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VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE CURRENT AFFAIRS UPSC - 2016 (NOVEMBER - 1 TO 15) Main Office At Vetrii IAS Study Circle F Block New No. 1, 9 th Street, 1 st Avenue Main Road, Anna Nagar (E), Chennai 102. Phone: 044 26265326 / 9600124042 / 9840097666 Branch Office At Vetrii IAS Study Circle, No:189/1, Meyanoor Road, Near ARRS Multiplex, Opp. Venkateshwara Complex, Salem 4 Phone: 0427 2330307 / 9442740307 / 9500122022 Branch Office At Vetrii IAS Study Circle, 243 Cauvery Nagar, Opp. New Housing Unit, Thanjavur- 05. Cell: 7871169099 www.vetriias.com

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VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE

CURRENT AFFAIRS UPSC - 2016

(NOVEMBER - 1 TO 15)

Main Office At

Vetrii IAS Study Circle

F Block New No. 1, 9th Street, 1st Avenue Main Road,

Anna Nagar (E), Chennai – 102.

Phone: 044 – 26265326 / 9600124042 / 9840097666

Branch Office At

Vetrii IAS Study Circle,

No:189/1, Meyanoor Road,

Near ARRS Multiplex,

Opp. Venkateshwara Complex,

Salem – 4

Phone: 0427 – 2330307 /

9442740307 / 9500122022

.

Branch Office At

Vetrii IAS Study Circle,

243 Cauvery Nagar,

Opp. New Housing Unit,

Thanjavur- 05.

Cell: 7871169099

www.vetriias.com

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS IR November (1 to 15) 2016

9600124042/ 9840097666

CONTENT

SL. NO TOPIC PAGE NO

1. Bilateral Issues And International Affairs 1

2. Polity And Governance 7

3. Defence & Internal Security 12

4. Economy 15

5. Environmental Issues 17

6. Science & Technology 21

7. Sports 26

8. Person In News 27

9. General Issues 29

10. Important Articles 31

Questions 31

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS IR November (1 to 15) 2016

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BILATERAL ISSUES AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

WHAT IS OF INTERNATIONAL BUREAU OF EDUCATION (IBE)

IBE supports countries efforts both through direct and technical assistance but also by proving platform to share

experiences and best practices from around the world and build country capacity to harness technology to

strengthen education system for sustained improvement of education quality, equity and inclusion.

News: Recently International Bureau Education (IBF), UNESCO in partnership with Google and in

collaboration with the UNESCO International Institute of Technology for education (IITE) in Moscow, of NCERT

in New Delhi, and HRD Ministry organised International forum in New Delhi.

The forum mainly targets countries which are in plementing the UNESCO developed general

education quality Analysis frame work.

REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

RCEP is regional free Trade Agreement between 16 Asia – Pacific countries including India, China, Japan,

South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and 10 member ASEAN bloc.

News: All members of RCEP including India is worried over agreeing to give greater market access to Chinese

goods without gaining similar returns. Example: steel and other subsidised items.

ISRAEL PRESIDENT TO VISIT INDIA

Israel president Reuven Rivlin will visit India in order sign several agreements with a focus on cooperation in

agriculture, water and education, though other agreements on security and defence cooperation

were not ruled out.

Important facts

In January 2017, India had Israel will mark 25 years since they established full diplomatic relations.

India is largest buyer of Israeli Military equipment and Israel is second – largest defence supplier worth around

$9 billion. Military and strategic ties between the two nations extend to intelligence sharing on terrorist groups

and joint military training.

India-Israel enjoy an extensive economic, Military and strategic relationship.

India is the third largest Asian trade partner of Israel and two nations are negotiating an extensive bilateral free

trade agreement focusing on areas such as information technology, biotechnology and agriculture.

ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON SOME CHINA STEEL PRODUCTS

Centre has imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire roads from China to protect domestic

manufactures from cheap in bound shipments based on this import of wire road alloy or non-alloy steel from

China is subjected to anti dumping duty.

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This initiative is taken by directorate general of Anti-dumping and allied duties after China was exporting steel

wire roads ‘below the normal value’ and domestic Industry has suffered material injury because of

such imports.

CIVIL NUCLEAR DEAL: JAPAN HAS OPTION TO SCRAP N-DEAL

India has signed a historian civilian nuclear deal with Japan during the annual bilateral summit held in Tokyo.

This nuclear deal will help India access to Japan Market apart from Japan India have strong nuclear market with

France and Russia.

India’s is first non-member of NPT to have signed such deal with Japan.

This deal is important for India because it will commit Japan’s support in civil nuclear

programme.

Both sides also signed nine agreements including one on cooperation between ISRO and JAXA in outer space.

This deal recognises India’s exemplary record in nuclear prudence and it will boost the dipping bilateral trade

and lift the strategic military and defence relationship.

An emergency suspension of the deal if India tests a weapon

China has been hedging against deeper Japan. India ties by investing in its relationship with

Russia and Pakistan.

ASIAN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION – 2016

AMCDRR is adopted in order to implement Sendai frame work.

AMCDRR is a biennial conference jointly organised by different Asian countries and the Untied Nations office for

Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).

UNISDR

UNISDR aims to implement International strategy for Disaster Reduction. It was created in 1999 and

United Nations secretariat is part of it and works on various fields like social, economic, environmental as

well as humanitarian fields.

Important Role of UNISDR in Sendai framework

Understand disaster risk

Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk and invest in disaster risk reduction.

‘Build Back Better’ concept meant for recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction

Refer Sendai Frame Work (from Last Month Vetrii’s Current Affairs).

PETRO TECH 2016

PETRO TECH 12th edition of International oil and Gas conference and exhibition.

2016 theme: ‘Hydrocarbons to fuel the future – choices and challenges’.

PETRO TECH is Asia’s largest oil and gas event.

The main aim of conference is to show strengths and potential of Indian Hydrocarbon Industry to world besides

it also provides a plat form for to share experiences and ideas on various segments of hydro carbon Industry

PETROTECH 2016 will also include a BRICS Round table of energy Ministers and a round table discussion

involving select CELAC countries of Latin America.

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INDIA SLAMS WORLD BANK PROCESS ON INDUS WATER

News: India lashed out at the world bank over its decision to favour Pakistan on the Indus water Treaty dispute

process.

The dispute is over the Kishanganga and Rattle dam and hydropower projects. Therefore India asked

for a neutral expert to be appointed over Pakistan’s objections to the projects first.

Pakistan appealed directly for a court of Arbitration to be set up as it claims India has violated the 1960 treaty.

World Bank began the process requested by Pakistan under arbitration article IX of the Indus water treaty rather

than India’s appeal for the permanent Indus Commission.

World Bank’s action of going ahead with Pakistan’s claim had escalated the differences into an international

dispute.

JAMSTEC

Japan Agency for Marine Earth science and Technology (JAMSTEC) signed MOU with India (Ministry of Earth

Sciences)

The main aim of JAMSTEC is to ensure research in the field of earth sciences for the benefit of peace

and human welfare. It will also promote atmospheric and climate research, ocean technology observation and

also mitigates hazards.

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FOREIGN POLICY OF A TRUMP PRESIDENCY

The Trump administration’s foreign policy will be of special interest and relevance globally.

America’s alliance relationships in Europe and Asia will be scrutinised more closely.

However, American institutions and the American system will constrain him and are expected to prevail over ad

hoc or impulsive tendencies in the new President. The North Korean regime’s intractability and renegade

tendencies will need careful and urgent focus (the failure of “strategic patience” with Pyongyang will most likely

be acknowledged) as also the relationships with China and Russia.

His more rational and less prejudiced approach to the situation in Syria and Russian involvement in the region

can be discerned from the campaign.

POLICY TOWARDS INDIA : His policy and attitude to India is expected to be positive and welcoming, continuing

the trends and direction in the relationship established over the last decade. His ties with the Indian-American

community and his general view that “India is doing great” suggest that he is well inclined to further

cement the India-U.S. partnership.

India and its diaspora: There are numbers of Indian and Chinese recent immigrants or new entrants into the

U.S. whose status may be called into question.

The issue of H-1B visa for IT professionals. On issues of labour and trade, he is a protectionist and has

come to power on a platform of restoring livelihoods for unemployed Americans rather than

advocating solutions to visa issues for foreigners.

The American President-elect is generally not acquainted with the salient details of the India-U.S strategic

partnership.

Among these, the issue of India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group remains unresolved and the continued

advocacy, support and diplomatic push required from the U.S. for the Indian case will be critical for its

satisfactory resolution. At the earliest opportunity, it will be advisable for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take

the initiative to reach out to Mr. Trump so that the American President-elect is sensitised to the strategic

interests that bind India and the U.S., and the multifaceted nature of the relationship between the two nations

including its regional and global relevance. The ‘golden hour’ to do this may be even before the inauguration of

the new President in January 2017.

INDIA-SRILANKA RELATION

The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is more than 2,500 years old. Both countries have a legacy of

intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction.

Trade and investment have grown and there is cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and

defence. Both countries share a broad understanding on major issues of international interest.

Palk Bay Area: Fishermen from India and Sri Lanka have been fishing over centuries in the Palk Bay area

located between India and Sri Lanka.

Both the countries have mutually entered into agreement in 1974 and in 1976 to decide the

International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in accordance with the international rules,

and we have full respect to the same.

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Capture of TN Fishermen: Given the proximity of the two countries in the sea, the incidents of straying of

fishermen and crossing the IMBL are common, especially in the Palk-Strait and Gulf of Mannar.

These have often proved to be risky for them. The instances of arrest of fishermen from Tamil Nadu (while

fishing in Sri Lankan waters), seizure of their boats and attack by the Sri Lankan Navy are of great concern

to the Indian government.

Both the countries should agree upon a real and practical arrangement to address the issue of crossing the

IMBL by fishermen.

Issues related to the custody of fishermen should settle on 'humanitarian grounds' which may only be

possible through mutual consent between both the countries.

Finding of Solution: The Government of India is committed to find a permanent solution to this problem.

During the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting held in Colombo in February 2016, both the sides

have understood the complexity of the fishermen’s issues and consented on the need of moving forward in

finding a permanent solution of this problem.

The Fishermen's issues were also discussed during the meeting between Prime Minister of India and the

President of Sri Lanka held in New Delhi in May 2016, wherein the top leaders of the two countries

discussed the matter for finding a permanent solution to this problem.

Prevention of Trawling: Steps taken by State Govt. of Tamil Nadu and also the Union Government have

taken a few effective measures to help Indian fishermen earn their livelihood in Palk bay area peacefully and stop

bottom trawling in a phased manner.

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In order to reduce fishing pressure in the coastal areas and to encourage the Deep-sea fishing the

Government of India is considering the modalities for implementation of a Scheme, in which it is proposed to

incentivize the traditional fishermen for Deep- Sea Fishing.

Traditional Fishermen from Coastal states including fishers from Tamil Nadu will be empowered under the

proposed scheme for 'Deep-sea fishing’. Fishermen from the coastal areas will be encouraged to move for Deep

Sea Fishing through introduction of this scheme.

A ‘Special Package’ is being considered for encouraging the fishermen of Tamil Nadu to undertake

deep sea fishing by diversifying their bottom trawlers into Tuna long liners.

CHINA’S CRITICISM ON INDIA IN NSG ROW

In News:

China criticised the India-Japan agreement on nuclear energy, pointing out that all countries

were entitled to peaceful use of atomic energy so long as they followed “the international nuclear non-

proliferation regime.

China’s Stand:

China maintains the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which India has not signed, is essential to prevent

the spread of atomic weapons.

India’s Stand:

India has underscored that NPT membership is not essential for joining the NSG, as was the case

with France. Highly placed sources said that at the talks with the Chinese, India insisted that the NSG was

not a non-proliferation, but an “export control,” mechanism. Therefore, India’s NSG bid should be de-

linked from the criterion of NPT membership.

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POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

KERALA DECLARED OPEN DEFECATION FREE

Under Swachh Bharat Mission Kerala was declared as third state with open defecation free. Kerala

with a rural population of approximately 3.5 cr is also the largest state so far to have achieved the ODF states

after Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh.

“Indian Ministry of drinking water and sanitation has in mid 2015 defined open defecation free as the

termination of fecal-oral transmission, defined by no visible feces found in the environment /

village and every house hold as well as public / community institutions using safe technology

option for disposal of faces”. This definition is part of the Swachh Bharat Abiyan.

MADHUBABU AAIN SAHAYATA SIBIR SCHEME

This scheme is launched by odisha Government with an aim to provide legal assistance to deprived sections of

society at grass root level.

This scheme provides help especially to women, senior citizens, children, SC, ST and socially backward class to

resolve long legal issues.

This scheme is named after first odisha lawyer Madhu Babu.

SAUR SUJALA YOJANA

This scheme is launched in Chhattisgarh with aim to provide solar powered irrigation pumps to farmers at

subsidized price.

This scheme covers areas where electricity has not reached so that farmers can utilize them in

irrigation and agriculture.

NATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NSDA)

It is under Ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship with aim to promote skill development as

per the target of 12th Plan.

NSDA ensures skill development in marginalised sections SC, ST, women, OBC’s etc by promoting skill

development programmes.

NSDA’s role is also to anchor the National skill qualifications frame work and facilitate to set up professional

certifying bodies in addition to existing ones.

News: Recently NSDA signed MOU with British council in order to strengthen the overall research mechanism

in skill development and promote collaborations with various national and International organizations.

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NO JAIL TERM BUT BAN CELEBRITIES ENDORSING MISLEADING ADS: GOM

Parliamentary panel with high level group of Ministers approved a fine of Rs.10 Lakh and a jail term of upto 2

years for first time offence and Rs.50 Lakh and 5 years of imprisonment for second and subsequent offence.

But a GOM headed by finance Minister has dropped panel’s recommendation for jail term to celebrities found

guilty. Instead it decided to ban such offenders for up to three years.

Consumer affairs Ministry will move a cabinet note seeking approval for moving these additional amendments to

the new consumer protection Bill 2015. The bill has already been introduced in Lok Sabha to repeal the 30 year

old consumer protection Act.

SMART INDIA HACKATHON

Union Ministry of Human Resource and development has launched smart India Hackathon world’s largest

digital national building initiative.

The main aim of this initiative is to reach out to all technology institutions in India and Challenge students to

offer innovative solutions to some of the daunting problems faced by our nation.

This initiative will help to institutionalize a model for harnessing the creativity and skills of youth for

nation building and also for ‘start up India’ and ‘stand up India’ campaign.

PRADHAN MANTRI SURAKSHIT MATRITVA ABHIYAN

The main aim of this scheme is to provide free health checkups to pregnant women at government

health centres and hospitals.

This scheme was launched by union minister of health and family welfare.

This is scheme is applicable to pregnant women during the 3 to 6 months of pregnancy. Women will be marked

with different colour of stickers based on their health problems ie Red Stickers – serious patients, Blue

sticker – high blood pressure, yellow sticker – other disease.

Importance of the scheme

Provide healthy life to pregnant women

Lower maternity mortality rate

Create awareness for health issues

Make sure for safe delivery and healthy life of baby

PUNJAB’S LEGISLATIVE ADVENTURISM ON LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE SUTLEJ WATER

DISPUTE

Punjab enacting a law in 2004 to terminate all previous agreements on sharing the waters of the Ravi and the

Beas with its neighbours and presidential reference was held invalid by Supreme Court.

Punjab violated its solemn promises by terminating its 1981 agreement with Haryana and Rajasthan and

2004Supreme Court Directive.

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Legislature Vs. Judiciary:

A State law cannot, violate the judgement of SC through legislation, do an act in conflict with the judgment of

the highest court which has attained finality.

Why ?

it would be destructive of the rule of law and federalism if a State were to be allowed to usurp judicial powers by

nullifying a verdict that has rendered findings on both fact and law.

Cause?

Political parties in power (and opposition) increasingly resort to legislation or Assembly resolutions rather than

negotiation.

Punjab issue:

Historical legitimate grievance of Punjab in the sharing of waters.

Differences were first settled by a notification by the Centre in 1976.

Rajiv-Longowal accord of 1985 contained clauses relating to river-water sharing too.

When the matter led to litigation, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi brokered an agreement in 1981.

Conclusion:

Punjab cannot violate these 3 agreements and directive of Supreme Court (in 2002 and 2004) by

taking unilateral action. Its obligation is negotiation and conciliation and proper completion of the SYL Link

Canal without frustrating the interest of other states.

Remedy:

The remedy available to Haryana in the face of Punjab’s intransigence was to have the dispute-- to which states

like Rajasthan and Delhi are also a party—referred to a tribunal set up under Article 262 of the

Constitution. The said article mandates that inter-state water disputes cannot be settled by

Courts and have to be referred to tribunals

What is the river-water row?

After the erstwhile Punjab was reorganised into Punjab and Haryana on November 1, 1966, differences arose

between the two states over their share of the surplus Ravi and Beas waters.

While Haryana claimed 4.8 million acre feet (MAF) of water of the total 7.2 MAF (share of the erstwhile Punjab)

on the principle of equitable distribution, the Punjab government did not agree.

Haryana approached the Centre, which issued a notification on March 24, 1976, spelling out the rights and

liabilities of the states. Haryana was allocated 3.5 MAF of waters.

Why is the SYL canal important?

The 212km-long SYL canal was to carry Haryana’s share of water to its “dry and arid” southern part. While

121km of the canal was to run through Punjab, the remaining 91km through Haryana, which completed the work

in June 1980.

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Around Rs 250 crore were spent on the canal system. Haryana also gave Rs. 1 crore to Punjab in November 1976,

the first instalment of the Rs 192 crore it would give the neighbour over the years for building the canal.

However, Punjab did not start the work. Both the state filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court in 1979.

What made Punjab start construction?

Punjab began the work on the canal after a tripartite agreement.

Though the petitions were pending in the court, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi met the chief ministers of Punjab,

Haryana and Rajasthan on December 31, 1981.

The three CMs signed an agreement that saw an increase in the available Ravi-Beas waters from 15.85 MAF to

17.17 MAF. The agreement allowed Punjab the use of Rajasthan’s share till it could spare the water, allowing the

state an additional 1.32 MAF.

CANE LOBBYING

Maharashtra is the largest producer of sugar in India, contributing almost 37 per cent of the total national

output.

The 2016-17 sugar seasons are distinctly different for three reasons.

First, this year marks the completion of a decade since major reforms were introduced in the Sugarcane Control

(Order), 1966 reduction of the aerial distance limit between two sugar units to 15 km from 50 km.

“Bhargava formula”; the provision had enabled limited profit sharing out of excessive realisation

from the sale of free sugar, in case of erratic cane supply, with cane farmers of the mill.

Second, the estimated availability of sugar cane this year stands at 445 lakh tons, implying that the State will

produce just 5 million tons (MT) of sugar as against 8.5 MT last season.

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With just 90 days of crushing, a large number of mills will remain shut resulting in idle machinery, extra

manpower cost, and a likely default on term-loan repayment leading to non-performing assets.

Third, the Raju Shetti-led Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, championing the cause of sugar

cane farmers for the past 15 years, is agitating for an increased cane price.

Cooperative Vs. Private Sector:

Cooperative sugar mills have contributed largely to the development of rural Maharashtra by providing

consistent farm income to large shareholding members.

Amendment to Section 6A of the Sugarcane Control (Order), 1966 caused change in ownership

Private sector capacity gradually increased from 10 per cent of the total sugar production in the State to 45 per

cent.

As per Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) in Maharashtra, Farmers produce is picked up by sugar millers from

the farmers’ fields to ensure uninterrupted cane supply and smooth operations.

Who pays the cost of harvesting and transportation cost?

Cost of H&T (in private sector) is increasing day-by-day this reduces the profit accrues to farmers as the millers

deducts much of the farmers FRP as H&T costs.

The common belief is that the private sector is competitive, efficient and professionally managed when compared

to the cooperative sector.

Conclusion:

Steps to control retail sugar prices — such as like putting stock limits on millers and wholesale traders, capping

of retail prices, increased cess and non-payment of export incentives — succeed in providing relief to consumers

even though they impact the earnings of millers.

In a similar manner, identifying and effectively implementing steps to protect farmers’ interests is the need of

the hour.

The provisions of the Maharashtra Regulation of Sugarcane Price (Supplied to Factories) Act, 2013, enacted on

the recommendation of the C. Rangarajan committee, may provide an effective instrument for the

administration to limit H&T cost per ton of sugar cane and dwindling sugar recovery rate of the private sector in

the State.

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DEFENCE & INTERNAL SECURITY

INDO-NEPAL MILITARY EXERCISE

10th edition of Indo-Nepal Joint military exercise. Surya kiran is scheduled in Nepal Surya kiran is series of

exercises being conducted annually, alternatively in India and Nepal.

For what:

This joint exercise will enhance defence cooperation and relations between two nations. The main aim

of exercise is to act on counter terrorism and disaster management.

This platform will make both nations to share their experience mutually.

INDIA-BANGLADESH MILITARY EXERCISE

SAMPRITI – 2016 is 7th India- Bangladesh Joint Military exercise.

The main aim of this exercise is to act on counter insurgency and counter terrorism environment

under UN charter.

SAMPRITI is series of exercises being conducted alternately by both countries.

1st SAMPRITI exercise was held at Assam in 2010.

CYBER POLICE STATION

Maharashtra becomes the first state to launch cyber police station to take on cyber criminals.

Cyber crime labs is converted into cyber police stations by state government.

This cyber police stations are launched in order to tackle the cyber crimes in Maharashtra which showed rise in

crimes recently.

WHAT IS MAOISM AND NAXALISM?

Maoism is a form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung. It is a doctrine to capture State power through a

combination of armed insurgency, mass mobilization and strategic alliances.

The Maoists also use propaganda and disinformation against State institutions as other components of their

insurgency doctrine.

Mao called this process, the ‘Protracted Peoples War’, where the emphasis is on ‘military line’ to capture

power.

Naxalism :

Expression of Socio-Economic View / Law & Order Problem The year was 1967.

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The place, Naxalbari. The young and fiery ideologies of the Marxist-Leninist movement in India formed the

CPI(M-L), envisioning a spontaneous mass upsurge all over India that would create a 'liberated zone'. The

Naxalite movement was born.

When the Naxal uprising began in 1967, the Indian government looked at it as a law and order problem.

It did not analyze the causes of the movement and the extent of mobilization of people.

Hence, it believed that it could and would put an end to it in a short span of time using force.

What is the central theme of Maoist and Naxalist ideology?

The central theme of Maoist ideology is the use of violence and armed insurrection as a means to capture State

power.

‘Bearing of arms is non-negotiable’ as per the Maoist insurgency doctrine.

The maoist ideology glorifies violence and the ‘Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army’ (PLGA) cadres are

trained specifically in the worst forms of violence to evoke terror among the population under

their domination.

Naxalism in India, like any other leftist movement around the globe draws its ideological basis from the Bolshevik

revolution.

After the success of the Lenin-led revolution in Russia, the intellectual class in many countries started thinking of

ushering in a change in their respective nations.

Prominent amongst them were Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, Ho Chi Minh and Mao Tse Tung.

These leaders became architects of revolution in their countries, inspired by the Bolshevik revolution.

The inception of Naxal ideology could be traced to the advocacies of the peasant leader Swami Sahajanand

Saraswati, who gave a call for United Front (samyukt morcha) comprising of peasantry and the working

class.

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The movement was dovetailed into the Indian freedom struggle and aimed at a three-pronged objective of

peasant revolution, national independence and liberation for downtrodden.

News: Telangana government said farewell to arms i.e The period between 1985 and 2000 is often regarded a

watershed in the history of left-wing extremism in the then undivided Andhra Pradesh, with eight out of 10

districts in the Telangana region under the influence of the People’s War Group (PWG), which merged with the

Maoist Communist Centre of India in 2004 to become the CPI(Maoist).

Over 100 armed squads of Naxalites used to move in and out of the forests, targetting the police and civilians

who they regarded as ‘enemies’ and leaving a grisly bloody trail: 3,035 naxalites, 599 police officials

and 3,105 village folk have died to this day.

The police’s strategy to counter Naxalites in the 1980s and early 1990s relied heavily on “cordon and search”

operations but such methods drew severe criticism. A “cordon and search” operation meant locals being made to

come to the village centre where suspected Naxalite sympathisers would be harassed and warned. In the process,

innocents often bore the brunt of the police high-handedness.

COMPUTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM INDIA

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is the Government organisation under Ministry of

Electronics and Information Technology.

It is a nodal agency that deals with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing. It strengthens security-

related defence of the Indian Internet domain.

With the passage of Information Technology (Amendment) Act Indian cyber space for enhancing cyber

protection, enabling security compliance and assurance in Government and critical sectors and facilitating early

warning & response as well as information sharing and cooperation.

CERT-In has published a Crisis Management Plan for Countering Cyber Attacks and Cyber Terrorism in the

country and is working towards its implementation across Govt and critical sectors in the country.

In order to support the organizations in the critical sector and the Government in enhancing their ability to

resist cyber attacks and improving their security posture, CERT-In has created a panel of IT security auditors

that can provide wide range of security auditing services on commercial basis.

With this kind of institution building activities, CERT-In is now able to provide its reactive and proactive services

on 24x7 basis and is effectively collaborating the international agencies engaged in similar work for real time

information sharing and problem resolution in the cyber space.

Specific challenges in securing the cyber space are:

Reaching out to the user community in creating necessary awareness on the need for cyber security and also on

the need for them to play their roles in a responsible manner sharing of information with CERT-In with regard to

the occurrence of cyber security incidents to enable better preparation and prevention. Overcoming the technical

and legal barriers to move beyond our country’s borders to reach the sources of trouble.

Efforts are being made to strengthen CERT-In, the governments’ cyber security arm “State Certs

are being planned by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and Jharkhand. Also, three

sectoral Certs in power sector — generation, transmission and distribution, have been set up, in

addition to the banking one.”

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ECONOMY

DUTY DRAW BACK FACILITY

It is one of initiative to boost export is a business does not have to pay import duty nor do they have had to

perform the product’s exportation.

Through duty drawback it will neutralize duties and taxes on export goods and make them more competitive in

international markets.

News: Recently duty draw back facility is extended to textiles by central Board of excise and customs.

ANDHRA PRADESH TOPS ENERGY SAVING RANKINGS

World Bank ranking is based on adoption of achievable energy savings targets against the identified energy

efficiency.

Andhra Pradesh is ranked number one in world Bank’s ‘Energy efficiency implementation readiness’.

Andhra Pradesh topped in ranking followed by Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

RS. 500, RS. 1000 NOTES NO LONGER LEGAL TENDER

500 and 1000 rupee notes ceased to be legal tender. This decision is taken by Prime Minister in order to root out

the menace of black money and corruption.

The main aim of this initiative is to stop cross-border terror and drug cartels which is being funded by forged

currency notes.

India’s strand on demonetisation

Demonetization is mandatory whenever there is change of national currency. In this process, new currency unit

replaces the old unit of current which is retired.

In India demonetisation took place for the first time in 1946, Rs. 1000 and 10,000 bank notes were demonetised.

In 2-14 RBI demonetised all bank notes printed before 2005.

HEDGING FOR EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL BORROWINGS

RBI has issued classifications on hedging for External commercial Borrowings in order to address currency risk at

the systemic level.

Hedging is meant to cut risk of adverse movement is an asset. Therefore secures the investment.

External commercial borrowings (ECB) are loans borrowed from foreign sources for financing the commercial

activities in India.

Any foreign money obtained as loan through ECB can used for any land of funding except equity

ECB’s are not FDI ie FDI funds can be used only in equity capital.

SAIL

It is one of the largest states owned steel in India and one of the top steel makers in the world.

It has its headquarters in New Delhi.

It operates and owns 5 integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Durgapur, Rourkela, Bokaro and Burnpur and 3

special steel plants at Salem, Durgapur and Bhadravathi.

News: Recently SAIL has won the prestigious 2016 Golden peacock award for corporate Governance.

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Peacock awards are presented annually under various categories. These awards comprise set of global and

National awards.

WHY PM MODI’S MOVE ON DEMONETISATION WILL LEAD TO DISRUPTION THAN

ECONOMIC BENEFIT

Stamping out black money in the economy is a noble goal.

But demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will cause huge disruption,i.e. push up demand for gold and

dollars as safe stores of wealth

give a big boost to e-wallets and credit cards and,

Inconvenience for small traders and businessmen across the hinterland, where the reach of the modern banking

system is yet rudimentary.

Will it put an end to Blackmoney

People with large amounts of black money would convert it into gold and foreign currency, happily incurring the

conversion costs this would entail, both when rupees are converted into precious metals or dollars and when

these are converted back into rupees.

Only Good Thing: most significantly, send into disarray the finances of all political parties that had filled their

war chests with cash to fight the Uttar Pradesh elections and had no clue about the demonetisation move in the

offing.

Solution:

The real way to stamp out black money is

To disincentives fresh generation and clean up political funding.

Political parties spend thousands of crore rupees on their campaigns and rallies but declare only a few hundred

crore rupees of income. The bulk of their income and spending are not accounted for.

To supply that money, businessmen have to generate black money, through over invoicing of project costs and

imports and other such means.

Implementation of the goods and services tax would create multiple audit trails that lead to a unified database

of production and income. Much of real estate still remains outside the ambit of the formal economy, and will

stay like that till a system of registering land is instituted, in which the ownership of every bit of land is entered

into a central registry maintained and guaranteed by the government.

Once benami holdings become impossible, black money would become more difficult to maintain.

Conclusion:

Till then, measures like demonetising currency in an economy like India where more than 80 per cent of all

transactions are in cash will serve more to disrupt economic life and to disarm political rivals than to curb black

money.

PRADHAN MANTRI YUVA YOJANA

It is launched by union Ministry of skill development and Entrepreneurship for young entrepreneurs

It is flagship scheme for education and training for a period of 5 years (2016 – 2017 to 2020 – 2021)

It will provide credit, mentor network and creates a pathway for youth.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

CONSERVATION OF LOKTAK LAKE

Loktak lake is the largest freshwater lake of Manipur and plays an important role in its economy. It serves as a

source of water for irrigation, drinking water supply and hydropower generation.

Loktak is famous for its floating national park keibul lamjao.

It is designated has wetland under Ramsar convention and also listed under the Montreux Record.

Based on the importance of Loktak Union Ministry of environment has constituted four member committee.

NO CONSTRUCTION NEAR GLACIERS – UTTARAKHAND

Uttarakhand alone has 968 glaciers and it is one of most important source of major rivers including Ganga and

Yamuna.

But recently due to global warming these glaciers are facing problem by reduction in its snow cover and meeting

of ice.

Therefore Uttarakhand high court banned permanent constructions within 25 km radius of glaciers and also

burning of fossil fuels is also restricted within 10 km radius.

COP22 –PAIRS AGREEMENT

The United Nations conference on climate change is held at Marrakech, Morocco.

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Issue:

Climate financing has been a longstanding bone of contention between the developing and developed countries.

In the run-up to the Paris summit, countries announced measures that will help them reduce GHG emissions.

But there is also a consensus that the developing countries lack financial wherewithal, skills and institutions to

attain these targets.

The signatories to the Paris pact include small island states that are highly vulnerable to climate change. These

countries would be justified in arguing that they have done their bit in ratifying the Paris pact.

The ball is now in the court of the developed nations (to pay for the projects)

India’s Stand:

The basic principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities laid down by the UN Framework

Convention on Climate Change are upheld. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions below 2° Celsius since pre-

industrial levels considered impossible even if all countries take their pledges seriously.

Paris Agreement does not have a carbon budget system that gives weightage to the emerging economies taking

their historical handicap into account. Therefore We need more money. Ask it from developed countries it is

imperative therefore that the national position raises pressure on rich countries for technological and funding

assistance under the Paris Agreement.

To demand suitably high financial flows to both mitigate emissions and prepare communities to adapt to climate

change.

Such a mandate should be seen as an opportunity, since CoP 22 will discuss ways and means for countries to

integrate their national commitments submitted for the Paris deal into actual policies and investment plans.

In India’s case, new developments in sectors such as construction, transport, energy production, waste and water

management, as well as agriculture, can benefit from fresh funding and technology.

Adopting green technologies – TWIN Advantages. In power generation, i.e a lock-in effect lasting decades, in

transport and immediate impacts such as reduced air pollution.

Result:

The local environment is cleaned up, improving the quality of life, and carbon emissions are cut. India should

update its preparedness to meet the new regime of transparency that is to be launched under the climate pact.

The preparatory decisions to write the rules and modalities for such a framework, and assist developing

countries with capability building will be taken at Marrakech.

There is some apprehension that the U.S. could exit the climate consensus since Donald Trump, has vowed to

cancel the Paris Agreement.

Yet, business and industry today see a strong case to take a new path, as energy costs favour renewable sources

over fossil fuels.

States and cities are also charting their own course to curb emissions. These are encouraging trends.

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Key facts:

2015 - Intensive negotiations took place under the Ad Hoc Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action

(ADP) throughout 2012-2015 and culminated in the adoption of the Paris Agreement by the COP on 12

December 2015. More on the Paris Agreement.

2014 - At COP 20 in Lima in 2014, Parties adopted the ‘Lima Call for Action’, which elaborated key elements

of the forthcoming agreement in Paris. More on the Lima Call for Action

2013 - Key decisions adopted at COP 19/CMP 9 include decisions on further advancing the Durban Platform, the

Green Climate Fund and Long-Term Finance, the Warsaw Framework for REDD Plus and the Warsaw

International Mechanism for Loss and Damage. Under the Durban Platform, Parties agreed to submit

“intended nationally determined contributions”, known as INDCs, well before the Paris conference.

More on the Warsaw Outcomes.

2012 - The Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol is adopted by the CMP at CMP 8. More on the Doha

Amendment. Several decisions taken opening a gateway to greater ambition and action on all levels. More on the

Doha Climate Gateway.

2011 — The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action drafted and accepted by the COP, at COP17. More on the

Durban outcomes.

2010 — Cancun Agreements drafted and largely accepted by the COP, at COP 16. More on the Cancun

Agreements.

2009 — Copenhagen Accord drafted at COP 15 in Copenhagen. This was taken note of by the COP. Countries

later submitted emissions reductions pledges or mitigation action pledges, all non-binding.

2007 — IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report released. Climate science entered into popular consciousness. At COP

13, Parties agreed on the Bali Road Map, which charted the way towards a post-2012 outcome in two work

streams: the AWG-KP, and another under the Convention, known as the Ad-Hoc Working Group on Long-Term

Cooperative Action Under the Convention. More about the Bali Road Map.

2005 — Entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. The first Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (MOP 1)

takes place in Montreal. In accordance with Kyoto Protocol requirements, Parties launched negotiations on the

next phase of the KP under the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the

Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP). What was to become the Nairobi Work Programme on Adaptation (it would receive

its name in 2006, one year later) is accepted and agreed on. More about the Nairobi Work Programme.

2001 — Release of IPCC's Third Assessment Report. Bonn Agreements adopted, based on the Buenos Aires Plan

of Action of 1998. Marrakesh Accords adopted at COP 7, detailing rules for implementation of Kyoto Protocol,

setting up new funding and planning instruments for adaptation, and establishing a technology transfer

framework.

1997 — Kyoto Protocol formally adopted in December at COP 3. More about the Kyoto Protocol.

1996 — The UNFCCC Secretariat is set up to support action under the Convention. More on the Secretariat.

1995 — The first Conference of the Parties (COP 1) takes place in Berlin. 1994 — UNFCCC enters into force. An

introduction to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

1992 — The INC adopts UNFCCC text. At the Earth Summit in Rio, the UNFCCC is opened for signature along

with its sister Rio Conventions, UNCBD and UNCCD. More about the two other Rio Conventions: UNCBD and

UNCCD. 1991 — First meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) takes place

1990 — IPCC's first assessment report released. IPCC and second World Climate Conference call for a global

treaty on climate change. United Nations General Assembly negotiations on a framework convention begin.

1988 — The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is set up. More about the science of climate change.

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1979 — The first World Climate Conference (WCC) takes place.

REDRAWING OF ECO-TOURISM MAP

‘Illegal’ tourism in the “buffer zone” of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, mostly

organised and conducted by private jeep drivers, continues to affect wildlife. ‘Buffer zone’ is the area

adjoining the reserve forest.

Key Facts:

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also a declared tiger reserve lies on the

northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 150 kilometres (93 mi)

north-west of Coimbatore city in Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. It shares its boundaries with the states of

Karnataka and Kerala.

The protected area is home to several endangered and vulnerable species including Indian elephant, Bengal

tiger, gaur and Indian leopard. There are at least 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including critically

endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture.

The Western Ghats Nilgiri Sub-Cluster of 6,000 square kilometres (2,300 sq mi), including all of Mudumalai

National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World

Heritage Site.

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

FAST NEUTRON REACTOR

It is called fast neutron reactor because nuclear fission chain reaction is fast by neutrons. This reactors doesn’t

require neutron moderator.

This type of reactors is used to solve ecological problems of reprocessing and deactivation of accumulated

radioactive waste along with safety, shortage of fuel, competitiveness, reprocessing and refabricating used

nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.

News: Recently Russia invited India to join its multipurpose fast research reactor project known as MBIR.

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

NASA has successfully completed building the largest space telescope. It is 100 times more powerful than the

hubble space telescope and may find the first galaxics that were formed in early universe.

James webb space telescope will be successor to hubble telescope. The main purpose of this telescope is it will

provide images of the first galaxies ever formed, and explore planets around distant stars.

This telescope is joint project of NASA, the European space Agency and the Canadian space agency.

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MAGNETOSPHERIC MULTISCALE MISSION (MMS)

The main aim of MMS is to map magnetic reconnection a process that occurs as the sun and Earth’s magnetic

fields interact by using four identical satellites flying in a tetrahedral or pyramid formation.

These satellites operate in a highly elliptical orbit around earth and incorporate GPS measurements into their

precise tracking system.

News: Recently NASA’s MMS mission gets Guiness world Record for highest attitude fix of a GPS signal.

ASTERIOD PSYCH

Psyche is pure nickel-iron metal located in asteroid belt. It is remnant core of a budding planet that was

destroyed billions of years ago.

News: Recently scientist discovered water on metallic asteroid psyche, it is the largest metallic asteroid in our

solar system.

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WORLD SCIENCE DAY FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

November 10 2016 is observed as world science day for peace and development across the world to raise

awareness of benefits of science in our daily life. 2016 theme: “celebrating science centres and science

Museums”.

This day is jointed organised by UNESCO and International council for since in Budapest (Hungary)

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World science day was started in 2001 by UNESCO.

PULSAR NAVIGATION SATELLITE XPNAV-I

XPNAV – I is world’s first pulsar navigation satellite launched by China in order to detect signs of

pulsars. They are high density stars formed by neutrons.

This satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit and use pulsars detectors to demonstrate new technologies.

X-ray pulsar Navigation:

XNAV is an innovative navigation technology in which X-ray signals emitted from pulsars it used to

determine location of a space craft in deep space. This method of navigation is based on signals obtained

from XNAV pulsar.

WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY

November 12 of every year is observed as world Pneumonia day in order to generate awareness about

pneumonia disease 2016 theme: “Keep the promise, stop pneumonia now”.

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India’s strand:

Pneumonia and Diarrohea progress report has placed India among the top list of 15 nations.

Countries with highest pneumonia burden are India. Indonesia, chad ,China and Somalia.

Recently India has taken initiative in order to eradicate pneumonia by using pneumococcal conjugate

vaccines. These vaccines will be introduced practically in five states is Bihar, UP, MP, Rajasthan and

Himachal Pradesh from 2017.

INDIA’S FIRST BANKING ROBOT

India’s first banking robot is named Lakshmi. It is launched by city union Bank in Chennai. It is an

artificial intelligence robot.

WHAT IS LIDAR

LIDAR is a remote-sensing technique that uses high end scanning laser light to sample the surface of the

earth.

News: Recently Indian archaeologist have planned to use LIDAR technology in order to survey for the

evidence of flora and fauna and ancient Rajgir hills in Bihar.

Why Rajgir is hills are important

Rajgir is India’s most important tourist place for Budhist pilgrims located in Bihar’s Nalanda district. It is

was the first capital of Magadha Empire.

Rajgir have great importance in Budhism because it was place where Buddha spent many years and delivered

his sermon. This region is also associated with Jainism.

Rajgir was the venue for 1st Buddhist council under the leadership of Maha Kassapa.

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SPORTS

Bahrain International Challenge Tournament

It is open international badminton tournament in Bahrain. It was established in 2013.

Indian shuttler pratul Joshi won in men’s singles category in Bahrain International Challenge badminton

tournament.

National women premier chess championship

Padmini Rout won 2016 National women premier chess championship.

Gold open tournament

Aditi Ashok became the first Indian woman to win a ladies European tour tile. She is also the first and the

only Indian golfer who played Asian youth games.

Asian hockey champions Trophy

It is held annually by the Asian Hockey federation since 2011. The tournament features the Asian games top

six field hockey teams competing in a round robin format.

Indian women’s hockey team won 2016 champions trophy.

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PERSON IN NEWS

FIRST SIKH SENATOR

India born Sarabjit Singh Marwah is first Sikh to appointed as Canadian Senate

RBI’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

RBI has appointed M.Rajeswar Rao as executive director he will look after department of statistics and

information management, financial market operations department of RBI.

INTERNATIONAL LAW COMMISSION: (ILC)

ILC was established by UNGA in 1947 to undertake the mandate of UN to ensure promotion and progressive

development of International law and its codification.

It holds annual sessions at UN office at Geneva

News: Recently Indian lawyer, Anisuddha Rajput has been elected as member of ILC.

BRAND AMBASSADOR OF SWACHH RAIL MISSION

Union Ministry of Railways appointed Dr. Bindeshwar pathak as Brand Ambassador for Swachh Rail

Mission of Indian Railway.

He is sociologist and founder of Sulabh International.

Sulabh International is an organization which works to promote environmental sanitation, human

rights, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social reforms through

education.

128TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Nobel laureate Bharat Ratna Sir. C.V.Raman’s 128th birth anniversary is observed on Nov 7.

He has discovered Raman effect, ie. Scattering phenomenon of scattering of light which makes the sea and

clear sky look blue. He also discovered, when light transverses a transparent material name of the deflected

light changes in wave length.

45TH PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES

Real estate mogul turned politician and republican party candidate Donald trump was elected as 45th

President of united states of America.

KALIDAS SAMMAN AWARD

Madhya Pradesh government selected renowned theatre personality prof.Raj Bisaria for prestigious

‘Kalidas Samman’ national award for 2015-16.

Kalidas Samman award is constituted by Madhya Pradesh in 1980. It is given annually to the personalities in

the four fields of classical music, classical dance, theatre and arts.

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DIRECTOR GENERAL OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION

Guy Ryder from UK is re-elected as director general of International labour organisation for second five

year term.

ILO:

It is united nations agency it deals with labour issues particularly international labour standards, social

protection and work opportunities for all.

It’s head quarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland

In 1969 ILO was awarded Nobel Peace prize.

FIRST INDIAN – AMERICAN TO WIN US SENATOR

California’s Attorney General Kamala Harris became first Indian to win US senate seat from the

state.

She is sixth black to be elected to the US senate and also the first black woman elected to upper chamber.

CERSA

It is central online security interest registry of India. It is government company with its head quarter in New

Delhi.

Recently Union government appointed Praveen kumar Sharma as central Registrar (CR), Managing

Director (MD) and CEO of central registry of securitisation asset Reconstruction and security interest of

India.

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GENERAL ISSUES

STATES WITH LOW INCOME GETS PLACE IN CASE OF BUSINESS

Recently World Bank, has released Report regarding assessment of state implementation of business reforms

2015-16.

As per observations 4 of 7 states with lowest incomes levels in India had found a place in the top 10.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana got first and second places in ease of doing business

Five UT’s gets Real estate rules

Five union territories Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Islands, Dadra & Nagar

Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshdweep and Chandigarh gets real estate rules under real estate act 2016.

Union Ministry of housing and urban poverty alleviation has notified these rules to UT’s.

Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERA) and real estate appellate Tribunals (REAT) will be set up by end

of 2017 as per the rules of the act and also ensures for timely completion of projects in this union territories.

As per rules there shall also be punishment with imprisonment for violations of the orders of REAT against

payment of 10% project cost in case of developers and 10% of the cost of property purchased in case of

allottees and agents.

Global Youth development Index

India is ranked 133 in 2016 global youth development Index out of 183 countries. Ranking of countries is

based on employment, education health, civic and political spheres.

Compared to India its neighbours like Srilanka ranked - 31, Bhutan – 69, Nepal – 77.

Five countries with top YDI: Germany – 1, Denmark – 2, Australia – 3, Switzerland – 4, UK – 5.

Tobacco farmers up in arms as COP7 meet kicks off:

Tobacco farmers from various States on staged a protest at a World Health Organisation global conference

venue in Greater Noida. They were opposing the ‘undemocratic way’ of framing anti-tobacco policies.

ISSUE: The farmers were demanding that the conference organisers allow them to participate in the

meeting as an important stakeholder. Protesting under the banner of Federation of All India Farmers

Association (FAIFA), the farmers called the COP7 a "non-inclusive and non-transparent" process, and

said that it was an ‘undemocratic’ negotiation.

Farmer leaders said ad hoc decisions on tobacco control in WHO FCTC meetings would affect the livelihood

of millions of tobacco farmers and farm labourers involved in tobacco cultivation.

India is hosting the Seventh Session of the Conference of Parties (COP7) of the WHO Framework Convention

on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The conference,is being attended by countries that are signatories to the FCTC,

NGOs and anti-tobacco activists who will deliberate on tobacco control policies and regulations that countries

should adopt.

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KOHINOOR ISSUE

Over 167 years after the Kohinoor diamond was “duplicitously confiscated” by the East India Company from a

minor Indian maharaja, the Centre told the Supreme Court that the diamond, though a “symbol of victory” for

the British Empire, represented the “sentiments of the people of India.” The affidavit has an open-

ended conclusion, saying the government was “continuing to explore ways for a satisfactory

resolution” over the diamond with the U.K.

The affidavit said the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972 was toothless as the British East India

Company confiscated the Kohinoor diamond from the boy king, Maharaja Duleep Singh, in 1849.

Though both India and the U.K. were signatories to the UNESCO Convention on Means of Prohibiting and

Preventing Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, a restitution of Kohinoor

would require a “special agreement” between both countries.

In an earlier hearing, the Centre represented by Solicitor-General Ranjit Kumar had submitted that if “we

start claiming the treasures from the museums of other countries, they will claim their treasures from our

museums.” To this, the CJI had said “this country has never colonised other nations. The precious artefacts in

our museums were gifts.”

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IMPORTANT ARTICLES

1. Case against a uniform asylum law - Hindu - 01-11-2016

2. India and Nepal relations - Indian Express - 01-11-2016

3. Why diversity needs secularism - Hindu - 02-11-2016

4. Encounter Vs Rule of Law - Indian Express - 03-11-2016

5. The quality of Justice - Indian Express - 04-11-2016

6. Mcr – 1 Isolated in India, a - Hindu - 05-11-2016

further chapter in antibiotic resistance

7. GST, in sight - Indian Express - 07-11-2016

8. The arhar solution to pollution - Indian Express - 09-11-2016

9. Demonetisation – A method in shock - Hindu - 10-11-2016

Therapy

10. Impolitic musings – Nuclear no first - Indian Express - 15-11-2016

use policy

11. The break through with Japan - Hindu - 15-11-2016

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. Critically analyse India’s civil nuclear deal with Japan and discuss the benefits that India can obtain in

contemporary geopolitics as a result of this deal.

2. What is the meaning of judge in their own cause? What should the states do to solve their Inter-state dispute.

3. Critically analyse the India UK relationship in the recent past giving due attention to the hurdles in the path

of a fruitful partnership. Also highlight India’s importance for UK in the post EU exit scenario.

4. Growing air pollution in Delhi is not only due to vehicular pollution, Examine.

5. What is the rationale behind demonetization of two currency notes? How will it affect economy and people?

Analyse.

6. Discuss the potential challenges of implementation of ETCA between India and Srilanka.

7. What are the objectives of united national conference on climate change lohi’s is now under way in Mavakech,

Morocco? What’s India’s agenda in this conference? Discuss challenges of the conference.

8. Critically comment on anti-Naxalite strategy.

9. Critically analyse possible implications of Donalt Trump’s presidency for India, USA and world.

10. Analyse the causes of weakening left wing extremism in India.