Civilsdaily digest july 2015

Civilsdaily NewsDigest July 2015

Curated with care - Civilsdaily Team

CIVILSDAILY NEWSDIGEST - JULY 2015 �1

“A great man is one who leaves others at a loss

after he is gone.”

Hello,Alexander Hamilton once said, “A well adjusted person is one who makes the same

mistake twice without getting nervous.”

And here you are - aspirants, both old and new - gearing up for once more battle at the doors of the UPSC Hydra! We wish you a truckload of luck as you prepare for the first leg of this journey which is CSE 2015.

Our in-house rankers - Satish Reddy (AIR 97) and Abhijit Thorat (AIR 478) extend their warm wishes (even though Abhijit is gearing towards rank improvement). These IRS folks, I tell you! It seems everyone with >100 rank sits again in this big yajna!

Aspirants 2016 & beyondCivilsdaily started sometime in March 2015 and you have an year ahead for yourself

to study with us. We will be evolving our product offering and web interface so that Current Affairs is a breeze to solve!

Here is what we propose to you - • Be regular at the website - http://www.civilsdaily.com/ and look for all the

stories which we have created ever since. These stories are newscards (from our app) connected in a chronological order to give you a comprehensive feel of the News Development.

• Read through the blogs by IAS rankers - http://www.civilsdaily.com/blog/ and form basic strategies on how to approach subjects.

• Discuss Topics - It is important for everyone to be able to form opinions or at least know the different facets which help you interpret the facts. Contribute to the daily news on our website - add more to comments and ask better questions!

Every now and then, we will release a Web Stories Digest where in we will collate the best of info graphs and user comments so that aspirants get a full

feel of the Current Affairs.

Such compilations would only be available to those who have spent time contributing to the stories in terms of comments or matter.

CIVILSDAILY NEWSDIGEST - JULY 2015 �2

http://www.civilsdaily.com/

http://www.civilsdaily.com/blog/

World | July 1, 2015

Greece proposes a 3rd bailout!1. The Greek government has proposed a new Two‐Yearbailout programme, according to news breaking inAthens.

2. This two‐year programme would be supplied underthe European Stability Mechanism (Europe’s bailoutfund).

3. And – crucially – would run alongside a debtrestructuring.

4. And it wouldn’t include the International MonetaryFund!


Modi’s Central Asia visit to focus on fightingIslamic State menace1. PM to visit 5 Central Asian states — Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

2. Major areas of discussion will be counter‐terrortechnology, training forces and also counteringradicalism.

3. Energy cooperation including gas, oil and uranium,defence training and exercises, and trade transitthrough Iran will also be high on agenda.

4. These countries have been particularly worriedrecently about the growing numbers of their youthattracted to the IS terror group.

5. Later the PM will visit Russia to attend BRICS andSCO summits.

Trivia | July 1, 2015

Mid‐Day meal scheme draws CAG’s flak1. CAG said that Mid‐day meals were not served on theprescribed number of days in both primary and upperprimary schools.

2. Besides, the food also lacked nutritive standards.3. Service providers did not obtain mandatory licensesand there was non‐availability of buffer foodgrainstocks.

4. CAG recommended strengthening of the monitoringmechanism by regular inspections of schools andkitchens, and yearly review of the status of enrolmentof children.

Enviro & Biodiversity | July 1, 2015

Green Climate Fund to become operationalsoon1. $100 million fund to control and reverse the climatechange will soon be operational.

2. Money would be made available to organisations suchas NABARD that made development investmentdecisions.

Discuss: What is GCF? Origination of this concept? 2014prelims had a question on this.


Industries under 24×7 pollution watch1. MoEF has started 24×7 real‐time monitoring ofpolluting agencies in order to crack down onindustries violating environmental norms.

2. Sensors installed at effluent discharge points can pickup the Bio Oxygen Demand (BoD), Chemical OxygenDemand (CoD) and other similar parameters.

3. This would reveal the actual compliance levels ofvarious industries and data can be tracked on a minuteto minute basis.

Polity | July 1, 2015

India’s tech stars shifting to Silicon Valley1. Excessive red tape in processes such as early‐stageinvesting and mergers and acquisitions is forcingpromising startups in India to shift overseas.

2. This year, 3 of 4 new technology start‐ups that focuson the global market and plan to raise seed or venturecapital are getting domiciled outside the country.

3. Giants like Flipkart and InMobi have already shiftedbase to Singapore.


Households using PDS double in 7 years1. PDS = Public Distribution Service.2. These households are relying more on the PDS andless on open market sources than before.

3. So? Activists attribute trend to improved functioningof service. Yay! for the govt.

Economics | July 1, 2015

Core sector growth at 4.4% in May1. Okay. But what are these and why do I care?2. The 8 core industries — coal, crude oil, natural gas,refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, andelectricity.

3. Together they account for a combined weight of 37.9per cent in the overall IIP.

Discuss: What's an IIP? Google it up :)


New textiles policy aims at 35 million jobs1. How? A new draft policy will focus on these things – lack of enough skilled workforce + labour reforms+ attracting investments + providing a roadmap forthe textile industry.

2. What else? The Centre is also considering setting upmodern apparel garment manufacturing centres ineach of the seven NE States.


Rainwater harvesting could prove good forIndia: NASA1. NASA concluded that rainwater harvesting could helpreduce water bills, increase caloric intake and evenprovide a second source of income for people in India.

2. Rainwater harvesting is not a new concept but islargely untapped in India.

3. Refers to the accumulation and deposition ofrainwater for reuse on‐site rather than allowing it torun off.


Number of vacant school seats under RTE togo online in Madurai1. As many as 976 seats are lying vacant today across148 private matriculation schools in Madurai districtalone.

2. The School Education department plans to publishdetails of vacant seats online in a bid to keep publicbetter informed about their availability.

Discuss: Right to Education Act (RTE) was introduced in2009 by the Government of India to provide free andcompulsory education to all children under the 6‐14 agegroup.

Science & Tech | July 1, 2015

Mars orbiter completes 100 rounds!1. Launched from Indian spaceport of Sriharikota onNovember 5, 2013.

2. MOM reached Mars in September last year and hasoutlived its planned mission life of six months in aMartian orbit.

3. MOM remains healthy and all its payloads areperforming satisfactorily.

4. The orbiter is reported to have an elliptical orbit of474 km and 71, 132 km from the red planet.

Discuss: What were all the payloads?


[Discuss] Can corruption be good for theeconomy?1. We have been talking about Ease of Business andwhat not, right!

2. Let’s take a quirky detour around the murkier watersand try to answer the question above in the Indiancontext.

3. Hop onto civilsdaily.com and join in the discussion!


Mobile numbers all set to be fully portable1. Nationwide mobile number portability (MNP) will berolled out by service providers on July 3.

2. This will allow customers to keep their existing mobilephone numbers while shifting between states andcircles.

3. This move is expected to affect the inflated subscriberbase in the country, which exists as a consequence ofhaving to get a new number in each state.


Greek crisis will affect the Indian IT sectoronly marginally1. Large Indian IT firms are likely to see only a marginal1‐2% earnings impact.

2. Why? We have very limited revenue exposure toGreece.

3. Predominant revenue exposure is limited to Nordics,Switzerland and Benelux, Germany and France withinEurope.

4. The GDP impact in these countries is not expected totrickle down to Indian vendors significantly.


Big hurdles still remain in Iran n‐talks1. The main differences are on the pace and timing ofsanctions relief for Iran and on the nature ofmonitoring mechanisms to ensure Tehran does notcheat on any agreement.

2. U.S. and European negotiators also want to ensurethere is a mechanism for restoring sanctions if Tehranfails to meet its commitments under any future accord


PM Modi launches Digital India week1. Digital India is a week‐long event to be held in NewDelhi, starting today.

2. The main objective of the event is to bring theinternet and e‐governance to all sections of society inIndia.

3. Digital India has drawn investments worth 4.5 lakhcrore rupees, and is expected to create 18 lakh jobs.

4. Some main initiatives include digital lockers, e‐hospitalportals, deployment of public WiFi portals and an e‐Sign framework, among other things.


Dignity of a woman is part of her non‐perishable and immortal self: SC1. Laying bare the recent order of Madras High Courtwhich recommended compromise in a rape case, SCsaid in case of a rape conception of compromiseunder no circumstances can really be thought of.

2. SC further said that rape was a non‐compoundableoffence against society and the parents of the minorvictim had no right to settle the case.


With AFSPA, India has failed statute: AmnestyInternational1. Amnesty International accused India of not addressinghuman rights violations committed by security forcepersonnel in the name of national security

2. They say – India has not only failed to uphold itsinternational obligations but has also failed its ownConstitution.

3. The report is titled “Denied: Failures in accountabilityfor human rights violations by security force personnelin Jammu & Kashmir”.


After 54 years, the historic chains are shackledbetween U.S. & Cuba1. 1959 – US backed dictator Batista flees and FidelCastro seizes control

2. 1960 – US breaks off diplomatic relations andenforces trade embargo

3. 1961 – Castro declares Cuba a communist state4. 1962 – Fearing US invasion, Castro allows USSR todeploy nuclear missiles : Cuban Missile Crises

5. 1980 – Castro removes restrictions and many Cubansflee to US

6. Dec’2014 – Secret talks between Cuba and US7. June’2015 – Diplomatic relations restored


Cabinet nod for National Agriculture Market1. National Agriculture Market would require a singlelicence for market operations in all farm marketsacross the state.

2. Single point of levy of market fee and electronicauction as a mode of price discovery.

3. PM also approved a central programme for creatingsources of assured irrigation for the agriculture sector.

4. How? by converging several ongoing inter‐Ministerialschemes.


Greece to move ahead with referendum1. Greek PM has urged the people to vote ‘No’ in thereferendum due on July 5.

2. He says that a ‘No’ vote does not signify a rupturewith Europe, but a return to the Europe of values.

3. Crisis has also opened another rift in Europe withFrance in favor of an immediate agreement withGreece and Germany stern on its stand of noagreement before the referendum.


Govt. to roll out road map for corporate taxreduction1. Government in the next 45 days will unveil the roadmap of how it will go about reducing the corporate taxrate.

2. Plan is reduce it to 25% over 4 years, and eliminatethe existing incentives and exemptions.

3. Though the effective rate of collection is 23% due tomany exemptions but the base rate of 30% is muchhigher than global standards making our domesticindustry uncompetitive.

Discuss: Ease of doing business, shall we?


[op‐ed snap] AIIB: A new multilateralinstitution1. AIIB took shape with 50 members, including Australia,India, Russia and the United Kingdom and theremaining 7 are likely to join by the end of the year.

2. China will be the largest shareholder (at 30.34%),followed by India (8.52%) and Russia (6.66%).

3. AIIB is a culmination of China’s concerns that theemerging economies were not being given anadequate say in institutions such as IMF and WB.

4. With ‘Belt and Road’ project close to her heart, AIIB islikely to invest in projects in China’s Asianneighbourhood which is suffering from a massiveinfrastructure funding gap.

5. India’s participation in AIIB indicates mature balancingact to suit its interests – to engage with the West, atthe same time exploring options with new financialinstitutions.


[Discuss] The disinvestment debate. Are we onthe correct path?1. We are discussing disinvestment today atcivilsdaily.com

2. Share this Newscard among your friends and invitethem to join in the discussion.

3. Link given below.


More developments in the Assam‐Nagalandborder case1. The Assam‐Nagaland boundary dispute dates back to1963, with Nagaland demanding territories currentlyunder Assam.

2. The Supreme Court on Thursday took note of thesubmission seeking adjournment of hearing in a 27‐year‐old lawsuit filed by Assam in 1988.


Government allocates 200 crore rupees fornational agriculture market1. Government plans to integrate 585 wholesale marketsacross India.

2. Main objectives (1) – Creation of a common electronicplatform deployable in selected regulated marketsacross the country.

3. Main objectives (1) – Single license for entire stateand electronic auctions for price discovery.

4. Impact – The entire state will become a market byabolishing fragmented markets within the state.


Modi likely to back [China‐Nepal‐India]corridor proposal1. China has proposed to build an economic corridorincluding road and rail links to connect 3 countries:China, Nepal and India.

2. Chinese officials have stated that prime minister Modihas responded favorably to the proposal.

3. China’s main motive may be to find Indian buyers forgoods made in China.

4. The Indian center is open to new economic ideas, butwill take decisions based on national interest criteriaand potential military issues involved in opening upseveral birders at the same time.


[Request] Help us grow! Here’s how1. Rate us and leave an amazing comment at theplaystore – This helps us climb the app store ladder.

2. Participate in the daily discussions @ civilsdaily.com –we only grow when our engagements grow. The modshere are hungry for like minded people.

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4. Nothing encourages us more than an honestappreciation.

Discuss: We have been innovating on content &presentation and we are looking forward to take ourengagement to the next level. Spread the word!


[Update] We are taking the day off1. Newscards will be pushed at around noon tomorrow.2. We are taking some time off to rejig the backend andimprove on some performance parameters.

3. Did we tell you we were working on a new version ofthe android app?

4. If you want an alpha invite – drop us a message onour facebook page!


Govt plans Internet green channel: JavadekarWe are thinking of launching an Internet green channel.We are also looking at starting one‐hour‐long programmebased on green practices on DD Kisan channel.


Digital India: 10 key initiatives that you shouldknowOne way to get a feel of what’s going on is this – We arebroadly trying to automate most of the mundaneprocesses online. Crudely speaking – on one hand,Govt. wants to use tech as a tool to facilitate some of theservices (which are already in play) – eg: E‐signatures,Digital Locker, Scholarship info at one … Continue reading(http://www.civilsdaily.com/digital‐india‐15‐key‐initiatives‐that‐you‐should‐know/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/digital-india-15-key-initiatives-that-you-should-know/


[op‐ed snap] Lessons from a Greek tragedy The Greek episode has exposed fundamentalassumptions about the role of the state and its capacityfor reform to a searing examination. Two key takeaways:The idea that nations in different stages of developmentcould be yoked harmoniously under a common currencywithout sufficient fiscal oversight might never truly be asustainable one. From … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐lessons‐from‐a‐greek‐tragedy/)


30% rural households landless, live off manuallabour – Socio Eco Census1. 19% rural population in 2011 lacked at least 1 of7 socio‐economic parameters used to estimatedeprivation.

2. 23.5% of rural households have no literate adultsabove the age of 25.

Discuss: As compared to the erstwhile PlanningCommission’s definition of poverty as income anindividual has, this census defines it on what a householddoes not have.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-lessons-from-a-greek-tragedy/


PM’s Central Asia trip to give impetus to trade,energy security1. India is expected to get permanent membership of theSCO. Currently, we have an observer status.

2. PM’s itinerary: Turkmenistan – inaugurate the Centrefor traditional medicine and yoga.

3. Uzbekistan – a meeting with Indologists.4. Kazakhstan – address a University and inaugurate theIndia‐Kazakhstan centre for excellence for ICT, whereParam super computer is stationed.

5. Kyrgyzstan – inaugurate an e‐health link, a virtual linkbetween one of the hospitals in Bishkek and a hospitalin India.

6. Tajikistan – detailed interaction with the President.

Discuss: You know SCO right? What is its major focus?


Food Ministry for 10% duty on import ofcheap wheat1. The Food Ministry has proposed a 10% import dutyon cheaper wheat shipments as the country hassurplus stocks.


Centre brings black money law into force1. Govt. advanced enforcement of the Black Money(Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) andImposition of Tax Act by 8 months through anexecutive order – from April 2016 to July 2015.

2. Some experts believe that this advancement isunconstitutional.

3. Why? Section 86 (1) of the Act empowers the Centreto remove difficulties not inconsistent with theprovisions of the main Act as a delegate of Parliament.

4. However, by changing the enforcement date, centrehas altered the main Act and delegated legislationcannot amend the parent legislation.

5. Only Parliament can amend the Parent Act.

Discuss: What is delegated legislation?


DBT has helped remove ‘ghost beneficiaries’:CEA1. Before DBT, 1 in 4 subsidised LPG cylinders weregoing to “ghost beneficiaries.”

2. This saved the government Rs. 12,700 crore on itssubsidy bill in 2014‐15 and is expected to save Rs.6,500 crore during the current year.


India keeps away from vote against Israel inU.N. Resolution1. Resolution was to call for accountability of Israeliofficials with alleged role in war crimes committed byboth Israel and Hamas during the Gaza conflict in2014.

2. UNHRC resolution had included a reference to takingIsrael to the International Criminal Court, which Indiaconsiders “intrusive.”

3. India had voted against Israel and in favour of theUNHRC resolution in July 2014.


[Update] Two of our team members blazedthrough UPSC with èlan!1. Abhijit Thorat (AIR 478) and Satish Reddy (AIR 97) –Congratulations are in order.

2. You should be happy to know that a part of what youread in terms of daily news cards/ [Discuss] topics atcivilsdaily.com and India Year Book summaries camefrom these guys.

3. Let them celebrate their due and we will ask them todo an AMA (Ask Me Anything) over at civilsdaily.com

4. Gear up for Prelims guys – it’s less than 2 monthsnow!


Fearing action, 1400 primary teachers withfake degree resign in Bihar1. More such teachers are expected to resign in thecoming days after a Patna High Court order askingthose possessing fake educational degrees to quittheir jobs on their own to avoid facing legal action.

2. Bihar has over 3.5 lakh primary teachers and the PILsallege that a large number among them have taken upthe job on the basis of fake educational certificates.

Discuss: Mera Desh Mahan!


CCI amends merger regulations to increaseease of doing business1. The measures would make for greater ease of doingbusiness, a parameter on which India has consistentlycome up short.

2. India dropped two places to rank 142nd in the WorldBank’s Ease of Doing Business report last year.


[op‐ed snap] Global cooperation for thecommon good1. Raghuram Rajan has warned that the world is at risk ofrepeating the mistakes it made during the GreatDepression (1929‐1939).

2. A series of policy mistakes made matters worse duringthose painful years.

3. Central banks cut back money supply.4. Competitive devaluations did not help.5. Trade barriers were raised.6. Fiscal spending remained conservative by today’sstandards.


Taking internet to rural women1. In a significant initiative aimed at bridging thetechnology gender divide, Tata Trusts have tied upwith Google to launch ‘Internet Saathi’.

2. The joint initiative announced today aims atempowering women in rural India with the power ofthe Internet so they may benefit from it in their dailylives.


Coal linkage to power companies withoutPPAs1. The government has evolved a mechanism forsupplying coal to stressed power companies withoutblocks.

2. How? Via an auction route, under which two e‐auction windows will be created.

3. The Centre is also coming out with a tariff policy anda policy for bidding for Ultra Mega Power Plants(UMPP).

Discuss: What are UMPP? And why are they imp?


Economy picking up; need more reforms forstrong growthHere is what Rajan has to say on – Economy – I wouldsay (the economy is) picking up. We see some signs ofcapital investment picking up. There is a continuing need,which the government is trying to address, of puttingsome of the stalled projects back on track. Monsoon – Inflation is always a matter … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/economy‐picking‐up‐need‐more‐reforms‐for‐strong‐growth/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/economy-picking-up-need-more-reforms-for-strong-growth/


[Discuss] Let’s debate the effectiveness ofAFSPA1. What has it achieved in “disturbed areas,” where it isin effect? Should it remain in force, be revoked, or atleast revised?

2. Discussion goes LIVE at civilsdaily.com


Cellphones outnumber landlines in rural India,finds census1. 68% of households own only a mobile phone, 1% ownonly a landline phone, and 2.7% own both.

2. The census found that only 3.62% of rural householdsacross the country have a Kisan Credit Card with acredit limit of Rs. 50,000 or more.

3. Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh performabysmally when it comes to rural consumption ofitems measured in the census.

Discuss: We live in interesting times The SECC has takenup a lot of traction off late :)


[Update] Not much in news today, but here’smore1. Not much relevant in news today so we did not wantto burden you with unnecessary info.

2. We are planning to release the Newsdigest for June2015. Let’s see if the weather permits us to do that [Check the download section of our website for

that]3. We are going to have an interesting discussion onpolitics and ethics today evening.

4. Do join in!


[Discuss] Has Indian Politics become immuneto ethical issues?In the wake of the recent Lalit‐Gate controversy whichhoggs the big‐wigs of the NDA government, this eminentpanel discusses some very pertinent questions. Whodictates the code of ethics of the political institution atpower? The society or the leadership’s voice within? Howdo people/ political parties manage perceptions? And isthat all what … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/discuss‐has‐indian‐politics‐become‐immune‐to‐ethical‐issues/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/discuss-has-indian-politics-become-immune-to-ethical-issues/


India mulling proposal to join Eurasian Union1. India is considering the option of signing a FTA pactwith the EEU, which has Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan and Armenia as members.

2. India is also considering signing up such pacts with Latin American Integration Association (ALADI),NAFTA and the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

3. Central Asian countries have huge oil and gas reservesand are an important link to Afghanistan.


India, Uzbekistan ink pacts to boostcooperation1. 2 countries inked 3 pacts to boost cooperationbetween their foreign offices and in the field ofculture and tourism.

2. Also discussed ways to enhance strategic, economicand energy ties apart from reviewing key regionalissues including the situation in Afghanistan.


Finance Minister resigns to smoothen talkswith creditors1. After Greece’s astounding ‘No’ in referendum, FMresignation has removed a major obstacle to any dealto keep Athens in the euro zone.

2. Greek PM said that Greece would bring a proposal fora cash‐for‐reforms deal to an emergency summit ofeuro zone leaders.


MHA to hold meet on Rohingya Muslims1. Meeting will be attended by the Principal Secretaries(Home) of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

2. According to MHA estimates, over one lakh RohingyaMuslims have settled in these States.

3. There are reports suggesting that radical groups maymake an attempt to recruit some members of thecommunity, which is a cause of concern.


Consensus eludes meet on urea subsidy1. At present, the subsidy is paid to urea producers andimporters, not farmers.

2. Govt. is mulling to provide DBT to farmers directly.3. No decision could be taken on criteria for identifyingthe eligible farmers.

4. The criteria of landownership would exclude majorityof farmers and result in the emergence of a blackmarket for urea as not all farms require the fertiliser.


Govt sets rooftop solar targets for States1. The Centre has recently set State‐wise tentativetargets for installation of grid‐connected solar rooftopsystems.

2. Part of its plan is to achieve 40,000 MW of rooftopsolar power by 2022.


India had indicated support, says Palestineenvoy1. India was among 5 countries which abstained, while41 countries voted in favour of the resolution, and theUnited States remained the only country to voteagainst it.

2. Palestine said that the vote would “confuse”supporters of India’s UNSC membership bid and calledit a “clean break from the ethos of non‐alignment.”


Controversial Meiji sites get world heritagestatus1. Sites include coalmines and shipyards that Japan sayscontributed to its transformation from feudalism into asuccessful modern economy.

2. South Korea had opposed the application for worldheritage status unless clear reference was made to theuse of an estimated 60,000 labourers forced to workat seven of the sites during Japan’s 1910‐1945colonial rule over the Korean peninsula.


SCs in TN better off than FCs in Jharkhand1. SECC data shows that rates of stunting and severestunting in children under the age of 5 are highestamong SC and ST children with ST children faring theworst.

2. OBCs and ‘others’ have substantially better indicators.3. National averages hide State‐level dynamics; SCs, STsworse off on average


[op‐ed snap] Political implications of the Greekcrisis The Greeks have voted resoundingly against theeconomic policies that its creditors in the European Unionwant it to pursue. But what next? Other weak Europeancountries such as Spain could be tempted to follow theGreek strategy. The impact of a Spanish or Italian defaultwill be far more severe because of the … Continuereading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐political‐implications‐of‐the‐greek‐crisis/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-political-implications-of-the-greek-crisis/


Unwed mother can be appointed guardian ofchild: SC1. Father’s consent is not needed.2. According to guardianship law, the rights and interestsof the child are of paramount importance and theinterests of the parents are subservient to them.

3. The judgement puts an unwed mother on an equalfooting with the father in terms of guardianship.


Yemen raises prospect of truce1. The United Nations has been pushing for a halt to theair strikes and fighting that have killed nearly 3,000people in Yemen since March.

2. Saudi‐led coalition had intervened against the Iranian‐backed Houthi forces to try to restore exiled PresidentAbd‐Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

3. The Houthis have also signalled readiness to honour atruce.


Industrial expansion limits effect of poormonsoon1. The role of agriculture in rural economy has been sodominant that the words “agriculture” and “rural” areused interchangeably and often indistinguishable.

2. But agriculture is no longer the predominant source ofrural income.

3. The share of agriculture in rural NDP has consistentlybeen declining—it was 70.5% in FY1970‐71 and38.9% in FY05.

4. This has declined further to 29.9% in FY13.


India overtakes the US as 3rd largest steelproducer1. In the first half of 2015, India has overtaken the US tobecome the 3rd largest steel producer in the world,behind only China and Japan.

2. The steel industry in India is currently in expansionmode, with a special focus on R&D.


Pak dismisses India’s objections to the Sino‐Pak Economic Corridor1. In May 2015, India formally registered a protestagainst the recently signed $46 billion China‐PakistanEconomic Corridor.

2. India has expressed its concerns about China routingits corridor through Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

3. Both Pakistan and China have dismissed India’sconcerns.


NIA files closure report in Modasa blast case1. On September 29, 2008, Modasa’s Suka Bazaarlocality was the victim of a bomb blast, which claimedthe life of a 15‐year‐old boy and left 10 injured.

2. The special NIA court closed the case on April 22,2015, citing lack of concrete evidence as a majorreason.

3. The closure report comes at a time when reports haveemerged of a slew of cases, allegedly involving Hinduextremists, falling apart.


Rupee emerges strongest in two months1. The Indian rupee emerged as the strongest currencyamong its counterparts over the last two months

2. Appreciating 0.8% against the dollar, second only tothe Chinese Yuan at 0.14%.

3. Main tribulations the rupee overcame include globaluncertainties owing to the Greek crisis, outflows byforeign institutional investors, and domestic concernsover monsoon and inflation.


Shah panel holds meeting with tax dept onMAT1. The Shah Panel is a high‐level committee formed inMay 2015 to look into the issue of levy of minimumalternate tax (MAT) on foreign institutional investors(FIIs).

2. The panel met CBDT chairperson Anita Kapur onTuesday to discuss the contentious matter.

3. The committee is tasked by Finance Minister, ArunJaitley, to examine all the related legal provisions andpronouncements, and to give its report expeditiously.


MDG report: India on track in reducingpoverty1. India has halved its incidence of extreme poverty –people living below $1.25 per day, from 49.4 per centin 1994 to 24.7 per cent in 2011.

2. Still the nation remains home to one‐quarter of theworld’s undernourished population, over a third of theworld’s underweight children, and nearly a third of theworld’s food‐insecure people.


Why can’t we bring political parties under RTI,asks SC1. Bench said it is within the voter’s fundamental right toknow the financial details of political parties.

2. Under Section 29A of the Representation of thePeople Act, 1951 all political parties must affirm theirallegiance to the Constitution of India.

3. Therefore, political parties must furnish information tothe public under the right of information under Article19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.


Tardy pace on maternal mortality front: MDGreport1. Although the infant mortality rate fell drastically from88.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 43.8 in2012, the annual progress on this had been slow.

2. Maternal mortality rate fell from 560 per lakh livebirths in 1990 to 190 in 2013.

3. On the environment front, India is one of the fewcountries that have reduced its carbon dioxideemissions in relation to its GDP.

4. India emitted 0.65 kg of carbon dioxide per $1 ofGDP in 1990, which fell to 0.53 kg in 2010.


Juvenile crimes up 100% in 10 years, findsstudy1. One of the reasons is lack of proper rehabilitationfacilities for the children once they are out of thejuvenile homes.

2. Education and Vocational training should be linked tothe certified courses of the government and should befollowed up and supported even when they are out ofthe detention centres.


India can take on China only if it focuses onquality1. Trade with the Central Asian region, despite a hugedemand for generic drugs, leather, expertise intelecommunication, exploration and food processingcapabilities, has been abysmally low.

2. India can compete with China if it focuses on qualityinstead of quantity, improves credit line and takestrade disputes seriously.


Kalpakkam reactor to go on stream1. The 500‐MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor(PFBR) at Kalpakkam is getting ready to becommissioned in September.

2. The PFBR will use plutonium‐uranium oxide as fueland 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium as coolant.

3. It is called a breeder reactor because it breeds morefuel than it consumes.


[Update] The Newsdigest for June is delayed1. Why?2. Working on a few other things (specific to aid to yourprelims prep)

3. Two of our content writers got through civils thisyear! So, a few man hours lost on account of indulgentcelebrations.

4. The Newsdigest should up by the second week ofJune.


[op‐ed snap] NJAC: Objection OverruledAs per the Second Judges Case, the Constitution Benchof the SC hearing a petition challenging NJAC Act and CAAct might find it difficult to strike down the laws on thegrounds that they destroy judicial independence andhence the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.


ISRO all set to launch five British satellites intoorbit1. On July 10, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle(PSLV) will put in orbit five foreign satellites from thespaceport of Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

2. This will be the heaviest ever commercial missionundertaken by ISRO.

3. Major applications of the launched satellites willinclude surveying the earth’s resources andenvironment, managing urban infrastructure andmonitoring of disasters.


Dependence on coal imports likely to remainhigh1. Despite improvements in domestic coal production,near to medium term coal imports are expected toremain high.

2. Overall, domestic coal productions have gone up 7per cent in 2014‐15.


PM Modi to meet Nawaz Sharif on July 101. They will meet on the sidelines of the ShanghaiCooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Ufa,Russia.

2. It is unclear what the discussion points will be.3. Both Pakistan and India are set to become permanentmembers of the SCO by 2016.


CBI registers case against Setalvad1. Why? For alleged violation of the ForeignContribution Regulation Act in receiving funds fromabroad without taking permission from the homeministry.

2. The case has been registered under Indian Penal Codesection related to criminal conspiracy (120B) alongwith provisions of Foreign Contribution RegulationAct.


IISc Bangalore ranks No. 5 in BRICS universitystandings1. Indian Institute of Science, (IISc) Bangalore, hasemerged No. 5 in a ranking of 404 universities in theBRICS.

2. Rankings published by London‐based QS, previouslyknown as Quacquarelli Symonds.


Thomas Piketty on European Crisis1. Since his successful book, Capital in the Twenty‐FirstCentury, the Frenchman Thomas Piketty has beenconsidered one of the most influential economists inthe world.

2. Read what he has to say about the greek crisis @civilsdaily.com


[Update] News Digest for June 2015 – NowAvailable1. Got to the download section at the civilsdaily websiteand get your free copy.


[Update] We have been trying to contact you1. Via emails – to let you know of important releases &news stories.

2. Please check the mail from us in your promotion tabon gmail – You would have a few from Rini Roy.

3. Drag that mail to your inbox.4. You have to do this so that gmail identifies us as atrustworthy source.


Fund crunch hampers TB fight1. Government has failed to meet annual targets tocontrol spread of the nation’s most fatal infectiousillness.

2. India records more than 300,000 TB related deathsand 2.2 million new cases of TB each year.

3. The draft report is not in the public domain but wasleaked on the Internet by health activists


Greece submits economic reform plan1. The Greek government has submitted proposals foreconomic reforms in a effort to secure a bailout fromits international creditors.

2. This new plan comes after Greek voters rejectedprevious austerity proposals from the country’slenders on Sunday.

3. The plan is rumored to contain tax rises and spendingcuts worth more than 12 billion euro.


Modi proposes “Das Kadam” initiative forBRICS nations1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 10‐pointinitiative at the BRICS summit on Thursday.

2. The proposed initiatives include a trade fair to behosted by India, a railway research centre,cooperation among supreme audit institutions, aDigital Initiative and an agricultural research centre.

3. India will be the next chair of BRICS for 11 monthsbeginning February next year.


Despite bar, private players continue innutrition scheme1. SC had banned private companies’ participation inICDS aimed at tackling malnutrition among infants andimproving the health standards of pregnant women.

2. Women’s self‐help groups, village panchayats andMahila Mandals are supposed to be the agents ofchange in tackling malnutrition.


India, U.S. ink pact on sharing account info1. Aiming at curbing overseas tax evasion and blackmoney, India and the U.S. signed an agreement toimplement the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act(FATCA).

2. Agreement makes it obligatory for the 2 nations toexchange information on offshore accounts of eachother’s citizens in their respective territories.


IMF cuts growth forecasts1. Blaming the contracting US economy, IMF has cutexpected global growth rate to 3.3% for this year –0.2% below its prediction in April.

2. Other contributing factors have been Greek crisis andChina’s stock market tumbling.


Thailand deports 100 Uighur Muslims to China1. The fate of scores of suspected Uighurs — a Turkic‐speaking, largely Muslim minority in China’snorthwestern Xinjiang region who have long chafedunder Chinese control — has hung in the balancesince they were sentenced for illegal entry in Thailandin March 2014.

Discuss: After Rohingya, this is another muslimcommunity which is facing issues across the borders.


New BRICS bank to look at local, internationalborrowing1. NDB, with an initial capital of $50 billion, will have itscapital expanded to $100 billion within the nextcouple of years.

2. It plans to raise money both on local markets andinternationally and would seek international and localagencies ratings.


India, US ink pact on sharing account info1. The agreement makes it obligatory on the part of thetwo nations to exchange information on offshoreaccounts of each other’s citizens in their respectiveterritories.

2. The financial institutions in the U.S. will have to shareinformation about Indian account holders to USInternal Revenue Service and vice versa.

3. The agreement will facilitate automatic exchange ofinformation, to deter tax offenders and curb overseastax evasion and black money.

4. The U.S. government enacted FATCA (ForeignAccount Tax Compliance Act) in 2010 to obtaininformation on accounts held by US taxpayers in othercountries.

5. Last month, India joined 59 countries to sign anagreement to exchange a wide range of financialinformation among them periodically andautomatically.

Discuss: Try to explore more about The MultilateralCompetent Authority Agreement on the AutomaticExchange of Financial Account Information.


Digital India: MPEDA launches mobile‐basedapps1. Marine Products Export Development Authority haslaunched two mobile based applications.

2. They would help farmers get prices on shrimp andcapture data on aquaculture through mobile.


RBI releases final guidelines for PPI MTS1. Prepaid Payment Instruments for Mass Transit System(PPI‐MTS).

2. Enabling the issuance of a separate category of semi‐closed prepaid payment instruments for mass transitsystems.

3. This means that all Mass Transit System operators likethe Indian Railways and even local buses can nowissue their own prepaid cards.

4. This move will provide considerable ease tocommuters.


Athens accepts harsh austerity measures1. Reforms like tax raises, pension reforms, economicliberalization were included in the package Greecesent to the Eurozone creditors for fund to avertbankruptcy.

2. The reform package will amount to Euro 12billionover next two years.


‘Grexit’ will be extremely costly, says IMFchief economist1. IMF ruled out further funding for Greece until oldarrears are cleared. Greece defaulted on a loanrepayment of €1.55 billion due to the IMF on June30.

2. According to the IMF economist, reforms wereneeded in tax administration, collective bargaining, thejudicial system, pensions and reducing barriers toentry for professions, and these were not undertakento a sufficient degree.


Gujarat and Tamil Nadu lead in projectclearance in coastal areas1. Unlike rest of the States, where several proposalswere pertaining to repairing or reconstruction, thesestates had proposals related to build jetty, port,industry etc.

2. There are 9 State Coastal Zone ManagementAuthorities (SCZMA) tasked to take crucial decisionsregarding the use of coastal lands and themanagement of coastal environments.


PSLV C‐28 launches 5 U.K. satellites weighing1,440 kg1. The three mini DMC satellites have been designed forproviding simultaneous spatial resolution and hightemporal resolution for earth observation.

2. Commercial wing of ISRO = Antrix


Whistle‐blowers virtually on their own1. In the absence of strong law, reporting has become arisky proposition and insiders are victimised.

2. The only way this can stop is to have an independentagency to speedily investigate and resolve complaints.

3. Agencies such as the CVC not even have adequatestaff to probe complaints coming to them.


India to become full member at SCO by 20161. India, which has had an observer status for the past10 years, will become a member by next year.

2. Current members are China, Russia, Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as members.

3. Main focus of SCO is on connectivity, counter—terrorism cooperation, bolstering cooperation inenergy sector, enhancing trade and dealing with drugtrafficking.


SC rejects plea for removal of UP Governor.Why?1. Why such a plea? Because of his alleged statementfavouring construction of a Ram temple at thedisputed site in Ayodhya.

2. What did SC say?3. Continuance in office of Governor cannot bescrutinised in writ jurisdiction by a High Court.

4. Earlier, The High Court had dismissed the PIL makingit clear that the case did not fall under the purview ofArticle 226.

5. Article 226 gives powers to High Courts to issue writsto governments and authorities regarding mattersfalling under its territorial jurisdiction.


[Update] The new version is round the corner1. If you have ever faced issues with the current versionof the android app – please drop us a mail [email protected]

2. We would like to send you an invite to the alpharelease.

3. We have reimagined the whole UI and have addedfeatures which were requested and we want to besure that it works for most of you guys.

4. Let us know at the earliest and spread this newscardamong your friends.

Discuss: We are putting in a lot of efforts here and itwould be great if we can get a few of you guys to help usout with this.


NASA Satellites Unlock Secret to NorthernIndia’s Vanishing Water1. Based on its GRACE Mission, NASA has revealed thatgroundwater in north‐western India is depleting at amuch faster rate than it can be replenished.

2. Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE)studies anomalies in gravity and is an important toolfor studying Earth’s geology, oceans and climate.


[Update] Topper’s Speak: CSE 2014 – SatishReddy (AIR 97)1. Satish is here to answer all of your queries on CurrentAffairs.

2. Go read his blog post on ‘How to prepare for currentaffairs’

3. The discussion is LIVE at civilsdaily.com4. Please check the Promotion Tab in your gmail for ourannouncements and update messages.

Discuss: Share this message and the blogpost over atyour FB communities.


8‐10% economic growth eminently achievablefor India1. FM Arun Jaitley has said that the revenue collectionsituation is expected to be more comfortable than lastyear.

2. Why so?3. Factors responsible include the ongoing reformprocess for sustainable irrigation and agricultureinsurance to help farmers, proposed GST, increasedinfrastructure investment and emphasis on smartcities.


Greece’s parliament backs government reformplan1. Greece’s reform plan containing austerity measuressaw 251 in favor, 32 against and 8 neutral votes.

2. The proposed measures include tax hikes and cuts inpension spending, which are likely to cause majordissent among Greek civilians.

3. All opposition parties except the Nazi‐inspired GoldenDawn and the Communist Party voted in favor.

Discuss: Nazi‐inspired Golden Dawn! That's intriguing ;)


J&K to get a huge development package. Forwhat?1. Funds to the tune of Rs. 70,000 Crore will be utilizedon projects identified by the State Govt.

2. Projects will include a medical institute in Anantnag,IIT each in Jammu and in Kashmir, and IIM in Jammu.


HC recalls order on mediation in rape case1. Madras High Court has recalled its controversial orderthat suggested mediation between a rape survivor andthe convict.

2. SC had earlier remarked that “dignity of a woman is apart of her non‐perishable and immortal self” andthere is no question of compromise in such cases.


Rajnath for cut in Central forces in North East.Why?1. Citing that the insurgencies in the region were at alltime low and state police forces were strengthened,HM urged CMs to realistically decrease deployment ofcentral forces in their states.

2. This will make the environment easy and encouragepositive thinking of outsiders about this region.


Modi pushes for TAPI project1. TAPI = Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan andIndia.

2. The $10‐billion TAPI gas project is an over 1,800‐kmpipeline with a design capacity to supply 3.2 billioncubic feet of natural gas a year.

3. The pipeline is expected to be operational by 2018and will carry gas from the Galkynysh field ofTurkmenistan that holds gas reserves of 16 trillioncubic feet.


Think‐tank to challenge Article 35A inSupreme Court1. An RSS affiliated think‐tank is planning to approachthe Supreme Court to challenge Article 35A ofConstitution.

2. The article is said to allow the J&K to grant specialprivileges and rights to permanent residents butdenies rights to several others who too have genuineclaims.

3. The articles allows for many non‐permanent residentsof J&K who cannot for a panchayat election evenwhile they can vote in the Lok Sabha elections.


Rare species of birds returning to the Capital1. The rain and the flat marshlands available along thehuge sewer line of Najafgarh in Delhi have attractedmany terrestrial, migratory, coastal and eventhreatened bird species this year.

2. Main migratory birds are – flock of the Baya Weaver,Black‐necked stork and Painted stork and coastalmigratory birds like Greater Flamingos and PiedAvocet.


Foreign investors express interest in SmartCities project1. The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) isanticipating private foreign investments worth at leastRs 4 lakh crore till 2020 in the 100 Smart Cities.

2. This accounts for 80% of the estimated spending onthe mission, with only the remaining 20% coming fromthe center and the states.

3. Smart Cities initiative involves efficient provision ofinfrastructure and services, urban mobility andgovernance, mainly through use of digital technology.


India’s diamond cutting and polishing industryfacing a tough time. Why?1. Raw material (rough) prices have increased and therehas been no commensurate rise in diamond pricesbecause of poor demand.

2. A combination of economic and geopolitical factorsglobally rendered this export‐driven industry unviable.

3. Several units are idling and in some cases even facedelinquency


India imposes anti‐dumping duty on phenolproducts from SA1. Phenol is a basic organic chemical used in plywoods,laminates, particle boards, pharmaceuticals and phenylformaldehyde resins.

2. What is this Anti Dumping Duty?3. A protectionist tariff that a domestic governmentimposes on foreign imports that it believes are pricedbelow fair market value.


NGT fines hospitals and malls in Delhi1. Fines were imposed due to failure in installingrainwater harvesting systems despite orders issuedearlier by the green panel.


India’s population crosses 127‐crore mark1. As per National Population Stabilisation Fund (NPSF),an autonomous body under the Union HealthMinistry, India accounts for 17.25% of globalpopulation.

2. Total fertility rate (TFR) has seen a decline and stoodat 2.3 in 2013 although the decline is not consistent.

3. 21‐26% women are married below 18 years of age inStates like Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Bihar.


India stands second on trust in nationalgovernment, says OECD survey1. Trust represents the confidence of citizens andbusinesses in government to do what is right andperceived as fair.

2. Switzerland topped while Norway came at 3 of 40countries surveyed.

3. However, India came 24th out of 35 countries in thecomparison on protection of fundamental rightsestablished under international law.


FSSAI sets 12,000 standards for food additives& ingredients1. These are in line with global safety standards, to doaway with lengthy process of product approval.

2. At present, there are 375 FSSAI safety standards forfood items but none for food additives andingredients.

3. This move will help the food companies as they won’thave to waste much time scouting for productapproval.

rd


[Discuss] What are the questions raised by theMaggi crisis?1. What are the different aspects of food security andorganisation level challenges that plague India?

2. What reality has India’s regulators risen to in the wakeof the Maggi fiasco?

3. We are discussing this over at civilsdaily.com


Integrating Tibet with the world1. The Sichuan‐Tibet railway project will connect Lhasawith Chengdu, and include Tibet in China’stransportation corridor to Europe.

2. It will pass through Nyngchi prefecture in closeproximity to the disputed areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

3. Plans are also to extend it to the Yunnan province andintegrating it with BCIM economic corridor.


India’s retail inflation at 8‐month high in June1. Retail inflation rose to eight‐month high of 5.4% inJune on costlier food items, fuel, housing, clothing andfootwear.

2. Compare this with 5.01% rise in May, and 6.77% lastJune.

3. RBI expects inflation to rise to 6% by January 2016.


Eurozone leaders agree unanimously on a newbailout for Greece1. Bailout includes “serious reforms” and “financialsupport” for Greece.

2. The deal means that Grexit can be avoided.3. The Greek government made a request last week for athree‐year, 53.5 billion‐euro financial rescue fromEurope’s bailout fund.


Defamation should remain a penal offence:Home Ministry1. Contrary to the view of petitioners that it deterredfree speech, Centre is of view that defamation shouldnot be made a non‐criminal offence.

2. Reason stated by Centre is that the defamer may betoo poor to compensate the victim and this is the onlyway to deter online defamation in times withuncensored internet.


NGT to take a call on banning diesel vehicles1. NGT had earlier extended the deadline on Govt’srequest regarding implementation of NGT order ofbanning 10 year old diesel vehicles from plying inNCR.

2. Govt. is also mulling on options like restricting thenumber of cars to one per family.

3. Levying congestion charges on vehicles registeredoutside Delhi.

4. Increasing registration charges, and a uniform vehicletaxation policy for NCR to discourage private vehicles.


India out of slump: Jayant Sinha…. But how???1. RBI is on an easing mode with interest rates down by75 basis points.

2. More budgetary allocations for capital expenditureand public investments which would catalyse privateinvestments.

3. Stepped up investments in road infra, ports, coalproduction and renewable energy sector.

4. Structural reforms like GST and Land Acquisition Bill.


Playing distress cries over amplifiers to keepanimals at bay1. With the failure of traditional methods like burstingcrackers, firing in the air to keep animals away fromcrop lands, scientists have resorted to the use ofbioacoustics.

2. Numerous calls of animals are taken and put in asequence that sends out messages of warning andthus keeping animals away without harming them inany way.


Protests continue to rock Manipur1. Fearing they will become minority in their own state ifILP is not implemented, locals launched a campaign toget it implemented.

2. Inner Line Permit is currently in operation in Mizoram,Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland and is a systemmaking it mandatory for Indian citizens to seekpermission for entering the State.


India, Kyrgyzstan plan anti‐terror pact1. India and Kyrgyzstan signed agreements on boostingdefence cooperation, culture and holding annual jointmilitary exercises.

2. MoUs were signed for cooperation between theElection Commissions and in the sphere of Standards.

3. Kyrgyzstan also supported India’s candidature forpermanent membership in UNSC.


SAARC satellite launch likely in December2016Satellite to provide communication and meteorologicalservices to SAARC member‐countries.


India, Tajikistan to intensify anti‐terrorcooperation1. There was a mention that the two countries arelocated in the “proximity of the main source” of themenace – Pak & Afghanistan.

2. Two agreements signed in areas of culture and skilldevelopment.


Dip in Darjeeling tea output likely1. Production of Darjeeling tea may drop by around 10per cent this year due to heavy downpour and therecent landslides.

2. Tea is grown at high altitudes and on the slopes of theHimalayan range.

3. The unique muscatel aroma of exotic Darjeeling teacomes from a combination of locational climate, soilconditions, altitude and the processing of the leaves.


Why exclusivity over CEC and ECappointments, asks SC1. SC asked Govt. why there is an ‘exclusive role’ ofGovt. in appointing CEC and EC and suggested that 3member body of PM, LOP & CJI can appoint them likein case of CVC.

2. This comes in the backdrop of the govt. justifying theNJAC that the collegium’s exclusive right to appointjudges was illegal.


Satellite‐based navigation system to benefit50 airports in India1. GPS‐Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN)system, will offer navigation over the country, the Bayof Bengal, South East Asia, Middle East and up toAfrica.

2. Benefits are improved efficiency, direct routes,increased fuel savings, approach with verticalguidance at runways, significant cost savings

3. It bridges the gap in the coverage areas of theEuropean Union’s EGNOS and Japan’s MSAS.


Deal pits Tsipras against own party1. After marathon talks, Eurozone leaders agreed tooffer Greece third bailout package worth Euro 68Billion on July 13.

2. Alexis Tsipras finds himself in a Catch22 situation,where he cannot ignore austerity if he has to getEurozone bailout package and cannot accept austeritymeasures if he has to fulfil his election promises.


Retail inflation up 5.4 per cent in June1. CPI inflation rose in June 2015 to 5.4 per cent from5.01 per cent in May.

2. CPI inflation in urban India stood at 4.5 per cent inJune while it was 6.1 per cent in rural India.

3. The acceleration in the CPI comes at a time whenindustrial production is slowing.

History | July 14, 2015

Indian Art occupies an exalted position in therealm of ancient world. How?1. The Greeks excelled in the portrayal of the physicalcharm of the human body;

2. The Egyptians in the grandeur of their pyramids and3. The Chinese in the beauty of their landscapes.4. We, the Indians? Well we were unsurpassed intransmitting the spiritual contents into their plasticforms embodying the high ideals and the commonbeliefs of the people!


[cd explains] Atomic Energy Regulatory Board– What’s going on here?


[cd explains] Mudra Bank: Funding theUnfunded


[cd explains] The Three Judges Case


Indian art is not realistic – they are imaginedand idealised. Why do we say so? No one had actually seen the major gods like Rama,Krishna, Vishnu and Shiva, etc. But according to theirdescription in the scriptures the Indian artists visualisedthem as shown generally standing erect, signifyingmental, physical and spiritual equilibrium. Hence!


Tracing the origins of the cult of painting inIndia1. The earliest examples of miniature painting in India(11th – 12th centuary) –

2. Eastern India – Illustrations to the religious texts onBuddhism executed under the Palas.

3. Western India – Illustrations in Jain texts.4. Then, during the 15th century the Persian style ofpainting started influencing the Western Indian styleof painting. How can we say that?


CSK, RR owners out of IPL for 2 years1. SC suspended India Cements Ltd. (ICL) (CSK owner)and Jaipur IPL Cricket Private Ltd. (JIPL) (RR owner)from the League for two years.

2. SC also imposed life ban on Gurunath Meiyappan andRaj Kundra.

3. BCCI to decide if teams may play under new owners.


Stagger office hours to cut pollution: NGTNGT mooted the idea of variable working hours for thegovernment and private sector to reduce vehicularpollution in the Capital during peak hours.


River linking crucial for water security1. River inter‐linking programme is crucial for water andfood security and water‐surplus States shouldcooperate in the spirit of goodwill.

2. Ken‐Betwa link will be operational by year end.3. Other proposed links are – Par‐Tapi‐Narmada link,Damanganga‐Pinjal link, Mahanadi‐Godavari link, Kosi‐Ghagra link, Manas‐Sankosh‐Teesta‐Ganga link.


Govt. clears Naval P‐8Is and air defence gunsfor Army1. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared dealsworth about 30,000 crore for new platforms andseveral upgrades for the Army and the Navy.

2. Additional P‐8I maritime patrol and surveillanceaircraft for the Navy and new air defence guns for thearmy were the major deals cleared.


Iran reaches historic nuclear deal1. The deal puts strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activitiesfor at least a decade and calls for stringent U.N.oversight.

2. The international arms embargo against Iran willremain for five years but deliveries would be possiblewith special permission of the UNSC.

3. Sanctions had slashed Tehran’s oil exports by aquarter and choked its economy.


Space out fund‐raising plans, PSU banks told1. Welcoming the Govt’s move to allocate additional Rs.12,000 crore to the PSU lenders, RBI DG said thatPSU banks need to space out their plans to raisefunds and avoid crowding the markets.

2. The State‐owned banks alone would need anadditional Rs.2.5 lakh crore to meet the Basel‐IIInorms by March 2019.


Centre to set up trade facilitation council topromote exports1. Govt will set up a trade facilitation council comprisingmembers of the Centre and states to promote India’soverseas shipments with an objective of facilitatingtrade from states in a bid to boost the country’sexports.

2. States will also be encouraged to set up a State TradePolicy in order to streamline procedures and increaseexports.


Big surge in FII inflows in 2014‐151. FII inflows surged a record 717% to $40.92 billion in2014‐15 and FDI inflows jumped 48% since thelaunch of ‘Make In India’ initiative in Sep 2014.2.

2. Major reasons are allowing easy exit norms inconstruction sector, hike to 49% FDI in pension andinsurance sector and to 100% in railway infrastructure(excluding operations).


Kumbh Mela begins in Nashik1. The mega religious congregation is held every 12years in Nashik on the banks of the Godavari.

2. The main features of the festival are the three ‘ShahiSnans’ (royal bathing days) that are scheduled on Aug26 (Shravan Purnima), Sep 13 (Bhadrapad Amavasya)and Sep 18 (Bhadrapad Shukla Panchami).

Discuss: Google up for the places in India which hold upKumbh melas.


India welcomes Iran deal, wary of implications1. India and Iran have an annual bilateral trade of about$14 billion with high balance of trade problem due tosanctions in past.

2. Benefits for India could be cheaper oil imports fromIran and access to Afghanistan through Chabaharport.

3. Worries are that it could affect India‐Israel relations,backlash from Saudi Arabia could lead to closernuclear cooperation with Pak and Iran’s preferentialtreatment could go to Russia, China, US and Europe.


WPI continues to fall1. (WPI) inflation dipped marginally in June 2015 to‐2.4% from ‐2.36% in May, and 5.66 % in June 2014,remaining negative for 7 consecutive months.

2. Fall is attributed to the deceleration in food priceseven as there is a marginal uptick in fuel and powerinflation.


[Discuss] The Saudi Cable leaks – The end ofhypocrisy?Last week, over 60,000 documents from Saudi Arabiawere leaked online. Hosted on Wikileaks, the cablescontain high level diplomatic and classified information.This leak is likely retaliation for what many are callingindiscriminate bombing by the Saudi Arabian governmentin Yemen, in an attempt to wipe out Houthi rebels whorecently overtook the Yemeni … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/the‐end‐of‐hypocrisy/)


States want freedom to frame their own landacquisition laws1. Centre agreed to consider a demand from the Statesthat they be allowed the flexibility to frame their ownlaws for land acquisitions

2. Govt is mulling to go slow on land acquisition bill asGST is the priority in the next Parliament session.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/the-end-of-hypocrisy/


SC refuses to lift stay on States’ power torelease lifers1. SC refused to lift its order staying State governmentsfrom releasing life convicts on remission of sentences.

2. Few states had challenged in SC the Uniongovernment’s position that they can release lifeconvicts or death row convicts whose sentences werecommuted to life only after permission from theCentre, especially in cases investigated by a Centralagency.


Review drug pricing policy: SC1. SC observed that the Govt’s Drug Price Control Orderfavours pharmaceutical companies and is not pro‐poor.

2. Directed the govt to have a re‐look at the policy tohelp make life‐saving medicines affordable for thecommon man.

3. An NGO had raised the issue that the DPCO excludedlife‐saving medicines for diseases such as malaria andTB and all fixed dose combinations which amount to50 per cent of the market.

Discuss: What is DPCO ‐ who handles these affairs?


Ottappalam to have India’s first defenceindustrial park1. With an eye on indigenization and modernization ofdefence items, DIPP has approved a proposal to setup the country’s first defence industrial park atOttappalam.

2. Defence components manufacturing sector hasdemand estimated at $700 million a year from Indiaand other countries having friendly relationship withit. The defence park can help to bridge the gap of 15per cent between demand and supply.


90% of enclave dwellers give choice of nationIndia and Bangladesh will complete a survey asking eachof the 51,000 people living in 162 enclaves on the borderto give their choice of citizenship of either nation.


Greek Parliament votes as IMF calls for debtrelief1. The Greek Parliament must approve the deal beforethe 18 other Eurozone leaders start negotiations overthe third and three‐year bailout worth up to €86billion.

2. Eurozone governments will contribute between €40and 50 billion, the IMF will contribute another chunkand the rest will come from selling off state assets andfrom financial markets.


RBI sets up panel on financial inclusion1. The panel would suggest a `monitorable’ medium‐term action plan for financial inclusion in payments,deposit, credit, social security transfers, pension andinsurance.


India can be world’s HR capital: PM1. PM launched National Skill Development Mission, theNational Policy for Skill Development andEntrepreneurship 2015, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal VikasYojana and Skill Loan scheme on World Youth SkillDay.

2. With an aim to train 40 crore people in various skillsby 2022, PM pitched for making India a ‘humanresource capital’ of the world.


Controversial Bill on migrants goes1. A special session of the Manipur Assembly onWednesday withdrew the Manipur Regulation ofVisitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015.

2. The Bill did not provide for same protections as InnerLine Permit system and the Meitis community – themost powerful community – demanded regulation ofoutsiders to maintain their grip on power.


Exports dip further1. India’s exports dipped further by ‐15.8 % in June to$22.28 billion, marking the seventh straight month ofcontraction.

2. The sectors worst hit were petroleum products,engineering, leather and leather good, and chemicals.


Free speech muzzled, apex court told1. Countering the Govt’s stand of not de‐criminalisingdefamation, many political leaders argued in the SCthat criminal defamation was against Article 19 (1).

2. They opined that it hampered the public debate ofmatters in the public domain.


[Announcement] Upgrade your App. NOW.1. If you are still on the old version with *Load Latest*and *Buttons to swipe* – then please by all means goto the Playstore and update the App!

2. Already done? Cool!3. It has been an absolute pleasure interacting with youguys on suggestions and changes to what was once avery basic initiative.

4. We have come a long way. And now would like yourhelp in marketing us forward.

5. Please upgrade your ratings – leave nice andencouraging comments! Our content writers thrive onyour affection!

Discuss: In some of the cards, you will see the websitestory links ‐ that is the new awesome innovation from ourside. You will be able to read all the related cards fromthere on.


[Announcement] Abhijit Thorat (AIR 478) onstrategies to Crack Pre 20151. Without further ado – visit the civilsdaily.com websiteto read about this topper’s strategy to crack Pre.

2. Abhijit would be available at civilsdaily.com foranswering some of your queries so please head to thesite now.


Now Aam Aadmi canteens1. Targeting lower strata of society like constructionworkers, street hawkers and slum dwellers, Delhi govt.is planning to open canteens for them.

2. These canteens will provide them with subsidized 3time meals.

3. Such canteens are already operational in Tamil Naduand Odisha.


Soil Health Card scheme takes off gingerly1. Centre launched web portals for Soil Health Cards(SHC), organic products certification and fertilizerquality.

2. Most of the states are lagging behind in their 2015‐16targets of issuing SHC.

3. SHC provides information to farmers, every 3 years,about the suitability of macro and micro‐nutrientsbased on the type of soil in their farm.


SC seeks Centre’s reply on re‐promulgation ofland ordinance1. Acting on a petition filed with it, the SC asked theCenter reason for re‐promulgation of Land AcquisitionOrdinance.

2. In the famous Cooper case, the SC had said that re‐promulgating ordinances without getting them passedin the Parliament/Legislature is against the ethos ofthe Constitution.


Cabinet nod to redevelop 400 major railwaystations1. The Cabinet approved the redevelopment of 400major railway stations, under a new method called the“Swiss Challenge”.

2. A1 and A category stations, generally in metros,pilgrimage and major tourist centres and major cities,would be redeveloped under the method.

3. The Railways classify the 7000 stations into sevencategories based on earnings.


Japan passes security bills despite stiffopposition1. The Lower House of Japan’s Parliament passed theBill seeking to enlarge the scope of Japan’s military.

2. Sanctions were imposed on Japan’s military postWorld War II.


Europe set to restore funding to Greece1. Satisfied with the Greek Parliament’s approval toausterity measures, Europe is ready to provide thenext bailout package.

2. However, the Parliamentary approval resulted in arevolt in the ruling Syriza party which could lead tosnap elections in the next few months.


39 more drugs come under Drug Price ControlOrder1. In an effort to make them affordable, 39 drugs usedto treat diabetes, infections, digestive disorders andpain were included in the DPCO.

2. Already, 652 medicines are under price control.3. The overall impact for the companies will be minimalas these drugs do not form significant part of theiroverall sales.


RBI directs banks to meet farm credit limit1. Banks have to lend 40% of their Net Bank Credit asPriority Sector Lending (PSL).

2. In an effort to increase direct lending to agriculture,the target for lending to small and marginal farmershas been set as 7% for 2015‐16 and 8% for 2016‐17.

3. RBI had also added medium enterprises, socialinfrastructure and renewable energy in the PSLcategory.


Govt lists 8 new bills for Monsoon session1. The NDA government will introduce 8 new bills andtake up 11 pending bills for consideration beginning21 July.

2. The list includes the controversial Land bill, but isunlikely to be taken up owing to non‐consensus of thejoint committee.

Discuss: We will keep an eye on these bills ‐ see if a fewof them take up some heat or not!


Obama defends Iran nuclear deal, Israeldeclares it a big mistake1. President Obama said the Iran nuclear deal is the onlyway to avert a nuclear arms race in the Middle Eastand reduce chances of war.

2. The deal announced on Tuesday offers to roll backeconomic sanctions on Iran if it scales down itsnuclear program.

3. Israel PM Netanyahu has called this move to amicablysuppress Iran a mistake of historic proportions.


[Request] Update your app from the Playstore1. We have worked very hard for one full month tocome up with a major update on the app.

2. Please go to the Playstore and UPDATE.3. We can still see some of you using the older Version 3and you have no idea how cool the Version 4 is.

4. Click the link below – it should take you to theplaystore.


[Update] CSE 2014 toppers are trying to reachout to you1. One of important reason why we asked for your logindetails was that we want our toppers to be able to talkto you.

2. Satish (AIR 97) and Abhijit (AIR 478) have been coremembers at civilsdaily and they are replying to querieson their blog @ civilsdaily.com

3. Please check on the *promotion* tab and read emailsfrom Rini Roy & Civilsdaily.

4. Mark them Important & Move them to your inbox sothat you receive all our important emails.

Discuss: This is very very important. Hope you are all onthe latest version of the app!


[cd explains] GST: Good for business, snag forfederalism?1. In the current tax regime, States tax sale of goods butnot services.

2. The Centre taxes manufacturing and services but notwholesale/retail trade.

3. The GST is expected to usher in a uniform tax regimeacross India.

4. GST, by subsuming an array of indirect taxes underone rubric will help simplify tax administration.

Discuss: Click on the story link below to read theconnected dots.


Govt. firm on 1% additional tax over the GST.What for?1. 1% additional tax over the GST is to compensate forthe revenue loss of manufacturing states who havemade investments.

2. It will be levied for 2 years.3. Remember – GST is a destination based tax systemunlike origin based tax systems like VAT.


Confusion over the Constitutional role of CJI1. The confusion is that is he the Chief Justice of theSupreme Court or the Chief Justice of India?

2. As per Schedule 3 of the Constitution, CJI takes oathas any other SC Judge but under Article 124, he isreferred to as the Chief Justice of India.

Discuss: Why is this confusion bothering? What are theimplications?


Interest subvention scheme for exporterslikely. Why?1. Amidst declining global demand and depreciatingcurrencies, India’s exports fell by 15.82% in June – 7consecutive declining month.

2. Now planning to launch loans with subsidized interestrates to bolster the exports.

Discuss: What is Interest Subvention scheme?

th


Iran promises preferential treatment to Indianinvestors1. With the lifting up of sanctions, Iran is looking towardsIndia for huge investments.

2. Major areas where India can invest are – Chabaharport, railways infrastructure, gas & oil projectsespecially the Farzad B oilfields, fertilizer andpetrochemical projects.


China slams Japan over the Security Bills1. A day after Japan’s Lower House passed Bill seekingenlargement of its military’s role, China slammed thedecision by saying that Japan is moving back to thepre World War II war mode.

2. China and Japan do not share warm relations and thepassage of this Bill will further add fuel to the fire.


German Bundestag passes the resolution toinitiate talks with Greece1. A day after Greece agreed on the austerity measures,German Lawmakers agreed to initiate talks regardingthe Euro 86 Billion bailout package.

2. Germany is one of several EU countries whoseParliaments must sign off any debt deal for Greece.

3. This German vote was only about resuming officialtalks — a final deal with Greece will also need theassembly’s approval.

Discuss: German Parliament is called Bundestag andelects the Chancellor unlike in India where the leader ofthe majority party becomes the PM.


[Toppers Speak] Satish Reddy (AIR 97) onEcology & Geography1. Exhaustive write up with memory aids on the website.Follow the link on the announcement tab atcivilsdaily.com

2. Satish should be able to take up a few questionspertinent to these two subjects and the PRE 2015.

3. This is one of the most crucial aspects of thepreparation. Make sure you get all your doubtscleared.

Discuss: These toppers were once an aspirants just likeyou. They are sharing their strategies so that you maybenefit at large. Use the oppty. well.


Andhra Pradesh plans to acquire INS Viraat.Why?1. In an effort to promote tourism, AP is trying to acquireINS Viraat once it is decommissioned in 2016 afterserving for 56 years.

2. The plan is to convert it into a museum or hotel or amini‐township in a PPP mode.

Discuss: INS Viraat is the last British ship serving theIndian Navy and was commissioned in 1987.


Does the price control provide better accessto medicines?1. With the price control having limited impact onpatient access to medicines, emphasis should be onimproving healthcare infrastructure and universalinsurance coverage.

2. Price control under DPCO decreases profit marginsand smaller companies shift to non‐controlledmedicines leading to monopolies in essentialmedicines.

3. It has also resulted in decline in India’s production ofActive Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) like penicillin.India now depends on China for that.


Experts bat for space law. What is the need?1. With growing space programmes and objects in spaceorbits, such a law is needed to ensure that spaceassets and applications are used for the right causes.

2. Space laws could include a regulator for compensationfor harm caused by space objects, registration &licensing of private firms, insurance, investor disputes,environmental damage, IPR issues etc.

Discuss: 15 countries including US, Russia, China, Japanhave laws based broadly on the Outer Space Treaty of1967.


China to participate in Indian InternationalFleet Review1. Despite maritime friction, China will participate inIndian International Fleet Review (IFR) to be held inFeb’16 in Vishakhapatnam.

2. India and China will exchange visits of naval ships andhold PASSEX [passing exercises] and SAR [search andrescue] exercises.


Can waste be converted to energy? Theanswer is ‘Pyrolysis’!1. Pyrolysis is thermo‐chemical decomposition of organicmaterial at elevated temperatures in the absence ofoxygen.

2. All organic waste, plastics and synthetic rubber can betreated. The end result is bio‐char and fuel – themuch needed precious resource.

3. Bio‐char is an excellent form of carbon useful in soilamendment as a fertility additive. In solid form it canbe safely stored in ground as carbon sequestration.

Discuss: Less than 1% of Sweden’s household waste endsup in a rubbish dump; the rest is recycled in differentways.


Initiating you into the world of Indian WallPaintings1. The earliest examples of Indian painting, that we findevidence of, are on the walls of some of the caves atthese 3 places.

2. Kaimur Range of Central India, Vindhya Hills andsome places in Uttar Pradesh.

3. What exactly were the fine gentlemen of that erapainting about?

4. Nothing fancy – just old records of wild animals, warprocessions, hunting games!

Discuss: The website has more descriptive write ups onArt & Culture. Follow the whole story as it develops.


Let’s explore Ajanta Caves in peace, shall we?1. The theme of Ajanta, as you would agree, covers a lotabout the Buddhist culture. Take this as anopportunity to revisit the best of both world.

2. These caves were discovered by an Army Officer inthe Madras Regiment of the British Army in 1819during one of his hunting expeditions.

3. Three striking features of Ajanta Caves and a fewquestions on this theme.

Discuss: Go click the story link and read connected cards.


Now, Israeli help for Ganga1. Israel has offered help in water management throughreuse, recycling and distribution management inGanga cleaning programme and cities under SmartCities Mission and AMRUT Scheme.

2. Israel has also offered to streamline the watermanagement and distribution services consideringlosses made by water utilities and high volume of non‐revenue water.

Discuss: Did you know? Israel treats 80 per cent of itsdomestic wastewater, which is recycled for agriculturaluse.


Germany rules out debt relief1. Germany made it clear that no part of Greek debtwould be forgiven. However, Berlin was open for aflexible repayment plan.

2. IMF had earlier criticized the Greek bailout proposalsand urged the creditors to give some kind of upfrontdebt relief.


Can the ‘National Solar Mission’ & ‘Make inIndia’ converge?1. The 100 GW solar target will result in much (~25%) ofour power supply being ‘Made in India’ besidesgenerating more than a million new jobs.

2. Power purchase agreements for solar power aresigned for 25 years, with no provision for tariffrevision disproving the claims that solar power isexpensive.

3. Moreover, MSMEs, worst hit by power shortages, canmeet a portion of their demand through in‐houserooftop solar power.

Discuss: Promoting electricity generation from Solar PVwill decrease our dependence on vulnerable geopoliticsof fossil fuel trade.


Were most of India’s wall paintings dominatedby a Buddhist flavor?1. Ajanta caves were primarily adorned by Jataka Tales(Tales of Buddha’s past lives). But still there weresome Brahmanical deities in some cave dwellings.There is a mention of Indra, the Hindu God in one ofthe murals.

2. The earliest Brahmanical paintings so far known, arethe fragments found in Badami caves – The so calledSiva & Parvati is found somewhat well preserved.

3. The paintings of Ajanta, Bagh and Badami representthe classical tradition of the North and the Deccan atits best.

Discuss: Can we expect a question on the multifacetedcontribution of Ajanta Caves to the Indian wall paintings?


Done with Ajanta, onwards to Ellora!1. The Ellora caves, unlike Ajanta, have a distinction thatthey were never lost to oblivion, due to their closeproximity to the trade route.

2. The Ellora Caves were built at time when Buddhismwas declining in India and Hinduism was beginning toreassert itself.

3. There are 34 caves in all – 17: 12: 5 [Hindu:Buddhism: Jains]

4. The most notable Hindu cave? The Kailash Temple!

Discuss: This info is brought to you from the website ofArchaeological Survey of India!


Centre yet to notify crucial FEMAamendments1. The Union government has not yet notified theamendments to the Foreign Exchange ManagementAct (FEMA).

2. These ammendments were incorporated into thelegislation after President Pranab Mukherjee’s assentin May 2015.

3. The delay may have implications for the pending casesof foreign exchange violations, including thoseallegedly involving the former IPL chief, Lalit Modi.

4. What do we mean by notifications? Wasn’t the billalready passed by the president!

Discuss: Just remember that new FEMA guidelines arecoming, so that when released, they will not catch you bysurprise.


It was Chinese drone which Pak shot down –China acknowledged. Why?1. China has accepted that the drone shot down byPakistan in PoK is of Chinese origin, quashingPakistan’s claim that it was an Indian drone.

2. Why has China done so?3. No country readily accepts that its drones are so weakthat someone has managed to shoot one down.

Discuss: Remember this point, because it will help tounderstand many things that will happen in the future. Gofor the discussions on our website to pitch in withanalysis around this.


[op‐ed snap] DoT’s unsound recommendationon Net Neutrality1. The Department of Telecommunications’ recentreport on net neutrality has recommended to bringover services that provide voice calls via the Internet(like WhatsApp) under licensing.

2. This means the govt can impose conditions forgranting of licenses, and this might turn out to be anexercise in curbing free expression.

3. The DoT’s report is by no means final and binding. Butstill it’s a travesty of logic according to some.


[op‐ed snap] India’s suicide problem1. Poor health and family problems explain nearly halfthe suicides in the country.

2. A special package to farmers forgiving institutionaldebt is a reactionary rather than pre‐emptive long‐term policy.

3. The policy interventions such as health reforms canhave greater impact on distress and suicides amongvarious demographic groups.

4. Research studies indicate that sensitive reporting canplay an important role in saving lives and preventingcopycat suicides.


[op‐ed snap] India’s commendable stepstowards multi‐stakeholder model1. Countries such as the U.S. and Germany haveadvocated a ‘multi‐stakeholder’ model that consultsgovernments, industry, civil society and technicalcommunity while making decisions that affect theInternet.

2. Before publishing the net neutrality report this month,the Department of Telecommunications conducted aseries of consultations.

3. Although these consultations were closed and only forinvited parties, the committee reached out to a widerange of experts and stakeholders.

Discuss: Can you think of other local areas where suchmodels can be implemented? Pros/ Cons?


Investment protection pact in the offing1. Centre is working on a model investment protectionagreement that will enable India to safeguard againstoffshore arbitration and international litigation fromglobal companies.

2. India is also working on resuming talks with the U.S.on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with an aim toincrease bilateral trade from $100 Billion to $500Billion.

3. The reason for slow progress on BIT is differences onarbitration and IPR.

Discuss: India faces more than 17 cases of internationalarbitration against it by global companies includingVodafone and Deutsche Telecom.


Now, Naval help to ‘Make in India’1. With aim of complete indigenization of all warshipconstruction in next 15 years, Navy wants to involveprivate companies in a big way.

2. DRDO and Indian companies will work in tandem toachieve this target.

3. Navy has 90% indigenization in float warships, 60% inmove category and 30% in fight warships.

Discuss: Warships have 3 broad categories – float (shipsetc.), move (propulsion) and fight (weapons).


U.N. endorses Iran nuclear agreement1. UNSC unanimously endorsed the Iran – P5+1 nucleardeal agreement, paving the way for terminatingsanctions against Iran.

2. This move will boost the economy of Iran which wascrippling under harsh sanctions imposed on it since2006.


Greeks wake up to tax raise1. As a part of tough reform package that Greece hadagreed to, taxes were raised on a wide range of goodsand services.

2. Bank reopened after a 3 day shutdown but offeredonly a limited services.

3. EU has already released Euro 7.6 billion emergencyloan to Greece to repay debt to ECB and outstandingamount to IMF.


Why are defence and banking out ofcomposite FDI caps?1. The reason is that being very important sectors, Govt.does not want them to suffer from vulnerability of‘quick come – quick go’ international money.

2. In defence sector, foreign investment is limited to49% under automatic route. However, portfolioinvestments such as FPIs is capped at 24%.

3. In private banking sector, FDI limit is 74% of net paidup capital with 49% cap on FPIs.

Discuss: Composite cap means foreign capital can flow ineither as direct investment or via the portfolio route, or asa combination of both.


Can GST pass in the Monsoon session?1. The Select Panel of Rajya Sabha accepted the demandof most of the states that they should be completelycompensated for first five years.

2. They also suggested that the GST rates should bemoderate with as many goods under it as possible.

3. GST council will decide on the applicability of GST onpetroleum products and the GST zero net revenuerate.


How are paintings at Ajanta different fromthose at Ellora?1. Listing down a few differences between these twoclose styles of paintings.

2. In 2014, UPSC asked the difference between Greekand Roman contribution to the Gandhara Art. Hence,such points become important!

3. Click on the story link to view the infograph.


Kalamkari to promote Buddhist Tourism. But,what is this style?1. A techie of Andhra Pradesh has come up with aBuddha series on hand‐block Kalamkari textile topromote tourism to Buddhist tourist destinations ofA.P.

2. What is Kalamkari? It is a type of hand‐painted orblock‐printed cotton textile.

3. It flourished in Krishna District of A.P. and waspatronized by the Mughals and the GolcondaSultanate.

4. Vegetable dyes are used. Patterns are designed usingblocks and kalam (pen) is used to draw finer details.Hence, the name.

5. Usually, white ink is used on a red‐ochre backgroundcloth.


Govt. extends interest subvention scheme1. Farmers will continue to get loans upto Rs. 3 Lakhs at7% interest during 2015‐16.

2. Interest subvention of 2% for first year was alsoprovided to restructured loans of farmers hit bynatural calamities.


New Development Bank opens in Shanghai1. Main reason for the birth of NDB has been thereluctance of US and Europe on giving more say todeveloping countries in the Bretton Woodsinstitutions.

2. A ‘hotline’ was established between AIIB and NDB forcloser cooperation.

3. NDB will have initial capital of $50 Billion and will befurther raised to $100 Billion by next two years.


Govt. extends scheme to boost the electronicsindustry1. Govt. extended Modified Special Incentive PackageScheme (M‐SIPS) by 5 years and added 15 newproduct categories.

2. Electronics sector has potential to attract $100 Billioninvestments and provide jobs to 28 million people.MSIPS is supposed to bolster the ‘Make in India’ and‘Digital India’ initiatives.

3. Some of the new product categories are smart cards,consumer appliances (like washing machines, airconditioners), optical fibres and Internet of Things(IoT) products etc.

Discuss: The scheme was originally approved in July2012 for 3 years to provide capital subsidy of 20 per centin SEZ or 25 per cent in non‐SEZ units engaged inmanufacturing of electronics items.


New proposal in GST is highly ambiguous. Letus find out!1. Proposal of 1% interstate GST for manufacturing statehas raised many questions – there is ambiguitywhether it will be levied at the final consumption pointor at every border that the product crosses.

2. The new proposal says that the interstate movementof goods won’t be taxable if it is without aconsideration. What does ‘consideration’ mean?

3. It means that if stocks are transferred from say a plantin a state to a depot of the same company in anotherstate, these would not invite tax.


The issue of AADHAR legality1. SC had earlier passed an interim order saying thatAADHAR was not necessary to avail any governmentscheme or benefits.

2. The basis was that the information collected by thegovernment could be misused by the private partiesand is a violation of the fundamental right to privacy.

3. Govt has urged the SC not to declare the AADHARcard unconstitutional as it will impact many welfareschemes.

4. It has also requested the SC to shift the case to a 5member constitutional bench as it involved substantialquestions of constitutional importance.


[op‐ed snap] Trial & error – A case on deathpenalties1. The editorial makes the case for increase in number ofdeath penalty handed out by trial courts and demandsabolition of death penalty.

2. The reason being, trial courts have close proximity tocrimes than higher courts in terms of occurrence anddistance.

3. Much of the debate around the death penalty in Indiacenters on SC rulings and observations.

4. As trail courts handed over 1800 death penalties, only5% of them were confirmed by SC. Therefore, there isa little attention paid to misuse of death penalty inIndia’s lower court.

5. SC laid down the ‘’rarest of the rare “principle in 1980Bachan Singh vs State of Punjab ruling.

Discuss: Explore Shatrughan Chauhan vs Union of Indiacase, which led to SC spelling out clear guidelines on thelegal rights of prisoners on death row.


[op‐ed snap] New Horizon’s historic fly by1. NASA’s New Horizon became the first spacecraft toexplore the dwarf planet Pluto.

2. It travelled a distance of nearly 5 billion km since itslaunch in Jan 2006, confirming Pluto as the largestobject in the Kuiper belt.

3. It revealed that surface of Pluto is very young and freefrom impact crater, rejecting the old theory of inertPluto made up of ice and rock.

4. The dwarf planet is geologically active with an internalheat source that drives it.

Discuss: Pluto was demoted to dwarf planet status in2006, after the discovery of Eris, of similar size in the


Agriculture Ministry launches 3 portals for soil,fertilizers and participation1. Soil Health Card portal, Fertilizer Quality ControlSystem portal and Participatory Guarantee System.

2. The objective?3. To make the process of organic farming certification,fertilizers’ quality checking and issuance of soil healthcards, more transparent and accountable.

4. Most of this was announced in this year’s budget –we are now seeing the unfolding of events as theywere.

Discuss: We will be dealing with each of these 3initiatives separately.


Key Points: Soil Health Card1. Soil Health Card portal has been developed forregistration of soil samples, recording test results ofsoil samples and generation of Soil Health Card (SHC).

2. All that and with fertiliser recommendations.3. This is a single, generic, uniform, and web‐basedsoftware accessed at www.soilhealth.dac.gov.in .

Discuss: The idea essentially is to have customizedrecommendations along the soil types to reducemisdirected farming.


Key Points: Fertilizer Quality Control System1. Fertilizer Quality Control System (FQCS) is a web‐based application.

2. It is a configurable workflow application developed byNIC for processing of sample collection, testing andgeneration of analysis reports.

3. Launched as apart of collective efforts of the ministryto upgrade the agriculture synergies.


Participatory Guarantee System for OrganicFarming1. Participatory Guarantee System is a process ofcertifying organic products.

2. Ensures agriculture production process in accordancewith the standards laid down for organic products andthat desired quality has been maintained.

3. Will enable small and marginal farmer to have easyaccess to organic certification.

4. Note that it would be a decentralised organic farmingcertification system – implemented by theDepartment of Agriculture and Cooperation.

Discuss: Please note that this is outside the framework ofthird party system of certification, which is a pre‐requisiteto enter export market of organic produce.


[op‐ed snap] Crime and commensuratepunishment1. The editorial highlights few limitations of JuvenileJustice Bill, which has few draconian words that it canaffect the rights of all Indian children in future.

2. The definition of ‘heinous offences’ is very broad,which includes the offences for which the minimumpunishment under IPC or any other law is 7 years ormore.

3. The “principle of fresh start” says that all past recordsof any juvenile shall be erased under this act, except inspecial circumstances.

4. This open‐ended special circumstances clause isdangerous and makes child/family vulnerable to racialprofiling.

Discuss: Juvenile justice system is as broken as the adultlegal system is overburdened.


GST Bill proposals get approval from RS SelectCommittee1. Panel supported the compensation of states’ revenuelosses for all 5 years and suggested that GST rateshould not go beyond 20% as standard and 14% asreduced rates.

2. It rejected the demand for decreasing Centre’srepresentation from 1/3 to 1/4 in GST council.

Discuss: Being a Constitutional Amendment Bill, it needsto be passed by 2/3rd majority by both the housesseparately without any provision of a joint sitting.

rd th


Privacy not a right, Aadhaar legit: Centre1. Quoting a SC judgement of 1962 in Kharak Singhcase, Centre replied that the right to privacy was a‘vague concept’ and not a ‘guaranteed right’ under theConstitution.

2. However, the petitioner pointed to several decisionsof the SC subsequent to the Kharak Singh case,including the Maneka Gandhi case, in which the courtgave a very wide ambit to the right of personal liberty.


FSSAI can act on mere suspicion1. FSSAI told the Bombay High Court that FSSAI Actgives the power to the authorities to act on meresuspicion, without any concrete evidence.

2. FSSAI vs Nestle case is in Bombay High Court for 3apparent violations by Nestle – misleading labelling onmonosodium‐glutamate, presence of excessive lead inmaggi and launching oats tastemaker withoutassessment.


Centre unblocks funds for Ford Foundation1. Centre released $150,000 to Ford foundation’saccounts – an NGO which was earlier put under the“prior permission” category in the interest of “nationalsecurity”.

2. Denying any pressure, Centre said that only the salarycomponent of the NGO’s staff was released and thatthe NGO was directed to register under FEMA, if itintended to receive foreign funds.


N‐power output set to register huge increase1. N‐power is expected to increase from current 5,780MW being generated from 21 operational reactors to10,000 MW by 2019.

2. 1,000 MW was added last year by operationalizingUnit‐1 at Kudankulam while one PFBR of 500 MWcapacity at Kalpakkam is in advanced stage ofcommissioning.

Discuss: Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) of Rs. 1500crore was launched in June’15 under Civil Liability forNuclear Damage Act 2010 to facilitate import of reactors.


SBI – a banker to the ‘dead’1. SBI continued to disburse pensions to over 3,000freedom fighters even after their death, promptingGovt. to recover Rs. 16 Crore from it.

2. Govt. has also decided to transfer the accounts offreedom fighters receiving pension from the Centrefrom the SBI to other banks because of irregularitiesin disbursement.


India protested U.S. military sales to Pakistan1. Foreign Minister informed the Parliament that the USwas asked to consider India‐U.S. relations and theimpact on India’s security before deciding its militaryassistance to Pak.

2. US and Pak were in talks on a $952 Million dealincluding 15 AH‐1Z attack helicopters, 1,000 Hellfiremissiles, targeting & positioning systems.


Mandarin lessons for ITBP1. In an effort to bridge the communication gap betweenITBP men and China’s PLA, the ITBP men are beingtaught Mandarin and Tibetan languages.

2. There have been occasions where language barrierhas caused friction between ITBP personnel and PLA.

3. The need to learn Tibetan stemmed from the fact thata large number of locals, like grazers and villagers,move around in the vicinity of the LAC.


NRIs can invest in NPS to get a social securitycover1. Although RBI has told PFRDA that NRIs can invest inNPS but Govt. is yet to declare guidelines related toFEMA.

2. Besides increasing the subscriber base and pensioncorpus in the private sector, the move will help NRIsespecially living in the Middle‐East and not having anymandatory social security benefit.


Rules for NRIs investing in NPS1. NRIs between the age of 18‐60 years and conformingto the KYC norms can open accounts.

2. No joint accounts can be opened and the option ofpower of attorney is not available for them.

3. NRIs have the option to select pension fund managerand exercise investment choice.

4. Contributions can be made from NRE Account orNRO account/local sources.

5. On exit and withdrawal, the rules for NRIs shall be thesame as for residents.


[op‐ed snap] Good in principle, tough topractise – Ban on Liquor1. DPSP requires state to endeavour for prohibition ofintoxicating drinks and drugs, due to the well‐knownill‐effects on standards of living and public health.

2. Any ban on liquor sales will necessarily co‐exist with aspurt in bootlegging and illicit distillation.

3. As a policy, prohibition has met with little successanywhere in India, due to corruption withinenforcement agencies.

4. Even when it has helped bring down overallconsumption, prohibition has led to loss of lives inhooch tragedies.

5. Many of the government’s freebie schemes actuallyrun on revenues from duties and taxes levied onliquor, prohibition leaving govt. exchequer empty.

Discuss: Explore that the prohibition on intoxicatingdrinks and drugs comes under which category of DPSP.


[op‐ed snap] A Labour Litmus Test1. The Industrial disputes act proves to be animpediment in the investments in India because of achapter, which was incorporated into it during IndiraGandhi’s regime.

2. The chapter VB has a clause which says that anyemployer who employs a “specified number” ofpeople has to take prior approval of the govt. in thetime of layoffs, retrenchment or closure.

3. In 1976 this “special number “was fixed at 300workers but later in a 1984 amendment it waschanged to 100.

4. We need to ensure a balance between workersprotection and investors confidence.

5. Indian labour laws are seen as some of the mostrestrictive in the world.

Discuss: As a concurrent list subject under theConstitution, the Centre can make or amend labour laws,as can the state governments in their respectivejurisdictions. Explore the recent initiatives by states in thisregard.


No fundamental right to privacy to citizens:Centre tells SC1. Citizens might not be able to claim right to privacy asa fundamental right.

2. Why this issue?3. The Attorney General was defending the mandatorynature of Aadhar scheme which has been challengedon the grounds that it was intrusive about the citizen’sdetails.

4. This argument runs contrary to many post‐Emergencyjudgments of the Supreme Court expanding the rightto life, guaranteed under Article 21 of the


The most evolved classical dance form –Bharatnatyam (1/2)1. Bharatnatyam Dance is considered to be over 2000years old.

2. Several texts beginning with Bharata Muni’s NatyaShastra (200 B.C.E. to 200 C.E.) provide informationon this dance form.

3. The Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is one of themain sources of textual material, for the study of thetechnique and grammar of body movement.

4. In many other temples, the charis and karanas of thedance are represented in sculpture and one can makea study of the dance form.

Discuss: What are Charis And Karanas?


The most evolved classical dance form –Bharatnatyam (2/2)1. There is also a great deal of visual evidence of thisdance form in paintings and stone and metalsculptures of ancient times.

2. On the gopurams of the Chidambaram temple, onecan see a series of Bharatnatyam poses, frozen instone as it were, by the sculptor.

Discuss: Do visit the website for rich infographs on IndianArt & Culture. Helps in retention.


Where’s right to privacy? You decide, Govttells SC1. Is right to privacy a fundamental right? The NDAgovernment raised this question in the Supreme CourtWednesday, and went on to state that theConstitution does not assign right to privacy thatstatus.

2. What’s going on here?3. NDA is defending the validity of the Aadhaar cardsince a batch of petitions have contended thatcollection and sharing of biometric information was abreach of their “fundamental” right to privacy.

4. It must first be settled authoritatively whetherprivacy is a fundamental right.


Kathakali – With love, from Kerala1. Kathakali, as a dance form popular today, isconsidered to be of comparatively recent origin.

2. Kathakali is a blend of dance, music and acting anddramatizes stories, which are mostly adapted from theIndian epics.

3. Kathakali is a visual art where aharya, costume andmake‐up are suited to the characters, as per thetenets laid down in the Natya Shastra.

4. The characters in a Kathakali performance are broadlydivided into satvika, rajasika and tamasika types.


Moving to the North East – The SattriyaDance1. Introduced by the great Vaishnava saint and reformerof Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva.

2. Sattriya Nritya is accompanied by musicalcompositions called borgeets.

3. The costumes are usually made of pat ñ asilk produced in Assam which is derived fromthe mulberry plant.

Discuss: Go on the connected story to string together allthe classical dances.


Everything you need to know about theManipuri Dance1. The origin of Manipuri dance can be traced back toancient times that go beyond recorded history.

2. There are legendary references to the dances of Shivaand Parvati and other gods and goddesses whocreated the universe.

3. Lai Haraoba is one of the main festivals still performedin Manipur which has its roots in the pre‐Vaishnaviteperiod.

Discuss: Want to know more about Lai Haraoba and howManipuri dance changed after the vaishnavite intrusion?Read over at our connected web stories.


July 22 marks 68th Anniversary of India’s Flag1. India adopted its flag in 1947 just before it receivedindependence from Britain.

2. It was designed by freedom fighter Pingali Venkayyaand the three colors represent courage, truth andprosperity.

3. The first Indian flag had religious symbols and eightroses on it with Vande Matram written in the middle.

4. It was hoisted on August 7, 1906 at Parsi BaganSquare in Kolkata


Anyone with more info on the 3 sub‐types ofManipuri Dance?1. We are leaving it up to our most sincere readers tocome up with lucid summaries of the 3 sub‐types ofthe Manipuri Dance. Broadly, they are –

2. Raas – Think Raasleela and costumes3. Sankirtana – Think Kirtans and singing in a group4. Thang‐ta – That’s the martial arts dancing form

Discuss: Take help of the ccrtIndia website but write onthe comment sections and we will include your names :)


Rural electrification scheme to be launched1. The govt will launch the Deendayal Upadhyaya RuralElectrification Programme on July 25 in Patna.

2. It will replace the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen VidyutikaranYojana.

3. Aims initially to replace all incandescent bulbs in thecountry with LED lights in the next 3 years.


[cd explains] Greece‐waale Bailout Le Jayenge1. Here is the ultimate block buster in Economics.2. Isme action hain, drama hain, austerity hain, reformshain, growth hain, depression hain.

3. There are scams galore and bro‐mance to boot!4. How could Bollywood not move in to create a movie?Read up a fun way of knowing about Greece!

Discuss: Interesting take on the greek crisis by a famousblogger. We tried to create an infograph out of it whichyou can see on the website.


Govt. seeks a bigger say in the monetarypolicy1. Govt. proposed to strip off the RBI Governor from theveto power over deciding the monetary policy.

2. The proposal is to set up a Monetary PolicyCommittee to decide the interest rates and decisionwould be taken by a majority vote based on onemember one vote system.

3. Govt. also wants to appoint 4 out of 6 members inthis committee, while the fifth will be nominated bythe RBI Board of Directors and the sixth will benominated by the RBI ‘Chairperson’.

4. RBI Governor is speculated to be re‐designated as the‘Chairperson’ and will head this committee.


Delays dog the Highways Projects1. Main reasons for delays are weather, violence andtruancy by contractors.

2. 32 of the 125 delayed projects related to the GoldenQuadrilateral Project have been delayed by more than5 years.

3. In a sharp contrast, highways under the Border RoadOrganization are well on track.


India’s hi‐tech gift to the SAARC – Satellite!1. The SAARC satellite, announced by the PM in the lastSAARC summit in Nepal will cost Rs. 235 crores andthe launch cost will be borne by India.

2. The satellite will provide services related totelecommunication & broadcasting applications –television, direct‐to‐home, very small apertureterminals, tele‐education, tele‐medicine and disastermanagement support.

3. ISRO will launch it using GSLV – MK‐II.


Maldives assures India of keeping the IndianOcean a demilitarized zone1. The assurance comes in the backdrop of MaldivianParliament’s approval to allow foreign ownership of itsislands.

2. The obvious beneficiary of this move will be Chinawhich can acquire islands and atolls in the Maldives.

3. It will also give a huge boost to the Chinese MaritimeSilk Road initiative.

Discuss: An atoll is a ring‐shaped coral reef including acoral rim that encircles a lagoon partially or completely.Bangaram is an atoll in the Union Territory ofLakshadweep.


Judiciary running short of judges1. One‐third of all judges’ posts at the High Court leveland over a fifth of posts at the subordinate court levelare currently vacant.

2. Of the assigned strength of 31 judges in the SC, 3 arevacant.

3. All levels taken together, India has 17 judges for everymillion people.

4. No decision can be taken on appointment of judgesby the Centre till the NJAC logjam between the SCand the Govt. gets sorted out.


China to shed one‐child policy1. To counter the demographic trend of an agingpopulation and growing labour shortages, China ismulling to allow couples to have a second child.

2. Earlier, in 2013, China had allowed the couples, eitherof whom was a single child, to have a second child.

3. Hold your breath – the eligible couple had to apply forthe Govt.’s permission to have a second child.


SC lifts a year long embargo on State Govts.from releasing life convicts1. While the State Govts. can use their power ofremission but with some riders – life convicts underCentral laws like TADA or whose cases wereinvestigated by Central agencies like CBI cannot bereleased.

2. Sates can also not release convicts whose term wasimprisonment till ‘end of life’ or whose term saidimprisonment for 20 to 25 years.

3. These interim orders would be operative till the Benchgives the final verdict.


[op‐ed snap] Justice or vengeance – Exploringdeath warrant1. Death warrant or ‘black’ warrant proceedings are heldin the court that first ordered the sentence of death.

2. Ideally, the death warrant proceedings should takeplace only after a prisoner has exhausted all legalremedies.

3. The SC, in Shabnam v. Union of India case (May 2015)has laid down the key principles for black warrantproceedings.

4. After the decision of SC, a black warrant proceedingcannot take place without the accused and his lawyerbeing present.

5. The Supreme Court in Shatrughan Chauhan v. Unionof India case (January 2014) once again affirmed therights of death row prisoners to challenge therejection of their mercy petition on certain grounds.

Discuss: Explore the grounds available for a death rowprisoner to challenge the rejection of his mercy petitionw.r.t. to recent SC judgment. Afraid of remembering thecases, don't worry we will take them separately !!


Golden rule is to have patience1. Rise in price of gold shows that people have less truston the world’s reserve currency i.e. dollar, so peopleinvest in something tangible financial asset which isgold.

2. The fall in gold price can be accorded to recovery ofthe US economy which led to stability of dollar.

3. This stability reduced the demand of gold which hasan inverse relationship with currency.

4. The rising dollar bounds the big investors like centralbanks and other financial institutions to invest more indollar which brings the demand and price of yellowmetal down.

5. US Federal Reserve has given hints to hike its BASErate, which will lead to inflow of money to USTreasury bonds.

Discuss: Try to get in the skin of these technical terms ‐bonds, Base Rate etc. Will help a lot in newsunderstanding.


[op‐ed snap] The Iran deal, a triumph fordiplomacy1. US and Iran were pressed by political, economic andgeopolitical factors to reach a comprehensivesolutions to deep‐rooted crises.

2. Obama could not take forward Bush administration’saggressive strategy against Iran due to the economiccrisis that hit the world.

3. US faced daunting challenges in Asia after 9/11, i.e.stabilising Iraq and Afghanistan, neutralising terrorgroups operating from within the region and dealingwith Iran.

4. It was the confluence of strategic interest in Iraq andAfghanistan and US’ need for an ally in the region to


[op‐ed snap] Constitutional conversations onAdivasi rights1. This article on adivasi rights highlights an importantconstitutional right, to broaden the constitutionalprovision for their protection.

2. Tribal communities are witnessing fragmentation oftheir habitats and homelands and the disruption oftheir cultures through predatory tourism and stateaction.

3. The largest volume of litigation in scheduled areas hasto do with non‐tribal occupation of tribal land and theblatant derogation of land transfer regulation laws.

4. The 1997 Samata judgment presents a rich defenceof the rights of Adivasi communities to theirhomelands, highlighting Articles 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 23from fundamental rights and Articles 38, 39 and 46from DPSP.

5. The writer flags Art 19, which mentions that Statemay impose reasonable restrictions on the exercise ofany of the rights conferred under Art 19(1) for theprotection of the interests of any ST.

Discuss: Explore these underlined articles of constitutionto understand the constitutional protection to STs.


[Toppers Speak] Satish Reddy (AIR 97) onIndian Polity1. Satish writes about books and strategy to ace IndianPolity for IAS prep.

2. He would be able to answer a few queries – wesuggest you make them crisp and short.

3. Next in line would be Indian History.

Discuss: If you like what you read ‐ do rate us at theplaystore. If you have already done so then, sit back and


The 8 dance forms tagged as Classical in India1. The term “classical” (Sanskrit: “Shastriya”) wasintroduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi to denote theNatya Shastra‐based performing art styles.

2. Classical dance performances usually feature a storyabout good and evil.

3. Classical Indian dance is also known as Natya. Natyaincludes singing and abhinaya (mime acting).

4. The Natya Shastra, written by Bharata Muni, does notmention the name of any classical dance formsrecognised today, but listed the four Pravrittis asDakshinatya, Audramagadhi, Avanti and Panchali.


Defence, aero PSUs reveal hurdles to ‘Make inIndia’1. PSUs related to strategic sectors of aerospace anddefence are apprehensive of reversing in near futurethe 70% dependence on import of military hardware.

2. The reason is that the parts’ suppliers are falling shorton facilities, quality and time lines.

3. India does not have a ‘wind tunnel’ used to testaircraft systems. Lack of infrastructure and delays bythe suppliers is a big impediment for ‘Make in India’challenge for defence products.


SIT blames IPL for the black money menace1. SIT on the black money menace recommended tocheck for betting in cricket, esp. IPL, donations toeducational, religious and charity organisations.

2. It also asked SEBI to keep a close watch on the finalbeneficiaries of Foreign Investments throughParticipatory Notes and prosecute the offenders.

3. It further suggested to establish a central KYC registryand access to its database should be provided to alllaw enforcement agencies, the registrar of companiesand financial institutions.

Discuss: P‐Notes, or Participatory Notes, are offshorederivative instruments Foreign Institutional Investorsissue abroad against the underlying Indian securities.


Britain must stay in EU, says Barack Obama1. US has urged Britain to remain a member of theEuropean Union adding that Britain’s presence in theEU gives a much greater strength to the EU.

2. Pro‐Europeans argue that leaving the EU woulddiminish Britain’s international influence.

3. Britain’s future in the EU will be put to UK voters in areferendum within the next two years.


Cap on premature PF withdrawals likely1. Labor Ministry is about to cap premature providentfund withdrawal at 75% of total deposits in case anEPFO subscriber goes without a job for two months.

2. The rest 25% would be paid to the subscriber at theage of 58 years.

3. At present, EPFO subscribers can withdraw the entireamount prematurely by showing not employedanywhere for two months.


PSU banks resort to offbeat tactics to tacklebad loans1. Banks are using out of box methods to tackle badloans worth Rs. 3.1 Lakh Crores.

2. These include naming and shaming smaller borrowers,using big TV screens at shopping malls and webportals to advertise seized assets for sale and groupsof bank employees protesting outside offices andputting pressure on investors or executives.

3. Gross bad loans amount to Rs 3.1 lakh crore or 4.6%of total loans. Including loans that are stressed but notyet classified as bad, total troubled loans make up11% of total lending.


Another thorn in the love – hate relationshipof Govt & RBI1. Govt’s proposal on the composition of the MonetaryPolicy Committee is diametrically opposite to that ofUrjit Patel Committee’s recommendations.

2. Patel Committee had suggested that all the membersof MPC should be chosen by RBI while Govt. wantsthe majority in the MPC panel.

3. Going by international norms, except in Colombia,Guatemala and the Philippines, the Govt. does nothave representation in the MPC.


[op‐ed snap] Give the RBI its independence1. The new draft of Indian Financial Code released byfinance ministry provides for setting up of a MonetaryPolicy Committee (MPC) to decide policy rate.

2. Currently, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)advises RBI on such issues, but RBI governor has theright to veto any decision of TAC.

3. FSLRC suggested that 7‐member MPC, shall beappointed after due consultations between the govt.and the RBI, with 3 nominees from govt. and vetopower for RBI governor.

4. However, the draft seeks to vest in the govt. thepower to nominate 4 members to the MPC, withoutany veto power to Governor.

5. Though, it is not wrong to allow the govt. a say in thematters of monetary policy, but it appears toundermine RBI’s autonomy.

Discuss: Explore the composition of TAC.


[op‐ed snap] Modernity And The Madrasa1. This editorial discusses significance of Maharashtragovt.’s decision to count certain madrasa students as“out of school”.

2. There are two types of madrasa working in India, onecontrolled by Madrasa board in different states, withsyllabus at par with state govt. schools.

3. The other one being Azad madrasa, which are notfunded by govt. and their curriculum is mostlyreligious.

4. Govt. started madrasa modernisation policy in 1993to convince azad madrasa to teach modern subjects inlieu of state grants, but met with stiff opposition fromfew madrasa affiliates.

5. But, the non‐recognition of madrasa education wouldfurther marginalise muslim community which is notgood for a country like India.

Discuss: Explore the reasons behind the exemption ofmadrasas from the provisions of the right to educationact.


WTO strikes ‘landmark’ IT trade deal1. The deal will update the 18‐year‐old IT Agreementand add 200 products to the zero tariff list.

2. The deal will cut tariffs on $1.3 trillion worth oftechnology products besides creating jobs and addingto the global GDP.

3. The benefitting products range from advancedcomputer chips to GPS devices, medical equipment,printer cartridges and video‐game consoles

4. This deal alongwith the Trade FacilitationAgreement from Doha Round will boost the globalliberalized trade system.


Mohiniyattam – with Love, from Kerala1. Derived from the words Mohini (beautiful women)and attam (dance).

2. Mohiniyattam is a solo female dance (in a singlecostume) – Usually, the theme of the dance isshringara or love.

3. Follow the story for more context on this dance form.

Discuss: We have covered 5 out of the 8 dances. 3 moreto go!


[op‐ed snap] A subsidy and some questions1. Union govt. has decided to extend the interestsubvention scheme on bank loans given to land‐owning farmers at 7%.

2. Recently, RBI investigation found apparent diversionof agricultural loans for unintended purposes .

3. The loan amounts are used to repay existing debts tomoney‐lenders, deposited in fixed amount schemes toearn higher interest, etc.

4. Most farmers don’t earn enough to meet their basicneeds, so these loans serve as an auxiliary income tomeet consumption expenditure.

5. Consumption expenditure is the expenditureon purchase of goods and services for use byhouseholds.

6. Govt. should rethink the manner in which farmers aresubsidised so as to finance farming rather thanconsumption.

Discuss: Can soft loans be replaced by investing moneyin R&D to boost crop yields.


How can Greece recover?1. The biggest promise for improving Greece’s economylies in maximizing its foreign exports, and encouragingforeign investments.

2. A 2012 McKinsey study suggested that food productsand tourism could add billions to Greece’s G.D.P.

3. To implement such changes, Greece will have to firstwork on improving its reputation and trust among itscitizens.


UNO’s Sustainable Development Goals. QuickRecap1. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) developedby the UN span between 2015‐2030, with 17 officialgoals including poverty eradication and environmentalprotection.

2. They are related to the Millennium DevelopmentGoals (MDG) charted by the UN to span between2000‐2015.

3. Bjørn Lomborg, president of the CopenhagenConsensus Center, performed a cost‐benefit analysison the goals.

4. He found that benefits rarely even correlate with thecosts of the SDG.


What is the Copenhagen Consensus Center?1. The Copenhagen Consensus Center seeks to establishpriorities for advancing global welfare using cost‐benefit analysis methods based on the theory ofwelfare economics.

2. It is intended as a corrective to standard practicewhere media attention and public opinion results inpriorities that are often far from optimal.

3. It was conceived and organized by Bjorn Lomborg,and is an independent non‐profit organizationregistered in the USA.


[op‐ed snap] If you do not hear the farmer1. Centre overshadowing the principles of cooperativefederalism decreed states to not announce the cropbonus.

2. The reason behind farmer suicides is increasingunseasonal weather accompanied with fall in prices ofcommodities.

3. The economics behind MSP, which says it is outdatedand leads to food inflation in a market‐driveneconomy, made situation worse for farmers.

4. Ramesh Chand Committee, setup in 2013,recommended a road map to achieve better farmmargins, but that did not go well with government.


[oped snap] Challenge of Agrarian Distress Successive governments have failed to accordagriculture the priority it deserves. Official records revealthat more than 2.96 lakh farmers have ended their livesover the last two decades. Indian farmer is suffering fromfollowing problems – Adverse impact of climate changeNon‐remunerative prices Lack of adequate irrigationfacilities Absence of assured income Paucity … Continuereading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/oped‐snap‐challenge‐of‐agrarian‐distress/)


[op‐ed snap] Untie the farmer – empower him1. There is a global trend across developing countriesthat the share of agriculture declines with economicdevelopment.

2. However, stagnant agriculture can neither produceenough food nor release enough workers for industrywhereas dynamic agriculture can do both.

3. To leave farmers on land and not give them skills forurban and industrial lives is equal to trapping them inmisery

4. The policy intervention should shift from priceincentives to investments in upgrading the technologybase of agriculture.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/oped-snap-challenge-of-agrarian-distress/


[Discuss] Key problems with agriculture & howwould you solve them?1. Open discussion at the website on the ongoingagriculture crisis.

2. Join us at civilsdaily.com


[op‐ed snap] Constitutional opinion over theDelhi turf warThe relevant laws are Article 239AA of the Constitution,the Govt of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991 (GNCT Act), therules formulated under this Act (Transaction of BusinessRules), and the relevant judicial pronouncements. Although the separation of power between Delhi CM andLG is not very clearly demarcated but it can be …Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐constitutional‐opinion‐over‐the‐delhi‐turf‐war/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-constitutional-opinion-over-the-delhi-turf-war/


Italy moves the International Tribunal for theLaw of Seas (ITLOS) in the marines case1. ITLOS is one of the four forums available for suchInternational disputes.

2. Through this forum, Italy wants India to refrain fromtaking any judicial or administrative measures againstthe Italian marines.

3. India will be represented by the Additional SolicitorGeneral P.S. Nariman at the tribunal and will becontending that India alone has the jurisdiction in thiscase since it happened within India’s territorial limits.

4. India will also contend that Italy did not exhaust allavailable remedies, which is a requirement beforeapproaching ITLOS.

Discuss: In Feb2012, two Italian Marines onboard an oiltanker had opened fire on a fishing boat and killed twofishermen. The issue has since then been a tusslebetween the Govts.


SC asks Delhi to set up SHRC within 6 months1. Even after 22 years of enactment of Protection ofHuman Rights Act, 1993, Delhi does not have SHRCdespite the fact that Delhi is number 2 in humanrights violations.

2. SC also directed HP, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh,Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland to set up SHRC in 6months.

3. Besides Sikkim, no other state has a human rightscourt for every district.

Discuss: Top 3 regions based on human rights violations– UP>Delhi>Haryana.


Locking horns with Kaziranga Park1. CAG had reported that 71 dhabas, hotels and othercommercial ventures have come up within eco‐sensitive zone of Kaziranga Park.

2. NGT has directed the respective owners to show thattheir properties are legal and they are not encroachingthe eco‐zone.

3. CAG reports have also pointed out that rampantconstruction and parking on vast stretches ofcontentious NH37 have disturbed the rhino habitat.

Discuss: Kaziranga National Park is a national park in theGolaghat and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam. AWorld Heritage Site, the park hosts two‐thirds of theworld's great one‐horned rhinoceroses.


Kinnaur farmers demand forests rights1. Kinnaur farmers held a rally in Rekong Peo demandingan end to evictions and implementation of ForestRights Act, 2006.

2. Tribal farmers and forest dwellers cannot be evictedfrom forestlands under Section 4(5) of FRA.

3. They said that Govt. was bent upon removingencroachments before settling many claims pendingwith district and village forest rights associations.


China says India’s fears of military base inMaldives unfounded1. China tagged India’s anxiety as baseless after Maleapproved a law to allow foreigners to buy land in thecountry.

2. A senior Chinese military officer said that China didnot own any military base abroad, nor did it seekmilitary expansion.

3. Maldivian President tried to placate the oppositionand neighboring countries mentioning that Maldives islooking at projects like Singapore’s Marina Bay Sandsor Dubai’s Palm Islands and not at strategic projects.

Discuss: The Maldives will now allow foreigners whoinvest more than US$1 billion to own land in perpetuity,provided 70 per cent of it is reclaimed from the sea.


Tough times for fertilizer industry1. In absence of a well‐planned Govt. policy, top fertilizermanufacturers like Tata and Birla are mulling uponexiting the industry.

2. Major reasons are excess focus and usage of urea,delayed subsidy payments, non‐availability ofdomestic natural gas and inconsistent Govt. policy.

3. Urea is highly subsidized which makes the prices ofdecontrolled NPK fertilizers 3‐4 times higher, thereby,decreasing their consumption.

4. Though the Govt. allowed gas pooling recently, butthe entire benefit goes to urea industry and not toNPK manufacturers.

5. Without a developed fertilizer industry, schemes likeSoil Health Cards, Second Green Revolution etc. willremain only paper schemes.

Discuss: Subsidy of more than Rs. 30,000 crores is


Delhi HC allows Red FM in radio wavesauction1. HC quashed Union govt.’s July 15 decision denyingsecurity clearance to the radio channel.

2. RED FM can participate in the stage‐III FM radiowaves auction.


16 years since Kargil, Army still short ofammunition1. Though, there is enough stock for day‐to‐dayoperations, but there was a need to build up stocksfor a war‐like situation.

2. During the peak of the Kargil, shortage of artilleryammunition had become a serious concern.Emergencysupplies had to be procured.

3. Even the minimum acceptable risk level (MARL), whichis 20 days, was not maintained with availability as onMarch 2013.

4. The armed forces launched Operation Vijay in May1999 to evict Pakistani soldiers, mostly from NorthernLight Infantry.


Modi govt. now keen on tougher SC/STAtrocities Act1. The Bill seeks to strengthen the Scheduled Castes andScheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

2. It adds new categories of actions to be treated asoffences.For instance, forcing an individual from aScheduled community to vote or not to vote for acandidate unlawfully.

3. Public servants from other communities to bepunished for neglect of their duties related to SC/ST.

4. Special courts to be setup at the district level, withexclusive public prosecutors, to speed up the trialprocess.

5. Special courts for atrocities against women presidedover by a woman judge.

Discuss: The cases of crime against SC/ST saw a rise ascompared to IPC, while the conviction rate under theformer remains low.


PM launches new scheme for power reformsin rural areas1. PM launched Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram JyotiYojna for power sector reforms in rural areas.

2. It aims on feeder separation for rural households andagricultural activities.

3. Strengthening of sub‐transmission and distributioninfrastructure including metering at all levels in ruralareas.

4. Round the clock power supply i.e. 24 hours electricity.5. The earlier scheme Rajiv Gandhi GrameenVidyutikaran Yojana has been subsumed in the newscheme as its rural electrification component

Discuss: Development is the panacea for all problems


SC should reconsider validity of death penalty,says ex‐judge1. SC in Shanker Kisan Rao Khade vs Maharashtra, 2013set out the principle for awarding capital punishment.

2. Court held that capital punishment can be awardedonly if there are “zero mitigating circumstances.

3. The award of death penalty should be “society‐centric” and the litmus test is whether society willapprove the awarding of death sentence or not.

4. The court has to look into a variety of factors likesociety’s abhorrence, extreme indignation andantipathy to the crime.


[Discuss] RBI at the risk of losing autonomy?1. FSLRC draft gives the centre the right to appoint 4out of 7 monetary policy committee members, andtakes away the veto power of RBI governor.

2. FSLRC – Financial Sector Legislative ReformsCommission

3. MPC – Monetary Policy Committee4. Remember the 2014 Urjit Patel Committeereport? RBI deputy governor Urjit Patel hadrecommended a 5‐member MPC with the governor asthe chairman.

Discuss: Let's discuss this over at web?


Former President APJ Abdul Kalam no more1. The former President collapsed during a lecture at theIndian Institute of Management in Shillong at around6.30 pm and was taken to the hospital.

2. The Nation has lost a Real Bharat Ratna.


What is Curative Petition?1. Once his original appeal against the death penalty isdismissed, a death row convict can file a reviewpetition and then a curative petition.

2. Order 48 in Part 4 of the SC Rules, 2013 says thatCurative Petition (CP) should be circulated among SC’s3 senior‐most judges and the judges who passed thejudgment complained of, if available.

3. In Yakub Memon CP case, SC questioned the way inwhich CP was filed mentioning that the judges whohad passed the sentence were not included and askedfor AG’s response.

4. AG replied that since the CP challenged the originaljudgement of death penalty and not the reviewpetition, so no need to include the judges whodecided on the review petition.


14‐year‐old rape victim seeks SC permissionto abort1. Earlier, Gujarat HC had rejected the victim’s pleasaying that it was too late under the MedicalTermination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 to abort, whichdoes not allow for medical termination after 20weeks.

2. The victim has filed a petition with the SC saying thata “woman’s right to make reproductive choices is alsoa dimension of personal liberty as understood underArticle 21 of the Constitution”.

3. ‘Life’ here does not merely mean physical health of apregnant woman, but also social and economiccircumstances and physical well‐being.


In a rare gesture, CM and LG settle DCW issueamicably1. LG had earlier dismissed the appointment of chief ofDelhi Commission for Women, on the pretext that hisapproval was mandatory and asserting that the Govt.in Delhi meant LG.

2. This was followed by Delhi Govt. sending the file toLG which the latter approved.

3. Many hearings are conducted before the Commissionreaches a conclusion for the affected women andexercises the powers of a Civil Court to ensurecompliance of its summons for witnesses andevidence.


India, a Tier II country in US report on humantrafficking concerns1. It implies that the U.S. viewed India as a countrywhose government did not fully comply with itsTrafficking Victims’ Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimumstandards.

2. The report noted that India continued to be “a source,destination, and transit country for men, women, andchildren subjected to forced labour and sextrafficking.”


Royal Bengal Tiger count falls sharply1. In a very steep decline, the tiger population inBangladesh dropped from 440 last year to 160 thisyear – according to a survey funded by the WorldBank.

2. The main reasons are loss of habitat, human‐animalconflict, unchecked poaching and lack of forestmanagement.

3. Hidden cameras were used to identify the big cats’population instead to outdated pug‐mark technique.

4. There are apparently 74 tigers on the Indian side ofthe Sundarbans, the mangrove forest that stretchesfor nearly 4,000 miles across both countries.


Govt. clears the air on P‐Notes1. SIT on black money had urged SEBI to have stricternorms for P‐Notes in order to check the menace ofblack money.

2. This had led to tumbling of stock market amidstuncertainty of the future of P‐Notes.

3. Finance Minister tried to placate the investors sayingthat the Govt. will not take any knee‐jerk reaction andunderstand the report completely before taking anydecision.


[op‐ed snap] All eyes on Pluto. Why?1. The dwarf planet could help scientists understand ourown planet’s history.

2. The connection between Pluto and life on Earth is thelikely presence of organic compounds and water iceinside the dwarf planet.

3. Kuiper belt was discovered, 20 years post‐Pluto’sdiscovery, comprising a vast collection of icy objects.

4. First expedition to explore Pluto was NASA’s NewHorizon spacecraft, launched in 2006.

Discuss: Lunar and planetary missions, over the years,have inspired the younger generation in the country tochoose a career in science.


[Discuss] Can anyone elaborate on the needfor RBI to be independent?1. Don’t the normal principles of political accountabilityapply here?

2. Govt. is accountable to people and thus will take careof growth/ inflation/ interest rate decisions in the bestinterests of people.

3. Share your views. Let’s have a better – more informeddebate around this.


China says it is not planning military bases inthe Maldives1. Maldives passed legislation last week to allowforeigners to own land within a project site oncondition at least 70% of the area is reclaimed fromthe sea.

2. This has been seen warily in India as an opportunityfor military expansion by China.

3. But China has said that it is not planning to buildmilitary bases on the Maldives.


[op‐ed snap] Agrarian distress and suicides1. There are loopholes in NCRB data due to data beingsourced from police station level FIRs, which are oftencontested documents, not conclusive proof.

2. Initial police reports often have little to do with thecomplex factors that drive someone to take his life.

3. Studies suggest that lack of institutional credit is oneof the major problems faced by farmers acrosscountry

4. Income of an average household is grossly inadequateto meet the consumption demands.

5. Farmer suicides must be tackled seriously on the basisof a comprehensive examination of the causativefactors along with context.


DNA profiling Bill triggers debate1. DNA profiling is a forensic technique used to identifyindividuals by characteristics of their DNA.

2. One sample of a person’s DNA is maintained byforensic authorities.

3. That sample can be matched to DNA obtained from acrime scene to establish whether that person waspresent or not.

4. Does the Bill mean to say that once a criminal alwaysa criminal?

Discuss: This sparks a debate on evidence vs. right toprivacy in India again. Do try to connect the Aadhardebate to this.


India’s DNA profiling bill may become one ofthe world’s most intrusive laws1. Among all the forensic tools available to criminalinvestigators, DNA analysis is the only one that hasconsistently produced reliable results.

2. Now Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, wants toensure that the technique be used more widely toconvict criminals in the country.

3. Is it going to be one of the most intrusive bills to beput in motion?

4. Is DNA evidence infallible?


Centre returns controversial Gujarat Bill1. The IT ministry has objected to provisions of GujaratControl of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GCTOC)Bill, 2015.

2. The ministry has objections over empowering policeto tap telephonic conversations and submit them asevidence.

3. The bill makes confessions made before policeadmissible in court.

4. It also extends the period of probe from stipulated 90days to 180 days before filing of charge sheet.

5. Any Bill passed by an Assembly on issuescontravening Central laws needs Presidential assent.


SC allows minor rape victim to abort if expertsagree1. The court set up a panel of 3 medical experts,including a psychologist to examine the physical andmental health of the minor victim.

2. The committee will take a call on whether terminationof pregnancy was in the interest of the girl’s life.

3. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971,allows abortion only up to 20 weeks.

4. The victim has contented that, woman’s right to makereproductive choices is also a dimension of personalliberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.


Tripura: pension for transgenders launched1. The Tripura government has introduced a pensionscheme for transgenders.

2. Monthly pension up to Rs. 500 would be given totransgenders.

3. Govt. also decided to a pay a monthly pension towomen domestic workers and patients suffering fromleprosy and AIDS.


Kerala to settle Sabarimala’s nomadic tribes1. The Kerala government will provide rehabilitation withimproved basic facilities to nomadic tribals in theSabarimala forests.

2. These families are living in a poor condition in theforests.

3. The district administration would provide education aswell as medical facility at tribal hamlets.


Surface‐to‐air missile to be tested in Israel1. The long‐range surface‐to‐air missile being developedwith Israel will be tested in Israel late this year.

2. It can reach targets up to 70 km3. The missile is being developed by DRDO and IsraelAerospace Industries, for the Navy.

4. Medium range version of this missile is in progress forArmy and Air Force.

5. The 3 services are in dire need of them, and requirethis missile in large numbers.


Four things you should know about theMahabodhi Temple1. The Mahabodhi Temple (Literally: “Great AwakeningTemple”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. It is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, which marks thelocation where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, issaid to have attained enlightenment.

3. Infograph available on web.

Discuss: We are trying to make things interesting for youhere. Key points + infographs should hold you in goodstead.


Why is Kushinagar a famous Buddhist place?1. Kushinagar has a gilded statue of Buddha. Thatsignifies his Parinirvana.

2. It is the completion of nirvana, usually understood tobe within reach only upon the death of the body ofsomeone who has attained complete awakening(bodhi).

3. Kushinagar also finds a mention in epic Ramayan asthe city of Kusha the son of Ram, the famous king ofAyodhya.

4. The parinirvana of the Buddha is described in theMahaparinibbana Sutta.

Discuss: Buddhism is UPSC's favorite when it comes toPrelims. In 2014, we had a question on places visited byBuddha in his life!


Sanchi – The oldest extant Buddhist sanctuary1. The Great Stupa that is located at Sanchi Town in MP– It is the oldest STONE structure in India –commissioned by Ashoka.

2. After Ashoka came the Sunga, Satavahanas &Kushanas to contribute to the growing heritage.

3. The Gupta kings built along some temples – Sanchihas both Hindu and Buddhist faith.

4. Interestingly, Sanchi had lain abandoned for ~600years before it was discovered.


An extremely unconventional Hindu temple –The Apsidal Durga1. The Durga temple, a former Hindu temple, is locatedin Aihole in the state of Karnataka, India.

2. The temple was built between the 7th and the 8thcentury by the dynasty of the Chalukyas.

3. The architecture of the temple is predominantlyDravida with Nagara style also is used in certainareas.

4. Note – This is not a temple dedicated to the goddessDurga – The word “Durga” here is a sanskrit word for“Fort”.

Discuss: The Apsidal Durga temple: If it's not dedicatedto the goddess Durga, then who is it dedicated to?


The Virupaksha temple at Hampi gets theAdarsh Smarak tag1. Located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra –devoted to Lord Shiva (Virupaksha).

2. The Ministry of Culture has chosen Hampi and 24other monuments to be granted ‘Adarsha Smaraks’.

3. The ‘Adarsh Smarak’ tag is given to the monumentswhich have highest number of tourists visiting besidesgiving them special attention in order to boostinternational tourism.

Discuss: This news had come in Hindu in March 2015 ‐such cross reference of history + modern day policydecisions should be closely watched.


The grandeur of Pallavas – Shore temple1. Shore Temple comprises 3 shrines, mainly dedicatedto Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu resting onthe Sheshnaga.

2. Shore Temple is also acknowledged for being the firststone structure made by Pallavas.

3. The Shore Temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal(Mamallapuram was the port city of Kanchipuram, thePallava capital).

Discuss: The temple was designed to grasp the first raysof the rising sun and to spotlight the waters after sunset.In the words of Percy Brown, Shore Temple served as "alandmark by day and a beacon by night".


Rafael of Israel and India’s Kalyani Group helpdeepen defence ties1. Kalyani group will form a manufacturing joint venturewith Israel’s Rafael to make Spike Anti‐Tank GuidedMissiles (ATGM) in India.

2. The deal was cleared by the Defence AcquisitionCouncil last year and the plan is to start production inabout 2 years.

3. The JV will conform to the FDI guidelines with 51%ownership held by the Kalyani Group. The companiesare in talks with the Telangana Govt. for landprocurement.

Discuss: Spike is a third generation, fire‐and‐forget, man‐portable, anti‐tank missile.


Cabinet approves changes to the GST Bill andmore1. Full 5 year compensation to states and exemptingstock transfer by same group companies from 1%additional tax in inter‐state supplies.

2. National Infrastructure & Investment Fund with acorpus of Rs. 20,000 Crores approved by the Cabinet.

3. Cabinet also approved the Consumer Protection Bill,2015 and amendments to the Anti‐Hijacking Bill.


A happy Q1 for Energy1. Q1 of 2015 saw a total addition of 695 MW in therenewable energy sector and the installed capacity oftotal solar power crossed 4000 MW mark.

2. Total grid interactive installed renewable power stoodat 36,471MW with more than 75% being provided bywind energy alone.

3. The contribution follows the order: Wind>Bio‐power>Small Hydro>Solar.

4. Overall, Govt. has set an annual capacity additiontarget of 4460 MW.

Discuss: Govt. has already approved a plan to set up2000 MW grid connected solar power capacity underphase II of National Solar Mission.


Disinvestment: Rs.30,000 crore, a realistictarget?1. The government raised around Rs.25,000 croreagainst the target of Rs.58,425 crore – we missed thetargets again!

2. The Dept. of Disinvestment now says that only Rs.30,000 Crores is a realistic target and rest is justwishful thinking.

3. For disinvestment in 2015‐16, the government has apipeline of over 20 PSUs for which it has cabinetapproval of 10 % stake sale each in OIL, IOC, Nalco,NMDC, besides, 5 % in NTPC, ONGC, BHEL.

4. Because of the pressure of high target, the actualrealisation gets impacted as strategy cannot beworked out properly.

Discuss: Of the targeted Rs.69,500 crore, Rs.41,000crore was to come from minority stake sale in PSUs andfurther Rs.28,500 crore from strategic stake sales.


The Haryanvi dance for the month of Phalgun1. The folk dance of Haryana is known as the ‘Dhamyal‘or the ‘Duph‘.

2. The origins of the dance may be traced back to theMahabharata.

3. The orchestra starts playing the folk tunes in thebeginning and they are steadily joined by the dancersin a circular pattern.

4. The Duph, after which the dance form is named, is acircular drum, played nimbly by the male dancers, asthey dance.


Moving on to Maharashtra – The Koli dance1. The Koli dance derives its name from the Koli tribe ofMaharashtra.

2. The dances of Kolis incorporate all elements of theirsurroundings.

3. The Koli dance is performed by both men and women– divided into two groups.

4. In this dance the Kolin or fisherwoman makesadvances to the Kolis or fishermen. Note the wordadvances!


From the snake charmers of Rajasthan –Kalbelia1. Kalbelia community’s occupation being catchingsnakes and trading snake venom in Rajasthan.

2. Dancers dress traditional black swirling skirts duringKalbelia Dance.

3. The dance of the kalbelia women is vigorous andgraceful.

Discuss: UPSC is known to be notorious for goingregional with art and culture. We are leaving no stonesunturned to get the best to you. Make sure you go onlineto see the infographs!


The famous Tera Tali dance of Rajasthan1. Tera Tali is another famous folk dance of Rajasthan.Performed by the ‘Kamar‘ tribe.

2. The women folk sit on the ground while performingthe Tera Tali. Men? Well they just sing.

3. An interesting part of the Tera Tali dance is tying ofmetal cymbals (Manjiras) to different parts of thebody, mostly on the legs.

4. On many occasions the women clasp a sword inbetween their teeth and balance a decorative pot ontheir head.


One more Valley dance – Hurka Baul fromUttaranchal1. Seasonal dances are performed to express joy &celebrate the arrival of new season.

2. During the cultivation of paddy and maize in the farm,the Hurka Baul dance is performed.

3. How does the dance gets its name? Hurka = which isthe drum used for musical accompaniment & Baul =song.

4. The singer narrates the story of battles and heroicdeeds while performers enter from opposite sides.


Hikat Dance – For the love of life!1. Hikat is performed by women and comes across as amodification of a game played by children.

2. Forming pairs, the participants extend their arms tothe front, gripping each other’s wrists.

3. With their body inclined back, they go round andround at the same spot.

4. This is the folk dance of Himachal, although youwould find people of Jammu joining it as well.

Discuss: The "Bumro Bumro" song in Mission Kashmirwas as close to Hikat as Bollywood could get.


Mission Kashmir reporting LIVE – DumhalDance1. The dance of the Kashmiris is called as ‘Dumhal’.2. It is performed by dancers wearing long colorfulrobes and tall conical caps.

3. It is mainly the men folk of Wattal who perform thisdance, that too on specific occasions. More like,Dance on Demand!

4. While dancing, the performers sing too, with drums toassist their lyrics.


Remembering APJ Abdul Kalam, the problem‐solverAs scientist and as president, Kalam asked the questionsthat pointed us in the right direction. The writer is aformer chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation.One of his biggest contributions – successful progress ofthe SLV 3 programme in the 1970s. Kalam envisionedlaunching a huge 20‐tonne rocket with a spacecraft thatwould orbit the … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/remembering‐apj‐abdul‐kalam‐the‐problem‐solver/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/remembering-apj-abdul-kalam-the-problem-solver/


Leadership Lessons from a ‘People’s President’ Curated bits from an article by Knowledge@Wharton.“He pushed the country to reach new heights and toaspire to lead the way in its global rise, rather than aim tomerely catch‐up with the developed nations.” SaikatChaudhuri “When it came to leadership, [he] relied moreon faith, humility and integrity. We all fondly … Continuereading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/leadership‐lessons‐from‐a‐peoples‐president/)


A few gems from the Bharat Ratna: APJ AbdulKalam1. We are running a long story on the legend – APJAbdul Kalam over at our website.

2. We invite our users to come out in open withanecdotes/ narratives/ talks about or by this greatleader.

3. What do you get in return? A Hi‐Rez poster designedby our Design Team in your mailbox

4. Share the story in your social & study circles viathe FB Share and get this freebie in your inbox!

Discuss: We would love to hear from you ‐ some of thebest contributions will be included in the main story.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/leadership-lessons-from-a-peoples-president/


[op‐ed snap] In search of freedom – Victims ofhuman trafficking1. Human trafficking results in modern‐day slavery suchas sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced marriagesand children in armed conflict.

2. UN passed Palermo Protocol in 2000 to prevent,suppress and punish trafficking in person, especially inwomen and children.

3. Even though trafficking is prohibited in ourconstitution, but a comprehensive law was laid downin 2013, making trafficking a criminal offence.

4. The victims of trafficking especially children need safesocial and economic rehabilitation accompanied bycounselling and vocational training.

5. Rights‐based education system should be introducedin school curriculum so that children are aware of thedangers of trafficking.

Discuss: Trafficking is an organised crime that needsconcerted inter‐state and inter‐agency efforts.


Cabinet approves legislation for GST – Sowhat changes now?1. The NDA cabinet has accepted most of theamendments to the GST legislation proposed by aRajya Sabha select committee.

2. GST bill will be amended to say that states will becompensated ‘for 5 years’ rather than up to five years.Will the center compensate the states in full?

3. It will now pass officially if there is support from two‐thirds of the members in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

4. Once this is done – a GST council—withrepresentation from the centre and the states—will beconstituted to help in drafting the GST law.


New IIM opens in Nagpur1. Maharashtra’s first IIM opened in Nagpur on 26 July,with CM Devendra Fadnavis doing the inaugurationhonors.

2. A batch of 60 students will start this term on themakeshift premises of Visveswaraya National Instituteof Technology (VNIT).

3. IIM Ahmedabad is to serve as the mentor school.


Putin to oppose International Tribunal forMH171. Moscow will veto a UN Security Council resolution toset up an international criminal court to prosecutethose responsible for shooting down a MalaysiaAirlines plane over Ukraine a year ago.

2. The resolution is supported by Ukraine, Netherlandsand the West.

3. Russia‐backed separatist rebels or Russian soldiers arethe prime suspects, which Russia denies.


Bathukamma – Telangana’s Floral Festival1. BATHUKAMMA = Mother Goddess (Maha Gauri)come Alive

2. A flower stack is prepared with seven concentriclayers of flowers most of them with medicinal values.

3. Women and young girls perform this dance by singingand clapping around the flower stack.

4. Celebrated for nine days during DURGA NAVARATRI5. Each day a different Bathukamma is prepared. (Sototal 9!)


The 3 dance forms of Manipuri in detailRaas – Raas lila, the epitome of Manipuri classical danceis inter‐woven through the celestial and eternal love ofRadha and Krishna as has been described in the Hinduscriptures and reveals the sublime and transcendentallove of Krishna and Radha and the Gopis’ devotion to theLord. Main characters are Radha, Krishna and the …Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/the‐3‐dance‐forms‐of‐manipuri‐in‐detail/)

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Beijing slams U.S. for militarising South ChinaSea1. Terming Obama’s ‘Asia Pivot’ policy as ‘Chinacontainment policy’, Beijing has accused US ofmilitarizing South China Sea.

2. China has been irked by the increased surveillance byUS Pacific Fleet and has accused it of trying to createdifferences between China and other claimantcountries in the South China Sea.

3. Under President Barack Obama’s “Asia Pivot” or“Rebalance” doctrine, 60 per cent of its forces will bepositioned in the Pacific.


Govt notifies norms of composite cap tosimplify FDI1. All sectors barring banking and defence can now getup to 49 per cent FII through the automatic route.

2. All direct and indirect overseas investments, whetherportfolio or FDI, will be subject to a composite foreigninvestment cap for that particular sector.

3. In sectors under government approval route anytransfer of ownership due to foreign investment willrequire prior nod from the government.

4. Strategic sectors of banking and defence shall havesub‐limits of 49 % and 24% respectively on ForeignPortfolio Investment.


Can ‘Make in India’ be the new bridgebetween India and Africa?1. Speaking in a Africa Seminar series, an African HighCommissioner suggested “Source raw materials fromAfrica, Make in India and sell in Africa’.

2. Africa is now a market of $1.4 trillion and there arehuge investment opportunities in sectors such asBPO, agro‐processing etc.