of sanitation innovations will be held at the meeting venue.

WIPO’S MARRAKESH TREATY

Prelims: International Treaties

Mains: International Institutions, Agencies.

• The European Union has joined WIPO’s Marrakesh Treaty in a big expansion in

membership for the accord, which eases the creation and transfer across national

boundaries of texts specially adapted for use by visually impaired people.

About:

• The European Union joined the Marrakesh Treaty during the 2018 WIPO Assemblies

meetings, held between September 24-October 2, 2018 in Geneva. The Treaty enters into

force for the European Union on January 1, 2019. The 28-nation European Union ratified

the Marrakesh accord to ease access to reading material for people who are print-disabled


http://www.wipo.int/marrakesh_treaty/en/

http://www.wipo.int/marrakesh_treaty/en/

http://www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en/assemblies/2018/a_58/

http://www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en/assemblies/2018/a_58/

https://www.thehindu.com/tag/62894-1364-1349/european-union/?utm=bodytag


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the world over. With the EU’s ratification, the Treaty will cover 70 countries across the

globe.

• The EU’s ratification marks a major advancement for visually impaired people living

inside the European Union as well as in other Marrakesh Treaty contracting parties,

allowing them to enjoy texts in accessible formats currently available in any country that

has implemented the provisions of the Treaty

• Only a small fraction, between one and five percent, of all literature is accessible to blind

and visually impaired people, that sum represents a book famine. If we can unlock for

blind people that knowledge, that hope, that thinking - then we will have indeed can

make a very significant step.

• This Treaty is a great achievement for WIPO. It shows, indeed, that multilateralism is still

alive and that through it, we can take some very practical steps that can change people’s

lives.

Marrakesh treaty:

• The Treaty was adopted on June 27, 2013, at a diplomatic conference organized by WIPO

and hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco in Marrakesh. The Treaty entered into force on

September 30, 2016, three months after it gained the necessary 20 ratifications or

accessions by WIPO member states. India was the first country to ratify the treaty as of

now 80 countries have signed the Treaty and 41 states have ratified it.

• The Marrakesh Treaty addresses the “book famine” by requiring its contracting parties to

adopt national law provisions that permit the production of books in accessible formats,

such as braille, e-text, audio or large print, by organizations known as authorized entities

that serve people who are print disabled.

• It also allows for the exchange of such accessible texts across national boundaries, all

without requesting authorization from the copyright owner.

• The World Health Organization estimates that 253 million are living with visually

impairments around the world, with the majority located in lower-income countries.

ABC - The Accessible Books Consortium:

• WIPO and its partners created the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) in 2014 to help

implement the objectives of the Marrakesh Treaty at a practical level.


http://www.accessiblebooksconsortium.org/portal/en/index.html


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• ABC works in three areas: the sharing of technical skills in developing and least developed

countries to produce and distribute books in accessible formats, promoting inclusive

publishing, and building an international on-line catalogue and book exchange of

accessible books, known as the ABC Global Book Service.

• Currently, 43 authorized entities have joined this Service, enabling them to search and

make requests for accessible books, all for free. Following the EU’s Marrakesh Treaty

implementation, over 270,000 titles will become available in the ABC Global Book Service

for cross-border exchange, without the need to obtain authorization from the copyright

owner. The sharing of works in accessible formats through the ABC Global Book Service

increases the overall number of accessible works available globally.

• The Service allows participating organizations to supplement their collections from their

counterparts in other countries without charge and then distribute to persons in their

country who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled.

About WIPO:

• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the global forum for intellectual

property policy, services, information and cooperation.

• A specialized agency of the United Nations, WIPO assists its 191 member states in

developing a balanced international IP legal framework to meet society's evolving needs.

• It provides business services for obtaining IP rights in multiple countries and resolving

disputes. It delivers capacity-building programs to help developing countries benefit from

using IP. And it provides free access to unique knowledge banks of IP information.

INDIA ENERGY FORUM

Prelims: International

Mains: GS – Paper II Bilateral, Regional and global groupings and agreements involving India

& affecting India’s Interests.

• Saudi Arabia stands committed to meeting all of India’s energy needs, especially in oil its

Energy Minister delivered this in the India Energy Forum.

About:

• Saudi Arabia is interested in partnering with India for developing complementary supply

chains as well as deploying finance and new technologies here.


http://www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en/

http://www.wipo.int/members/en/

http://www.wipo.int/policy/en/

http://www.wipo.int/services/en/

http://www.wipo.int/cooperation/en/

http://www.wipo.int/reference/en/


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• It is also interested in developing solar power projects here through its partnership with

the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund of India (NIIF).

• Announcement also assumes significance given that most solar power developers in India

have been sourcing solar modules and equipment from countries such as China, where

they are cheaper. Saudi Arabia plans to manufacture 200 gigawatts (GW) of photo voltaic

capacity by 2030. India on its part has an ambitious 175GW clean energy target by 2022, of

which 100GW is to come from solar projects.

• Earlier, delegation from Saudi meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum

Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and assured them of our full and continuing commitment

to meet India’s energy demands, especially in oil, and to invest in India. Relations between

the Kingdom and India are growing more strategic. Being the largest supplier of energy to

India, Saudi has always had a long-term commitment to the country’s energy security.

Tapping into India’s world-leading growth & Investing in India’s value chain from oil

supply, marketing and refining to petrochemicals and lubricants is a key part of Saudi’s

global downstream strategy.

• Saudi Arabia is a crucial source of energy for India and hosts a number of expatriate

Indians. PIF, which acts as the Kingdom’s main investment arm, plans to increase assets

under management from around $230 billion to over $400 billion by 2020. Building

“strategic economic partnerships” is among its key objectives.

India Energy Forum:

• Established in October 2001, the Forum has acquired a unique status as a spokesman of

total energy sector. Most major public and private sector organizations in Power, Oil and

Gas, Coal and Renewable Energy have become its members.

• The Forum is perhaps the only Indian Organisation which represents energy sector as a

whole. The Forum tries to bring, Government institutions, policy makers, and multi-

national agencies in an attempt to identify and resolve problems, which impede the

development of projects in India.

• The Forum serves as a catalyst for the development of a sustainable and competitive

energy sector in India. India's energy requirements are enormous and the demand is

growing but our resources are limited both in physical and financial terms.



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• It is a long-term imperative that these resources are exploited optimally. India is attracting

significant attention from major overseas project developers, equipment suppliers and

financiers. The Forum serves as an independent advocate of the industry promoting

practical solutions to problems affecting project development and finance in India.

• The Forum works with companies and Government (Centre and States) to achieve

consensus on such issues as regulatory structures and policies and the role of public

organizations. In addition, the Forum works closely with multilateral and domestic

companies and agencies to ensure that their products and services are responsive to the

needs of the project development in India.

LOW SAFETY AIR SCORE

Mains: GS- III Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways

In News:

The Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) has expressed concern over India’s low

‘air safety oversight score’, which is lower than that of Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives,

Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and North Korea in the Asia-Pacific region

Background:

• The ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme seeks to identify if countries have

consistently implemented a safety-oversight system

(USOAP) ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme:

• ICAO is a UN specialized agency. USOAP is a Programme of ICAO

• The objective of USOAP is to promote global aviation safety.

• It does this by auditing Contracting States, on a regular basis, to determine the States'

capability for safety oversight.

INDIA RUSSIA DEFENCE DEAL

Prelims: Defence Current Affairs

Mains: Security challenges and their management in border areas

In News:

• The $5.43 billion (over Rs 40,000 crore) deal is among India's largest defence deals ever

made, which includes S-400 triumf deal and a host of other memorandums.



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List of Agreements/MoUs Exchanged between India and Russia

• Protocol for Consultations between the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MEA for the

period 2019-2023

• Memorandum of Understanding between the

Ministry of Economic Development of the

Russian Federation and the National

Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)

• Memorandum of Understanding between Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)

and the Federal Space Agency of Russia ‘ROSCOSMOS’ on Joint Activities in the field of

Human Spaceflight Programme

• Memorandum of Cooperation between the Indian and Russian Railways

• Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear

Field

• Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Ministry of Transport and Indian

Railways in the Development Cooperation in Transport Education

• Memorandum of Understanding between the National Small Industries Corporation

(NSIC), of India and the Russian Small and Medium Business Corporation (RSMB), on

Cooperation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Cooperation Agreement

in the Fertilizers Sector between the Russian Direct Investment Fund" ("RDIF”); PJSC

Phosagro (PhosAgro) and Indian Potash Limited (IPL)

Significance of S-400 deal:

• S-400 would be like a "booster shot" in the Indian Air Force.

• India needs to be well-equipped against neighbouring threats. Pakistan has over 20 fighter

squadrons, with upgraded F-16s, and inducting J-17 from China in large numbers. China

has 1,700 fighters, including 800 4-Gen fighters.

• No country is facing the kind of grave threat that India is confronted with. Intentions of

our adversaries can change overnight. We need to match force level of our adversaries.



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INDIA TO IMPORT OIL FROM IRAN

Prelims: India Bilateral Cooperation

Mains: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s

interests

In News:

• Two Indian state-run oil companies have placed orders for Iranian oil to be delivered in

November.

• The move comes in apparent defiance of U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s crude oil exports

that come into effect on November 4.

About:

• The two companies who placed order are

Indian Oil Corporation and Mangalore

Refinery and Petrochemicals, with a total order

quantity of 1.25 million tonnes of crude,

according to the Petroleum Ministry

• According to an executive order (EO 13846) issued by President Donald Trump, all

American and non-American entities were given a six-month “wind-down” period from

May 2018, in which to “zero out” all transactions with designated Iranian oil companies

and port operators

• On November 4, a second round of U.S. sanctions against Iran will target the oil industry,

and impose penalties on oil companies, refineries, insurers and transport companies

dealing with Iran

• With the advance orders placed for November, has made it clear that India will not “zero

out” its oil intake from Iran. While private companies like Reliance and Nayara Energy

(Essar) have had to drastically reduce their purchases, public sector companies, who are

more immune to U.S. strictures, and already have alternate banking arrangements and a

“rupee-rial” mechanism, are staying the course for now.

• Iranian oil is a lucrative buy for refiners as the Persian Gulf nation provides 60 days of

credit for purchases, terms not available from suppliers of substitute crudes - Saudi

Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Nigeria, and the US



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Why India should continue to buy oil from Iran?

• Currently, it’s a litmus test for India Iran relations because if India bows before USA

pressure it will freeze the relations between India Iran

• India needs Iran support in reaching the central Asia and Afghanistan through

chhabahar port

• Its oil is cheaper than its counterparts producing

• TAPI pipeline project is important for India to secure its energy needs and for that India

needs Iran’s oil supply. And also, if USA succeeds in cutting of the relation between India

and Iran it will isolate India in world stage as ally and a dependent on USA

• It will bolster the china-Iran relations because china is buying oil from Iran despite USA

sanctions and it will create new hostile nations in west of India besides Pakistan.

ALTERNATIVE NOBEL

Prelims: Awards

In News:

• Maryse Conde Guadeloupe author wins alternative Nobel Literature Prize. Ms. Conde

works describes the ravages of colonialism and postcolonial chaos in a language which is

both precise and overwhelming.

About:

• The New Academy Prize in Literature was formed in protest to denounce what its

founders called the “bias, arrogance and sexism” of the venerable Swedish Academy,

which selects Nobel laureates. The New Academy, a self-organized group of 100 or so

volunteers, has sprouted up in the last six months in hopes of providing an alternative

global literature prize this year

• What started as a group of concerned Swedish actors, singers, journalists, and writers has

reached readers all around the world. The group got together in May, after the disgraced

academy announced it would postpone the prize announcement until 2019. It started by

inviting every librarian in Sweden to nominate authors for the prize. Then the New

Academy asked the public to vote on the resulting 47 nominees. More than 32,000

responses came in.



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'OPERATION SAMUDRA MAITRI'

Prelims: International Relation

Why in News?

• India has launched a massive operation to provide assistance to the earthquake and

tsunami victims in Indonesia, dispatching two aircrafts and three naval ships carrying

relief material to the country, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Background:

• 'Operation Samudra Maitri' for humanitarian assistance was launched after a telephonic

conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko

Widodo, and following Indonesia's acceptance of international aid, the MEA said in a

statement. Two Indian Air Force aircrafts -- C-130J and C-17 -- departed on Wednesday

morning with medical personnel and relief material. the C-130J aircraft is carrying a

medical team along with tents and equipment to set up a field hospital. The C-17 aircraft is

carrying medicines, generators, tents and water to provide immediate assistance, the MEA

said.

• Besides HADR bricks or material normally carried by all ships, these ships also have on

board 30,000 L of bottled drinking water, 1500 L of packaged juices, 500 L milk, 700 kg of

biscuits and 20 tents. Three Indian Naval Ships -- INS Tir, INS Sujatha and INS Shardul --

have also been mobilised to carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

These ships are likely to reach the Central Sulawesi province of Indonesia. The death toll

in Indonesia's twin quake-tsunami disaster, which decimated parts of the central

Indonesian island of Sulawesi, has already climbed to nearly 1,400. The magnitude 7.5

earthquake struck at dusk and generated a tsunami said to have been as high as 6 metres

(Nearly 20 feet) in places.


https://www.business-standard.com/topic/ministry-of-external-affairs

https://www.business-standard.com/international

https://www.business-standard.com/topic/indonesia


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PRESIDENT KOVIND TO VISIT TAJIKISTAN

Mains: G.S- II Bilateral Relations.

Why in News?

• President Ram Nath kovind embarked on a three-day visit to Tajikistan. During the visit,

the president will meet his Tajik counterpart Emamoli Rahmon.

Agenda of the visit:

• President will visit the Tajik National University where he will deliver an address on

‘Countering Radicalization: Challenges in Modern Societies’. He will address the members

of the Indian Diaspora in Tajikistan. He will pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi and

Rabindranath Tagore by visiting their memorials in Dushanbe and will offer floral

tributes.

• During the visit of president, all areas of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation

are expected to be discussed. Given the close relationship between the two countries, the

visit is expected to lead to further strengthening of Indo-Tajik bilateral relations.

• This will be the very first visit of President Kovind to Central Asia.

India-Tajikistan Relationship:

• Central Asia is a region with which

India has had historical links and

close cultural affinity. India and

Tajikistan have a relation of close

cooperation, friendship and trust.

• India-Tajikistan bilateral relations

have steadily grown and have

diversified in many fields. Since 2012

both countries have elevated their

relationship to the level of strategic

partnership.

• There have been several exchanges of visits at the highest level between the two countries.

Prime Minister Vajpayee had visited Tajikistan in 2003.



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• Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited Tajikistan in 2015 as part of his visit to all the

five Central Asian countries. President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon has visited India

five times, his last visit being in December 2016.

• The leadership of the two countries also frequent meetings on the side lines of various

multilateral fora. These regular visits at the highest level have cemented the bilateral ties

as well as demonstrate the importance the two countries attach to this relationship.

• Tajikistan is situated in a strategically important region. India and Tajikistan have been

facing common challenges of terrorism, radicalisation and extremism. The leadership of

Tajikistan has been resolute against these challenges to the modern society and has taken

effective steps to contain them. Tajikistan has been engaged in the task of development

and growth of its economy and welfare of its people. In the field of Defence cooperation,

the two countries have a Joint Working Group to decide on various programmes of

cooperation. India is engaged in training and capacity building of Tajik Defence forces.

India has also contributed in terms of helping in renovation and reconstruction of the

Gissar Military Aerodrome in Ayni.

• India and Tajikistan are together engaged in bilateral cooperation in multifarious fields to

promote their trade and investment. Our bilateral trade has reached almost US $74 million

last year. The major hurdle in developing this trade comes from lack of direct connectivity

which increases transportation costs.

• India has provided development assistance and executed several medium and small

projects to help in various fields like agriculture, food processing, power generation, IT

education, training, capacity building and health. A number of Indian companies are also

engaged in electric transmission projects in Tajikistan.

• From time to time, India has provided humanitarian assistance to Tajikistan. India

operates a 50-bed Indo-Tajik Friendship Hospital in Qurgen Teppa in Tajikistan for the

benefit of the armed forces personnel of Tajikistan as well as the local civilian population.

Earlier, this year India gifted 10 ambulances to augment healthcare in various regions of

Tajikistan. India provides various scholarship slots for Tajik candidates to train in India

under the ITEC (India Technical and Economic Cooperation) programme as well as

courses offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).



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• So far India has trained 1400 Tajik candidates under ITEC slots and 360 under ICCR

scholarship programme.

• In the multilateral fora, India and Tajikistan cooperate closely. Tajikistan supported India’s

accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization membership. India supported

Tajikistan’s accession to WTO in 2013.

INDIA WINS ELECTION TO UNHRC

Prelims: International Organisation

Why in News?

• India was elected to the United Nations’ top human rights body for a period of three years

beginning January 1, 2019, getting 188 votes in the Asia-Pacific category, the highest

number of votes among all candidates.

About the New Members:

• The 193-member UN General Assembly held elections here for new members to the UN

Human Rights Council. The 18 new members were elected by absolute majority through a

secret ballot. Countries needed a minimum of 97 votes to get elected to the Council.

• In the Asia Pacific category, India got 188 votes followed by Fiji with 187 votes,

Bangladesh 178, Bahrain and Philippines 165 each.

• India had previously been elected to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council for the

2011-2014 and 2014-2017 terms.

United Nations Human Rights Council:

• The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations

system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights

around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make

recommendations on them.

• It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its

attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

• The Council is made of 47 Member States, which are elected by the majority of members of

the General Assembly of the United Nations through direct and secret ballot. The General

Assembly takes into account the candidate States' contribution to the promotion and



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protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this

regard.

• The Council's Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Seats are

distributed as follows:

1. African States: 13 seats

2. Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats

3. Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats

4. Western European and other States: 7 seats

5. Eastern European States: 6 seats

• Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for

immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

• The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human

Rights. The Bureau of the Council consists of five people - one President and four Vice-

presidents - representing the five regional groups. They serve for a year, in accordance

with the Council's annual cycle.

PAK. ACCEPTS INDIA INVITE TO SCO MEET

Mains: G.S-III Disaster and disaster management.

Why in News?

• India will host Pakistan and representatives of seven-member countries that are part of the

China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on handling urban disaster this week.

About the earthquake rescue exercise:

• In the 9th meeting of the Heads of Departments of disaster prevention of SCO countries of

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, held at Kyrgyzstan w.e.f 23-25

Aug 2017, Home Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh, announced India’s offer to host the 10th

meeting of Heads of Departments of disaster prevention of SCO member states.

• Minister also offered to host a Joint Mock Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search and

Rescue which was accepted unanimously.

• On the directives of Govt. of India, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) under the

aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation


https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/CurrentMembers.aspx

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CHR/Pages/CommissionOnHumanRights.aspx

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CHR/Pages/CommissionOnHumanRights.aspx

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/Bureau.aspx

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/Presidency.aspx


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Organization (SCO) Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue (SCOJTEX)-2019

in two phases in Delhi and NCR.

• The first phase comprises a preparatory meeting scheduled for 01st & 02nd November,

2018 followed by a Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue (SCOJtEx)-2019

scheduled for 21-24 February, 2019.

• The exercise will provide an opportunity to member countries to validate their

preparedness and resilience to address the various challenges like strengthening the

effective utilization of the search and rescue teams for emergency response, coordination

and information sharing with foreign embassies in disaster affected countries, making

Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Response more affective etc.

• The preparatory meeting of SCOJtEx-2019 is being organized by NDRF on 01st & 02nd

November, 2018 in New Delhi. All eight-member countries namely the Republic of India,

Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic

Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic

of Uzbekistan will be participating in the event.

• The meeting will provide a platform to delegates to discuss types of events, modalities,

venues, protocol and requirement etc for smooth conduct of main exercise.

• The meeting shall be inaugurated on 01st November, 2018 at 1000 Hrs at Hotel Le

Meridien, New Delhi. This meeting is expected to bring all the member countries closer to

each other towards Humanitarian Assistance and in future to evolve mechanism for better

& effective sharing of expertise towards making society Disaster Risk Resilience (DRR).

• Representatives from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of External Affairs

(MEA), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Institute of Disaster

Management (NIDM) and other stake-holders are also attending the meeting.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), or Shanghai Pact,[1] is

a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, the creation of which was announced

on 2001 in Shanghai, China by the leaders

of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Cooperation_Organisation#cite_note-1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tajikistan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistan


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• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Charter, formally establishing the organisation,

was signed in June 2002 and entered into force on 19 September 2003.

• The original five nations, with the exclusion of Uzbekistan, were previously members of

the Shanghai Five group, founded on 26 April 1996. Since then, the organisation has

expanded its membership to eight countries when India and Pakistan joined SCO as full

members on 9 June 2017 at a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.

• The Heads of State Council (HSC) is the supreme decision-making body in the SCO, it

meets once a year and adopts decisions and guidelines on all important matters of the

organisation.

• Military exercises are also regularly conducted among members to promote cooperation

and coordination against terrorism and other external threats, and to maintain regional

peace and stability.

FLOOD-HIT PLANTATIONS LOOK FOR RESCUE ACT

Prelims: Agriculture

Mains: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of

irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and

issues and related constraints

In news:

• The United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) has estimated the plantation

crop loss in the recent floods, mainly in Kerala, parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, to be

₹5,543 crore with the highest loss in rubber at ₹1,662 crore followed by coffee at ₹1,360

crore, pepper at ₹1,200 crore and cardamom at ₹1,250 crore.

• This is said to be one of the largest losses suffered by the sector in south India due to

natural calamities in the last five to six decades.

Plantation crops:

• The major plantation crops include coconut, arecanut, oil palm, cashew, tea, coffee and

rubber; the minor plantation crops include cocoa

The Economic Importance of these Crops are:

• They contribute to national economy by way of export earnings. These crops occupy less

than 2 per cent of the total cultivated area (i.e. 3.82 per cent of total crop land) but gives


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_SCO_summit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astana

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan


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about 12.72 per cent of the total export earnings of all commodities or 75 per cent of total

earnings from the export of agricultural produces.

• India is the leading country in the total production of certain plantation crops in the

world. For instance, our production meets the share of 47 per cent in tea and 66 per cent in

each of cashew and arecanut,

• Plantation industry provides direct as well as indirect employment lo many millions of

people. For instance, tea industry offers direct employment to 10 lakhs and indirect

employment to 10 lakh people, while-cashew processing factories alone provide

employment to 3 lakhs people besides 2 lakhs farmers are employed in cashew cultivation.

• Plantation industry supports many by-product industries and also many rural industries.

For example, coconut husk is used to produce coir fiber annually to a tune of 2,19,600

tones in India.

• These crops help to conserve the soil and ecosystem. Tea planted in hill slopes and cashew

in barrel and waste lands protect the land from soil erosion during the rainy season or

due to heavy winds

Revenue Insurance Scheme for plantation crops:

• It was introduced by commerce ministry not agriculture

ministry

• RISPC was approved on September 16, 2016 and will be

implemented on a pilot basis for two years covering tea,

coffee, rubber, cardamom and tobacco in eight districts

in West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,

Assam, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu by the commodity

boards.

• It also covers protecting growers of plantation crops

from the twin risks of yield loss due to adverse weather

parameters, pest attacks, drought, dry spells, flood, inundation, storm, hailstorm, cyclone,

natural fire, lightning, hailstorm and income loss caused by fall in international/domestic

prices



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Problems of this sector:

• The planation industry in India is mainly suffering from

the problem of rising production costs and labor costs

along with low price realization. Because of the higher

production costs in India and overproduction by other

countries like Kenya, the Indian industry is unable to

compete with the world producers.

• Frequent man animal conflicts in the estates are a rising

concern. Diseases and pests are creating major problem

in sustaining the profitability of the industry

• Small holdings of the rubber, cardamom, spice etc. are a

major hurdle in adopting modern technology in large scale.

• Availability of all-weather connectivity from farm gate to market is not available in

monsoon times due to frequent landslides

• Difficulties of clearing and maintenance, dense vegetative cover is difficult to clear to

make way for plantations and a sound communication network. It is even more expensive

to prevent forest shrubs and trees encroaching on such clearings.

• Large sums of money are needed annually for the repair of estate roads and railways.

• Under tropical conditions of heavy rainfall, mineral nutrients in the soil are carried

downwards with the rain water as it sinks into the ground.

• This leaching process proceeds very rapidly and magnesium, potassium and calcium are

removed. MSP for coffee, tea, etc. is not available.

Conclusion:

• The plantation crop sector is a major determinant of growth of the agricultural sector in

the country.

• While the challenges faced by this sector are numerous, these are, however, not

insurmountable.

• A well-reasoned and cohesive application of cutting-edge research, institutional support

for development and creative policy initiatives can ensure a vibrant plantation crop sector

in the country.



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NATIONAL TASKFORCE ON LAND REFORMS

Prelims: Agriculture

Mains: Land Reforms in India.

In News:

• The people’s movement Ekta Parishad cut short its march of 25,000 landless and tribal

people from Gwalior to Delhi last Saturday after the Centre promised to reconstitute the

National Taskforce on Land Reforms. The march had been launched on October 2.

About- time line of EKTA Parishad:

• Ekta Parishad's 2007 padayatra, which

resulted in the setting up of the National

Land Reforms Council, chaired by the

Prime Minister. But the Council has not

even met once.

• Six years ago, in October 2012, the

movement had mobilized more than

60,000 landless people from across the

country for a similar padayatra from

Gwalior to Delhi.

• They disbanded at Agra after then Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh promised

homestead land of ten cents for all landless rural poor households and a draft National

Land Reform Policy, as part of a ten-point Agra agreement.

• To enforce the agreement, the Centre set up a 15-member task force on land reforms

• The government set up a task force headed by the rural development minister Jairam

Ramesh and Tribal Affairs minister V Kishore Chandra Deo.

• The constitution of the 15-member task force on land reforms was one of the decisions of

the Agra agreement.

Land reforms Policy,2013.

• At last the land reforms policy of government of India was brought out

Five goals:

• Distribute land to all rural landless poor



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• Restore land unjustly taken from vulnerable communities such as the Dalit’s

(untouchables) and Tribal

• Protect the land of the Dalit’s and Tribal including the Commons that they depend on

going forward

• Liberalize leasing laws

• Improve land rights of women

Reason for land Reforms:

• The main characteristics of the agrarian structure which independent India inherited

were:

1. Absentee land ownership;

2. Exploitation of tenants through high rents and insecurity of tenure;

3. Unequal distribution of land;

4. Tiny and fragmented holdings; and

• Lack of adequate institutional finance to agriculture.

PUNJAB TO POST NODAL OFFICERS

TO CURB STUBBLE BURNING

Mains: G.S Paper-III Environmental pollution.

Why in News?

• To curb the menace of stubble burning, the State has

decided to appoint nodal officers in 8,000 paddy

growing villages.

• The villages have been identified by

the Agriculture Department as those where paddy

stubble is traditionally burnt.

1. What is Stubble Burning?

• Stubble burning is, quite simply, the act of removing paddy crop residue from the field to

sow wheat. It’s usually required in areas that use the ‘Combine harvesting’ method which

leaves crop residue behind. Now, what is combine harvesting?


https://www.thehindu.com/tag/685-684/agriculture/?utm=bodytag


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• Combines are machines that harvest, thresh i.e separate the grain, and also clean the

separated grain, all at once. The problem, however, is that the machine doesn’t cut close

enough to the ground, leaving stubble behind that the farmer has no use for. There is

pressure on the farmer to sow the next crop in time for it to achieve a full yield. The

Quickest and cheapest solution, therefore, is to clear the field by Burning the stubble.

2. But is Burning the only solution?

• Not really, but it is the easiest and cheapest method available to farmers as of now. But the

situation isn’t so grim after all. There are other options we can look at.

• The Most efficient technology to counter crop burning at the moment, seems to be the

Turbo Happy seeder (THS). The THS is basically a machine mounted on a tractor that not

only cuts and uproots the stubble, but can also drill wheat seeds on the soil that has just

been cleared up. The straw is simultaneously thrown over the sown seeds to form a mulch

cover. The THS can also be fitted with the super – straw management system (S-SMS) that

spreads the straw evenly.

3. Can we Find other use for the stubble?

• Ideally, we should, traditionally, crop residue had a lot of benefits like thatching, or

making beds for livestock and cattle. However, growing technology has found more

efficient alternatives to this.

• ‘The First step to curb crop burning is to find uses for the stubble,” said Anumita

Roychowdhury of Centre for science and Environment (CSE) to down to earth. One

Option is to produce biomass with the residue to generate power. The straw can similarly

be used to make pellets that serve as the sub – strata for mushroom cultivation, but the

problem is not in finding alternatives to paddy straw, as there are many.

• The real issue is who cuts and collects the crop residue, and then takes responsibility for

transporting them? As of now, the farmers have no incentive to take the pains of

extracting crop residue from the earth, down to earth reports.

4. But Surely All these Alternatives come at a cost, Right?

• The THS costs approximately Rs 1.3 Lakh and the S-SMS is about Rs 1.2 Lakh. Then there

is the cost of the combine, which is upwards of Rs 18 lakh, but the farmer does not have to



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own them. Just as combines are, these machines can also be used on a custom – hiring

basis.

• Other alternatives, like residue incorporation costs 20 percent more than simply burning

the stubble, while fully removing the residue costs 34 percent more than burning,

according to Express tribune.

5. But Why is this only a problem in the Northern States?

• India Relies on its northern states of Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and

Uttarakhand for wheat.Now, states in the south use combine harvesting too. But the

clinching difference is that they don’t have the urgency to remove the stubble to make it

ready for the next crop.

• To sow wheat right after paddy, the field has to be harvested and readied for the next

crop. In the Punjab – Haryana – UP belt, the crucial time for the wheat crop to mature is in

mid – April, when the temperature is about to cross 35 degree Celsius. For the wheat crop

to reach full maturity and give maximum yield by then, the farmer has no option but to

sow the crop latest, sot that it grows for a full 140 – 150-day duration.

• Add to this complication the Punjab preservation of subsoil Water Act 2009- Punjab’s

water – saving law – which bans sowing of paddy before 15 may and transplanting it

before 15 June. This leaves the farmer with very little time to sow and reap paddy, and

then ready the field for wheat in just about 20 days.

6. So Won’t Reducing Paddy production Reduce stubble Too?

• Yes, that is simple math, but given that rice is a lucrative crop, how do we go doing this?

The answer is to give incentive to farmers to grow other crops.

• The Centre and state governments could adopt methods to incentivise farmers, rather then

penalising them. If Production of other crops, like maize, are made more lucrative, then

farmers will switch to growing those. Ajay Vir Jakhar, chairman of the Punjab state

Farmers commission in an article for The Print, suggests that the government allow

production of ethanol from maize.

• Then paddy farmers have a reason to switch to maize, or at least devote half of their time

to cultivating maize.



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7. So Can we Really Blame the Farmers?

• Clearly farmers have little choice but to burn the stubble, given the pressure under which

they have to sow the next crop. The National Green Tribune recommends penalising

farmers who burn stubble. Punjab has attempted this, but to no avail. Stubble burning

continues, and disgruntled farmers – who are already under debt – refuse to pay fines in

the state. Up till the April – May wheat harvesting season this year, farmers in Punjab

owed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Fines up to 61.32 lakh. Of this, Only Rs

18 lakh was recovered, the Indian Express reported. Now, another harvest season is upon

us, but not much seems to have changed.

FINES FAIL TO DETER STUBBLE BURNING

Mains: G.S – III Environmental Degradation

Why in News?

• The Centre and the States — Punjab, Haryana

and Uttar Pradesh — have in several meetings

through the year declared a “zero tolerance”

policy on the burning of stubble for farmers.

Background:

• Between September 27 and October 14, the

Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB)

imposed ₹8,92,500 as fines — or “environmental

compensation cess” as it is officially called — on farmers burning paddy stubble.

However, they collected only ₹3,05,000, according to figures from the organisation.

Reason for the Fail:

• The fines are collected over time frequently the farmers don’t have money to immediately

pay them. The Centre and the States — Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh — have in

several meetings through the year declared a “zero tolerance” policy on the burning of

stubble for farmers, which, according to various studies, contributes anywhere from 17%

to 78% to the particulate matter-emission load in the city during winter.



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• To discourage farmers in Punjab and Haryana — who are responsible for the bulk of such

fires — the government has also disbursed ₹591 crore to these States to sell subsidised

farm implements that can do away with stubble without having to burn them.

• Sometimes, due to farmers protest, sometimes they plead innocence and sometimes

poverty made them failed to collect the fine.

• Despite a vigorous focus by governments on making mechanised farm implements —

combine harvesters-cum-straw management system, seed drillers, rotary harvesters —

available to farmers, it’s still inaccessible to many farmers with landholdings less than 5

acres or those not rich enough to invest in such machines.

• Delayed rains have shrunk the window further and different regions in Punjab have

different harvesting times, in keeping with subtle weather differences.

• Then there’s the spike in diesel prices. Deploying the machines uses up nearly 5 litres of

diesel per acre.

CENTRE-RBI DIFFERENCES

GS2: Statutory, regulatory and various Quasi-Judicial bodies

GS3: Indian Economy

Context:

• There are many differences and contentions points

between RBI and the central government on managing

Indian economic fabric, creating tensions between

them. Though there were tensions before, present

conditions are crucial to be addressed soon since these

have reached the public and hence could take

confidence of public on economy.

Key contention points

1. Regulation of state-run banks

A. The RBI governor has stated that the RBI does not have enough powers to regulate state-

run banks. According to them, these banks have dual control that is by both the RBI and

the central government. And also mentioned they have no power to remove directors and



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management at state-run banks, cannot supersede bank boards, does not have the power

to force a merger or trigger liquidation of state-run banks.

B. The Central government counters this statement by mentioning that “powers of RBI are

wide-ranging and comprehensive to deal with various situations that may emerge in all

banks, including public sector banks”. RBI has powers to inspect the bank and its book of

accounts, has a nominee member on the board of state-run banks and is part of a

committee within the board that approves large loans. RBI can appoint additional

directors on the banks’ boards. Besides, the whole-time directors are appointed in

consultation with RBI, the government said.

C. The issue came in light on PNB crises which criticized banking regulator for not taking

enough measures despite having Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework in place.

2. Independent payment regulator

A. The Government has suggested to have an independent payment regulator to foster

competition, consumer protection, systemic stability and resilience in payment sector

B. However, the RBI has contended this measure mentioning that having independent

payment regulator would break the existing linkage between the activities of traditional

banking system and payment banks. And also new independent payment regulator would

not be practically experienced as the RBI, who gained much experience over the last

several years.

3. RBI’s PCA framework

A. RBI has placed stringent restrictions on mainly small banks due to worsening capital, asset

quality and profitability. These stringent restrictions are defended by the RBI that they are

much less stringent that Basel norms

B. However, it has put pressure on the central government because of liquidity pressure.

4. February 12 circular/circular on Non-performing assets

A. The RBI has this circular which put strict rules on banks to address NPAs

a. Doing away with traditional restructuring schemes

b. Imposition of the one-day default role

B. The RBI has maintained that these steps would improve overall credit culture and makes

banks proactive in dealing with NPAs and reduce bad loan accumulation in future.



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C. As these measures would reduce liquidity in the economy and hence provide route

towards inflation, this has created tension between the centre and the RBI and also

agitated industry and banks

Way forward:

• In the light of increasing risk to the stability of the domestic financial system, both the

government and the RBI must look common ground on the disputed points and work

together to tackle these issues instead of battling over and resolve their differences.

ECB NORMS RELAXED FOR OIL COMPANIES

Prelims: Economy

Mains: Indian Economy and Capital Market

In News:

With the rupee under pressure following rise in global

crude oil prices, the Reserve Bank of India liberalized the

norms for oil marketing companies (OMCs) to raise funds

through external commercial borrowings (ECB).

About:

• The move came on a day when the rupee closed at a new low of 73.34 against the dollar,

after Brent oil breached the $ 84 a barrel.

• India's central bank said that it will relax external commercial borrowings (ECB) policy to

allow state-run oil marketing companies to raise external debt for working capital

purposes.

• The Reserve Bank of India will permit oil marketing firms to raise overseas funds with

minimum average maturity period of 3 or 5 years under the automatic route, it said in a

statement.

• It lifted the individual borrowing limit set at $750 million under the ECB framework.

• The overall ceiling for such ECBs shall be $10 billion, hereafter.

• With regards to hedging, earlier it was mandatory to hedge all kind of borrowings but

now there is relaxation given by the RBI and so the OMCs can decide if they want to

hedge immediately or not.



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• If OMC hedge it immediately it will be costlier than the domestic loans and so this

waiver on hedging is important to OMC as it makes borrowing cost lower.

OIL BOND

Prelims: Economy

Mains: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,

development and employment.

What is oil bond?

• Oil bonds are issued by the government to compensate oil marketing companies (OMCs),

fertilizer companies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for losses borne by them in

the process of regulating prices in the domestic market. It was introduced in 2005 to defer

the payment of money to the oil marketing companies

• They are akin to government securities. These usually have a long maturity period

extending over 15-20 years. Interest payments will be due at fixed intervals during the

tenure of the bond.

• These debts are not accounted in the fiscal deficit number of the issuing year. Unlike cash

subsidies, there is no direct cash flow. Moreover, oil bonds do not qualify as statutory

liquidity ratio (SLR) securities, making them less liquid when compared to other

government securities.

• Oil bonds can be traded for liquid cash by sale in the secondary market to insurance

companies, banks, and other financial institutions.

Background:

• The then government in 2005 took to issuing oil bonds as a substitute for subsidies

between 2005 and 2010. High crude prices and the blowback from the recession of 2008

increased fiduciary pressure on the government.

• By raising capital through bonds, these payments could be made in a deferred manner

without causing a major escalation in prices, thus insulating customers.

• Between 2005 and 2009, the government issued bonds worth Rs 1.4 lakh crore. This was

done to partially compensate OMCs for recoveries amounting to Rs 2.9 lakh crore.

• Under-recoveries are the difference between the cost of purchasing crude oil in the

international market and the price at which petroleum products are sold in the domestic



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market. In the aftermath of the recession, OMCs were facing large under-recoveries. This

presented the government with the dilemma of ensuring financial stability of OMCS,

many of which are government-owned, while taking into account political repercussions

of allowing fuel prices to rise.

• Oil bonds were chosen as the vehicle to dampen the pressure on OMCs while keeping

prices in check. On November, 2010, the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural

informed Rajya Sabha that the debt burden was to be shared by public sector oil

companies, the government, banks, and other stakeholders.

Remedy:

• Petroleum and diesel prices were heavily subsidized to keep the consumers insulated

from the global oil price rise during 2005 to 2012 but at the cost of the increased subsidized

cost which the future generations have to pay.

• The first step towards deregulation was taken in 2010 with the announcement that oil

bonds will be discontinued, and OMCs will be paid in cash.

• In June 2010, petrol prices were deregulated, mirroring the market price of crude. Diesel

went the same way in October 2014. In June 2017, the government adopted the system of

dynamic fuel pricing whereby the retail price of petrol and diesel fluctuate on a daily

basis.

Conclusion:

• The outstanding oil bonds (as on April 1, 2018) which will be discharged only between

2022-2026 is Rs. 13, 0923 crore while Majority of bonds are yet to mature in 2022 the fuel

taxes (imposed on petrol/diesel like central excise and state VAT) can’t be reduced in

future also so that these bonds may be paid in cash raised through this tax. Deregulation

of prices will be one of the remedy to solve this energy triggered resource constraint,

should also incentivize the use of bio fuels, solar energy to reduce the dependency on

crude oil.



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CABINET NOD TO PANEL ON UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Mains: G.S-II Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and

issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Why in News?

• The Union Cabinet gave its nod for the constitution of a high-level steering committee to

review and monitor the progress on sustainable developmental goals (SDGs

Work of the Panel:

• By setting up of a high-level steering committee, which is chaired by the Chief Statistician

of India and Secretary to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

(MoSPI) is to review if India was on track to achieving the United Nations

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Currently, the NITI Aayog coordinates work of

various departments in taking steps to achieve the targets set for the millennial

sustainable development goals spearheaded by the United Nations.

• The panel would also decide if there was a need to “refine” indicators by reviewing the

National Indicator Framework (NIF) periodically, according to a press release announcing

the Cabinet decision.

• The SDGs are a list of 17 goals, which include the elimination of poverty, ending hunger,

ensuring provision of quality education, clean water and sanitation, that countries,

including India, must achieve by 2030. The steering committee would recommend

measures to “mainstream” SDGs into ongoing national policies, programmes and strategic

action plans to address the developmental challenges.

• Statistical indicators of the NIF would be the backbone for monitoring of SDGs at the

national and State levels and would scientifically measure the outcomes of the policies to

achieve the targets under different SDGs. Based on statistical indicators, the MoSPI would

produce national reports on implementation of the SDGs. Data source Ministries /

Departments will be responsible for providing regular information to MoSPI on these

indicators at required intervals and disaggregation for national and sub-national reporting

of SDGs.

• Advanced IT tools will be used for close and effective monitoring.


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Background:

• At the Millennium Summit held in 2000 at the

UN Headquarters in New York, eight

development goals known as the ‘Millennium

Development Goals’ (MDGs) were adopted,

which formed the blueprint for countries to

pursue their national development strategies

from 2000 to 2015.

• The MDGs, which addressed various

development issues, were unevenly achieved

across the countries and the Centre wanted to

start fresh discussions to assess the usefulness

of the MDGs and to explore a possible successor to guide development cooperation in the

world beyond 2015.

• The UN General Assembly in its 70th Session, in 2015, considered and adopted the SDGs

for the next 15 years. The 17 SDGs came into force with effect from January 1, 2016.

Though not legally binding, the SDGs have become de facto international obligations and

have the potential to reorient domestic spending priorities of the countries during the 15-

year-period.

HUNAR HAAT

Prelims: Schemes

• Hunar haat comes under the Ministry of Minority affairs.

Hunar Haat components:

• To promote marketing and sale of products of individual Minority craftsmen/ artisans.

• To provide platform for the artisans and culinary expert belonging to minorities to

showcase and sale their exquisitely crafted products and serve traditional cuisine.

• To support participation of minority craftsmen/ artisans in exhibition, trade fair, buyer

seller meets etc.,

• To support organisations (Government organizations, Registered societies/ trusts/

companies, PSUs) for organising exhibitions at state/District level.

• To establish linkages with Dilli Haat, Handicraft Emporiums etc.,



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• Financial norms: 100% funding will be done by the Ministry.

• Implementations of Hunar haat will be done through National Minorities development &

finance corporation.

GOVT INVITES BIDS FOR INTERNATIONAL UDAN FLIGHTS

Prelims: Schemes

Why in News?

• The central government has invited proposals from interested air operators for the

international version of its ‘Udan’ (Ude Desk Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme as it seeks to

enhance air connectivity from India to select overseas destinations.

Background:

• This is despite the domestic format of the scheme

failing to yield desired results with almost half of

the routes approved in the first phase of the

bidding for the scheme still to be launched.

• National airports operator AAI, which has been

mandated to implement the international version

of the Udan scheme, has invited “e-proposals

(bids) from international bidders for selection of airlines under the International Air

Connectivity Scheme, IACS Udan.

• The government, in its bid to make flying more affordable for masses, had in October 2016

announced the Udan scheme with airfares capped at ₹2,500 for a one-hour journey

through subsidised ticket rates and to provide air connectivity to smaller towns.

• In the subsequent developments, five airlines were mandated to fly on 128 regional routes

in the first phase of the bidding in March 2017, and 15 airlines on 325 regional routes,

including those having chopper operations, in the second phase in January this year.

• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is also the implementing agency for the domestic

format of the regional connectivity scheme.

• The AAI has invited the bids on behalf of the civil aviation ministry and the Assam

government, as per the notice.


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International UDAN scheme:

• The central government had unveiled a draft scheme for extending the UDAN scheme to

international circuits, with state governments identifying routes for the operations.

• The draft International Air Connectivity (IAC) scheme envisages to increase the

international ticketing to 20 crores by 2027.

• As per the draft, the scheme is to be made operational only for states which demonstrate

their commitment to implement and provide the requisite support for promoting

operations under the scheme.

• The Assam had last year offered to provide ₹100 crore as viability gap funding towards

extension of the scheme for international air connectivity from the state capital Guwahati.

• According to the draft scheme, state governments will identify the routes to be connected,

and airline operators will assess demand on the identified routes and submit proposals for

providing connectivity. Operations under the scheme will be permitted through fixed-

wing aircraft only with more than 70 seats.

• The scheme has proposed to set up an International Air Connectivity Fund (IACF) —

dedicated for providing subsidy support under the scheme. It will be created through the

contributions of state governments.

LAGOON VILLAS TO COME TO LAKSHADWEEP’S EMERALDS

Mains: G.S- III Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning

Why in News?

NITI Aayog plans ‘eco-cottages’ and a film city to boost tourism in the island territories.

NITI Aayog’s strategy to attract Tourist:

• As an alternative to Mauritius and

Maldives, NITI Aayog plans for “holistic

development of the Island” in our Island

territories. Because lagoons with luxurious

water villas is not something India is known

for.

• Other countries have built villas and attract



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tourists from across the globe. But we don’t have any such project. Lakshadweep, we have

so much lagoon area.

• NITI Aayog, along with other stakeholders, including the Island Development Agency

(IDA), which is chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, is conducting a technical

feasibility study for the project in both Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands

along with ensuring that there is no damage to the marine ecosystem.

• Additionally, efforts are on to identify an island where a film city can be built. “It is a new

idea that will not only attract tourists but also relieve some of the pressure on Mumbai as a

filming hub.

• As part of the plan, the government will issue tenders for four tourism-based hospitality

projects – three in Andaman & Nicobar, and one in Lakshadweep.

• These will mainly be eco-cottages for which private players can bid to build. The projects

will add about 700 rooms.

• “Ecological concerns and tribal-related issues will be fully addressed.

Stagnant in Foreign Tourism:

• In spite of the fact that globally, there is a high demand for eco-tourism, adventure

tourism (sea sports, game fishing) and cruise tourism, the inflow of foreign tourists was

stagnant at around 15,000. But the arrival of domestic tourists in Andaman and Nicobar

Islands rose from over 2.02 lakh in 2011 to over 3.84 lakh in 2016.

Improving connectivity to boost tourism:

• The Diglipur Airport (in the Andamans) is expected to be operational for civilian aircraft

by December, 2018.

• “Better connectivity to Diglipur, Port Blair, Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay through

smaller aircraft, supplemented with more helicopter services using the 17 available

helipads, will boost inter-island connectivity in Andaman and Nicobar. Efforts are on to

start international flights from the Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.

Importance of Island Development:

• The 1382 offshore-identified islands of India hold immense unexploited potential for

fostering growth and achieving cohesive socio-economic development of the region in

particular and also, the nation as a whole.



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• They can significantly contribute to the GDP by leveraging the gains from promoting

infrastructure and tourism on a large scale.

• However, care must be taken to safeguard and maintain the position of these islands as

vital strategic assets for national security while keeping their nature and composition as

biodiversity hotspots intact.

• Given the strategic location of Andaman & Nicobar (A&N Islands) and the Lakshadweep

Islands and China’s belligerent expansionist policy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), not

only is there a need to develop critical infrastructure and upgrade the military base in

these regions, but also to harness the multiplier effect generated as infrastructure

connectivity strengthens. This in turn, is expected to boost tourism and spruce up

economic activity in the region.

• The Islands host an unexplored Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with clearly demarcated

boundaries that can be capitalized on in numerous ways; the varied ecosystem can be exploited for

its medicinal plants and exotic plant species, sustainable agriculture and horticulture practices

conducive to the agro-climatic conditions of the regions can be propagated, large-scale

hydrocarbon explorations can be undertaken, and alternate renewable energy resources can be

exploited so as to meet the energy needs of the nation.

• Fisheries, the mainstay of the larger populace of these regions, can be given a thrust so as

to develop modernized and sustainable inland fisheries and aquaculture ecosystem

integrated with the ‘Blue Economy’ vision.

• Most importantly, the Islands can be developed as prime Tourist Hotspots for not just the

country, but also internationally.

• The pristine beaches, coupled with rich tropical vegetation, can be turned into a more

economical and attractive alternative to conventional destinations such as Bali and

Maldives, thereby creating many forward and backward linkages and help boost the

economy of the regions to a large extent.



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PANEL FOR ADOPTING UN MODEL ON

CROSS-BORDER INSOLVENCY

Mains: G.S-III Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources,

growth, development and employment.

Why in News?

• A high-level committee has recommended adoption of a United Nations model law along

with some carve outs for dealing with cross-border insolvency cases.The Corporate Affairs

Ministry said inclusion of cross-border insolvency chapter in the Insolvency and

Bankruptcy Code (IBC) would be a major step forward and would bring the law on par

with that of matured jurisdictions.

Insolvency law committee:

• The Insolvency Law Committee (ILC), chaired by Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti

Srinivas, submitted its report on the matter to Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley.

• The ILC has recommended the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law of Cross Border

Insolvency, 1997, as it provides for a comprehensive framework to deal with cross-border

insolvency issues, the release said.

Committee’s recommendations:

• The panel has also suggested a few carve outs to ensure that there is no inconsistency

between the domestic insolvency and the proposed cross-border insolvency frameworks.

• According to the ministry, the advantages of the model law are the precedence given to

domestic proceedings and protection of public interest. The other advantages include

greater confidence generation among foreign investors, adequate flexibility for seamless

integration with the domestic insolvency law and a robust mechanism for international

cooperation," the ministry said in the release.

• It said the necessity of having cross-border insolvency framework under the Code arises

from the fact that many Indian companies have a global footprint and many foreign

companies have presence in multiple countries, including India.

• Although the proposed framework would enable in dealing with Indian companies

having foreign assets and vice versa, it still does not provide for a framework for dealing

with enterprise groups, which is still work in progress with UNCITRAL and other

international bodies, the release noted.



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About UNCITRAL:

• Established in 1966, UNCITRAL is a subsidiary

body of the General Assembly of the UN with

the general mandate to further the progressive

harmonisation and unification of the law of international trade, as per its website.

• The UNCITRAL Model Law has been adopted in as many as 44 countries.

• The model law deals with four major principles of cross-border insolvency, including

direct access to foreign insolvency professionals and foreign creditors to participate in or

commence domestic insolvency proceedings against a defaulting debtor.

• Other key principles include recognition of foreign proceedings and provision of

remedies, cooperation between domestic and foreign courts and domestic and foreign

insolvency practitioners.

• Another principle pertains to coordination between two or more concurrent insolvency

proceedings in different countries. The main proceeding is determined by the concept of

Centre of Main Interest (COMI). As per UNCITRAL, 'harmonisation' and 'unification' of

the law of international trade refers to the process through which the law facilitating

international commerce is created and adopted.

• Harmonisation may conceptually be thought of as the process through which domestic

laws may be modified to enhance predictability in cross-border commercial

transactions. Unification may be seen as the adoption by States of a common legal

standard governing particular aspects of international business transactions.

INDIA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT


Why in News?

• U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum organised the India leadership summit.

About the summit:

• They briefed the Prime Minister on the outcomes of India Leadership Summit held earlier

in the day. The business leaders appreciated the economic and regulatory reforms

implemented by the Government in the past four years, and expressed their desire to



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further deepen their engagements with India to make use of the mutually beneficial

opportunities created by the rapidly growing Indian

economy.

• The Prime Minister stated that both countries have

benefitted in an unprecedented manner through economic

engagement. He encouraged US companies to fully avail of

the business opportunities in new areas as well, such as

start-ups, energy, health care and digital technology.

• According to its findings, US companies contributed over $

90 billion to India's GDP (2017) as over 6.6 million jobs are

supported by US companies in India (2018). The US is India's

largest trading partner and top export market. It is also India's

top source of FDI with $50 billion worth of flows between 2014

and first quarter of 2018.

• The study also said US companies invested over $ 5.5 billion in

R&D in India (2016) and the US companies contributed to over

five per cent of total CSR expenditure in India (2017).

GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX 2018

Prelims: Reports

Mains-GS-II Issues relating to development and management of

Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

In News:

• At least one in five Indian children under the age of five are ‘wasted,’ which means they

have extremely low weight for their height, reflecting acute under nutrition, according to

the Global Hunger Index 2018.

Global Hunger Index:

• The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track

hunger at the global, regional, and national levels.

• The GHI is designed to raise awareness and understanding of the struggle against hunger,

provide a means to compare the levels of hunger between countries and regions, and call



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attention to the areas of the world in greatest need of additional resources to eliminate

hunger.

• India has been ranked at 103 out of 119 countries in the Index, with hunger levels in the

country categorized as “serious”

• The prevalence of child wasting in India has actually worsened in comparison to previous

reference years. It stood at 17.1% in 2000, and increased to 20% in 2005. In 2018, it stands

at 21%

• The report notes that wasting rates are highest for infants aged 0 to 5 months, suggesting

that attention to birth outcomes and breastfeeding is important.

• Also, child wasting in the region is associated with a low maternal body mass index,

suggesting the need for a focus on the nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy.

• The only country with a higher prevalence of child wasting is the war-torn nation of

South Sudan, says the report

Based on four indicators:

UNDERNOURISHMENT:

• The share of the population that is undernourished, reflecting insufficient caloric intake.

CHILD WASTING:

• The share of children under the age of five who are wasted (low weight-for-height),

reflecting acute under nutrition.

CHILD STUNTING:

• The share of children under the age of five who are stunted (low height-for-age), reflecting

chronic under nutrition.

CHILD MORTALITY:

• The mortality rate of children under the age of five.

Scale:

• The GHI ranks countries on a 100-point scale, with 0 being the best score (no hunger) and

100 being the worst, although neither of these extremes is reached in actuality. India is in

serious category.



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Recommendations of the Report:

• Focus resources and attention on the regions of the world where most displaced people

are located

• Provide stronger political and humanitarian support to internally displaced people (IDPs)

and advocate for their legal protection

• Follow up on UN resolution 2417 (2018), which focuses on the links between armed

conflict, conflict-induced food insecurity, and the threat of famine.

• Prioritize the special vulnerabilities and challenges of women and girls

• Scale up investment and improve governance to accelerate development in rural areas,

which is where large numbers of displaced people originate and where hunger is often

greatest.

Conclusion:

• India has made considerable progress in tackling hunger and under nutrition in the past

two decades, yet this pace of change has been uneven and many have been left behind.



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• Now is the time to assert the right to food for all and make Zero Hunger a reality for

everyone.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT BANS SALE OF HERBICIDE

Prelims: Environment

Mains: G.S- III Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental

impact assessment

Why in News?

• The Punjab government has banned the sale of glyphosate, a herbicide which is

extensively used in the State to control a wide variety of weeds in almost all the crops.

About the ban:

• This chemical has been observed to be a Group 2A cancer-causing material. Besides

cancer, this chemical is also known for causing other health problems and has the

potential to damage human DNA as per the opinion of experts from PGIMER,

Chandigarh,” said an official statement here.

• Glyphosate is sold in the country under various trade names such as Round-up, Excell,

Glycel, Glider, Glydon, etc. The Punjab State Farmers Commission had also recommended

a ban on the sale of the chemical in Punjab.

• State Agriculture Secretary K.S. Pannu on Wednesday said that the Central Insecticide

Board and Registration Committee has recommended the use of the herbicide only for tea

gardens and non-cropped areas and therefore there is a dire need for strict compliance

under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

Manifold increase in usage of glyphosate:

• As much as 8.6 billion kg of glyphosate has been used globally since it was introduced in

1974. Globally, total use increased from about 51 million kg in 1995 to about 750 million kg

in 2014—nearly a 15-fold jump.

• This jump has been attributed to introduction of herbicide tolerant GM plants. In India,

about 0.866 million kg of glyphosate was sold in 2014-15, according to the Directorate of

Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage.

• In the US, over 4,000 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto—the company which

manufactured this herbicide. The first case, being heard in a court in San Francisco at


https://www.thehindu.com/tag/189-81/punjab/?utm=bodytag


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present, is of DeWayne Johnson, a 46-year-old groundskeeper. He says the company failed

to warn him of the dangers of using glyphosate, and as a result, he is suffering from

terminal cancer.

• Monsanto was acquired by Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company, on June 7 this year.

Why farmers continue to use Glyphosate?

• Despite being aware of its toxicity, farmers in India want the chemical as it helps them

control weeds in their farms at a lower cost. Cost of weeding can be as much as three times

lower if glyphosate is used instead of manual labour.

• Farmers use glyphosate on all kinds of crops; they cover the crop plant with plastic

baskets to protect them and spray the chemical on the weeds around it.

• However, for genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops, the usage is more as farmers

spray it more liberally across fields to clear the weeds.

• Farmers cannot afford to think about the long-term adverse health effects of the chemical.

States are likely to fail in their effort to restrict the use of glyphosate as they do not have

the power to ban a chemical.

Health impact of glyphosate:

• In 2017, at least 23 people had died in the district after inhaling pesticides being sprayed

on cotton crop.

• An assessment by PAN suggests that this could be due to the cultivation of GM herbicide-

tolerant cotton seeds. It seems that Roundup Ready Flex seeds were being illegally

cultivated in the region.

• The tall plants growing close to each other trapped the pesticide which the labourers

inhaled. To prevent such deaths, the state authority banned five pesticides.

• Though glyphosate was not one of these pesticides, there is no doubt that glyphosate is

toxic.

Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC):

• Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) under the Directorate of

Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation was set

up by the Ministry of Agriculture in the year 1970 to regulate the import, manufacture,

sale, transport, distribution and use of insecticides with a view to prevent risks to human


https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/vidarbha-s-toxic-trail-59173

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/death-by-pesticides-farmers-continue-to-die-as-india-flouts-global-norms-59830


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beings and animals and for other matters connected therewith. Insecticides Act, 1968 was

brought into force with effect from 1st August, 1971 with the publication of Insecticides

Rules, 1971.

• The Central Insecticides Board (CIB) advises the Central Government and State

Governments on technical matters arising out of the administration of this Act and to

carry out the other functions assigned to the Board by or under this rule. Major functions

are:

1. Advise the Central Government on the manufacture of insecticides under the Industries

(Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 (65 of 1951).

2. Specify the uses of the classification of insecticides on the basis of their toxicity as well as

their being suitable for aerial application.

3. Advise tolerance limits for insecticides residues and establishment of minimum intervals

between the application of insecticides and harvest in respect of various commodities.

4. Specify the shelf-life of insecticides.

MOTHS ARE KEY TO POLLINATION IN HIMALAYAN ECOSYSTEM

Mains: G.S-III Environmental conservation

Why in News?

• Moths are widely considered as pests, but a recent study by

scientists of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has revealed that

these group of insects are pollinators to a number of flowering

plants in the Himalayan ecosystem.

Highlights of the project:

• Under the project titled “Assessment of Moths (Lepidoptera) As

Significant Pollinators in the Himalayan Ecosystem of North Eastern India”, scientists

collected moth samples from different ecosystem.

• The analysis of proboscis, a long and thread-like organ used to suck flower sap, of a dozen

moth species revealed the presence of pollen grains.

• Most of the studies on plant pollinators or plant- pollinator network is focused on diurnal

interactions between the insects and plants. This particular study is based on plant- moth

interactions, as a nocturnal phenomenon.


http://cibrc.nic.in/insecticides_act.htm

http://cibrc.nic.in/insecticides_rules.htm

http://cibrc.nic.in/insecticides_rules.htm


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• Moths play a vital role as the indicator of our ecosystem. Their hairy bodies help them

pick up the pollen from the flowers they land on and carry it far away. In fact, some moth-

pollinated flowers, like the yucca (a native plant in the US) have fragrant and white

flowers to help the moths see them in the dark.

• The study was carried out in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal.

• According to proboscis of different moths belonging to families of moths, such as Erebidae

and Sphingidae, were found to contain pollen of several flowering plants, including

Rhododendron.

Unique structure:

• On observing the proboscis under scanning electron microscope, it is observed that these

structures are not only meant for sap sucking, but are morphological designed for

pollination.

• In some species of moths, the organ is found to be modified into a spine like structure and

in others, a lateral canal to arrest and disperse pollen.

• Experts also pointed out that similar studies on ascertaining the role of moths in

pollination are being undertaken different parts of the world.

• Kailash Chandra, director of ZSI, emphasised that the study was unique, as scientist are

looking at a new group of insects (moths) as pollinators. Usually bees, wasps and

butterflies are considered as prominent pollinators.

• About 90% of the world’s flowering plants are pollinated by animals. Therefore,

pollinators are essential for the genetic exchange among flowering plants and the

biodiversity among plants. In India, estimates put the number of moth species at nearly

12,000.

• Researchers have pointed out that almost two-thirds of common large moth species have

declined over the last 40 years in some parts of world. One of main reasons for the decline

is light pollution (an increase in artificial light in moth habitats).

Indian Himalayan Region:

• The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), with geographical coverage of over 5.3 lakh

kilometre square, extends over 2,500 kilometres in length between the Indus and the

Brahmaputra river systems.



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• The IHR physio graphically, starting from the foothills in the south (Siwaliks), extends up

to Tibetan plateau in the north (Trans-Himalaya). Three major geographical entities, the

Himadri (Greater Himalaya), Himanchal (Lesser Himalaya) and the Siwaliks (Outer

Himalaya), extending almost uninterrupted throughout its length, are separated by major

geological fault lines.

• The region is responsible for providing water to a large part of the Indian subcontinent.

Many rivers considered holy like the Ganga and Yamuna flow from the Himalayas.

• NMSHE engages all the 12 states in the Himalayas in spirit of cooperative federalism for

the purpose of strengthening their capacities for planning and implementation of climate

change adaptation actions, undertaking vulnerability assessment and spreading

awareness among the masses on climate change and its likely impacts.

• The Himalayan states include 10 hill states- Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal

Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur,

Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and two partial hill states, namely Assam and West Bengal.

Facts About the Himalayas:

• The Himalayas are the youngest mountain range in the world.

• The Himalayas are the world’s highest mountain chain.

• The Himalayan mountain range is home to nine of the ten highest peaks on earth.

• The Indian Himalayan Region covers approximately 5.3 lakh sq. km. area.

• The Indian Himalayan Region harbours about 1,740 medicinal plants.

ANT AS POLLINATOR

Prelims: Environment – Bio Diversity

• Researchers from Kerala’s Central University have found that common white-footed ants

are the best pollinators of a rare evergreen tree in the southern Western Ghats.

About:

• To find out which animals birds, bats, wasps or bees are most important pollinators for

Syzygium occidentale , researchers from institutes including Kerala’s Central University

studied the flowering patterns and timings of around 50 trees that grow along the River

Periyar.


http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=7776DF4F-22FC-4AFE-87BB-5150881B2C24

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=7DAF03FE-F2DF-404A-A905-6864683A98FB

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=7DAF03FE-F2DF-404A-A905-6864683A98FB

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=EDF2FCA7-3C45-428A-A446-FB9DAE3EDF4E

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=2DB46D29-EFF3-4B07-AB71-4D1CAA543B08

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=0C63199F-EB02-410C-AAB0-15CB314254C9

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=4F3BAEB7-3839-4A3A-A686-AB173A25BBAC

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=92BB9F67-B337-4690-B44F-3A4B92E1F879

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=86EA6CD9-B6A3-4B79-84CF-A22905B0D1B5

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=0269EB19-A903-4F8A-B42F-097D28B0E246

http://www.knowledgeportal-nmshe.in/state-page.aspx?C=29F6B35B-F60A-47B7-898F-1EA698D83F3D

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• Visiting the trees daily for three separate flowering seasons between 2010 and 2015, the

team quantified the timing of flowering, the volume of nectar available in flowers, the

animals that visit the flowers and the frequency of their visits.

• They found that 10 species including sunbirds and cockroaches visited the large, pleasant-

smelling white flowers that bloomed between December and April. Among these, seven

species (including bees and two ant species) frequented the flowers the most.

• The team then conducted experiments to determine which species was the most effective

pollinator.

Findings:

• After such experiment, the researchers dissected the fruit to confirm the presence of

healthy, embryo-carrying seeds- proof that a particular animal group had successfully

pollinated the flower.

• The ants especially white-footed ants, the most frequent visitors to the flowers day and

night were the most efficient pollinators of the tree.

• Ants are usually depicted as poor pollinators. Because unlike the white-footed ants, many

flower-visiting ant species (such as the weaver ants in this study) attack other pollinators

and thus prevent them from pollinating the plant.

Background:

• Syzygium occidentale is a small, wild jamun tree that grows mostly along the banks of the

River Periyar in Kerala.

• It is categorised as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The survival of such a species is crucial, depending on the fruits it produces, which is only

possible if pollinators fertilize its flowers first.



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MISSION SEQUENCE GENE

Prelims: Biotechnology

Mains: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-Technology, Bio-

Technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

In News:

• India is planning a major mission to sequence the genes of a “large” group of Indians —

akin to projects in the U.K., China, Japan and Australia — and use this to improve the

health of population.

About:

• This was among the key decisions taken by the

Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and

Innovation Advisory Council (STIAC) at its

first meeting.

• The Health and Family Welfare Ministry and

the Biotechnology Department will be closely

associated with the project. the genome

initiative would have to move at two different levels.

1. Sequencing genomes

2. Linking to human health and disease as a research initiative.

• The Council acts as a coordinator between several Ministries to work on projects and

missions and is scheduled to meet once a month

Gene Sequencing:

• During whole genome sequencing, researchers collect a DNA sample and then determine

the identity of the 3 billion nucleotides that compose the human genome.

• Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the analysis of the entire genomic DNA sequence of

a cell at a single time, providing the most comprehensive characterization of the genome.

• The very first human genome was completed in 2003 as part of the Human Genome

Project, which was formally started in 1990.

• Today, sequencing technology is much more efficient, and a human genome can be

sequenced in a matter of days



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Previous projects:

• The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international scientific research project with

the goal of determining the sequence of nucleotide base pairs that make up human DNA,

and of identifying and mapping all of the genes of the human genome from both a

physical and a functional standpoint.

• It remains the world's largest collaborative biological project.

• A group of Indian scientists and companies are involved with a 100k Genome Asia

project, led by the National Technological University (NTU), Singapore, to sequence the

whole genomes of 100,000 Asians, including 50,000 Indians.

About Genome Asia 100K:

• Genome Asia 100K is a non – profit consortium with a mission to generate genomic

information for Asian populations and to promote genetic understanding of Asian

populations to support research and discovery for healthy living and longevity.

Benefits of Gene Sequencing:

• Genome mapping, along with imaging and diagnostic testing, could change the way

medicine is practiced.

• Medicine will become predictive health care as opposed to sick care

• Sequencing each person’s genome would be beneficial to prevent a variety of heart

ailments and even obesity. The combination of genome sequencing and diagnostic testing

can expand life expectancy,

Other Agendas of STIAC:

• Various key projects and their direction were discussed including –

• Accelerating Growth for New India innovation (AGNIi),

• Deep Ocean Mission,

• Teaching S&T in Indian languages,

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing,

• Bioscience Mission for Precision Health and Optimal Well-being,

• Waste to Energy,



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• Research, Development and Innovation towards making India a leader in Electric

Vehicles,

• Indian Biodiversity: characterization, preservation and sustainable use.

MISSION ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

Prelims: Biotechnology

Mains: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-

technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights

In News:

Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & technology,

&

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council

Jointly launched

“Mission AMR”

• This call aims at finding innovative solutions to the growing threat of Antimicrobial

Resistance (AMR) by supporting the development of new antibiotics and alternatives to

antibiotics with well – established proof – of – concept.

About:

Proposals are invited in the areas of:

ANTI MICROBIAL RESISTANCE:

• “WHO” DEFNITION: Antimicrobial resistance happens when microorganisms (such as

bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) change when they are exposed to antimicrobial

drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarial, and anthelmintic).

Development of New antibiotics Development of alternatives to

antibiotics

• New Drugs • Therapeutic antibodies

• Repurposing of existing drugs • Phage Therapy

• New Combinations • Anti – Biofilm Products



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• Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as

“superbugs”.

Why is AMR a global concern?

• New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability

to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability, and death.

• Without effective antimicrobials for prevention and treatment of infections, medical

procedures such as organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes management

and major surgery (for example, caesarian sections or hip replacements) become very high

risk. Antimicrobial resistance increases the cost of health care with lengthier stays in

hospitals and more intensive care required.

• Antimicrobial resistance is putting the gains of the Millennium Development Goals at risk

and endangers the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Although accurate estimates of the overall burden of resistance are not available, it is

estimated that 58,000 neonatal deaths are attributable to sepsis caused by drug-resistance

to first-line antibiotics each year.

• Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as

“superbugs”. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the

body, increasing the risk of spread to others.

• The overall burden of resistance is hard to assess for the general population but is likely

focused on neonates and the elderly, both of whom are more prone to infections and

vulnerable to ineffective treatment

Background:

• Antibiotics in human medicine and agriculture, such as their use to make animals grow

faster rather than treat disease, are major contributors to growing levels of resistant

bacteria

• The problem in India is that antibiotics can be bought without a prescription

• WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture

Organization (FAO) have called for a worldwide ban on the use of antibiotics to fatten

farm animals a practice already banned in the EU and U.S. in an attempt to stem the



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rising threat of resistance. But it still not banned all over in India. The practice of using

antibiotics to make animals grow faster was banned completely in the EU in 2006.

• Animals reared for meat in the major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China

and South Africa are expected to consume double the amount of antibiotics in 2030 than

they did in 2010 which shows us that we are heading towards a doomsday

• Medical societies together and the Indian government in 2012 created a plan to tackle

antibiotic resistance, known as the Chennai Declaration.

• It is estimated 1, 00,000 babies a year in the country die from infections from resistant

bugs. WHO has called antibiotic resistance one of the greatest threats to public health.

• Experts are concerned about the widespread use of a ‘last hope’ (colistin) antibiotic on

Indian poultry farms. Colistin is often used to treat a seriously ill person with infections

that have become resistant to almost all other drugs and is deemed one of the “highest

priority, critically important” antibiotics by WHO as it is so crucial to human medicine.

• Growth promoting antibiotics, including colistin, remain widely available to Indian

farmers through a number of international and domestic pharmaceutical companies

Way Forward:

• A practical approach will be to formulate a list of antibiotics with strict monitoring on the

dispensing of these drugs.

• Step- by- step introduction of other drugs to the restricted list could be tried once the

success of the first stage is ensured. Another option would be banning OTC (over the

counter) without prescription of all antibiotics in metros and big cities, where there will be

no difficulty for patients to consult registered medical practitioners.

• A more liberal approach in smaller cities and villages, where immediate access to doctors

is usually limited, can be utilized. This may not be an ideal approach, but a practical one

in the current Indian context.

• It is predicted that colistin as a drug will be dead in 10 years’ time. And given what is in

the pipeline, which is next to nothing, and given the plasticity of bacteria and their ability

to evolve and adapt and survive and prosper, if this continues there can be no good end to

this story at all.”



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MAMMALS OF INDIA (MAOI)

Mains: G.S-III Bio diversity


Why in News?

• National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore have come up with a new

citizen-science repository on Indian mammals, called Mammals of India (MaOI),

• Which is an online, peer- reviewed, freely-accessible portal that was launched late

September 2018.

About the portal:

• So far, there was no portal exclusively for mammals.

These photographic records will help us in having

distribution map of mammals in the country.

• The photographs will not only help gather

information on the distribution of the various

species but also interactions between different

species of mammals, like predation and mutualism.

• The website, www.mammalsofindia.org, aims to

develop individual species pages for all Indian

mammals with information on identification, variation, distribution, breeding and non-

breeding ecology and species conservation.

• As per current estimates, 426 species of mammals are found in India; of them 47 species

are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Along with well-known species, the mammals of

100 species of rats and 126 species of bats and 24 species of whales of dolphins.

• The website provides an opportunity to any person to upload geotagged photographic

observations about mammals with information on habitat age of the observed individual.

Over time, these observations will be reviewed by subject experts and uploaded on the

website.

• Under the project, a popular citizen-science website on butterflies of India

www.ifoundbutterflies.org had got to 55,000 reference images in eight years. Under the

same project websites dedicated Moths of India, Cicacds of India, Odonatas of India



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(dragonflies and damselflies), Reptiles of India, Amphibians of India and Birds of India

are operational.

Rare animals uploaded in the portal:

• In one month, this citizen-science initiative has seen photographs of rare species -- such as

Red Serow from Manipur, Lynx a species of wild cat from Jammu and Kashmir, Asian

Golden Cat from West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh and Binturong, also known

as bear cat, from East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh -- being shared for the benefit

of researches and public alike. Researchers said that this initiative will also make more

information available about lesser known mammals of the country.

National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS):

• National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

(TIFR) is a premier centre for research and teaching in frontier areas of biology in India.

• Research at NCBS covers a diverse set of subjects in frontier areas of modern biology

ranging in scope from atomic to population level studies.

GLOBAL WARMING OF 1.5°C, AN IPCC SPECIAL REPORT

Prelims: Reports & Indexes

Mains: GS Paper – II Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Impact

Arrestment

• Limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented

changes in all aspects of society, the IPCC said in a new assessment.

• With clear benefits to people and natural ecosystems, limiting global warming to 1.5°C

compared to 2°C could go hand in hand with ensuring a more sustainable and equitable

society, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

About:

• Global Warming of 1.5°C, is an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of

1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global

greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of

strengthening the global response to the threat of climate

change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate

poverty.



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• The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C was approved by the IPCC in Incheon,

Republic of Korea. It will be a key scientific input into the Katowice Climate Change

Conference in Poland in December, when governments review the Paris Agreement to

tackle climate change.

• With more than 6,000 scientific references cited and the dedicated contribution of

thousands of expert and government reviewers worldwide, this important report testifies

to the breadth and policy relevance of the IPCC.

Key Highlights:

• One of the key messages that comes out very strongly from this report is that we are

already seeing the consequences of 1°C of global warming through more extreme weather,

rising sea levels and diminishing Arctic sea ice, among other changes.

• The report highlights a number of climate change impacts that could be avoided by

limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to 2°C, or more. For instance, by 2100, global

sea level rise would be 10 cm lower with global warming of 1.5°C compared with 2°C.

• The likelihood of an Arctic Ocean free of sea ice in summer would be once per century

with global warming of 1.5°C, compared with at least once per decade with 2°C. Coral

reefs would decline by 70-90 percent with global warming of 1.5°C, whereas virtually all

(> 99 percent) would be lost with 2°C.

• Every extra bit of warming matters, especially since warming of 1.5°C or higher increases

the risk associated with long-lasting or irreversible changes, such as the loss of some

ecosystems.

• Limiting global warming would also give people and ecosystems more room to adapt and

remain below relevant risk thresholds.

Way Forward:

• The report also examines pathways available to limit warming to 1.5°C, what it would

take to achieve them and what the consequences could be. Limiting global warming to

1.5°C compared with 2°C would reduce challenging impacts on ecosystems, human health

and well-being, making it easier to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development

Goals.



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• The good news is that some of the kinds of actions that would be needed to limit global

warming to 1.5°C are already underway around the world, but they would need to

accelerate.

• If the average global temperature rises by more than one degree Celsius from the present,

India could “annually” expect conditions like the 2015 heat wave that killed at least 2,000

• The report finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require "rapid and far-

reaching" transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities. Global net

human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) would need to fall by about 45 percent

from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching 'net zero' around 2050. This means that any remaining

emissions would need to be balanced by removing CO2 from the air.

• Limiting warming to 1.5°C is possible within the laws of chemistry and physics but doing

so would require unprecedented changes.

• Allowing the global temperature to temporarily exceed or 'overshoot' 1.5°C would mean a

greater reliance on techniques that remove CO2 from the air to return global temperature

to below 1.5°C by 2100. The effectiveness of such techniques are unproven at large scale

and some may carry significant risks for sustainable development.

• The decisions we make today are critical in ensuring a safe and sustainable world for

everyone, both now and in the future.

• This report gives policymakers and practitioners the information they need to make

decisions that tackle climate change while considering local context and people's needs.

The next few years are probably the most important in our history.

Background:

• The IPCC is the leading world body for assessing the science related to climate change, its

impacts and potential future risks, and possible response options.

• The Paris Agreement adopted by 195 nations at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the

UNFCCC in December 2015 included the aim of strengthening the global response to the

threat of climate change by holding the increase in the global average temperature to well

below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature

increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.



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• As part of the decision to adopt the Paris Agreement, the IPCC was invited to produce, in

2018, a Special Report on global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related

global greenhouse gas emission pathways.

• The report was prepared under the scientific leadership of all three IPCC working groups.

Working Group, I assess the physical science basis of climate change; Working Group II

addresses impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and Working Group III deals with the

mitigation of climate change. The IPCC accepted the invitation, adding that the Special

Report would look at these issues in the context of strengthening the global response to

the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.

• Global Warming of 1.5°C is the first in a series of Special Reports to be produced in the

IPCC's Sixth Assessment Cycle. Next year the IPCC will release the Special Report on the

Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, and Climate Change and Land, which

looks at how climate change affects land use.

• Ninety-one authors and review editors from 40 countries prepared the IPCC report in

response to an invitation from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change (UNFCCC) when it adopted the Paris Agreement in 2015.

LOSS OF EASTERN GHATS

Prelims: Environment – Environmental impact arrestment

Mains: Conservation, Environmental degradation

• Recent research found that Eastern Ghats spread across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh,

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, has lost almost 16% of its forest area over a span of 100 years

About:

• Historical maps and satellite images from 1920 to 2015 was used to understand the

changes in land use and land cover. The forest cover, which was 43.4% of the total

geographical area in 1920, has reduced drastically to 27.5% in 2015. Over the years, about

8% of forest area was converted into agricultural fields, while about 4% converted into

scrub or grassland.

• In 1920 there were about 1,379 patches which kept steadily increasing over the years

reaching a whopping number of 9,457 in 2015. Thus, increase in number of patches of land

indicating the fragmentation.



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• Fragmentation in areas where there are several rare, endangered, threatened and endemic

species thus best suitable habitats for the plant species have decreased in the Eastern

Ghats.

• Habitat reduction mainly occurred in the districts of Gajapati (Odisha), Mahbubnagar

(Telangana), and also in Nallamalai and Kolli hill ranges.

Reasons:

• While agriculture was the main reason for deforestation during the early years, post 1975,

mining and other developmental activities such as the construction of dams, roads were

the culprits. In 1920, the mining area was only 622 sq.km, and in 2015 it had increased to

962 sq.km.

• Logging, encroachments of forest lands and forest fires, indiscriminate harvesting of forest

produce, pilferage of rare species, smuggling and export of rare flora and fauna, myopic

industrialisation, springing up of habitations, and devouring of the forests are among the

multitude of causes that have accelerated the decline of the natural glory of the Eastern

Ghats.

• The Eastern Ghats are often ignored. Even stakeholders are interested only in the Western

Ghats and Himalayan studies. But they need to understand that the Eastern Ghats are also

ecologically important. They play an important role in the monsoon break of both North-

East and South-West Monsoon.

Eastern Ghats:

• The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of mountains along India's eastern coast. The

Eastern Ghats run from the northern Odisha through Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu in

the south passing some parts of Karnataka and in the Wayanad region of Kerala. They are

eroded and cut through by the four major rivers of peninsular India, known as

the Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, and Kaveri.

• The mountain ranges run parallel to the Bay of Bengal. The Deccan Plateau lies to the west

of the range, between the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats.

• The coastal plains, including the Coromandel Coast region, lie between the Eastern Ghats

and the Bay of Bengal. The Eastern Ghats are not as high as the Western Ghats.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odisha

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradesh

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnataka

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godavari_River

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahanadi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna_River

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaveri

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Bengal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deccan_Plateau

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastal_plain

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coromandel_Coast

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ghats


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• The Eastern Ghats are older than the Western Ghats, and have a complex geologic history

related to the assembly and breakup of the ancient supercontinent of Rodinia and the

assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.

• The structure of the Eastern Ghats includes thrusts and strike-slip faults all along its

range. Limestone, bauxite and iron ore are found in the Eastern Ghats hill ranges.

GHOST NETS

Prelims: Environment – Environmental impact arrestment

• The Marine Fisheries Census by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)

said there were about 1,30,000 ghost nets are operation in India.

About:

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in a 2009 study titled ‘Abandoned,

Lost or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear’, states that almost 6,40,000 tonnes of all fishing

gear (approximately 10% of the total usage) is lost or discarded in our oceans annually, in

bad weather or when nets get stuck to the rocky bottom.

• The economic impacts of ALDFG are complex and have not been estimated systematically

but include incremental costs associated with fishing operations, compliance, accidents at

sea, search and rescue and recovery, by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to

the UN Secretary General.

• The report also states, Likewise, the impacts on biodiversity have not been addressed

systematically.

Background:

• Ghost nets are commercial fishing nets that have been lost, abandoned, or discarded at

sea. Every year they are responsible for trapping and killing millions of marine animals

including sharks, rays, bony fish, turtles, dolphins, whales, crustaceans, and birds. Ghost

nets cause further damage by entangling live coral, smothering reefs and introducing

parasites and invasive species into reef environments. In addition, ghost nets affect the

sustainability of well-managed fisheries by damaging boats and killing species with

economic value.

• They also impact the beauty of shorelines, resulting in expensive clean-up costs and

financial loss for the tourism and diving industry.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodinia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gondwana

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrust_fault

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strike-slip_fault

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limestone

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauxite

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_ore


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Ghost Fishing:

• The deadly effects of ghost nets can be felt far from their point of origin. Ghost nets drift

with ocean currents for years, or even decades, travelling huge distances while continuing

to catch and kill marine animals in a process called “ghost fishing”.

• Entanglement in ghost nets can lead to exhaustion, suffocation, starvation, amputations of

limbs, and, eventually, the death of a marine animal. Entangled fish often act as bait,

attracting larger predators such as turtles, sharks, and dolphins, which may themselves

become entangled.

The cycle of Devastation:

• A drifting ghost net might eventually become so heavy due to its catch that it sinks to the

bottom of the ocean. On the seabed, smaller ocean dwellers start feeding on the entangled

marine animals, which, along with natural decomposition, reduces the weight of the net to

the extent that it floats back up to the surface.

• Once the ghost net is again drifting with the ocean currents, it starts its cycle of ghost

fishing, sinking and floating back up all over again. Due to the durability of modern

fishing nets, this circle of devastation can continue for decades.

Reasons:

• Bad weather conditions;

• Catch overload;

• Snagging on the bottom;

• Poor gear maintenance;

• High cost of retrieval;

• Fishery conflicts or vandalism;

• Poor or no access to disposal or recycling facilities;

• Illegal or unregulated fishing activities;

• Destructive fishing techniques.

SC CONTROL ON FIRECRACKERS

Mains: GS Paper - II

• Supreme court places restrictions on the nature of firecrackers that can be burst during

festivals. The court has also placed rules around timings for bursting firecrackers.



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About:

• The court favoured a balanced approach in dealing with the situation in view of the stiff

resistance put up by fire cracker makers on a complete ban, citing loss of employment

affecting their fundamental right of carrying out business and thereby revenue generation

as well.

• The right of health, which is recognised as a facet of Article 21 of the Constitution and,

therefore, is a fundamental right, assumes greater importance.

• The Supreme Court declared that only “green crackers” with reduced emission and low

decibel would be allowed to be sold and manufactured in the country.

• It also restricted the bursting of fire crackers to strictly between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali

day or on any other festivals and between 11.55 pm and 12.30 am on Christmas and New

Year’s Eve.

• The manufacture, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) is hereby

banned as the same causes huge air, noise and solid waste problems. Its entrusted PESO to

ensure that only those fire crackers with low decibel were allowed in the market.

• The production and sale of those fire crackers not approved by the Petroleum and

Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) would be banned.

• In Delhi and the National Capital Region covering adjoining districts of Noida, Gurgaon

and Ghaziabad, the court directed the Centre, the Delhi government and the state

governments to permit community firecrackers only.

• Relying on various reports including the one by the Central Pollution Control Board, the

court noted PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in air) crosses the normal limits during Diwali,

causing severe health hazards.

• Such problems are virtually irreversible, which means that a person whose health gets

affected because of this particulate has a long-suffering including aggravation of asthma,

coughing, bronchitis, retarded nervous system breakdown and even cognitive

impairment. It also ordered that the sale of the “green” fire crackers would be through

licensed traders and e-commerce sites like Flipkart and Amazon would not be permitted

to do any online sale.



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Background:

• On a contention that bursting of crackers during Diwali was part of religious practice

protected under the Constitution, the question is as to whether it should be allowed to be

continued in the present form without any regulatory measures, even if it is proving to be

a serious health hazard.

• Article 25 is subject to Article 21 and if a particular religious practice is threatening the

health and lives of people, such practice is not entitled to protection under Article 25.

• In any case, balancing can be done here as well by allowing the practice subject to those

conditions which ensure nil or negligible effect on health.

• The court indicated more stringent norms would be adopted in future, based on

monitoring reports from the pollution boards from all states in their cities for 14 days

before and after Diwali for the parameters namely, aluminium, barium, iron, apart from

the regulatory parameters against the short-term Ambient Air Quality Criteria Values

proposed by CPCB with regard to bursting of fire crackers.

Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization:

• Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) works under the Ministry of

Commerce and Industry, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Government of

India. As a statutory authority PESO is engaged in the activities related to safety in

manufacture, possession, use, sale, import, export, transport & handling of explosives,

petroleum, flammable and non-flammable compressed gases and other hazardous

substances through comprehensive administration of various Rules framed under the

Explosives Act, 1984 & Petroleum Act, 1934 with the objective of prevention of accidents.

• PESO provides technical advice on matters related to safety to the central government and

state government, local bodies, law-enforcing agencies, industry, trade and users of

Explosives, Petroleum, Calcium Carbide, Gas Cylinders, Pressure Vessels and other

hazardous substances within the ambit of Petroleum Act 1934, Explosives Act 1884 and

the rules made thereunder.



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AIR POLLUTION WEAKENS BONES

Prelims: Health

Mains: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to

Health, Education

In News:

• Recent research shows pollution accelerates the process of bone deterioration, Air

pollution has been linked to increase in worsening of bone diseases and their symptoms.

Background:

• Osteoporosis is a common problem and occurs due to decrease in bone density over time.

It is a common disorder among elderly people. It literally means “porous bones”.

• Elderly people who are more frequently exposed to air pollutants from vehicular and

industrial emissions experience faster bone loss and thus, higher risk of bone fractures.

So, bad air is bad for your bones.

Risk of Fractures:

• After onset of osteoporosis bones

become weaker, increasing the risk of

fractures, especially in the hip, spinal

vertebrae and wrist.

• As the bones become weaker, there is

a higher risk of a fracture following a

fall or even a fairly minor knock.

Osteoporosis fracture is a huge

problem in the ever-increasing

elderly population, especially in

India in future

No early symptoms for osteoporosis:

• There are no such symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have

been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include — back

pain, caused by a fractured, loss of height over time and a bone fracture that occurs much

more easily than expected,



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• Till the age of 50-55 men are more at risk of developing these diseases. But menopause in

women worsens the equation. Estrogen, the female hormone, lends a protective cover to

the bone cartilage which reduces its wear and tear. After menopause, as the amount of

estrogen hormone in the female body lessens, women become more at risk of arthritis and

osteoporosis.

INDIA’S FIRST METHANOL COOKING FUEL DEBUTS IN ASSAM


Why in News?

• The Namrup-based Assam Petrochemicals Limited (APL) on Friday rolled out the

country’s first methanol-based cooking fuel which will be cheaper than conventional LPG

fuel.

About:

• Oct 5th, 2018 is a historic day for India, Northeast and Assam Petro-

chemicals, a state-owned company for launching Asia's first

cannisters based and India's first "Methanol Cooking Fuel Program".

The program was inaugurated by Dr V K Saraswat, Member, NITI

Aayog.

• 500 households inside the Assam Petro Complex will be the first

pilot project, scaling it to 40,000 households in Uttar Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Goa and Karnataka.

• The project is a natural extension of our Prime Minister's vision of reducing import of

crude and an effort to provide clean, import substitute, cost effective and pollution free

cooking medium. Assam Petrochemicals Limited has been manufacturing methanol for

the last 30 years and is in the process of upgrading their 100 TPD methanol plant to 600

TPD by Dec 2019.

• The safe handling cannister based cooking stoves are from Swedish Technology and

through a Technology transfer a large-scale cooking stove manufacturing plant will come

up in India in the next 18 months producing 10 lakh Cookstoves and 1 Crore Cannisters

per year.


https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/assam-rape-6-yr-old-minor-girl-rattles-namrup-residents.html


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Advantages:

• This technology is very unique, it handles methanol extremely safely, does not need

regulator or any piping system. The cooking medium can directly substitute LPG,

Kerosene, Wood, Charcoal and any other fuel for cooking. The gaseous form, Methanol -

DME, can be blended in 20% ratio with LPG. LPG-DME blending program is expected to

kickstart in the country by next year. 1.2 litres cannisters can last for full five hours on twin

burners and 8 such Cannisters as rack can last for one month for a family of three.

• The cost of energy equivalent of one cylinder of LPG for Methanol is Rs. 650, compared to

Rs. 850 per cylinder resulting in a minimum of 20% Savings. For instance, in Manipur the

cost of transportation of LPG is Rs. 200, whereas same cost for Methanol will be Rs. 12.

• This provides for an excellent alternative as household fuel and commercial, institutional

and fuel for restaurants. China uses 4 MMTA of Methanol as Cooking Fuel annually.

Other advantages of Methanol:

1. Clean cooking fuels:

• Methanol/DME to help in achieving the objective of access to clean cooking fuels in India

and further the flagship initiative of the Government, PMUY (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala

Yojana (PMUY)

2. Displacing diesel in Telecom Towers:

• Telecom towers in India consume around 2% of diesel (1.5 MT) consumption which is a

significant amount indicating a vast potential for DME to replace diesel.

3. Production of various chemicals:

• Methanol can be used for producing various chemicals like formaldehyde, acetic acid and

olefins which can be exported and can be high foreign exchange earners.

4. Boost to Swachh Bharat Mission:

• Methanol can also be produced from waste which would give a boost to India’s flagship

programme “SWACHH BHARAT MISSION”



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POLLUTION HITS A HIGH IN DELHI

Mains: G.S- III Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental

impact assessment

Why in News?

• The Capital continues to battle dangerous levels of pollution and it recorded its worst

score on the Air Quality Index (AQI) for the season.

Very poor category:

• The city registered an average AQI of 366, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category, based on

the reading of 32 monitoring stations. The Capital was engulfed in haze throughout the

day.

• Data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed several areas in the NCR,

including Gurugram and Ghaziabad, recorded AQI in the ‘severe’ category.

• There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very

Poor, and Severe. The proposed AQI will consider eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2,

AQI CATEGORY, POLLUTANTS AND HEALTH BREAKPOINTS

AQI

Category

(Range)

PM10

24-hr

PM2.5

24-hr

NO2

24-hr

O3

8-hr

CO

8-hr

(mg/m3)

SO2

24-hr

NH3

24-hr

Pb

24-hr

Good (0-50) 0-50 0-30 0-40 0-50 0-1.0 0-40 0-200 0-0.5

Satisfactory

(51-100)

51-100 31-60 41-80 51-100 1.1-2.0 41-80 201-

400

0.5 –1.0

Moderately

polluted

(101-200)

101-

250

61-90

81-180

101-168

2.1- 10

81-380

401-

800

1.1-2.0

Poor

(201-300)

251-

350

91-120 181-

280

169-208 10-17 381-800 801-

1200

2.1-3.0

Very poor

(301-400)

351-

430

121-

250

281-

400

209-

748*

17-34 801-

1600

1200-

1800

3.1-3.5

Severe

(401-500)

430 +

250+

400+

748+*

34+

1600+

1800+

3.5+



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SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period)

National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed.

• Based on the measured ambient concentrations, corresponding standards and likely health

impact, a sub-index is calculated for each of these pollutants. The worst sub-index reflects

overall AQI.

• The AQI values and corresponding ambient concentrations (health breakpoints) as well as

associated likely health impacts for the identified eight pollutants are as follows:

Level of PM2.5 and PM10:

• The PM2.5 level in the city was recorded at 236 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3), the

highest of the season so far. The PM10 level stood at 394 ug/m3, as per CPCB data. Safe

limits for PM2.5 and PM10 are 60 ug/m3 and 100 ug/m3 respectively.

Reasons for poor air quality:

Environmentalists said that the dip in air quality was due to

• Construction dust

• Vehicular pollution

• Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana

• Deforestation and high Population Density

• Emissions from Factories

• Other Factors- Diwali, Geography, the Winter Season

Recommendations to check pollution:

• The CPCB has issued health advisories and recommended stringent measures from

November 1 to 10 forecasting further deterioration in air quality ahead of Diwali. Some of

the recommendations include

1. Shutting down coal and biomass factories,

2. Increased inspection by Transport Department to check polluting vehicles

3. Reducing traffic congestion in the NCR.

• The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) also issued a

health advisory urging people with heart or lung disease to avoid prolonged or heavy

exertion in the open. It also recommended that people go for shorter walks instead of jogs,

keep windows closed and wear masks.



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• SAFAR envisages a research-based management system where strategies of air pollution

mitigation go hand in hand with nation’s economic development to target a win-win

scenario.

• The ultimate objective of the project is to increase awareness among general public

regarding the air quality in their city well in advance so that appropriate mitigation

measures and systematic action can be taken up for betterment of air quality and related

health issues.

• Its engineer’s awareness drive by educating public, prompting self-mitigation and also to

help develop mitigation strategies for policy makers.

• SAFAR stated that pollution levels are likely to increase but will not touch ‘severe’ level

for the next three days.

• This is owing to stagnation conditions forced by calm winds with low ventilation and

moderate stubble injection, stated SAFAR.

#righttobreathe

• On some of the social media, #righttobreathe trended where Delhiites used the hashtag to

express concern over the rising pollution.

• One can escape the epidemic and water pollution. But there is no escape from air

pollution. Air is everywhere.



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GREEN FIRECRACKERS UNLIKELY TO HIT MARKET THIS DEEPAVALI

Mains: G.S-III Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in

everyday life

Why in News?

• There is little likelihood of ‘green’ firecrackers being available in the market in time for

this year’s Deepavali even though a clutch of CSIR laboratories have developed them,

according to Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, who didn’t specify a timeline

for when such improved crackers would become commercially available.

Green crackers:

• Restricting the use of fireworks during all events to an 8-10 pm window, the Supreme

Court ordered that only crackers with reduced emission and “green crackers” can be

manufactured and sold. The court observed that efforts have gone into producing such

crackers.

• “Green crackers” are so named because they “do not contain harmful chemicals” that

would cause air pollution. Components in firecrackers are replaced with others that are

“less dangerous” and “less harmful” to the atmosphere, says director the Council of

Scientific & Industrial Research’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute

(CSIR-NEERI).

Tests & results:

• The idea, proposed by Science & Technology Minister, was announced in January. It was

carried forward by a network of CSIR labs, including Central Electro Chemical Research

Institute (CECRI), Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, National Botanical Research

Institute and National Chemical Laboratory. “The idea was to assess if we can replace or

reduce dangerous components with materials that are less harmful. They came up with 3-

4 formulations and looked at 30-40% of active materials which reduce particulate matter.

• The CSIR, which employed seven of its 39 labs over a year in a ₹65 lakh project, said it was

in talks with manufacturers and “had approached” the Petroleum and Explosives Safety

Organisation to analyse and test the crackers for safety and viability.

• CSIR-CECRI has developed flower pots by using “eco-friendly materials” that can

potentially reduce particulate matter by 40%. CSIR-NEERI is testing the efficacy of bijli



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crackers by “eliminating the use of ash as desiccants”. Scientists have also developed

potential sound-emitting functional prototypes that do not emit sulphur dioxide, and are

testing a prototype of flower pots substituting barium nitrate with an eco-friendly version.

• Scientists have given these crackers names: Safe Water Releaser (SWAS), Safe Thermite

Cracker (STAR) and Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL). It has the unique property of

releasing water vapour and/or air as dust suppressant and diluent for gaseous emissions

and matching performance in sound with conventional crackers. The Petroleum and

Explosives Safety Organisation is testing and analysing these crackers for safety and

stability.

Peso:

• As a statutory authority, PESO is entrusted with the responsibilities under the Explosives

Act, 1884; Petroleum Act, 1934; Inflammable Substances Act, 1952, Environment

(Protection Act), 1986 and the following rules framed there under: -

• Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur is the nodal Organization to

look after safety requirements in manufacture, storage, transport and use of explosives

and petroleum. The Organization is headed by Chief Controller of Explosives with its

headquarter located at Nagpur (Maharashtra). It has five Circle Offices located in Kolkata,

Mumbai, Chennai, Faridabad and Agra and 18 Sub-circles Offices in the country.

• It has a Departmental Testing Station (DTS) at Gondkhairy, Nagpur where tests on

explosives, safety fittings of road tanker, cylinders/ containers are carried out. Fireworks

Research and Development Centre (FRDC) at Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu for testing and

development of eco-friendly fireworks has been set up by PESO to ensure safety and

security of public and property from fire and explosion.

DELHI TOPS NATIONAL CHARTS IN BAD AIR QUALITY

GS3: Environmental pollution

Context:

• WHO has released the report which that Delhi and Varanasi are among the 14 Indian

cities that figure in a list of 20 most polluted cities in the world in terms of PM2.5 levels.

WHO reported that Delhi topped the charts of bad air quality nationally.



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More in details:

• It also mentions that 93% of children below 15 years breathe polluted air on a global scale.

• India faces the highest air pollution-related mortality and disease burden in the world

with more than 2 million deaths occurring prematurely every year, accounting for 25% of

the global deaths due to poor air quality.

• In that 14 cities, only Delhi has enough monitoring stations to check the pollutants levels,

rest of the cities have either less or no monitoring stations

• Most cities do not have emergency response plan and also no special governing body in

place to issue advisories or mitigate then pollution at source except Delhi

Way forward:

• There should be monitoring stations, mitigation plans should be in place for all mentioned

14 cities and gradually increase to other cities as well.

• State agencies and municipalities should be strengthened to tackle air pollution.

SALE BAN ON BS-IV VEHICLES FROM 2020

Prelims: Pollution

Mains: GS- Paper- III Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental

impact assessment

The Supreme Court has ordered a ban on sales of vehicles compliant with BS-IV emission

norms in India starting 1st April 2020. Thus, India will be moving directly on from BS-IV

emission norms to BS-VI in 2020, skipping BS-V norms.

About:

• The decision, taken by a three-judge bench implies that only BS-VI compliant vehicles will

be sold in the country starting 1st April 2020.

• The need of the hour was to move to a cleaner fuel.

• It is an established principle of law that the right to life, as envisaged under Article 21 of

the Constitution of India, includes the right to a decent environment. It includes within its

ambit the right of a citizen to live in a clean environment.

• Bharat Stage-IV emission norms came in to force in India on 1st April 2017, which was

also the apex court's deadline for a ban on BS-III compliant vehicles. Bharat stage emission



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standards are standards instituted by the government to regulate the output of air

pollutants from motor vehicles.

Significance:

• The difference between BS-IV and BS-VI is in the amount of sulphur in the fuel with the

latter estimated to bring down sulphur content by almost 80 per cent.

• Once BS-VI emission norms are enforced, there will be a 68% improvement in PM 2.5. It is

a vast improvement and the faster it is brought, the better it is.

• The PM limit from its new BS-VI diesel vehicles is lower by 82% compared to the BS-IV

diesel vehicles. Upgrading to stricter fuel standards helps tackle air pollution.

• Another relevant outcome of the new BS-VI compatible engines is that there has been a

drastic decline in NOx emissions level by 68%, narrowing the gap between petrol and

diesel emissions.

• The Supreme Court order on the ban on the sale of BS-VI compliant vehicles has come

well in advance and hopefully, the transition to higher emission standards will be

smoother than the last time. During the last transition from BS-III to BS-IV in 2017, several

automobile manufacturers faced heavy losses owing to huge stockpiles of outdated

vehicles that remained after BS-IV emission norms were put into force.

• Vehicle makers will be able to plan well ahead to meet the new norm. As the verdict has

come at a fairly advanced time.

• It gives enough time to automakers to plan their inventories unlike the BS-IV situation

where it came almost closer to the date.

• As other developing countries such as China have already upgraded to the equivalent of

Euro VI emission norms a while ago. So, India is lagging behind even after

implementation of BS VI norms.

• India is a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(UNFCCC), and has pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 33-35% by 2030. The court’s

verdict is being hailed as a step forward in that direction.

Background:

• In 2016, the Centre had announced that the country would skip BS-V norms altogether

and adopt BS-VI norms by 2020.



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• The government has set up BS emission standard to control the degrading air quality. BS-

VI, which is based on the European regulations (Euro norms) and originally to be

introduced in 2024, has been now rescheduled to 2020, instead. Thus, the country will

move directly from BS-IV to BS-VI.

• Bharat Stage emissions standards are emissions standards instituted by the Government of

the Republic of India that regulate the output of certain major air pollutants such as

nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, sulphur oxides by

vehicles and other equipment using internal combustion engines.

• They are comparable to the European emissions standards. India started adopting

European emission and fuel regulations for four-wheeled light-duty and for heavy-dc

from the year 2000.

• For two and three wheeled vehicles, the Indian emission regulations are applied. As per

the current requirement, all transport vehicles must carry a fitness certificate which is to be

renewed each year after the first two years of new vehicle registration. The National Fuel

Policy announced on October 6, 2003, a phased program for implementing the EU

emission standards in India by 2010.

NEW SPECIES OF HUMMINGBIRD IDENTIFIED IN ECUADOR


Why in News?

• A team of ornithologists in Ecuador has identified a new species of hummingbird: a lovely

blue-green creature that lives in a cold, barren highland area and is in danger of

extinction.

About the bird:

• The bird is about 11 cm (four inches) long and has a

stunning, deep blue neck, a white breast with a black

stripe and greenish-blue head and body feathers.

• It has been given the name Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus,

or blue-throated star. The discovery was announced in

a journal called The Auk: Ornithological Advances.



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• The bird lives at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,700 meters (10,000 to 12,000 feet) in an area near

the Pacific coast that straddles the provinces of Loja and El Oro.

• Researchers estimate there are only 300 of these birds and say its habitat is shrinking

dramatically. Mining in the area also threatens it.

• These birds are very well documented so the discovery of a new one is extremely rare.

This is the first such find in 30 years.

• Hummingbirds are distinguished by their colors and the shape of their beak. "Each one

represents the colors of the jewels that can see in the world: diamond, ruby, amethyst,"

said Sornoza, who has studied birds for 30 years and is so crazy about them he imitates

bird song.

• Hummingbirds are tough little creatures, -- their hearts beat 1,600 times per minute by day

but that goes down to 200 at night to help them survive cold temperatures. The new

species has a slightly curved beak that helps it get at the flowers of the chuquiragua, a

plant that Ecuadoran highlanders use to brew tea also known as "flower of the Andes" or

"flower of true love".

• It can eat up to two times its weight in nectar.

• The hill star humming birds occur in the most rugged, isolated, and inaccessible parts of

the Andes, where they roost in caves, forage on the ground, and spend half their lives in

hypothermic torpor, so the discovery of a new species in this group is incredibly exciting.

• The distributional range of the blue-throated hill star, as currently known, is confined to

small ridges not surpassing 3,700 m, both on east- and west-facing slopes and upper

ridges of the west Andean cordillera.

88 MILLION-YEAR-OLD ISLE AND CRATER TO BE GEOPARKS

Prelims- Environment

Why in News?

• Geological Survey chooses heritage locations in

Maharashtra and Karnataka for UNESCO site status

• In a first, an ancient circular lake created by a meteorite

strike in Maharashtra and a hexagonal mosaic of

basaltic rocks in an island off Udupi are poised to



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become global geoparks, under a Geological Survey of India (GSI) plan.

• Lonar Lake in Maharashtra and St. Mary’s Island and Malpe beach in coastal Karnataka

are the GSI’s candidates for UNESCO Global Geopark Network status.

Lonar Lake:

• Lonar Lake, Buldana District is a nearly circular crater, suspected to have developed due

to impact of a large meteorite on Deccan Basaltic rocks of Cretaceous age.

• A meteorite is a recovered fragment of natural object orbiting in space, that has survived

transit through the earth's atmosphere. Such hypervelocity large meteoritic impacts on

earth produces craters.

• Approximately 130 terrestrial craters are currently recognised, ranging in size up to

several hundred kilometers in diameter and age upto 2 Ga.

• The Lonar Crater has an average diameter of 1710 m, average rim height of 40 m and

depth of 230-245 m. The circular depression bears a saline water lake in its central portion.

St. Mary’s Islands and Maple Beach:

• Columnar Basaltic Lava, Coconut Island (St. Mary’s

Islands), Udupi District, Karnataka displays majestic

array of multi-faced columns developed in the basalts of

Deccan Trap.

• The columnar basaltic lava found in these Islands, which

is very well developed in the basalts of Deccan Traps, exhibit an imposing range of

hexagonal shaped or multi-faced (polygonal) columns split into a horizontal mosaic. In

geological terms these are called "columnar joints".

• The lava rocks form regular five, six or seven-sided pillars, called "laminar lava", and are

found in varying heights in all the islands; the tallest of the columns is about 6 m (20 ft).

These marvellous structures, called Columnar Joints in geological parlance are nature’s

exquisite handiwork. The geometrical form of the rock mosaic resembles the work of an

expert sculptor.

• The Deccan Trap, evolved due to vast outpouring of hot molten basaltic lava in the

western part of India during Cretaceous Eocene time (about 60 million years ago) are now

present as flat-topped hills and step like terraces.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deccan_Traps

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columnar_jointing


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• St. Mary’s Island are a tiny group of four picturesque islands situated off the west coast of

India near Malpe. Malpe is a natural port The major industry in Malpe is fisheries. Malpe

is also known as the natural port and the largest port in Karnataka.

• Tile-manufacturing is another thriving industry in Malpe, as is the coconut industry. It is

also known for the TEBMA ship building company.

UNESCO Global Geoparks:

• UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and

landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of

protection, education and sustainable development.

• A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other

aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and

understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources

sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural disasters-related

risks. By raising awareness of the importance of the area’s geological heritage in history

and society today, UNESCO Global Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their

region and strengthen their identification with the area.

• The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high-quality training courses is

stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through geotourism, while the

geological resources of the area are protected.

The four features that are fundamental to a UNESCO Global Geopark are:

Geological heritage of International value

• In order to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, the area must have geological heritage of

international value. This is assessed by scientific professionals, as part of the “UNESCO

Global Geopark Evaluation Team”. Based on the international peer-reviewed, published

research conducted on the geological sites within the area, the scientific professionals

make a globally comparative assessment to determine whether the geological sites

constitute international value.

Management

• UNESCO Global Geoparks are managed by a body having legal existence recognized

under national legislation.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisheries

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnataka


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• This management body should be appropriately equipped to address the entire area and

should include all relevant local and regional actors and authorities.

• UNESCO Global Geoparks require a management plan, agreed upon by all the partners,

that provides for the social and economic needs of the local populations, protects the

landscape in which they live and conserves their cultural identity. This plan must be

comprehensive, incorporating the governance, development, communication, protection,

infrastructure, finances, and partnerships of the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Visibility

• UNESCO Global Geoparks promote sustainable local economic development mainly

through geotourism. In order to stimulate the geotourism in the area, it is crucial that a

UNESCO Global Geopark has visibility. Visitors as well as local people need to be able to

find relevant information on the UNESCO Global Geopark. As such, UNESCO Global

Geoparks need to provide information via a dedicated website, leaflets, and detailed map

of the area that connects the area’s geological and other sites.

• A UNESCO Global Geopark should also have a corporate identity.

Networking

• A UNESCO Global Geopark is not only about cooperation with the local people living in

the UNESCO Global Geopark area, but also about cooperating with other UNESCO

Global Geoparks through the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), and regional networks

for UNESCO Global Geoparks, in order to learn from each other and, as a network,

improve the quality of the label UNESCO Global Geopark. Working together with

international partners is the main reason for UNESCO Global Geoparks to be a member of

an international network such as the GGN. Membership of the GGN is obligatory for

UNESCO Global Geoparks. By working together across borders, UNESCO Global

Geoparks contribute to increasing understanding among different communities and as

such help peace-building processes.


http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/unesco-global-geoparks/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-the-ggn/


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BLACK SPOTTED TURTLES

Prelims: Environment National Conservation & Mitigation

Mains: GS Paper – III Conservation

• India accounts for 29% of black spotted turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) seized from across

seven countries in South Asia, states a recent report by TRAFFIC, an international network

monitoring trade in wildlife.

About:

• The report names India as the country with the highest number of seizures, accounting for

29% of all turtles seized, and lists Hong Kong second during the study period. Black

Spotted Turtles are primarily sourced in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and subsequently

transported to Hong Kong SAR and mainland China, often through Southeast Asian

transit hubs.

• The attractive turtle, once wanted for its meat, is now an increasingly popular pet and

favoured among wildlife smugglers with many turtles observed for sale in Asian markets

or in online trade.

• It’s a major concern that illegal trade of Black Spotted Turtles is on the increase in the

country. There was a significant jump was between 2013 and 2015 when the annual

number of seizures and individual turtles seized tripled.

• The Black Spotted Turtle trade is largely driven by East Asian demand. This turtle is

protected by national laws throughout its natural range and is listed in Appendix I of

CITES, prohibiting all commercial international trade. Nevertheless, Asian demand

continues to fuel illegal harvesting and smuggling of the species. Overall, although 55

suspects were arrested in connection with seizures between April 2014 and March 2016,

confirmed convictions remained scarce, with only 20% of arrests resulting in a conviction.

• These trends highlight the urgent need for intelligence-led investigations and collaborative

law enforcement across source, consumer and transit hotspots to dismantle organised

criminal networks around the region.

Way Forward:

• Asia’s illegal turtle trade has occurred at such a scale and pace that turtles have now

become one of the world’s most threatened groups of animals.



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• To stem this tide different groups, need to join efforts and implement multi-prong

approaches.

• As one of the leading zoological institutions in Asia, WRS partners organisations like

TRAFFIC in trade research to provide resource for law enforcement agencies.

• Enforcement efforts must be improved across the Asian region. Intelligence-led

investigations, among relevant enforcement agencies will prove crucial, not only to the

disruption of Black Spotted Turtle trade players, but also to the collection of accurate data

for trade analysis.

• Reporting efforts should be improved on both national and international levels. On a

national level, reporting between local (or regional) and national enforcement authorities

will facilitate coordinated enforcement efforts.

• Intelligence-led investigations should be used to ensure strong prosecution, involving

high penalties, against traffickers to deter future offenders.

• Public awareness concerning the deteriorating effects of the freshwater turtle trade in

general, and the Black Spotted Turtle trade in particular, should be increased.

• Awareness initiatives to reduce demand and to increase knowledge about the illegality of

the trade in Black Spotted Turtle should be carried out among consumers in destination

countries and among local communities and hunters in source countries.

• Continued research into and monitoring of the Black Spotted Turtle trade should be

conducted to improve our understanding of trade trends and dynamics.

• Further research into the status of wild Black Spotted Turtle populations and the

conservation impacts of the trade in this species should be conducted.

Spotted Turtle:

• The spotted turtle is a small black turtle with distinct large spots on its carapace (upper

shell) and orange-yellow markings on its head, neck and limbs. The spotted turtle is one

species whose sex is determined by temperature during embryonic development. The

spotted turtle is an active hunter: seeking out prey items in the water by pointing its head

into aquatic plants.

• Spotted turtles live in small, shallow bodies of water, such as bogs, marshes, fens, coastal

wetlands and small ponds. These turtles move short distances overland to lay their eggs or



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between overwintering and summer habitat. They usually hibernate communally in the

mud at the bottom of wetlands, or in underwater burrows or cavities where the water is

roughly 50 to 100 centimetres deep.

CDV IN GIR FOREST

• Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) have confirmed

the presence of the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in at least five of 24 samples that were

tested from the GIR forest.

About:

• The 24 samples were tested for CDV and Paramyxoviridiae, and five samples were found

to be positive for CDV, the sequence was compared to available CDV sequences and it

was found to be related to East African strains.

• These samples were collected between September 19 and 24 and included blood in the

EDTA, ocular, nasal, rectal swabs, and visceral organs in viral transport medium.

• Lions contracted a contagious disease after eating contaminated food.

• Considering the threat posed to the endangered species, the research body has

recommended CDV vaccine shots for all the lions in Gir as an immediate protective

measure.

• Vaccination of lions with CDV should be taken up on an urgent basis as existing CDV

vaccine could work as a protective intervention for lions during the current viral outbreak.

As the vaccine has proved effective in other countries and it offers protection against CDV

for one year.

• As such for the first time a complete genome of CDV was recovered by NIV. The sequence

was compared to available CDV sequences and it was found to be related to the East

African strains.

• The report says it is critical to place the lions in two or three different sanctuaries to

prevent the spread of infectious diseases like CDV and protect them from extinction.

Background:

• Twenty-three lions have died in Gir forest since September 12, prompting the government

to launch massive operations to ensure that the infection does not spread to other big cats

in their only abode in Asia. The condition of three of over 36 lions, currently under



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observation of the forest department in Gujarat, is critical. The state government has

sought national as well as international help in saving the lions.

• Canine distemper virus is known mainly to cause a severe infection in dogs that could

possibly turn fatal. Dogs are considered the primary source of infection and virus

transmission. However, CDV may also affect wild carnivores such as wolves, foxes,

raccoons, red pandas, ferrets, hyenas, tigers, and lions.

• In canines, distemper affects several body systems, including the gastrointestinal and

respiratory tracts and the spinal cord and brain, with common symptoms that include

high fever, eye inflammation and eye/nose discharge, laboured breathing and coughing,

vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of appetite and lethargy, and hardening of nose and

footpads.

• The viral infection can be accompanied by secondary bacterial infections and can present

eventual serious neurological symptoms.

• The prevalence of this virus and its diversity in wildlife of India is not adequately studied.

A few reports are available regarding the detection of CDV in captive wild carnivores,

including tigers and red pandas.

• In 2016, at least four lions that died at Etawah in Uttar Pradesh were infected by the CDV,

as confirmed by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. In early 1994, CDV wiped out

30% of the total lion population in the Serengeti forest areas in East Africa.

• As per the forest department’s 2015 census, Gujarat was home to 523 lions the count

having almost doubled since 1990, when it was 284. The latest initial estimates put the

count at over 600 lions.

HUMAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT

Mains: Paper – III Conservation

• A study of patterns of leopard attacks here reveal that some areas are high-risk zones

requiring urgent conservation measures for the safety of both man and beast.

About:

• There has been an increase in severity of human-wildlife conflicts in India in the last few

decades with tiger, Common leopard and Asian elephant being the three most

problematic species reported to cause extensive damage to human lives, livestock and



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property. Today human leopard conflicts are reported across India with major hotspots

being Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra

• The foothills of the eastern Himalaya in northern West Bengal called the doors, a

landscape comprising tea plantations and forests alone have witnessed more than 700

leopard attacks on people between 1990 and 2016.

• In the western Himalaya (Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand), numerous leopards have been

killed in retaliation to the human deaths and injuries they have caused. In the western

Himalaya (Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand), numerous leopards have been killed in

retaliation to the human deaths and injuries they have caused.

• The researchers find that around 97% of animal attacks in the dooars and 60% in Pauri

resulted in human injuries. While a majority of the victims in Pauri were children and

youth, middle-aged tea estate workers were most at risk in the dooars.

• As part of the study, the team also used these data to develop a predictive risk map. This

reveals that central and northern Pauri, as well as the protected and peripheral areas of

central and south-western dooars are ‘high risk zones.

Cause:

• While an extensive protected area (PA) network and land allotted for agricultural

production were cited as two major reasons.

• Other cause of escalation of conflicts in the recent years has been attributed to habitat loss,

fragmentation, degradation due to increasing anthropogenic pressures, particularly

development, reducing tolerance levels to wildlife, and local abundance of problem

species. When the interface between forests and rural inhabitations is a continuum, the

leopard has adapted to live in the fringes of human habitations. Due to the behavioural

plasticity, wide choice of prey and adaptability to survive on a wide range of human

altered habitats, the smaller, agile and adaptable leopard is most often implicated in

attacks on people.

• When there are incidents of large cats such as tiger and leopard killing and injuring

humans, it evokes a serious public backlash and a setback for conservation efforts.

• Though studies have been periodically conducted within PAs on certain aspects of

ecology of such large mammals in India, extensive research on such aspects in regions



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where they share space with humans are limited. Since the last decade, there has been

large scale human out-migration from the mountainous region to the plains due to lack of

sustained livelihood resources.

Way Forward:

• They suggest that immediate measures including regular monitoring by wildlife managers

and local response teams, providing proper lighting in villages and clearing bushes

around houses would be crucial to mitigate conflict.

• Knowledge gained through such studies in human-dominated landscapes help solve

complex conservation problems such as human-wildlife conflicts where apart from the

dynamics of such events, a thorough understanding of the social aspects of conflicts are

essential for implementing further mitigation measures.

• The predictive map highlights potential human-leopard conflict zones and helps

formulate mitigation measures for these sites.

• To reduce livestock depredation respondents opined to use predator proof enclosures and

lights around households in Pauri whereas in North Bengal people vouched for relocating

problem animals, introducing native wild prey in forests and installing predator proof

enclosures.

MANDATED FLOW IN GANGA

Prelims: National Conservation & Mitigation

Mains: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact

assessment

In News:

• In a first, the Union government has mandated the minimum quantity of water or

ecological flow as it’s called in scientific circles that various stretches of the Ganga must

necessarily have all through the year.

About:

• The River Ganga is the most sacred and deeply revered by the people of this country and

the Ganga river basin is the largest river basin in India in terms of catchment area,



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constituting twenty-six per cent of the country's land mass and supporting about half a

billion population.

• In India alone, approximately 5,100 large dams dot the rivers, making India rank third in

the world with regards to the number of large dams. These structures have irretrievably

changed the downstream flow patterns, consequently affecting water quality,

temperature, sediment movement and deposition.

• The new norms would require hydropower projects located along the river to modify

their operations so as to ensure they are in compliance with new environment flow

norms. E-flow (ecological flow) is the quantum of water that must uninterruptedly flow

in the river in all the seasons, required for the river to perform all its ecological functions

including sustenance of fauna and its human dependents

• Indiscriminate human intervention, in the form of river course diversion, river-bed

mining, and damming, has altered the environmental flow of rivers.



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Benefits of Ecological Flow:

• Ecological flows help in numerous ways like groundwater

recharge, nutrient balancing, fish spawning and sediment

flushing. At the same time, free-flowing rivers and stretches

also provide innumerable community services like fisheries,

tourism and water supply.

• It keeps the biodiversity in that area in fine balance

Water flow Requirements:

• Upper Ganga River Basin Stretch starting from originating

glaciers and through respective confluences finally meeting at

Devaprayag up to Haridwar

• Stretch of main stem of River Ganga from Haridwar, Uttrakhand to Unnao, Uttar Pradesh

River flow picture:

World experiences:

• These legislations attempt to ensure required minimum flow in the river system to sustain

ecosystem services.

• The Mekong River Agreement, 1995

• South Africa’s National Water Act, 1998 and the

• Swiss Water Protection Act, 108

STUDY-CYCLONE FORCAST

Mains – GS: Paper - I Important Geophysical phenomenon Cyclone

• Weather observations in the Arctic can help track tropical and mid-latitude cyclones more

accurately, improving the forecast of extreme climate events found research.

About:

• The data were analysed using a data assimilation system developed in Japan Agency for

Marine-Earth Science and Technology, which can produce reanalysis datasets by “mixing”

observations into global atmospheric conditions.

• Upper-level observations such as radiosondes in the Arctic can help to forecast mid-

latitude extreme events. Impacts of the Arctic observations can transfer through the



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tropospheric polar vortex, which is massive low-pressure air mass over the Arctic or

Antarctic regions at about 10-km altitude.

• The tropospheric polar vortex, sometimes, extends toward mid-latitudes accompanied

with the meandering of mid-latitude westerly jets. This extension can occur even in

summer, that is, in August-September, where the meandering and extension were

relatively active among the recent years. Thus, the impacts of the Arctic radiosonde

observations could influence the mid-latitude extremes, the courses of three tropical

cyclones approaching to Japan or Northern US and Greenland, since the impacts

transferred through the extended tropospheric polar vortex.

Significance:

• Hurricanes and typhoons are one of the most influential phenomena for human life.

Precise weather forecast is critical to enable communities to adequately prepare for

weather disasters.

• Currently, meteorological observations are conducted by radiosonde, a weather

instrument that records meteorological data, typically released into the atmosphere with a

weather balloon.

• Due to hostile conditions experienced in the Arctic and the limited reach of the low-

pressure system, the number and frequency of these observations are limited.

• There are gaps in the data that result in weather forecasts being less accurate than what

they could and should be, potentially putting peoples' lives at risk.

• Precise weather forecast is critical to enable communities to adequately prepare for

weather disasters. As extreme weather events have been frequently observed in all

seasons all over the world, Hurricanes and typhoons are one of the most influential

phenomena for human life. The observations improved the predictability of the cyclones,

allowing the scientists to track the paths of the cyclones as well as forecast their intensity

more accurately.

• This study demonstrated the usefulness of additional Arctic observations for mid-latitude

numerical weather forecasts for tropical cyclones.



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CYCLONE TILTI

Prelims: Geography

Mains: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity,

cyclone etc.,

In News:

• Odisha, Andhra on red alert as cyclone Titli inches close

• Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘TITLI’ over west central Bay of Bengal:

Tropical cyclone:

• A tropical cyclone is the generic term for a non-frontal synoptic scale low-pressure

system over tropical or sub-tropical waters with

organized convection (i.e. thunderstorm activity) and definite cyclonic surface wind

circulation.

• Tropical Cyclone is a common name; the regional varies as Hurricane in the Atlantic,

Typhoon in the Pacific and Cyclone in the Indian Ocean.

Difference between tropical cyclone and temperate cyclone

1. LATITUDE: Tropical cyclone is confined between 5 to 30 degree north and south of the

equator, whereas temperate cyclone originates between 30 to 60 degree north and south of

the equator

2. ORIGINATING ELEMENT: Temperature and Coriolis force plays vital role in the origin of

tropical cyclone. In case of temperate cyclone, it is frontogenesis plays important driving

force (occluded front).

WARNING COLORS

No Thunderstorm

Moderate Thunderstorm

Severe Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm with Squall

Thunderstorm with Hail



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3. TYPES OF CLOUD ASSOCIATED: Wide range of clouds is associated with the

temperate cyclone. While in the case of tropical cyclone the cloud composition is mainly

dominated by clumonimbus clouds.

4. AREA COVERED: Temperate cyclone covers large area as compared to tropical cyclone.

5. SOURCE OF ORIGIN: Tropical cyclone generally originates over water surface but the

temperate cyclone originates over mid-latitude land mass.

6. DIRECTION OF FLOW: Temperate cyclone generally flows eastward movement (west ->

east) but there is no as such fixed movement pattern in case of tropical cyclone. Tropical

cyclone generally takes the path from sea to land.

7. NUMBERS: Tropical cyclone is of singular characteristic, whereas temperate cyclone

flows in family.

8. EYE: Eye is a typical feature in case of tropical cyclone, where as in temperate cyclone

there is no such concept of ‘EYE’ associated with it.

Benefits of Tropical Cyclones:

• Although Tropical cyclones are known for destruction they cause, when they strike they

also bestow certain benefits to the climatic conditions of that area such as

• Relieve drought conditions.



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• Carry heat and energy away from the tropics and transport it towards temperate

latitudes, thus helps to maintain equilibrium in the Earth’s troposphere and

• Maintain a relatively stable and warm temperature worldwide.

C-FLOWS, (CHENNAI FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM)


Mains: Disaster Management

In news:

• The office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to government of India, research institutions,

chief among them the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Chennai, and IITs,

got together to build a flood warning system customized for use in Chennai.

• Carrying the acronym CFLOWS, which stands for Chennai FLOOD Warning System.

Background:

• The six-module ensemble can predict flooding due to heavy rainfall, sea level rise and

increase in water levels of the three rivers (Cooum, Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar) that

traverse the city. The State government shared data such as ward boundaries, population

details, infrastructure available across Tamil Nadu, which have been used in the warning

system. Knowing the elevation at different spots, the system can predict the way the area

would flood based on different scenarios that have been simulated. Inputs were taken

from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on forecast and National Centre for

Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), which gives the prediction for rain 10

days in advance.

• Similarly, INCOIS gives the hydrodynamic congestion such as storm surge and tide etc.

Using this, the system can, two weeks ahead of the event, simulate the scenario. The

system can predict what would happen at the level of individual wards

• The flood itself cannot be avoided, but it can be managed and the disaster mitigated, if

this kind of module are properly utilized.



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EAT RIGHT MOVEMENT

Prelims: Schemes, Health

Aim:

• The Eat Right Movement" aims to empower the citizens by

improving their health and wellbeing. Led by the FSSAI

(autonomous body of ministry of health and family

welfare), it is a collective effort, to nudge the citizens

towards making right food and dietary choices.

• It is platform to provide credible information to help make informed and healthful eating

choices. It is built on two broad pillars - "Eat Healthy and "Eat Safe".

• "Eat Healthy" is about making healthy food choices. "Eat Safe" is about ensuring food

safety from procurement to consumption and disposal of food.

Swasth Bharat Yatra:

• 'Swasth Bharat Yatra', a pan-India Cyclothon, is a

key element of the Eat Right India movement.

Swasth Bharat Yatra would provide the trigger for

cascading the message of Eat Right India to every

corner of the country.

• Swasth Bharat Yatra, a Pan India Cycle rally, is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's

Dandi March and 'Salt Satyagraha' of 1930. Through his t ireless yatras,

Mahatma Gandhi led the nation towards freedom from Colonial Rule. This

yatra would also lead the nation towards freedom from diseases by cascading

the message of Eat Right India to every corner of the country .

Theme of Swasth Bharat Yatra: Eat Right India

• Eating Healthy

• Eating Safe

• Eating Fortified

• No Food Waste

• Cycling

• Brisk-walking


https://fssai.gov.in/swasthbharatyatra/home.jsp#collapseOne

https://fssai.gov.in/swasthbharatyatra/home.jsp#collapseTwo

https://fssai.gov.in/swasthbharatyatra/home.jsp#collapseThree

https://fssai.gov.in/swasthbharatyatra/home.jsp#collapseFour

https://fssai.gov.in/swasthbharatyatra/home.jsp#collapsefiveone

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ZIKA VIRUS

Prelims: Health

Why in News?

• Jaipur in Rajasthan recorded 22 confirmed cases of Zika virus, the government has put

neighbouring states on high alert.

About the News:

• Given that the pink city (Jaipur) is a part of India’s golden triangle tourist circuit,

connecting the national capital and Agra, authorities said strict surveillance was required

in the region.

• A few cases of Zika virus have been reported in Jaipur

and alerted neighbouring states, including Haryana,

Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and

Gujarat, to keep strict vigil on Zika virus.

• The outbreak in Jaipur was detected through the Indian

Council of Medical Research (ICMR) surveillance

system. The ministry of health and family welfare

deputed a seven-member high level central team to

Jaipur immediately following the detection of the first

case to assist the state government in taking containment measures.

• A control room has been set up at the NCDC to undertake regular monitoring of the

situation. All suspect cases in the defined area and mosquito samples from this area are

being tested. Additional testing kits are provided to the Viral Research and Diagnostic

Laboratories. All pregnant mothers in the area are being monitored through the National

Health Mission (NHM). Extensive surveillance and vector control measures are being

taken up in the areas as per protocol by the state government.

Background:

• Zika is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

• The disease is currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide. Symptoms of Zika

virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, which include fever, skin

rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and headache.


https://www.livemint.com/Science/NX6pkcIDQoVJULkXvnbw2M/Nod-to-Indian-firm-to-conduct-phaseI-clinical-trial-on-Zika.html

https://www.livemint.com/Science/IdfBOreGiEDWzEy7YreEqI/A-single-genetic-glitch-in-2103-may-explain-how-Zika-became.html

https://www.livemint.com/Science/IdfBOreGiEDWzEy7YreEqI/A-single-genetic-glitch-in-2103-may-explain-how-Zika-became.html


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• Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and

other congenital malformations, known as congenital Zika syndrome. Infection with Zika

virus is also associated with other complications of pregnancy including preterm birth and

miscarriage. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January-February

2017. The second outbreak was reported after five months in the Krishnagiri district in

Tamil Nadu. Both were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector

management. The disease continues to be on surveillance radars of the Union health

ministry although it is no longer a public health emergency of international concern,

according to World Health Organization notification of 18 November, 2016.

UN LAUNCHES WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY

Mains: G.S-II Important International Institutions

Why in News?

• The United Nations has launched a strategy to deal with workplace mental health issues

and the well-being of its staff by dealing with the stigma attached to it.

Workplace Mental Health Strategy:

• UN staff struggling with anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder have

reported feeling isolated and ashamed, with no one to turn to for help, UN Secretary-

General Antonio Guterres said.

• He noted that mental health diagnoses account for almost a quarter of all days lost to sick

leave, and were the leading cause of disability pensions, Xinhua news agency reported.

• “The UN can and must do better in supporting its staff, and it starts with the new strategy

we are setting in motion,” said Guterres.

• Noting that reducing stigma is the top priority, he said the staff would not feel prepared to

seek help or disclose their feelings until stigma was overcome.

• The strategy also underscores the need to care for each other, and to reach out to

colleagues who may be in distress and important to stay educated about the early signs

of mental illness.

• He said colleagues must find ways to help them feel supported, not judged. “We also need

to educate ourselves about the early warning signs of mental illness,” he added.


https://www.thehindu.com/tag/1993-1364-1349/united-nations/?utm=bodytag

https://www.thehindu.com/tag/1113-1111-1073/mental-illness/?utm=bodytag


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Mental disorder- WHO definition:

• Mental disorders comprise a broad range of problems, with different symptoms.

However, they are generally characterized by some combination of abnormal thoughts,

emotions, behaviour and relationships with others.

• Examples are schizophrenia, depression, intellectual disabilities and disorders due to drug

abuse.

• Most of these disorders can be successfully treated.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SKILLS

Prelims: Science & Technology - Biotechnology

• The Union Cabinet gave its approval for setting up of Indian Institute of Skills at different

locations across the country. The IISs will be set up in public private partnership mode.

About:

• The setting up of IISs will help augment the global competitiveness of key sectors of

Indian economy by providing high quality skill training, applied research education and a

direct and meaningful connection with industry.

• It will provide opportunity to aspiring youth across the country to have access to highly

skilled training, and enhance the scope of accountability through its linkage with industry

and global competitiveness across sectors, the release added.

• The institute shall be equipped with state-of-the-art facility to impart skill development

courses to the trainers and assessors along with training of candidates in new age courses

catering to the needs of the industry, designed keeping in mind the youth of the institutes'

catchment areas. Skill India is a demand driven program which trains people in job roles

which are market relevant and of current industry needs and standards

Significance:

• Skills and knowledge are the driving forces of economic growth and social development

for any country. Countries with higher and better levels of skills adjust more effectively to

the challenges and opportunities of world of work.

• The skill development initiatives support the supply of trained workers who are

adjustable dynamically to the changing demands of employment and technologies. This

policy will promote excellence and will meet the requirements of knowledge economy.



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• Skill development will help actualize the potential of huge demographic dividend.

• Bringing the PPP institute will make equitable access to all who are deprived of skill

training. Creating effective convergence between school education, various skill

development efforts of government and between government and Private Sector initiative.

• It helps in achieving India’s target of creating 500 million skilled workers by 2022.

• Improving productivity and living standards of the people. Strengthening

competitiveness of the country which will attract investment in skill development.

BHARAT WI-FI PROJECT

Prelims: Science & Technology- Information Technology Governance – E-Governance

• The Indian telecom industry will rollout 10 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots in the country by

December,2019.

About:

• The project has been named as Bharat Wi-Fi, which is a country-wide common inter-

operable platform of one million Wi-Fi Hotspots, owned and operated by Telecom Service

Providers, Internet Service Providers and Virtual Network Operators.

• This initiative allows consumers to access Wi-Fi Hotspots of any of the partnering

operators, it is believed that it will help generate 5 lakh employment opportunities.

• The move is part of the infrastructure called Bharat Wi-Fi, and is believed to be a fresh

step in Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative.

• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Communications announced it in India Mobile

Congress (IMC), one of the biggest marquee Mobile, Internet, and Technology event for

South and South-East Asia.

• The need for data hungers drastically rises in India, even more, when Jio creates the Data

Revolution in India. It also provoked the rural areas as well for data. So, the Government

considers deploying some of these hotspots across rural areas or not.

• One thing was sure about, if the Government completes this Project successfully then,

India will become the highest data usage country in the World.

• India’s data-led growth and digital revolution would help realise four ambitious goals of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, namely – doubling farmers’ income, Ayushman Bharat

Scheme, quality education and employment generation.


http://www.financialexpress.com/tag/narendra-modi/


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• With world-class digital infrastructure in place India is now ready to not only embrace but

actually lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This will make each one of the 130-crore

people of India can now productively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

India Mobile Congress:

• India Mobile Congress was a first of its kind event in the Indian Subcontinent, bringing

together Mobile, Internet, and Technology companies on one platform, under the theme,

“Connecting the Next Billion”.

• The event was attended by more than 2,000 delegates, 32,000 visitors, 150 Speakers, 100

Exhibitors and 100 start-ups. IMC 2017 firmly established the India Mobile Congress

platform as South Asia’s largest digital forum where voice, data and a billion people

converge.

• This year, IMC 2018, is envisaged to be an even bigger event with its theme “New Digital

Horizons. Connect. Create. Innovate.”. This technology mega event will be held from 25th

to 27th October 2018, at Aerocity, New Delhi, organized by the Department of

Telecommunications, Government of India and Cellular Operators Association of India

(COAI). The second edition of IMC expects to bring together the largest congregation of

global professionals from the digital ecosystem, encompassing 5G, Internet of Things

(IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Cities, Start-ups in the technology space and allied

industry sectors.

• The platform will see a greater International presence with the participation of policy

makers and regulators from partner countries in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast

Asian Nations) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and

Economic Cooperation) regions.

CENTRE LAUNCHES TWO SCHEMES TO PROMOTE

HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH

Mains: G.S-II Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Prelims: schemes

Why in News?

The Centre announced two schemes to promote higher education research in India:



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1. IMPRESS, dealing with social science research projects and coordinated by the ICSSR.

2. SPARC, involving foreign collaboration mainly in science research, coordinated by IIT

Kharagpur.

IMPRESS:

• The Union Minister for Human Resource Development launched the web portal of the

Scheme “Impactful Policy Research in Social Sciences (IMPRESS)”. Indian Council of

Social Science and Research (ICSSR) will be the project implementing agency.

• Under the Scheme, 1500 research projects will be

awarded for 2 years to support the social science

research in the higher educational institutions and to

enable research to guide policy making.

• The broad objectives of the scheme are:

a) To identify and fund research proposals in social

sciences with maximum impact on the governance

and society.

b) To focus research on (11) broad thematic areas such

as: State and Democracy, Urban transformation,

Media, Culture and Society, Employment, Skills and

Rural transformation, Governance, Innovation and

Public Policy, Growth, Macro-trade and Economic

Policy, Agriculture and Rural Development, Health

and Environment, Science and Education, Social

Media and Technology, Politics, Law and Economics. The Sub-Theme areas will be

decided on the basis of Expert Groups’ advice before notifying the scheme and calling for

applications.

c) To ensure selection of projects through a transparent, competitive process on online

mode.

d) To provide opportunity for social science researchers in any institution in the country,

including all Universities (Central and State), private institutions with 12(B) status

conferred by UGC.



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e) ICSSR funded/recognised research

SPARC:

• The Minister of Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar launched the web

portal of the Scheme “Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration

(SPARC)”. SPARC scheme aims at improving the research ecosystem of India’s higher

educational institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between

Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world.

• Salient Features of SPARC are :

This scheme will improve research

ecosystem of India’s higher

educational institutions by

facilitating academic and research

collaborations between Indian

Institutions [overall top-100 or

category-wise top-100 in NIRF (

including such Private Institutions which are recognized under 12(B) of UGC Act)] and

the best institutions in the world (top-500 overall and top-200 subject-wise institutions

listed in QS World University Ranking) from 28 selected nations [Australia, Austria,

Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel,

Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South

Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom(UK), United

States of America(USA)] to jointly solve problems of national and international relevance.

As per the criteria mentioned above, 254 top Indian Institutes and 478 top ranked global

Institutes have been already identified.

a) A set of 5 Thrust Areas (Fundamental Research, Emergent Areas of Impact,

Convergence, Action-Oriented Research and Innovation-Driven) and sub-theme areas in

each thrust area has been identified for collaboration under SPARC based on emergent

relevance and importance for the nation.



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b) Each Thrust Area will have a Section Chair. The role of Section Chair of each Thrust

Area is to review shortlist and recommend the potential joint-proposals submitted under

SPARC scheme.

c) A set of Nodal Institutions (NI), from India, for each participating foreign country has

been identified. The role of a NI is to help, handhold and coordinate with willing

Participating Indian (PI) Institutions to forge alliance with the Institutions of concerned

participating foreign country, for academic and research collaboration. 25 such reputed

Institutions have been notified as Nodal Institutions.

d) SPARC proposes to enable productive academic cooperation by supporting the

following critical components that can catalyse impact making research : i) Visits and

long-term stay of top international faculty/researchers in Indian institutions to pursue

teaching and research , ii) Visits by Indian students for training and experimentation in

premier laboratories worldwide , iii) Joint development of niche courses, world-class

books and monographs, translatable patents, demonstrable technologies or action oriented

research outcomes and products , iv) Publication , Dissemination and Visibility through a

high profile annual international conference in India .

e) This Scheme is expected to have a major impact in providing the best international

expertise to address major national problems, expose Indian academicians to the best

collaborators abroad, enable international faculty to stay in India for a longer duration,

provide Indian students an opportunity to work in the world class laboratories, to develop

strong bilateral relationships in research, and improve the international ranking of Indian

Institutes.



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MEHAR BABA PRIZE

Prelims: Science & Technology - Defence

• The Indian Air Force has announced India’s first competition in the defence sector, the

Mehar Baba Prize. The competition, in line with Make in India, is spread over three

phases, from ideation to production.

About:

• In the wake of floods, cyclones and other natural disasters across the country, the IAF is

holding a competition for participants to build a swarm of 50 drones to lead Humanitarian

Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

• The IAF will pick up to three winners, each of whom will get Rs 10 lakh in prize money

and an opportunity to co-produce a Rs 100 crore order for induction of the drones to the

Force.

• The competition is divided into three phases.

CHANDRA X-RAY OBSERVATORY ENTER SAFE MODE

Prelims: Science & Technology – Space Technology

• The Chandra X-ray Observatory, which has been observing the universe in high-energy

light since 1999, entered a protective "safe mode". The cause of the safe mode transition

(possibly involving a gyroscope) is under investigation.

About:

• During the safe mode, the observatory is put into a safe configuration, critical hardware is

swapped to back-up units, the spacecraft points so that the solar panels get maximum

sunlight, and the mirrors point away from the Sun.

• Analysis of available data indicates the transition to safe mode was normal behaviour for

such an event. All systems functioned as expected and the scientific instruments are safe.

• Gyroscopes help spacecraft maintain proper orientation. If a faulty gyroscope is to blame

for Chandra's current plight, the observatory would be in good company: A gyroscope

failure knocked NASA's iconic Hubble Space Telescope into safe mode last week.


https://www.space.com/18669-chandra-x-ray-observatory.html

https://www.space.com/18669-chandra-x-ray-observatory.html

https://www.space.com/42057-hubble-space-telescope-safe-mode-gyroscope-failure.html


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Safe mode:

• Safe mode is an operating mode of a modern spacecraft during which all non-essential

systems are shut down and only essential functions such as thermal management, radio

reception and attitude control are active.

• Safe mode is entered automatically upon the detection of a predefined operating condition

or event that may indicate loss of control or damage to the spacecraft. Usually the trigger

event is a system failure or detection of operating conditions considered dangerously out

of the normal range.

• Cosmic rays penetrating spacecraft electrical systems can create false signals or commands

and thus cause a trigger event.

• While in safe mode the preservation of the spacecraft is the highest priority. Typically, all

non-essential systems, such as science instruments, are shut down. The spacecraft

attempts to maintain orientation with respect to the Sun for illumination of solar

panels and for thermal management.

Background:

• The Chandra X-ray Observatory previously known as the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics

Facility is a Flagship-class space observatory launched by NASA on July 23, 1999.

• Chandra is one of the Great Observatories, along with the Hubble Space

Telescope, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (1991–2000), and the Spitzer Space

Telescope.

• The telescope is named after the Nobel Prize-winning Indian-

American astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.

• Its mission is similar to that of ESA's XMM-Newton spacecraft, also launched in 1999.

• Chandra is sensitive to X-ray sources 100 times fainter than any previous X-ray telescope,

enabled by the high angular resolution of its mirrors.

• Since the Earth's atmosphere absorbs the vast majority of X-rays, they are not detectable

from Earth-based telescopes therefore space-based telescopes are required to make these

observations.

• Chandra focuses on the powerful X-ray emissions from violent cosmic phenomena such

as supernovae and black holes.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_management_of_spacecraft

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attitude_control

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_ray

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panels

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panels

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagship_program

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_observatory

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Observatories_program

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_Space_Telescope

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_Space_Telescope

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_Gamma_Ray_Observatory

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitzer_Space_Telescope

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitzer_Space_Telescope

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Americans

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Americans

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subrahmanyan_Chandrasekhar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XMM-Newton

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth%27s_atmosphere

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-ray

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telescope

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/46931189/ns/technology_and_science-space/#.W8IummhKiUk

https://www.geekwire.com/2017/monster-black-hole-pair-photobomb-andromeda-galaxy/


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• It is well beyond the original design lifetime of 5 years. In 2001, NASA extended its

lifetime to 10 years. It is now well into its extended mission and is expected to continue

carrying out forefront science for many years to come.

• It continues to work towards resuming science operations of the Hubble Space Telescope.

On October 5, Hubble entered safe mode after one of the three gyroscopes (gyros) being

used to point and steady the telescope failed.

• Gyroscopes help spacecraft maintain proper orientation.

BEPICOLOMBO MISSION

Prelims: Science & Technology – Space Technology

• A European-Japanese spacecraft set off on a treacherous seven-year journey to Mercury to

examine the solar system’s smallest and least-explored planet.

About:

• The BepiColombo mission, only the third ever to visit Mercury, blasted off from Europe’s

spaceport in French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5.

• It is the Europe’s first mission to Mercury, built in cooperation with the Japanese space

agency JAXA. Europe's Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and Japan's Mercury

Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO) have different roles. The BepiColombo mission includes

two spacecraft, a planetary orbiter and a magnetospheric orbiter, which, according to the

European Space Agency, will need to deal with temperatures above 350°C during their

year-long mission around the closest planet to the sun.

• When it arrives, BepiColombo will release two probes Bepi and Mio that will

independently investigate the surface and magnetic field of Mercury.

• Newly developed electrical ion thrusters will help nudge the spacecraft, which is named

after Italian scientist Giuseppe ‘Bepi’ Colombo, into the right orbit.

• The MMO will make as its priority the study of the planet's magnetic field. It will

investigate the field's behaviour and its interaction with the "solar wind", the billowing

mass of particles that stream away from the Sun. This wind interacts with Mercury's

super-tenuous atmosphere, whipping atoms into a tail that reaches far into space.

• Europe's MPO will map the terrain, generate height profiles, sense the interior, and collect

data on the surface structure and composition.


https://www.irishtimes.com/topics/topics-7.1213540?article=true&tag_location=French+Guiana


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Background:

• It is the second recent cooperation between the Europeans and JAXA after the Japanese

agency’s Hayabusa2 probe dropped a German-French rover on the asteroid Ryugu earlier

this month.

• The Americans have already been there, briefly with the Mariner 10 probe in the 1970s,

and with the Messenger orbiter earlier this decade.

• The latter provided remarkable new insights that included the amazing discoveries

that water-ice is held inside some of baking Mercury's shadowed craters, and that its crust

contains a lot of graphite (pencil lead).

• Bepi will build on Messengers' investigations. The new mission carries twice as much

instrumentation and will get closer for longer, giving scientists much more detailed

information.

Significance:

• Beyond completing the challenging journey, this mission will return a huge bounty of

science. Helps to understand how Earth was formed, how all rocky planets formed.

• BepiColombo mission is one of the most challenging in its history given Mercury’s

extreme temperatures, the intense gravity pull of the sun and blistering solar radiation

make for hellish conditions. The first spacecraft to visit Mercury was NASA’s Mariner 10

that flew past the planet in the mid-1970s. Mercury, which is only slightly larger than

Earth’s moon, has a massive iron core about which little is known. Researchers are also

hoping to learn more about the formation of the solar system from the data gathered by

the BepiColombo mission.

CHANDRA OBSERVATORY

Prelims: Space

Mains: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology.

In News:

• NASA’s Chandra X-ray telescope which observes galaxies from the Earth’s orbit is back

in action after suffering a technical glitch and going into safe mode.

• The Glitch occurred in one of Chandra’s gyroscopes, scientists said.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32542646





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Background:

• The Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO), previously known as

the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), is

a Flagship-class space observatory launched on STS-

93 by NASA on July 23, 1999

• NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory is a telescope specially

designed to detect X-ray emission from very hot regions of the Universe such as

exploded stars, clusters of galaxies, and matter around black holes.

• Because X-rays are absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, Chandra must orbit above it, up to

an altitude of 139,000 km (86,500 mi) in space.

• Chandra is sensitive to X-ray sources 100 times fainter than any previous X-ray telescope,

enabled by the high angular resolution of its mirrors.

• Since the Earth's atmosphere absorbs the vast majority of X-rays, they are not detectable

from Earth-based telescopes; therefore space-based telescopes are required to make these

observations.

• Chandra is an Earth satellite in a 64-hour orbit, and its mission is ongoing as of 2018. The

Smithsonian's Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA, hosts the Chandra X-ray

Center which operates the satellite, processes the data, and distributes it to scientists

around the world for analysis. Although nothing can escape the incredible gravity of a

black hole, not even light, the Chandra X-ray Observatory will be able to study particles

up to the last millisecond before they are sucked inside. The Chandra X-ray

Observatory’s resolving power is 0.5 arc-seconds -- equal to the ability to read the letters

of a stop sign at a distance of 12 miles. Put another way, Chandra’s resolving power is

equivalent to the ability to read a 1-centimeter newspaper headline at the distance of a

half-mile.

What makes Chandra Unique?

• Chandra has outstanding imaging precision; its mirrors are the largest, the most perfectly

aligned, and smoothest ever built.

• The images Chandra makes are 25 times sharper than the best previous x-ray telescope.



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DARK MICROBIAL MATTER


• Dark microbial matter uncultured microbes whose characteristics have never been

described could be dominating nearly all the environments on the earth, scientists found.

About:

• The study, published in the journal M-Systems, is the first time to estimate the population

of microbes that have not yet been grown in a lab culture.

• Researchers collected every DNA sequence deposited in public databases by researchers

all over the world, totalling 1.5 million, and compared them to 26,000 DNA sequences of

microbes and bacteria that have already been cultured. As many as a quarter of the

microbes on earth could come from the roughly 30 phyla a taxonomic classification

between kingdoms and classes of microbes that have never been cultured.

Significance:

• Scientists have long been aware of this mass of uncultured microbes, also known by

scientists as microbial dark matter. However, counting them one by one would be an

impossible task and, up until now, researchers have not been able to even estimate how

many of them there are.

• The study and characterisation of uncultured microbes can be a particularly valuable tool

in specific fields such as in medicine, where scientists have described cases of culture-

resistant pathogens. It is also possible that these microbes can't grow on their own in

culture because they die if they are removed from their intricate relationships with each

other or their particular environment. Uncultured microbes are so vastly different than

cultured ones that they might be doing unusual things, like surviving on extremely low

energy or growing extraordinarily slowly.

• Since these microbes provide many ecosystem services such as helping crops grow and

battling climate change solving the considerable puzzle they've presented us is a crucial

challenge for modern microbiology.

Background:

• Microbes comprise 60% of the earth’s biomass and they are everywhere. They are

abundant in the oceans and in soil there are more microbes in a teaspoon of soil than there



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are humans on earth they live in deserts, on mountains in Antarctica, near boiling

hydrothermal vents at the seafloor, and in the acid stomachs of mammals including us

humans.

• Life as we know it on our planet would not be possible without microbes. Much of the

oxygen we breathe is produced by microbes, they are necessary to create our food such as

yogurt, and cheese.

• Also, beer and wine would not exist without their ability to ferment sugar to alcohol, and

in industry microbes are used as tiny living factories, for example to produce human

insulin for people with diabetes. Scientists are very curious to learn more about this

microbial world, but there is one big problem. We can only study about 1% of all the

microbes in our laboratory, since most of the little critters just don’t grow on artificial

substrates in the lab.

• Traditionally one would grow the microbes millions of them to get enough DNA for

sequencing, because one cell has so little DNA. Since we can't do this for the majority of

microbes, they remained a mystery to us and are known as the Microbial Dark Matter

(MDA).

• The inability to culture this microbial dark matter has led to a very skewed view of the

microbial world. The two largest groups of microbes (Bacteria and Archaea) have many

members which are only known because we found a small piece of DNA, the 16S rRNA

gene, in environmental samples. We have almost no genomic information about those

microbes, so we don’t know what they are doing or what they are capable of

• We apply a method, called single cell genomics, which omits the culturing step and allows

to amplify the DNA of a single microbial cell a billion-fold, more than enough to sequence

its genome.

• The first step is to take an environmental sample and to sort individual cells into tiny

droplets. This is done on a cell sorter which detects the cells by a laser and separates them

into droplets by electrostatic forces, similar to how an ink-jet printer directs individual

droplets of ink to print a letter on a page. Next, we break open the cell envelope, very

carefully so we don't damage the DNA.



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• Then we add a cocktail with the enzyme phi29 which has the ability to amplify very long

stretches of DNA, and after several hours we have billions of copies from the microbial

genome and can start sequencing.

BIO-BANK FOR DRUG RESISTANT MICROBES

Prelims: Science & Technology Bio Technology

• India’s battle against “superbugs” has just got more teeth with the Government setting up

a bio-repository for resistant microbes, the first of its kind bio-bank in the country at the

Pune-based National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR).

About:

• The bank is part of the Union Science and Technology Ministry’s Mission programme on

Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) initiative with the vision to develop indigenous and cost-

effective therapies against the superbugs like bacteria and fungi.

• Though India has many bio-repositories, a dedicated facility for superbugs at the NCMR

is the first such unit in the country.

• The bio-bank — a storage place for biological materials that collects, processes and

distributes biospecimen catalogs, and keeps samples of material, such as urine, blood,

tissue, cells, DNA, RNA and protein from humans, animals or plants to support future

scientific investigations — is expected to be a boon to clinicians and researchers in the field

of AMR as they could deposit or obtain samples of infective agents for scientific

investigation. Currently, the National Centre for Disease Control and the Indian Council

of Medical Research carry out anti-microbial resistance surveillance in various

geographical regions and settings. But these two bodies only collect data and not microbe

samples. The DBT has already given green signal to the NCMR to collect, preserve and

characterise drug-resistant microbes in the bio-bank. The NCMR would take necessary

steps to facilitate clinicians, scientists and others to handle multidrug-resistant microbe

samples.

• The DBT is also working to share the information regarding National AMR-specific

Pathogen list which will be available very soon including a landscaping report on existing

rapid and cost-effective diagnostic kits to identify AMR-specific pathogens, the official

added.



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• AMR is one of the major threats to human health in the 21st century, with some bacterial

pathogens acquiring resistance to all clinically available antibiotics. Worldwide, infections

caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria are now a major cause of morbidity and

mortality and have markedly enhanced healthcare costs.

• Considering AMR as a national priority, under National Action Plan endorsed by the

Government the Department of Biotechnology has initiated the fight against AMR in a

mission mode envisaging needed measures.

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance is resistance of a microorganism to an antimicrobial drug that

was originally effective for treatment of infections caused by it.

• Anti-microbial resistance has serious implications for a country like India where misuse of

“last-resort” antibiotics for common health conditions is rampant. Many microorganisms

such as bacteria and fungi have an exceptional capacity to survive in adverse

surroundings. According to health experts, the situation in India is alarming on AMR

front. A study has pointed that a intensive care units of 20 tertiary care hospitals showed

that 7 per cent of critically ill patients are resistant to antibiotics.

• Drug resistance to first-line antibiotics also results in 58,000 neonatal deaths each year.

BACTERIA TO DEGRADE TOLUENE


• Researchers from the University of Delhi and Indian Institute of Technology (BHU),

Varanasi, have successfully degraded toluene into less-toxic by-products using bacteria

isolated from soil and effluents near an oil refinery.

About:

• The researchers also tested the bacterial strain for the degradation of benzene, phenol, and

xylene and they showed effective results towards degradation of these compounds both

individual compounds and their mixtures.

• In laboratory conditions, the bacteria were able to degrade these petrochemical wastes in

both soil and water samples. More studies are needed to design industrial-scale

bioreactors for taking up large-scale degradation of petrochemical waste.



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• The bacteria were isolated from the samples, identified and studied for their toluene-

degrading abilities. To the soil and effluent samples containing some bacteria 100 mg/L of

toluene was added and incubated for four weeks.

• They isolated eight to 10 strains of bacteria and found that a particular

bacteria Acinetobacter junii showed good degrading potential about 80% of toluene (50

ppm) in a liquid medium was degraded within 72 hours.

• A consortium of A. junii bacteria was found to be more effective than using a single strain.

Different bacterial strains have different characteristic potential to degrade intermediate

by-products formed during the degradation process and, hence, increase the efficiency.

• The bacteria use up this toluene as their carbon source in the presence of oxygen. Though

most of the waste degradation studies have involved the use of bacteria that grow in an

anaerobic environment, we tried an aerobic one and succeeded.

Toluene:

• Toluene also known as aromatic hydrocarbon. It is a colourless, water-insoluble liquid

with the smell associated with paint thinners. Toluene is predominantly used as an

industrial feedstock and a solvent.

• Toluene is one of the petrochemical wastes that get released without treatment from

industries such as refineries, paint, textile, paper and rubber. Toluene occurs naturally at

low levels in crude oil and is a by-product in the production of gasoline by a catalytic

reformer or ethylene cracker. It is also a by-product of the production of coke from coal.

• Toluene has been reported to cause serious health problems to aquatic life, and studies

point that it has genotoxic and carcinogenic effects on human beings. Sometimes used as a

recreational inhalant and has the potential of causing severe neurological harm.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatic_hydrocarbon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(molecule)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_thinner

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feedstock

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solvent

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_reforming

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_reforming

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cracking_(chemistry)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coke_(fuel)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inhalant


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TYPE 2 POLIO VIRUS CONTAMINATION

Prelims: Science and Technology

Mains: Science and Technology- Developments and their applications and effects in everyday

life

In News:

• The Union Health Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the type-2 polio virus

contamination detected in the vials used for immunisation in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra

and Telangana

Indian Scenario:

• The last case due to type-2 wild poliovirus globally

was reported from Aligarh in India in 1999

• India was declared polio free in 2014 and the last

case was reported on 13 January 2011, when a

person from Howrah was infected with type-1

polio virus.

• India eliminated the type-2 strain in 2016, and the

type-2 containing poliovirus vaccine (ToPV) was

phased out in April 2016. Children born after April 2016 in India have no immunity to

type-2 polio virus.

• Traces of polio type-2 virus were found in some batches of oral polio vaccine (OPV)

manufactured by a Ghaziabad-based pharmaceutical company. The Drugs Controller

General of India has also asked the company to stop manufacture, sale or distribution till

further orders

• According to a Health Ministry source, the contamination came to light after surveillance

reports from Uttar Pradesh showed signs of the virus in stool samples of some children.

• The government, which has stepped-up surveillance after the breach

• The continued occurrence of polio cases caused by type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus is the

reason to implement the switch from trivalent OPV to bivalent OPV in routine

immunization programmes, even before the remaining strains of wild poliovirus are

eradicated



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Polio virus:

• Poliomyelitis is a crippling disease that results from infection with any one of the three

related poliovirus types (referred to as types P1, P2, and P3), members of the enterovirus

(picornavirus) family. Humans are the only natural host and reservoir of polioviruses.

• Poliovirus is transmitted from one person to another by oral contact with secretions or

faecal material from an infected person.

• Once viral reproduction is established in the mucosal surfaces of the nasopharynx,

poliovirus can multiply in specialized cells in the intestines and enter the blood stream to

invade the central nervous system, where it spreads along nerve fibres.

• When it multiplies in the nervous system, the virus can destroy nerve cells (motor

neurons) which activate skeletal muscles.

• These nerve cells cannot regenerate, and the affected muscles lose their function due to a

lack of nervous enervation - a condition known as acute flaccid paralysis (AFP).

• Typically, in patients with poliomyelitis muscles of the legs are affected more often than

the arm muscles.

Polio Vaccines:

• Poliovirus infection can provide lifelong immunity against the disease, but this protection

is limited to the serotype involved.

• Infection with one type does not protect an individual against infection with the other

two types.

Two different kinds of vaccine are available:

• A inactivated (killed) polio vaccine (IPV) and

• A live attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV).

• A inactivated (killed) polio vaccine (IPV) is produced from wild-type poliovirus strains

of each serotype that have been inactivated (killed) with formalin. As an injectable vaccine,

it can be administered alone or in combination with other vaccines

• A live attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV) consists of a mixture of the three live

attenuated poliovirus serotypes (Sabin types 1, 2 and 3), selected for their lower

neurovirulence and reduced transmissibility.



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Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI):

• In 1999, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) scored an unequivocal victory: It

wiped one of three serotypes of wild poliovirus, type 2, off the face of the earth, except

for samples stored in labs for study or vaccine creation

Global scenario:

• Niger too has showed this similar kind of type 2 polio virus resurfacing.

MASCOT- NEW ROBOT ON ASTEROID

Prelims: Science & Technology Space technology & Robotics

• A Japanese probe launched a new observation robot towards an asteroid, as it pursues a

mission to shed light on the origins of the solar system.

About:

• The French-German Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout, or MASCOT, launched from the

Hayabusa2 probe, landed safely on Ryugu asteroid’s surface.

• MASCOT's launch comes 10 days after the Hayabusa2 dropped a pair of MINERVA-II

micro-rovers on the Ryugu asteroid.

• The 10-kilogram box-shaped MASCOT is loaded with sensors. It was the first time that

moving, robotic observation devices have been successfully landed on an asteroid.

• MASCOT is expected to collect a wide range of data on the asteroid which is some 300

million kilometres from Earth.

• It can take images at multiple wavelengths, investigate minerals with a microscope, gauge

surface temperatures and measure magnetic fields.

• The rover will take advantage of Ryugu's low gravity to jump around on the surface -

travelling as far as 15 metres (49 feet) and staying above the surface for as long as 15

minutes.

• It will do this to better survey the asteroid's physical features with cameras and sensors.

The rovers will spend several months on the asteroid, the MASCOT has a maximum

battery life of just 16 hours, and will transmit the data it collects to the Hayabusa2 before

running out of juice.



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Significance:

• Jaxa's Hayabusa Two probe is on a mission to study the ancient asteroid Ryugu in a bid to

help scientists better understand the origins of the universe.

• Hayabusa -Two is studying soil and rock samples using several pieces of equipment. The

probe will then hover over the artificial crater and collect samples using an extended arm.

• The probe is loaded with four surface landers, an array of cameras and even an explosive

device that will dig out subsurface rock samples.

• Ryugu, a Type C asteroid, contains traces of water and organic material and it is hoped

that analysing this material will reveal what the early conditions were like at the time the

solar system formed around 4,6 billion years ago.

• Hayabusa Two is expected to return to Earth in late 2020 carrying samples for further

analysis.

RYUGU Asteroid:

• Ryugu was discovered on 10 May 1999 by astronomers with the Lincoln Near-Earth

Asteroid Research at the Lincoln Lab's ETS near Socorro, New Mexico, in the United

States. The asteroid was officially named "Ryugu". The name refers to Ryūgū (Dragon

Palace), a magical underwater palace in a Japanese folktale.

CELL-SIZED ROBOTS

Mains: GS: Paper – II Statutory, Regulatory & various quasi – Judicial bodies

• MIT scientists have developed a method to mass produce robots no bigger than a cell that

could be used to monitor conditions inside an oil or gas pipeline, or to search out disease

while floating through the bloodstream by using Auto perforation technique.

About:

• Tiny robots no bigger than a cell could be mass-produced using a new method developed

by researchers at MIT called autoperforation.

• The microscopic devices, called "syncells" (short for synthetic cells), might eventually be

used to monitor conditions inside an oil or gas pipeline, or to search out disease while

floating through the bloodstream.

• The system uses a two-dimensional form of carbon called graphene, which forms the outer

structure of the tiny syncells. One layer of the material is laid down on a surface, then tiny


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Near-Earth_Asteroid_Research

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Near-Earth_Asteroid_Research

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Laboratory%27s_Experimental_Test_Site

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%ABg%C5%AB-j%C5%8D

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_folklore


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dots of a polymer material, containing the electronics for the devices, are deposited by a

sophisticated laboratory version of an inkjet printer. Then, a second layer of graphene is

laid on top.

• Embedded inside these pockets are electronic circuits and materials that can collect,

record, and output data.

• These tiny objects “behave like a living biological cell” which can be used in variety of

applications.

PHOSPHOROUS ORIGIN

Prelims: Science & Technology New Invention

• The new study pointed out that most of the phosphorus on Earth was generated in outer

space and reached Earth via meteorites and comets.

About:

• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers, in collaboration with colleagues in France

and Taiwan, provide compelling new evidence that this component for life was found to

be generated in outer space and delivered to Earth in its first one billion years by

meteorites or comets. The team replicated interstellar icy grains coated with carbon

dioxide and water, which are ubiquitous in cold molecular clouds, and phosphine.

• When exposed to ionizing radiation in the form of high-energy electrons to simulate the

cosmic rays in space, multiple phosphorus oxoacids like phosphoric acid and

diphosphoric acid were synthesized via non-equilibrium reactions.

• On Earth, phosphine is lethal to living beings but in the interstellar medium, an exotic

phosphine chemistry can promote rare chemical reaction pathways to initiate the

formation of biorelevant molecules such as oxoacids of phosphorus, which eventually

might spark the molecular evolution of life as we know it.

• According to the study, phosphates and diphosphoric acid are two major elements that

are essential for these building blocks in molecular biology.

Phosphorus:

• Phosphorus is a chemical element with symbol P and atomic number 15. Elemental

phosphorus exists in two major forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but

because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth. It has a


https://phys.org/tags/interstellar+medium/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_element

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_number

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_phosphorus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_phosphorus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactivity_(chemistry)


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concentration in the Earth's crust of about one gram per kilogram. With few exceptions,

minerals containing phosphorus are in the maximally oxidized state as

inorganic phosphate rocks.

• All living beings need cells and energy to replicate. Without these fundamental building

blocks, living organisms on Earth would not be able to reproduce and would simply not

exist. The phosphorus compounds were then incorporated in biomolecules found in cells

in living beings on Earth. They are the main constituents of chromosomes, the carriers of

genetic information in which DNA is found.

• Together with phospholipids in cell membranes and adenosine triphosphate, which

function as energy carriers in cells, they form self-replicating material present in all living

organisms.

SPHERE TO FIGHT WATER POLLUTANTS

Prelims: Science & Technology – New Invention

• Rice University researchers have enhanced micron-sized titanium dioxide particles to trap

and destroy bisphenol A (BPA), a water contaminant with health implications.

About:

• BPA is commonly used to coat the insides of food cans, bottle tops and water supply lines,

and was once a component of baby bottles. While BPA that seeps into food and drink is

considered safe in low doses, prolonged exposure is suspected of affecting the health of

children and contributing to high blood pressure.

• The reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl radicals are bad for BPA. Inexpensive

titanium dioxide releases ROS when triggered by ultraviolet light. But oxidating

molecules fade quickly, BPA has to be close enough to attack.

• The spheres reveal themselves as flower-like collections of titanium dioxide petals. The

supple petals provide plenty of surface area to anchor cyclodextrin molecules.

• Cyclodextrin is a benign sugar-based molecule often used in food and drugs. It has a two-

faced structure, with a hydrophobic (water-avoiding) cavity and a hydrophilic (water-

attracting) outer surface.

• BPA is also hydrophobic and naturally attracted to the cavity. Once trapped, ROS

produced by the spheres degrades BPA into harmless chemicals.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redox

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphate_minerals


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• In the lab, the researchers determined that 200 milligrams of the spheres per litre of

contaminated water degraded 90 percent of BPA in an hour, a process that would take

more than twice as long with unenhanced titanium dioxide.

• Cyclodextrin molecules on the surface trap BPA, which is then degraded by reactive

oxygen species (ROS) produced by the light-activated particles.

• Most of the processes reported in the literature involve nanoparticles. The size of the

particles is less than 100 nanometres. Because of their very small size, they're very difficult

to recover from suspension in water. The Rice particles are much larger. Where a 100-

nanometer particle is 1,000 times smaller than a human hair, the enhanced titanium

dioxide is between 3 and 5 microns, only about 20 times smaller than the same hair. That

means we can use low-pressure microfiltration with a membrane to get these particles

back for reuse. Because ROS also wears down cyclodextrin, the spheres begin to lose their

trapping ability after about 400 hours of continued ultraviolet exposure but once

recovered, they can be easily recharged.

• This is an example of how advanced materials can help convert academic hypes into

feasible processes that enhance water security.

Current Problem:

• This new material helps overcome two significant technological barriers for photocatalytic

water treatment. First, it enhances treatment efficiency by minimizing scavenging of ROS

by non-target constituents in water. Here, the ROS are mainly used to destroy BPA.

• Second, it enables low-cost separation and reuse of the catalyst, contributing to lower

treatment cost.

CARROTS MAKE CONCRETE STRONGER AND GREENER

Prelims: Science & Technology – Newer Inventions

• A group of researchers at Britain’s Lancaster University has been using a household food

blender to mix particles from the root vegetable with concrete to see if they can produce a

stronger and more environmentally sound product.

About:

• There is a chemical reaction happening between the fibres and the cement. That a carrot is

made up nearly entirely of water but still stays rigid and crunchy because of cellulose, a



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fibrous substance found in all plants. Those fibres have strength characteristics in them.

It’s the building blocks of the strength of a vegetable

• The potential of the vegetable-composite concretes lies in the ability of the Nano platelets

to increase the amount of calcium silicate hydrate in concrete mixtures, which is the main

substance controlling structural performance. The knock-on effect means smaller

quantities of concrete would be needed for construction.

• Cellulose is also found in wood, but is easier to extract from vegetables. With large

amounts of vegetable waste available as a by-product of agriculture, it is a cheap and

environmentally friendly source of the fibres.

• Only a tiny amount of cellulose is needed to alter the properties of cement because it

changes the way water behaves during the process when cement hardens

Significance:

• It increases the strength of concrete by 80 percent by using a small amount of this new

material, the addition of carrots prevents any cracks in the concrete. It also means less

cement is required, therefore lowering the global carbon dioxide (CO2) output. As cement

is responsible for seven percent of total global CO2 emissions, according to International

Energy Agency estimates.

• The vegetable-composite concretes, have structurally and environmentally out-performed

all commercially-available cement additives, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes,

doing so at a much lower cost.

NEW ANTIBODY FOR CANCER TREATMENT


• A team of researchers in Spain, Switzerland and the U.S. has homed in on a specific

antibody, called the p95HER2-T cell bispecific antibody (TCB), that can successfully guide

immune cells, known as lymphocytes, directly to cancerous ones for their targeted killing.

About:

• The immune system has the natural capacity to fight against disseminated disease. To do

so more effectively, it must be better equipped to recognize and act against malignant

cells. While bispecific antibodies are designed to do just that, they often signpost T cells to

healthy ones.


https://www.archdaily.com/tag/concrete

https://www.archdaily.com/tag/concrete


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• Among the key hurdles in cancer immunotherapy an emerging approach to cancer

medicine is to ensure that these therapeutics only target cancerous cells and not healthy

tissue.

• This direct delivery is achieved by p95HER2 protein, which is only located in tumour cells.

Not only are they highly specific but they can also hone in on one protein among tens of

thousands, in this particular case, p95HER2.

• The study represents a new therapeutic avenue and fresh hope for patients who have

ceased to respond to current therapies.

• This novel immune-based approach, can be used to tackle certain HER2+ breast cancers

through its exclusive targeting of cancerous cells.

• Each antibody molecule has a bipartite structure containing two protein-binding sites.

This means that they can simultaneously attach to immune cells and cancerous ones as

well as take the lymphocytes hand-in-hand directly to the malignant cells for their

subsequent destruction.

• It is an important step towards ensuring that the immune system can successfully deliver

its powerful anti-cancer blows.

• Approximately 10% of patients with HER2-positive breast cancers expressing p95HER2

could stand to benefit from this novel strategy who no longer responded to standard

therapies.

• By more precisely matching novel therapy to a particular patient population, we are

getting closer to delivering on the true promise of precision medicine.

75th ANNIVERSARY OF AZAD HIND GOVERNMENT

Prelims: Art & Culture – History in News

• Union government is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind

Government on 21st October, 2018, at the Red Fort, Delhi by hoisting the National flag and

unveiling the plaque.

• Traditionally, the prime minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort on Independence

Day.



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• The prime minister will also lay the foundation stone of a museum dedicated to the Azad

Hind Fauj.It is located in special barrack of the Red Fort where Indian National Army

soldiers faced trials by British authorities

Background:

• The Azad Hind Government, founded on 21st October, 1943 was inspired by Neta ji

Subhash Chandra Bose who was the leader of Azad Hind Government and also the Head

of State of this Provisional Indian Government-in-exile. It was a part of the freedom

movement, originating in 1940s outside India with a purpose of allying with Axis powers

to free India from British rule. The existence of the Azad Hind Government gave a greater

legitimacy to the independence struggle against the British.

• Pertinently, the role of Azad Hind Fauj or the Indian National Army (INA) had been

crucial in bequeathing a much-needed impetus to India’s struggle for Independence.

• Although it was short-lived, some historians consider it an important milestone in India’s

journeys to independence.

5000-YEAR-OLD ROCK PAINTINGS - ANJUKULIPATTI PAINTINGS

Prelims: Art and Culture

Mains: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture

from ancient to modern times.

In News:

• For centuries, the fear of curse and death prevented the local people from visiting

Ezhuthuparai (rock with writings and paintings) in

• Anjukulipatti on the Natham-Dindigul Road.

Background:

• Believed to have been drawn

between 3,000 and 3,500 BCE.

Researchers spotted a panel of rock

paintings belonging to a period

between 3,000 BCE and 3,500 BCE.

• They are white in colour and the

paintings are drawn using lime



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pigment mixed with animAal fat

• The panel has 56 paintings depicting tridents, spears, swords, horse and elephant riders,

sacrifice of animals, mantras on energy and food, and lots of symbols.

• Though there are other paintings, they are in bad shape and cannot be deciphered.

• There are scenes either from a hunting expedition or a war. Similar paintings have been

found in Sirumalai and the area is also a continuation of Sirumalai, though unexplored so

far, He added that one important finding in the panel was a painting of sexual intercourse

and a similar painting was found in Mallapadi in Dharmapuri district. Moreover, the

human beings looked bulkier than they were in similar paintings found elsewhere.

Other Rock paintings:

• Bhimbetka Caves, Foothills of Vindhya, Madhya Pradesh. One of the oldest paintings in

India and the world (Upper paleolithic).

• Jogimara caves, Amarnath, Madhya Pradesh.

WORLD PEACE MONUMENT

Prelims: Art and Culture

Why in News?

• Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the

world’s largest dome at the Maharashtra Institute of

Technology (MIT)’s World Peace University (MIT-

WPU) campus at Loni Kalbhor on the occasion of the

150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.



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Background:

• Institute authorities have said the structure, called the ‘World Peace Monument’ dome,

took nearly 13 years to build. At 160 ft in diameter and 263 ft tall, it is larger in area than

the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (which is 136 ft. in diameter and 448 ft. in

height).

• It is the outcome of 13 years of sheer dedication and untiring efforts against all odds by a

teacher, Dr. Vishwanath Karad, who was deeply inspired by the teachings of apostles,

saints, philosophers and scientists down the ages. He said that the world is one family -

'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - which is an ancient Indian concept and it is a humble attempt

to create an edifice befitting the glory of Mother India

• It is supported by 24 massive columns, each 63 feet tall, at the periphery of the dome and

underneath -- inside and outside -- stand imposing bronze statues of 54 of the biggest

names in world history stand, irrespective of nationality or religion002E

• Among the statues are: Gautam Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mahavir, Moses, Guru Nanak and

Mahatma Gandhi; intellectual giants like Confucius, Adi Shankaracharya, Aristotle,

Aryabhatta, Socrates, Plato, Galileo and Copernicus; philosopher-saints like

Dnyaneshwara, Tukaram, Abdullah Shah Qadri (famous as Baba Bulleh Shah), Francis

D'Assissi, Peter, Mother Teresa and Kabir; and scientists like Albert Einstein, Thomas Alva

Edison, C.V. Raman, Jagadish Chandra Bose and Marie S. Curie.

GOLD FOUND AT KEEZHADI

Mains: G.S-I Indian Heritage and Culture

Why in News?

• The State Department of Archaeology told the

Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court

that it has applied to the Union Ministry of

Culture for starting the fifth phase of the

excavations at Keezhadi near Madurai

following the completion of the fourth phase.

Background:

• Political controversy has again erupted around Keezhadi (also known as Keeladi), a major

archaeological site in Tamil Nadu, four years after excavators began to unearth the


https://www.thehindu.com/tag/429-428/archaeology/?utm=bodytag


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remains of an ancient urban civilization that thrived on the banks of the river Vaigai more

than 2,000 years ago.

• While delayed allocation of funds and alleged reluctance of the Union government to

continue with the excavation led to widespread condemnation in 2016, a year later the

transfer of superintending archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishnan led to further

protests. The latest round of controversy erupted last week when Ramakrishnan, who is

posted in Assam and has submitted an interim report on Keezhadi, was denied

permission to write the final report.

• Earlier this year, the Madras high court expressed its displeasure over ASI’s lack of

interest in carrying out work at Adichanallur site in Thoothukudi where traces of Iron Age

people, whose skeletal remains buried in big urns have been identified.

Phases of Keezhadi Excavation:

• In 2013-14, ASI carried out explorations along the Vaigai river valley in 293 sites in

districts of Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram. Keezhadi in

Sivaganga was chosen for excavation.

• During the second phase of the excavation, the artifacts unearthed by the team led by

Ramakrishnan established a substantial evidence that an ancient urban civilization had

thrived on the banks of Vaigai. Last year, carbon dating of charcoal found at the site

confirmed that the settlement was from 200BCE.

• More than 8,000 artefacts including pottery with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, gold coins,

beads, iron tools and jewellery, that were unearthed indicated that an urban civilization

had existed during the Sangam era — between the 4th century BCE and 2nd century CE

that is regarded as a golden era for Tamil language, literature and culture — and that it

had trade link with other civilizations including Rome.

• While the third phase was led by ASI, the Tamil Nadu archaeology department after

obtaining approval from Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) began the

fourth phase earlier this year.

• Tamil Nadu archaeology department confirmed that the fourth phase is complete with the

excavation of more than 7,000 antiques and document preparation is underway.

• The state archaeology department has requested the CABA to permit excavation for the

next phase too and will start work by the beginning of next year if approval is granted.



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Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a Government of India (Ministry of Culture)

organisation responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and

preservation of cultural monuments in the country. It was founded in 1861 by the British

Raj.

• ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham who also became its first Director-

General. The first systematic research into the subcontinent's history was conducted by

the Asiatic Society, which was founded by the British Indologist William Jones on 15

January 1784. Based in Calcutta, the society promoted the study of

ancient Sanskrit and Persian texts and published an annual journal titled Asiatic

Researches. Notable among its early members was Charles Wilkins who published the

first English translation of the Bhagavad Gita in 1785 with the patronage of the

then Governor-General of India, Warren Hastings. However, the most important of the

society's achievements was the decipherment of the Brahmi script by James Prinsep in

1837. This successful decipherment inaugurated the study of Indian palaeography.

• The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Ministry of Culture. Under

the provisions of the AMASR Act of 1958, the ASI administers more than 3650 ancient

monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance. These can include

everything from temples, mosques, churches, tombs, and cemeteries to palaces, forts, step-

wells, and rock-cut caves. The Survey also maintains ancient mounds and other similar

sites which represent the remains of ancient habitation.

• The ASI is divided into a total of 29 circles each headed by a Superintending

Archaeologist.

PM TO UNVEIL PATEL STATUE


Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil Sardar Patel’s statue, the world’s largest, on

his birth anniversary on October 31.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_India

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Culture_(India)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Raj

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Raj

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Cunningham

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_South_Asian_history

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asiatic_Society

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Jones_(philologist)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcutta

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_language

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wilkins

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General_of_India

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Hastings

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmi_script

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Prinsep

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Culture_(India)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMASR_Act


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About the News:

• Final touches are being given to the Statue of Unity, as it is called, built by engineering

and infrastructure major L&T on the river Narmada in South Gujarat. The world’s highest

182-metre statue will get flypast from the Indian Air Force team of Surya Kiran that will

display Tricolour in sky when PM will switch on the button to inaugurate the statue.

• The statue has been under construction for nearly four years.

• The Statue of Unity, which is twice the size of the Statue of Liberty, has been built in a

remote corner of Gujarat as a flagship project of Modi who is to open it on 31st October.

• The Rs. 3,000 crore projects are funded for the most part by the Gujarat government, with

minor contributions from the Centre and Central PSUs.

• This is a tribute to Sardar Patel, who united the country after Independence. It’s a tribute

by the nation and the State he was born in.

• The statue is made up of 1,700 tonnes of bronze, 1,850 tonnes of bronze cladding, 70,000

metric tonnes of cement and 24,500 metric tonnes of steel.

• Two high speed elevators inside can take tourists up to the statue’s chest from where

around 200 visitors can view the Narmada river and the Sardar Sarovar dam over it.

ANNA BURNS WINS MAN BOOKER PRIZE FOR

‘INCREDIBLY ORIGINAL’ MILKMAN


Why in News?

• Anna Burns has become the first Northern Irish author

to win the Man Booker prize, taking the £50,000 award

for Milkman, her timely, Troubles-set novel about a

young woman being sexually harassed by a powerful

man.

Other novels which get Finalised:

• The novels selected for this year’s shortlist reflected a preoccupation with dark times and

apocalyptic themes like ecological destruction, slavery and mass incarceration.

• Finalists included the Canadian author Esi Edugyan’s “Washington Black,” about a boy

who flees a slave plantation in Barbados and becomes an apprentice of sorts to his


https://www.theguardian.com/books/booker-prize

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/books/man-booker-prize-2018-shortlist.html?module=inline

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/17/books/review/esi-edugyan-washington-black.html?module=inline


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master’s adventurous brother; Ms. Kushner’s “The Mars Room,” set in a women’s prison

in California; and Mr. Powers’s inventive environmental epic “The Overstory,” about a

quest to save one of the world’s last areas of virgin forest, in which the trees are the

novel’s real protagonists.

• Judges also recognized unconventional literary forms this year, including, for the first

time, a graphic novel by Nick Drnaso, titled “Sabrina,” which made the longlist but was

not among the finalists. “The Long Take,” a genre-defying noir-tinged novel in verse by

the Scottish poet Robin Robertson that unfolds in verse, prose and photographs, made the

shortlist.

About man booker Prize:

• First awarded in 1969, the Booker is one of the literary world’s most prestigious and

lucrative prizes. The winner receives 50,000 pounds, or about $65,000, and typically sees a

big boost in book sales.

• In 2014, the prize was opened to any novel written in English and published in Britain (it

was previously limited to writers from Britain, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Commonwealth

countries), and some prominent writers have argued that the rules change has diluted the

impact of the prize.

• Fears that the Booker would become “Americanized” were borne out to a degree in recent

years, after the prize went to American authors for two consecutive years — to George

Saunders in 2017, for “Lincoln in the Bardo,” and to Paul Beatty in 2016, for “The Sellout.”

Earlier this year, the Rathbones Folio Academy, a literary society with prominent

members such as Margaret Atwood, J.M. Coetzee and Peter Carey, insisted that the

change be reversed.

• This year’s crop of finalists included two American novelists, three writers from the

United Kingdom and one from Canada.


https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/23/books/review-rachel-kushner-mars-room.html?module=inline

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/09/books/review/overstory-richard-powers.html?module=inline

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/31/books/review/nick-drnaso-sabrina.html?module=inline

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/17/books/george-saunders-wins-man-booker-prize-lincoln-in-the-bardo.html?module=inline

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/26/business/media/paul-beatty-wins-man-booker-prize-with-the-sellout.html?module=inline

https://www.rathbonesfolioprize.com/the-academy/

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/30/world/europe/man-booker-prize-americans.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FMan%20Booker%20Prize&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=inline&version=latest&contentPlacement=3&pgtype=collection

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/30/world/europe/man-booker-prize-americans.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FMan%20Booker%20Prize&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=inline&version=latest&contentPlacement=3&pgtype=collection


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NUTRITION MISSION AWARD

The Women and Child Development Ministry will give awards to those who helped in the

implementation of the Poshan Abhiyaan. The awards are being given to sustain the momentum

and recognise the efforts being put in at all levels as also to acknowledge the progress made by

states in implementing ‘Poshan Maah’ under Poshan Abhiyaan.

The awards was being given in several categories. These include field level functionary awards,

awards for individual excellence, village convergence award, leadership awards, state-level

awards for the best social media campaign, maximum reach across all themes, best innovative

use of non-conventional methods of spreading awareness on Poshan.

COCOA SOURCE OF VITAMIN D

Foods rich in cocoa, like cocoa butter, cocoa beans, cocoa powder, dark chocolates, may improve

your vitamin D intake according to a study published in the journal Food Chemistry.

KUNLONG AIRCRAFT

China's indigenously designed and built amphibious aircraft AG600- Kunlong touted as the

world's largest, successfully carried out its first take-off and landing tests. The aircraft is designed

for maritime rescue, long-range transport and firefighting operations.

HUMANOID ROBOT SOPHIA

• Sophia was created by Hong Kong based Hanson Robotics with the purpose of using such

creations for the care of the elderly and crowd management at big events.

• It made headlines after Saudi Arabia granted it citizenship and the United Nations

Development Programme appointed it as its Innovation Champion. is the first non-

human to be given any United Nations title.

• It delivers speeches on predetermined topics and is equipped with voice recognition

technology and facial reading. It is capable of showing over 50 facial expressions like a

human being.



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JOINT EXERCISES BETWEEN COAST GUARDS OF INDIA, VIETNAM

The exercise — Sahyag HOP TAC-2018 — was aimed at enabling the Coast Guard units of the two

countries to acquaint themselves with each other’s capabilities, strengthening the working-level

relationship to rescue lives at sea and refining joint operation procedures, a press release said.

FEIHONG-98 (FH-98) -WORLD’S LARGEST UNMANNED DRONE

China has successfully tested the world's largest unmanned transport drone Feihong-98 (FH-98)

which can carry a payload of 1.5 tonnes

COPE INDIA

• India, Japan and the U.S. are set to elevate the bilateral ‘Cope India’ air exercise to a trilateral

format. Cope India are a series of international Air Force exercises between the Indian Air

Force and the United States Air Force conducted on and over Indian soil.

• The first such exercise, which required many months of preparation, was conducted at the air

force station in Gwalior from February 16 through February 27, 2004.

• The exercise included flight tests, practice and demonstrations as well as lectures on subjects

related to aviation.

JAPANESE PAINT TO HELP ZAMBIA ELIMINATE MALARIA

It is the world's first mosquito -repellent paint in Zambia to help it reach a target to eliminate

malaria by 2021.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Air_Force

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Air_Force

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwalior


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WORLD AGRICULTURE PRIZE

Professor M S Swaminathan was awarded the 1st World Agriculture Prize at the 11th Global

Agriculture Leadership Summit in New Delhi.

With this vision to recognize the individuals, who have served the humanity through

agriculture, Indian Council of Food and Agriculture created World Agriculture Prize, to be

presented annually to an individual or institution, who played seminal role in transforming

agriculture globally and saving the humanity from the curse of hunger.

SWACHH NYAYALAYA PROJECT

It is 700-crore project to clean up courts in India. This is to be done on the lines of the Centre’s

flagship scheme Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

NITI Aayog, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation along with the justice department

implement this project. The project would cover the Supreme Court, all the High courts and

3,338 subordinate courts.


Documents

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