upsc current affairs nov 2014

7/26/2019 UPSC Current Affairs Nov 2014

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1 November

2nd Meeting of SAARC Education Ministers Held

The 2nd Meeting of SAARC Ministers of Education/Higher Education was held at New Delhi recently. The Union

HRD Minister of India was unanimously elected to the Chair. Education Ministers and officials of eight South Asian

countries have resolved to collaborate on increased use of information technology and improving the quality of

education.

India's initiatives for inclusive education, quality improvement, use of ICT in education, development and sharing of

e-resources, connectivity, e-learning and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), mutual capacity building, more

exchanges of students and researchers, etc. were discussed in the meeting and it was agreed to share the best

practices and achievements in education by each Member State for leveraging on mutual strengths.

The Minsters of Education from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives and Nepal, Chairman, Higher

Education Commission from Pakistan and Senior Officers from Sri Lanka participated in the Meeting. They re-

affirmed their commitment to inclusive learning and gender equitable quality education. The Ministers further

emphasized the need for expanding opportunities for skill development revitalizing higher education system in the

SAARC Member States through expansion of higher education institutions as well as coordinating learning modes

such as open and distance learning and enhancing the accessibility and quality of education to achieve

universalization of secondary and higher secondary education.

A New Delhi Declaration on Educationwas also adopted at the Meeting identifying SAARC Perspectives on the

Post-2015 Education Agenda and Regional Priority Areas of Action and it was agreed to expand the scope of

cooperation.

Sources: The Hindu, PIB

Dosti-XII

A four-day trilateral Coast Guard exercise 'Dosti-XII' among India, Maldives and Sri Lanka off the Maldives coast

ended on Friday. Five ships and two aircraft participated in the event.

'Dosti' was institutionalised in 1991 as bilateral exercise between the Indian Coast Guard and the Maldives National

Security Service. Sri Lanka became part of the exercise in 2012.

Sources: The Hindu

Antarctic ozone hole stands steady, finds study

Scientists say that the Antarctic ozone hole reached its peak size in September, stretching to 24.1 million square

kilometres, almost the same size as last year's peak.


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The ozone hole, which forms annually in the August to October period, had peaked to 24 million square kilometres

in September last year. In comparison, the largest ozone hole area recorded to date on a single day was on

September 9, 2000, at 29.9 million square kilometres.

Measurements show less thinning of the ozone over the South Pole during the past three years. However, the rate at

which ozone thins during the month of September has remained about the same for the past two decades. A decrease

in this rate will be an important sign of recovery.

Over the last 50 years, satellite and ground-based records over Antarctica show ozone column amounts ranging from

100 to 400 Dobson units, which translates to about 1 millimetre to 4 millimetres of ozone in a layer if all of the ozone

were brought down to the surface.

Researchers said that the Antarctic ozone hole began making a yearly appearance in the early 1980s, grew in size

through the 1980s and has been consistently large since 1990, with annual variability attributed to stratospheric

meteorological conditions over Antarctica.

The hole is caused by chlorine released by manmade chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs that were

extensively used as aerosol sprays and in refrigerators.

The ozone layer helps shield life on Earth from potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause skin

cancer, damage plants and phytoplankton the top of the oceanic food chain.

Sources: The Hindu

One rank, one pension scheme pushes up defence pension bill

The implementation of one rank, one pension has pushed up the Centre's defence pension payments by a record 40

per cent, posing fresh challenges to keep the Centre's fiscal deficit within the budgetary target of 4.1 per cent of the

Gross Domestic Product.

One rank one pension Scheme:

One rank, one pension means soldiers of the same rank and the same length of service get the same pension,

irrespective of their retirement date.

It means that the retired soldiers of the same rank and length of service will receive the same amount of pension,

regardless of when they retire. In simple words, it demands equal pensions for those who have retired in one

particular year, as those who retire in another year at the same position, and for the same duration of services

rendered.

So far, there was no such rule. While every pay commission bumps the salaries of government servants, pensions of

ex-servicemen remain the same.

Supreme Court in a ruling had stated that "Pension is not a bounty nor a matter of grace depending upon the sweet

will of the employer. It is not an ex-gratia payment, but a payment for past services rendered". The significance of

OROP is therefore justified.


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Sources: The Hindu,indiatoday.intoday.in/

80:20 scheme for gold import set for revamp

With gold imports on the rise again, officials of the revenue department and other government agencies feel the

80:20 scheme, wherein out of every 100 units imported, 20 units have to be exported, should be revamped. Several

cases unearthed by agencies reveal that the scheme is being grossly misused by traders.

The scheme was introduced with a view to ensure net imports of gold don't become a burden on the country's

current account.

Why revamping is needed?

Several instances of export of substandard or even fake gold jewellery have been unearthed, which proved that

the scheme is being misused. According to officials, it is difficult to decipher fake jewellery, as caratometer,

instrument used to test purity of gold, can test only the surface of ornaments.

Round-tripping of gold was rampant earlier also, but now that is used to get higher eligibility to import gold

under the 80:20 Scheme.

Smuggling has become rampant, as gold availability is scarce. Besides, a premium has to be paid for physical

delivery of gold and a 10 per cent import duty.

To finance smuggling, hawala route was the preferred option and hence premiums have increased and quoted

in the range of three-four per cent.

To stop misuse, the scheme should be simple to implement and supervise. Hence the experts are considering various

options such as fixing an import quota and allowing only banks to import.

Sources: The Hindu

3 November

Indian-built Scorpene to carry critical DRDO system

India's defence establishment will be fully responsible for a DRDO-developed critical propulsion system that will go

into the last two of the six Scorpene submarines being built under technology transfer at Mazagon Dock, Mumbai,

say the original makers of the submarine.

The system, called air-independent propulsion(AIP), enhances the underwater endurance of conventional

(diesel-electric) submarines. Without it, they are forced to surface to periscope depth to recharge their batteries a

position where they are most susceptible to detection at more frequent intervals.

Scorpene-class submarine:
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/


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The Scorpne class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarine jointly developed by the French DCN

and the Spanish company Navantia and now by DCNS. It features diesel propulsion and an additional air-

independent propulsion (AIP) system.

Air-independent propulsion:

Air-independent propulsion (AIP) is any technology which allows a non-nuclear submarine to operate without the

need to access atmospheric oxygen (by surfacing or using a snorkel). AIP can augment or replace the diesel-electric

propulsion system of non-nuclear vessels. The DCNS system, known as MESMA (Module d'Energie Sous-Marine

Autonome), is based on the combustion of stored oxygen and ethanol to augment battery-powered propulsion.

Notably, a submarine is about stealth. It is a weapons platform not visible to the naked eye. AIP significantly

improves stealth because it enables a submarine to generate electricity for services and battery charging and

propulsion while completely submerged.

AIP systems are auxiliary, like a smaller hull inserted in the main body. They generate electricity, powering a

submarine's to operate and also generate oxygen, lighting and amenities for crew. Accordingly, they enable

conventional diesel-electric submarines to remain submerged for two to three weeks at a time. Without AIP, diesel-

electric submarines have to come up to snorkeling depths just below the surface or surface at shorter intervals so

that the diesel engines can recharge their batteries. This significantly increases the risk of detection.

A submarine's diesel engines can only be started once the snorkel has cleared the surface to take in oxygen in the

fresh air. Snorkeling depth is about the same as periscope depth. AIP significantly improves stealth because it

enables a submarine to generate electricity for services and battery charging and propulsion while completely

submerged.

A benefit of this approach is that it can be retrofitted into existing submarine hulls by inserting an additional hullsection. AIP does not normally provide the endurance or power to replace the atmospheric dependent propulsion,

but allows it to remain submerged longer than a more conventionally propelled submarine. A typical conventional

power plant will provide 3 megawatts maximum, and an AIP source around 10% of that. A nuclear submarine's

propulsion plant is usually much greater than 20 megawatts. Another advantage is that the Non-nuclear submarines

running on battery power or AIP can be virtually silent.

Sources: The Hindu, Wiki

Navies of friendly countries keen on Indian sonars

India is looking to export indigenously developed hull-mounted sonars and negotiations are at an advanced stage

with the navies of three to four friendly nations.

SONAR(an acronym for Sound Navigation and Ranging) is used to detect underwater targets. Like radar, used to

detect long-range aerial and other targets, sonars have applications in underwater surveillance, communication and

marine navigation.


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It is helpful for exploring and mapping the ocean because sound waves travel farther in the water than do radar and

light waves. There are two types of sonaractive and passive.

Active Sonar: Active sonar transducers emit an acoustic signal or pulse of sound into the water. If an object is in

the path of the sound pulse, the sound bounces off the object and returns an "echo" to the sonar transducer. If the

transducer is equipped with the ability to receive signals, it measures the strength of the signal. By determining the

time between the emission of the sound pulse and its reception, the transducer can determine the range and

orientation of the object.

Passive Sonar: Passive sonar systems are used primarily to detect noise from marine objects (such as submarines

or ships) and marine animals like whales. Unlike active sonar, passive sonar does not emit its own signal, which is an

advantage for military vessels that do not want to be found or for scientific missions that concentrate on quietly

"listening" to the ocean. Rather, it only detects sound waves coming towards it. Passive sonar cannot measure the

range of an object unless it is used in conjunction with other passive listening devices. Multiple passive sonar devices

may allow for triangulation of a sound source.

Modern naval warfare makes extensive use of both passive and active sonar from water-borne vessels, aircraft andfixed installations. Although active sonar was used by surface craft in World War II, submarines avoided the use of

active sonar due to the potential for revealing their presence and position to enemy forces. However, the advent of

modern signal-processing enabled the use of passive sonar as a primary means for search and detection operations.

Active sonar is used by submarines when if the tactical situation dictates it is more important to determine the

position of a hostile submarine than conceal their own position. With surface ships it might be assumed that the

threat is already tracking the ship with satellite data. Any vessel around the emitting sonar will detect the emission.

Having heard the signal, it is easy to identify the sonar equipment used (usually with its frequency) and its position

(with the sound wave's energy). Active sonar is similar to radar in that, while it allows detection of targets at a

certain range, it also enables the emitter to be detected at a far greater range, which is undesirable.

Passive sonar has several advantages. Most importantly, it is silent. If the target radiated noise level is high enough,

it can have a greater range than active sonar, and allows the target to be identified. Since any motorized object

makes some noise, it may in principle be detected, depending on the level of noise emitted and the ambient noise

level in the area, as well as the technology used.

Passive sonar is stealthy and very useful. However, it requires high-tech electronic components and is costly. It is

generally deployed on expensive ships in the form of arrays to enhance detection. Surface ships use it to good effect;

it is even better used by submarines, and it is also used by airplanes and helicopters.

SONARs are also used in Anti-submarine warfare, Torpedoes, Mines, Aircraft, Underwater communications, Ocean

surveillance and Underwater security. Civil applications of SONAR include Fisheries, Echo sounding, Net location,

Vehicle location etc.

Scientific applications of SONAR include Biomass estimation, Wave measurement, Water velocity measurement,

Bottom type assessment etc.

Effect on Marine Animals:


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Research has shown that use of active sonar can lead to mass stranding marine mammals. Beaked whales, the most

common casualty of the strandings, have been shown to be highly sensitive to mid-frequency active sonar. Other

marine mammals such as the blue whale also flee away from the source of the sonar.

Some marine animals, such as whales and dolphins, use echolocation systems, sometimes called biosonar to locate

predators and prey. It is conjectured that active sonar transmitters could confuse these animals and interfere with

basic biological functions such as feeding and mating.

High intensity sonar sounds can create a small temporary shift in the hearing threshold of some fish.


4 November

Air pollution lowers crop yield: study

According to a recent study, India's food grain production is facing a double whammy, with

heightened air pollution adding to the impact of climate change on crop yields.

Statistical model suggests that yields in 2010 were up to 36% lower for wheat than they otherwise

would have been, absent climate and pollutant emissions trends, with some densely populated States

experiencing 50% relative yield losses.

The report also says that:

Much of the drop in yield came from air pollution caused by fine particles like soot as well as ozonegenerated by sunlight acting on emissions of precursor molecules.

There was substantial variation across States in the relative impacts produced by climatic factors and air

pollution on crop yields.

In Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, wheat yields were about half of what they otherwise could have been,

with air pollution responsible over two-thirds of the drop. Wheat yields in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh,

Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand too had been greatly reduced by air pollutants.

There was little or no impact from either a changing climate or pollution on wheat yields in Punjab or

Haryana, although their rice yields had been affected. Rice yields have been lowered in Uttar Pradesh,

Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal by 15 per cent or more.

Cleaning up the air could have very positive benefits for agriculture and food security in India (along

with all the other benefits of better air quality).

Improved cook stoves along with better control over emissions from the transportation sector and in

electricity generation would reduce levels of soot in the air as well as of ozone's precursor compounds

Sources: The Hindu


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Soon, regulator for health outreach

Union Health Minister said the government would institutionalise a regulatory authority with full

powers to oversee enforcement of all-round quality standards and consumer protection under the

National Health Assurance Mission (NHAM).

National Health Assurance Mission:

National Health Assurance Mission is aimed at reducing the out of pocket spending on health care by

the common man and building a robust healthcare support system for the poor.

Public Health being a State subject, the Central Government has been supplementing the efforts of

the States/UTs under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to provide accessible, affordable

and quality healthcare to the rural population. In 2013, the National Health Mission (NHM) was

approved subsuming NRHM and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) as its Sub-Missions

with the vision of attainment of universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care

services to all the population. Under NHM, financial support is being provided to States/UTs for

strengthening their health care systems including support for provision of the following services free

of cost to all those who access these services in public health facilities:

Universal Immunization of children against 7 diseases

Pulse Polio Immunization

Family Planning services

Maternal and Reproductive Health Services

Child Health services that include both Home Based and facility based New born Care,

Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) services,

Investigation and treatment for Malaria, Kalaazar, Filaria, Dengue, JE and Chikungunya,

Detection and treatment for Tuberculosis including MDR-TB,

Detection and treatment for Leprosy,

Detection, treatment and counseling for HIV/AIDs.

Non-Communicable diseases services

Cataract surgery for Blindness control- over 6 million free cataract surgeries done every year,

Cornea transplant, Glaucoma/ Diabetic Retinopathy, Spectacles to poor children.


Mauritius offers help on black money probe

Mauritius, often accused of being a route for round-tripping of funds by Indians, recently conveyed to

India that it was ready to support its Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unearth black money.

Mauritius used to be the biggest gateway for flow of funds into India through FDI as well as FII

routes, but its position has come down.


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It recently slipped to the second place after the U.S. in terms of quantum of money being brought in

by overseas investors into Indian markets. Fund flows from Mauritius have fallen amid concerns

about suspected money laundering, even though the Indian Ocean island nation has been consistently

denying such allegations.

Round-tripping is usually referred to routing of domestic investments through Mauritius to take

advantage of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between the two countries.

The island nation received requests for information in 97 cases from India during the one-year period

ended August 2014.

India-Mauritius Relations:

Diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius were established in 1948. Mauritius maintained

contacts with India through successive Dutch, French and British occupation. From 1820s, Indian

workers started going to Mauritius to work on sugar plantations. From 1834, when slavery was

abolished by the British Parliament, a large numbers of Indian workers began to be brought to

Mauritius as indentured labourers. November 2, 1834 marks the day when the ship 'Atlas' docked in

Mauritius carrying the first batch of Indian indentured labourers. This day is now observed in

Mauritius as 'Aapravasi Day'. In all, about half a million Indian indentured labourers are estimated to

have been brought into Mauritius between 1834 and the early decades of the 20th century, out of

whom about two-thirds settled permanently in Mauritius.

As a tribute to Gandhiji and the Indian freedom struggle, the National Day of Mauritius is yearly

celebrated on March 12 (the date of launch of Dandi Salt March).

Political Relations:

Following Mauritius' independence on March 12, 1968, the first Prime Minister and the Father of the

Mauritian Nation Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam accorded centrality to India in Mauritius' foreign

policy. Subsequently, successive Mauritian leaders ensured that India occupies a position of

significance and importance in the foreign policy orientation and activities of Mauritius.

Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam was the only non-SAARC leader to be invited to witness

the swearing in ceremony of the new Government in New Delhi in May 2014.

India and Mauritius have signed a wide range of bilateral agreements and MoUs. Some of them are

the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC-1982), Bilateral Investment Promotion and

Protection Agreement (BIPA-1998), MoU on Air Services (2005), Agreement on Cooperation in

Information Technology (2000), MoU on Cooperation in Biotechnology (2002), Extradition Treaty

(2003), MoU on Cooperation against Terrorism (2005), MoU on Cooperation in the field of

Environment (2005), Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters (2005) and many more.

Commercial Relations:

India is Mauritius' largest trading partner and has been the largest exporter of goods to Mauritius

since 2007. A three-year Agreement between the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL


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and the State Trading Corporation of Mauritius for supply of all petroleum requirements of Mauritius

was renewed in July 2013.

Mauritius has been one of the largest sources of FDI equity flow to India.

Some high-visibility Indian-assisted projects in Mauritius include the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, the

Upadhyay Training Centre, the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, the Subramania Bharati Eye Centre, etc.

Projects enjoying a high degree of visibility are the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre and the RabindranathTagore Institute. The most prestigious symbols of recent Indian assistance are the Cyber Tower at

Ebene and the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre (SVICC).

Cultural Relations:

The Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC) at Phoenix is one of the largest centres of ICCR,

which from March 2000, has emerged as an important venue for promotion of Indian cultural

activities in Mauritius. The IGCIC holds classes in disciplines of Hindustani music, Kathak, Tabla and

Yoga for Mauritian students. A Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) (2010-2013) was signed in July

2010.The Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) was established in 1970 as a joint venture between the

Government of India and the Government of Mauritius for the promotion of Indian culture and

education. The Rabindranath Tagore Institute was established with the assistance of the Government

of India in 2000 as a Centre of Studies on Indian culture and traditions.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has been India's flagship capacity building

programme since its inception in 1964 and has acquired a strong brand name in India's development

partnership with Mauritius. Mauritius is one of the largest beneficiary countries of the Indian

Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

For further reference:http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Mauritus_July_2014__.pdf.

Sources: The Hindu,http://www.mea.gov.in/

5 November

Cabinet clears dissolution of Delhi Assembly

Ending eight months of political uncertainty, the Union Cabinet recommended dissolution of the Delhi Assembly,

paving the way for fresh elections in the capital. Delhi has been under President's rule since February this year.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister, gave its nod to Lt. Governor's recommendation to dissolve the 70-

member House. The Cabinet's decision will now be referred to the President, who will dissolve the Assembly.

About Delhi Assembly:
http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Mauritus_July_2014__.pdfhttp://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Mauritus_July_2014__.pdfhttp://www.mea.gov.in/http://www.mea.gov.in/http://www.mea.gov.in/http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Mauritus_July_2014__.pdf


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The Legislative Assembly of Delhi, also known as Delhi Vidhan Sabha, is a unicameral law making body of the

National Capital Territory of Delhi with 70 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).

Background:

Delhi Legislative Assembly was first constituted on 7 March 1952 under the Government of Part C States Act, 1951.

The Assembly had 48 members, and a council of Minister in an advisory role to the Chief Commissioner of Delhi.

However, States Reorganisation Commission set up in 1953, led to the Constitution amendment through States

Reorganisation Act, 1956, which came into effect on 1 November 1956. This meant that Delhi was no longer a Part-C

State and was made a Union Territory under the direct administration of the President of India. Also the Delhi

Legislative Assembly and the Council of Ministers were abolished simultaneously. Subsequently, the Delhi

Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 was enacted which led to the formation the Municipal Corporation.

Then in September 1966, with "The Delhi Administration Act, 1966", the assembly was replaced by the Delhi

Metropolitan Council with 56 elected and 5 nominated members with the Lt. Governor of Delhi as its head. The

Council however had no legislative powers, only an advisory role in the governance of Delhi. This set up functioned

till 1990.

This Council was finally replaced by the Delhi Legislative Assembly through the Constitution (Sixty-ninth

Amendment) Act, 1991, followed by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 the Sixty-ninth

Amendment to the Constitution of India, which declared the Union Territory of Delhi to be formally known as

National Capital Territory of Delhi also supplements the constitutional provisions relating to the Legislative

Assembly and the Council of Ministers and related matters.

Sources: The Hindu, Wiki,www.delhiassembly.nic.in/

Scientists find mechanism for spontaneous HIV cure

A group of French scientists recently unveiled the genetic mechanism by which they believe two men were

spontaneously cured of HIV, and said the discovery may offer a new strategy in the fight against AIDS.

In both asymptomatic men, the AIDS-causing virus was inactivated due to an altered HIV gene coding integrated

into human cells. This, in turn, was likely due to stimulation of an enzyme that may in future be targeted for drug

treatment to induce the same response. This finding represents an avenue for a cure.

Neither of the men, one diagnosed HIV positive 30 years ago and the other in 2011, have ever been ill, and the AIDS-

causing virus cannot be detected with routine tests of their blood.

In both, the virus was unable to replicate due to DNA coding changes that the researchers proposed were the result

of a spontaneous evolution between humans and the virus that is called "endogenisation".

The scientists proposed that HIV cure may occur through HIV endogenisation in humans.

Sources: The Hindu
http://www.delhiassembly.nic.in/http://www.delhiassembly.nic.in/http://www.delhiassembly.nic.in/


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Harappan drawings found near Hampi

Pictographs of the Sindu (Harappan) culture have been discovered on rocks at the world famous Hampi, Karnataka.

As many as 20 drawings were found on a boulder on top of a hill near Talwarghatta, adjacent to river Tungabhadra.

Experts in Gondi script have identified them as Sindu (Harappan) culture-based script in Gondi dialect. They also

pointed out that such drawings are found in Chhattisgarh and also in interior structures of Gotuls (learning centres

for youths) in Bastar region.

Sources: The Hindu.

NCAER pegs down growth forecast to 5%

In its mid-year review of the economy, the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) lowered its

2014-15 growth forecast for India to 5 per cent. In July, the think tank had forecast 5.7 per cent growth. The lower

projection is despite the 5.7 per cent growth in the first quarter after two successive years of sub-5 per cent growth.

The NCAER's projection of slower growth during the rest of the year is in line with the RBI's forecast.

Important observations made:

The NCAER is predicting a slower growth for the economy unlike other forecasts. The fundamentals of the

economy remain weak with uncertainties prevailing. Though it found the weakening of inflation and the foreign

direct investment inflows to be redeeming features, whether they will help it revive the growth prospects will

depend on factors such as the extent of damage on agriculture due to deficit rainfall.

Another cause for concern, according to the NCAER, is that after recording a strong performance of double-

digit growth in May and June 2014, export growth slowed down in subsequent months with a growth rate of

just 2.73 per cent in September.

The 2014-15 farm sector growth projected at 2 per cent on account of the uneven distribution and the 17 per

cent deficiency in rainfall has pulled down the mid-year GDP projection. Last year, the sector had grown 4.7 per

cent.

Industry is projected to grow at 2.3 per cent. Official figures put last year's growth at 0.4 per cent.

Services, which account for more than half of the GDP, are projected to grow at just under 7 per cent,

marginally faster than in the previous year.

Manufacturing proved the biggest disappointment. Manufacturing sector growth rate contracted by (-) 1 per

cent in July and (-) 1.4 p.c. in August respectively. The NCAER has also projected the Centre's fiscal deficit at

4.3 per cent of GDP against the Budget target of 4.1.

Sources: The Hindu


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Drones beam real-time videos to help police monitor crowds

The Delhi Police prefer drones that are less than two metres long and one metre wide and weigh less than two kilos

to cover an area of about 1,000 sq. metres. They beam real-time videos. This helps in taking decisions on movement

of police personnel, to scan trouble spots and monitor crowds.

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS), are aircraft either controlled by 'pilots' from the ground

or increasingly, autonomously following a pre-programmed mission.

But the Delhi Police department does not have its own drones yet.

Disaster management and rescue is another area where drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, can be put to good

use. The Armed Forces operate Israeli drones named Heron and Searcher for surveillance, as well as the indigenous

Lakshya and Nishant models. DRDO is developing Rustom I & II medium and long endurance drones for military

use. A combat UAV (UCAV) is also on DRDO's drawing board.

UAVs of the IAF have been used to track movement of Maoists in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh and the DRDO has

offered Nishant customised for the role.

Recently, drones were also used to track tigers and spot poachers.


Measures to reduce fossil fuel emissions vital for India

In the light of the Synthesis Report of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released recently, it

is vital for India which is vulnerable to a whole range of climate change impacts, to create capacity in local

institutions for extreme events. The floods in Jammu and Kashmir and cyclone Hudhud clearly exposed India's lackof preparedness to deal with such events.

Important observations made by the Report:

The report pointed out that India should consider the co benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and

energy security benefits from a low carbon growth path.

The report says limiting climate change would require substantial and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas

emissions which, together with adaptation, can limit climate change risks.

The report also makes it clear that one can't achieve sustainable development without dealing first with climate

change. The risks of climate change have to be an integral part of sustainable development.

The report also sets the tone for the climate talks in Lima next month and countries will have to push up their

targets on emission cuts. The main question is about funds from the developed world to transition to a low

carbon economy which will be a bone of contention. Along with funds, transfer of technology assumes more

urgency than ever.

The Report says adaptation and mitigation are complementary strategies for reducing and managing the risks

of climate change. Substantial emissions reductions over the next few decades can reduce climate risks in the


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21st century and beyond, increase prospects for effective adaptation, reduce the costs and challenges of

mitigation in the longer-term, and contribute to climate-resilient pathways for sustainable development.

The Report stressed that sustainable development and equity provide a basis for assessing climate policies.

The report provides both an opportunity and a challenge for India. The IPCC recognises that a climate policy focused

on 'co-benefits' has merit.

Sources: The Hindu

Japanese honour for Manmohan

Japan will bestow its highest imperial honour on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Tokyo in recognition

of his significant contributions to the enhancement of relations and the promotion of friendship between Japan and

India for about 35 years.

Dr. Singh had been selected in particular for his work as Prime Minister in building the India-Japan strategic and

global partnership signed in 2009, which became the "mainstay of bilateral ties."

It is a "high level National Order" and a rare honour awarded to those who are recognised for their distinguished

contribution. Manmohan Singh is the first Indian recipient of this Order.

He is among 57 foreign recipients named for the 2014 Autumn Imperial Decorations.

Sources: The Hindu

RITES suggests dredging of Pamban channel

RITES Limited, an engineering consultancy company specialising in transport infrastructure, has submitted afeasibility report to the Ministry of Shipping, suggesting that the Sethusamudram Ship Channel project could be

implemented through the existing Pamban channel, which separates the mainland from Rameswaram island.

As the Centre did not want to disturb the Ram Sethu and there was opposition to implementing the project through

other alignments, RITES has suggested that the Pamban channel could be dredged to 12 metres and the 65.23-

metre-long rolling type Scherzer span replaced to pave the way for the passage of vessels in the 30,000 tonne class.

In the second phase, RITES Limited would explore tunnel railway under the sea for allowing heavier class vessels to

pass through the channel.

The existing manual Scherzer span would be replaced with a modernised and mechanised horizontal orientation

type span after widening it to 90 metres. The modernised span could be operated by the press of a button.

Simultaneously, the navigational spans in the rail bridge would be widened and strengthened.

Ram Sethu:

Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island,

also known as Rameswaram Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the


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northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between

India and Sri Lanka.

The bridge is 30 km long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait. Some of the sandbanks

are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 3 ft to 30 ft deep in places, which hinders navigation. It

was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to

say that Rama's Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in AD 1480.

The sea separating India and Sri Lanka is called Sethusamudram meaning "Sea of the Bridge".

The earliest map that calls this area by the name Adam's bridge was prepared by a British cartographer in 1804,

probably referring to an Abrahamic myth, according to which Adam used the bridge to reach a mountain (identified

with Adam's Peak) in Sri Lanka, where he stood repentant on one foot for 1,000 years, leaving a large hollow mark

resembling a footprint.

The government of India constituted nine committees before independence, and five committees since then to

suggest alignments for a Sethusamudram canal project. Most of them suggested land-based passages across

Rameswaram island and none suggested alignment across Adam's bridge. The Sethusamudram project committee in

1956 also strongly recommended to the Union government to use land passages instead of cutting Adam's bridge

because of the several advantages of land passage.

In 2001, the Government of India approved a multi-million dollar Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project that aims

to create a ship channel across the Palk Bay cutting across Rama Setu. The channel is expected to cut over 400 km

(nearly 30 hours of shipping time) off the voyage around the island of Sri Lanka. Various organizations have

opposed the project based on religious, economic and environmental grounds and have sought the implementation

of one of the alternative alignments considered during the earlier stages of the discussion.

Opposition to dredging through this causeway also stems from concerns over its impact on the area's ecology and

marine wealth, potential loss of thorium deposits in the area, and increased risk of damage due to tsunamis. Some

organisations completely oppose this project on economic and environmental grounds and claim that proper

scientific studies were not conducted before undertaking this project.

Sources: The Hindu

Fight to save Indus dolphins

Indus River dolphin, the gentle, blind mammal is under threat from a combination of uncontrolled fishing anddamage to its habitat caused by man-made dams.

Conservationists are fighting to save the dolphin as well as the river's black spotted turtle, at risk from poachers who

hunt it to sell to collectors and traditional medicine dealers.


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The dolphin, which can grow up to 2.5 metres, is one of the world's rarest mammals, with a population of just 1,400

living scattered along a 1,200-kilometre stretch of the Indus, which rises in the Himalayas and flows out into the

Arabian Sea near Karachi.

They are classed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened

species, which says the population has fallen by more than 50 percent since 1944. Functionally blind, they use

echolocation a form of natural sonar to find fish, shrimp and other prey in the muddy river waters.

The series of dams and barrages built across the Indus since the late 19th century to help irrigate farmland have

divided the dolphin's habitat into 17 separate sections. The dolphin has died out in 10 of these sections, according to

a recent and the sub-populations are left more vulnerable by their isolation.

When the river recedes after the heavy rains of the monsoon, the dolphins can become stranded in isolated ponds

and tributaries, starving them of food and making them vulnerable to predators.

Another threat to the dolphin, whose pinkish-grey skin breaks the surface of the turbid waters as it comes up to

breathe, comes from fishing.

The WWF has set up a network of fishing communities on both banks of the river and the link canals to keep vigil.

Legend has it that Pakistan's Indus River dolphin was once a woman, transformed by a curse from

a holy man angry that she forgot to feed him one day

Sources: The Hindu

UN to eliminate statelessness in 10 years

Ten million people worldwide have no nationality, leaving them in a devastating legal limbo, the UN refugee agencysaid recently, launching a campaign to eradicate statelessness within a decade.

According to the report Every 10 minutes a new stateless person is born.

With its "I Belong" campaign, UNHCR (UN Human commission for refugees)aims to highlight the

"devastating life-long consequences of statelessness" and push countries to rectify their laws to ensure no person is

denied a nationality.

The report said that Statelessness makes people feel like their very existence is a crime. Often they are excluded from

cradle to grave, being denied a legal identity when they are born, access to education, health care, marriage and jobopportunities during their lifetime and even the dignity of an official burial and a death certificate when they die.

People can become stateless due to a range of reasons, like discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or gender, or

when a nation state falls apart. War and conflict also often make it difficult to register births.

The report does not count the case of the Palestinians, since the UN General Assembly had recognised the State of

Palestine.


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The largest number of stateless people are to be found in Myanmar, which denies citizenship to some one million

Rohingya Muslims.

Myanmar considers the Rohingya illegal migrants from Bangladesh, which in turn considers the ones who cross the

border illegal migrants from Myanmar. In both countries, the group viewed by the UN as one of the world's most

persecuted people facing widespread restrictions, including curbs on movement, education and marriage.

When nation states break apart, people are often also left in limbo, with more than 600,000 people for instance still

left stateless after the disintegration of the Soviet Union more than 20 years ago. In situations of war, conflict and

turmoil, it also often becomes difficult to register births, especially among refugees, leaving them stateless.

Sources: The Hindu

Sunderbans water getting toxic: scientists

Climate change is causing toxic metals trapped in the sediment beds of the Hooghly estuary in the Indian

Sunderbans to leach out into the water system due to changes in ocean chemistry, say scientists, warning of potential

human health hazards.

They predict that after about 30 years, increasing ocean acidification another dark side of spiked atmospheric

levels of carbon dioxide could in fact unlock the entire stock of metals like copper and lead gathered in the

sediment layer, and release them into the water system, leading to health issues.

Oceans act as cleansers by taking up a chunk of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. As atmospheric carbon

dioxide levels shoot up, the levels absorbed by oceans increase, lowering their pH (indicator of acidity) and making

them more acidic (ocean acidification).

Through the water, toxic metals are finding their way into the muscles and tissues of certain edible finfish, popular

in the Indian Sunderbans area in West Bengal and because of the food chain, they pose a threat to human health as

well, say researchers.

This ocean acidification is leading to release of the toxic, carcinogenic metals into the water. The study based on 30

years of real-time data (from 1984 to 2013) forecasts a significant lowering of pH after a period of 30 years due to

ocean acidification. This is an offshoot of climate change.

Sunderbans is the world's largest mangrove forest and home to the endangered Royal Bengal tiger. More than

two-thirds of the forest lies in Bangladesh and the rest in West Bengal.

It is also recognised as "Unesco's World Heritage Site".

Sources: The Hindu

Commemorative Stamp on Liver Transplant Released


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The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications & IT has brought out a Commemorative Postage Stamp on

Liver Transplantation in India.

Sources: PIB

The India-Russia Working Group on Culture and Tourism Meets

India and Russia have expressed their keenness for cultural exchanges/cooperation in the fields of exhibitions,libraries, visits of crafts persons, visit of writers' delegation, contemporary and visual arts, archives, theatre art,

contemporary visual art etc. Both the countries will renew the Cultural Exchange Programme 2015-2018. This was

decided in the 20th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Culture and Tourism of India-Russia Inter-

Governmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation held recently.

The meeting is alternatively held in India and Russia every year as per the provisions laid down in the Russian-India

Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade and Economic, Scientific and Technical and Cultural Cooperation.

Both the sides agreed to assist each other in sending information on forthcoming international book fairs in both

countries and also for exchange of film related events, reciprocal participation in the International Film Festivals to

be held in both countries in accordance with their respective regulations.

The two sides agreed to hold the following activities in 2015:

To hold Festival of India in Russia in Russian Federation in 2015.

To renew the Cultural Exchange Programme 2015-2018

To strengthen links with Roerich International Memorial Trust in the village of Naggar in Kullu Valley.

To provide assistance in the development of direct ties and contacts between the Prasar Bharati and the All

Russian State Television and Radio Company.

Sources: PIB

PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJNA

Summary:

It is one of Indias ambitious financial inclusion schemes that aims to provide basic banking and micro

insurance services to Indias poor.

The scheme is unprecedented in scale and coverage as more than 1.5 crore or 15 million bank accounts were

opened in a single day when PM launched the scheme onAugust 28.

Public Sector banks have opened nearly 6.5 crore accounts against the target to open 7.5 crore bank accounts

before 26 January next year.

Under the scheme an account holder is entitled to one lakh rupees accidental death cover and 30,000 rupees

life insurance cover.

It provides universal access to banking services.


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Basic bank accounts with overdraft facility are provided. Financial literacy program will also be rolled out. Credi

guarantee fund will also be constituted.

This scheme is also being seen as one strong pillar of vast number of initiatives and schemes that have taken

place over the years.

Experts point out that, if implemented properly, the Jan Dhan Yojana has the potential to wipe out the financial

untouchability.

There is a lot of scope for improvement in the way the scheme is implemented at the ground level. Long cue can still be seen outside bank branches. Despite the governments promise to open at least 2

accounts per household, many still havent made it even to their first one.

Poor internet connectivity and cumbersome process are acting as impediments for smooth implementation of

the scheme. This gets even worse in remote areas where the largest section of targeted group lives.

Public sector banks are finding it difficult to cope with the rush.

This scheme is demand driven.

Despite the massive publicity, several people from the targeted section are not yet aware of the scheme.

The connectivity becomes very much important as the money is transferred from the government on online

basis.

There are about 50000 villages in the country which do not have internet connectivity or have poor

connectivity.

Public sector banks who are at the forefront of this massive financial inclusion program have urged the centre,

state governments and telecom service providers to take corrective measures.

Providing telecom services and ICT infrastructure in the remote parts of the country to bring the rural people

into the financial system fold is critical to the scheme.

Communication remains a huge issue with huge illiteracy levels. Several parts are completely out of reach of

any kind of media whatsoever.

Banks also need to streamline the process of enrolling people in the rural areas.

Under the PMJDY the banks are not mandated to collect the biometric data.

Many people are not happy with the overdraft facility of just 500 rupees. Banks and experts are divided over

the issue. Banks defend their policy of enhancing the overdraft limit on the basis of credit history of account

holders.

To create an environment for large scale implementation of PMJDY banking regulator RBI issued a circular

allowing banks to open basic accounts even if the customer does not have officially valid documents. These

basic accounts would be valid for one year. But the provision has not been implemented properly. It is because

of lack of proper communication with bank agents.

The target group comprises people who often dont have any official identification documents. These are the

same people who suffer heavily at the hands of money lenders.

The recent Sharada Chit Fund scam is an eye opener for the policy makers. In this case lack of access to the

formal financial system caused havoc to the millions of the lower and middle class as the chit fund company

duped them of their life time savings. The Supreme Court ordered for a CBI probe.

In a developing nation like India, financial inclusion has been an ongoing process. Experts trace its roots to the

Nationalization of banks in 1960s.

In the post-nationalisation era a significant move took place from -class- banking to -mass- banking.


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Today public sector banks admit that financial inclusion programmes like PMJDY are a critical tool of overall

national development.

Census data of 2011 says that out of 24.67 crore households in the country, 14.48 cr/ 58.7% of the households

have access to banking services. 54% of the rural households are availing the banking services. In urban

areas the situation is slightly better as 68% of the households have access to the banking services. This

suggests that there is room to move in further.

At the end of March 2014 there were 1.15 lac bank branches and 1.60 lac ATMs in the country. Of this 38% ofthe bank branches and 16% of the ATMs are in rural areas. 1.4 lac bank correspondents are in rural areas.

These correspondents represent banks to provide basic banking services. These correspondents need to be

trained efficiently.

Experts suggest that mere increase in number of bank branches is not sufficient to implement financial

inclusion. Banks need to change their approach completely with regard to economically weaker sections and

become more poor- friendly.

There are lessons to be learnt from the success of the fast moving consumer goods and telecom companies in

profitably catering to the lower economic strata of the society.

The current state of regulatory environment is also responsible for the sorry state of financial inclusion in the

country.

Harnessing the wide network of post offices and fair price shops can help in increasing the financial inclusion.

Utilization of a network of private telecom operators and fast moving consumer goods companies can also

help. Adhaar platform can also be used.

The objective of the financial inclusion program is to get rid of the money lenders.

There is widespread call for careful monitoring of the program. Financial inclusion programmes in the past

have run into rough weather after initial signs of success.

There is purchasing power in rural areas waiting to be tapped.

6 November

Treaty on transfer of sentenced persons between India and Nigeria

The Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister gave its approval for signing a treaty on transfer of sentenced

persons between India and Nigeria.

The treaty shall facilitate Indian prisoners imprisoned in Nigeria or vice-versa to be near their families, for serving

the remaining part of their sentence and shall facilitate their social rehabilitation.

The Government of India has so far signed Agreements with the Governments of the United Kingdom, Mauritius,

Bulgaria, Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, the

UAE, Maldives, Thailand, Turkey, Italy, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Israel, Russia and Vietnam. Negotiations have also

been concluded with the Governments of Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and Spain.

Background:


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Prior to 2004, there was no domestic legislation under which foreign prisoners could be transferred to the country of

their origin, to serve the remaining part of their sentence, nor was there a provision for the transfer of prisoners of

Indian origin convicted by a foreign court to serve their sentence in India.

Hence the Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003 was enacted for serving this purpose. For achieving the objectives of

the Act, a treaty/agreement is required to be signed with countries having mutual interest with India.

Sources: PIB

Amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill 2013

The Union Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Shipping`s proposal for introducing `official amendments` to the

Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill 2013.

The amendments incorporate the recommendations of the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee

and for accession to the Anti Fouling Systems (AFS) Convention 2001 of the International Maritime Organization

(IMO) after enactment of the Bill.

AFS Convention:

The AFS Convention aims to protect the environment and human health from adverse effects of anti-fouling systems

used in ships by, among other things prohibiting application/use of listed harmful anti-fouling systems, requiring

removal of organotin biocides from hulls to prevent leaching and mandating parties to take appropriate measures

for collection, handling, treatment and disposal of wastes from the removal of an anti-fouling system in an

environmentally sound manner.

By acceding to the AFS Convention, all Indian flag sea going vessels having 400 gross tonnage or more, would be

issued with an International Anti-Fouling System Certificate, after due verification. This will enable them to engage

in international shipping activities without having to approach other governments, who have ratified the Convention

for such certificates. There are no financial implications involved.

Further, India will be able to ensure that all foreign flag vessels entering Indian territorial waters or the Exclusive

Economic Zone are duly certified in accordance with the requirement of the AFS Convention 2001.

Anti-fouling paints are used on the ship`s surface to control the growth of foulant organisms, such as barnacles,

mussels, oysters, tube worms, etc which affect the speed of ships. Such use of anti-fouling paints, when persistent in

the water, leads to "leaching" into sea-water. This harms the marine environment in contravention to the

precautionary approach set out in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.

Maritime Labour Convention:

Ships are also needed to comply with the Convention through holding a Maritime Labour Certificate. Indian flag

merchant vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more and engaged in international voyages will be issued a Maritime

Labour Certificate after an inspection of the ship concerned. This will enable them to receive preferential treatment

and exemption from inspection, for this purpose, at foreign ports. Besides, India will be able to ensure that-all

foreign flag vessels entering Indian territorial waters or maritime areas over which India has jurisdiction are subject


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to an inspection under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and ensure that rights of all seafarers (regardless of

their nationality) are protected.

The Maritime Labour Convention seeks to provide for safe and secure workplace on a ship, fair terms of

employment, decent working and living conditions on ship and rights to health protection, medical care and other

social protection in line with the provisions of the International Labour Organization Maritime Labour Convention,

2006. By ratifying the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, around 1.25 lakh serving Indian national seafarers may

stand to benefit from its conducive provisions.

Sources: PIB

Clam fishery gets global green certification

The short-neck clam fishery of Ashtamudi Lake was awarded the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification

recently.The Marine Stewardship Council is an independent non-profit organisation that sets standards for

sustainable fishing around the world. The MSC runs the only certification and ecolabelling programme for wild-

capture fisheries.

It was for the first time that a fishery in India has been awarded the certification.

Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar Wetland of international importance, is the second largest estuarine system in Kerala. It

has extensive mangrove habitats harbouring nearly 90 species of fish and 10 species of clams. The clam fishery in

Ashtamudi dates back to 1981 and supports the livelihoods of around 3000 fishers involved in collection, cleaning

processing and trading the clams.

As part of its preparations for MSC-assessment, Ashtamudi clam fishers formed the Village Clam Fishery Council to

develop management measures and officially represent the fishery at regional and state level. Certification of the

fishery demonstrates the power of collaboration between partners and the importance of grass-roots activism of

fishers to protect the environment and their livelihoods.

When buyers choose to purchase MSC certified fish, fisheries are rewarded for sustainable practices. In this way, the

MSC programme helps to harness market forces to incentivise positive environmental change. Over 3,000 fishers

are involved in clam fishery in the lake.

The achievement of MSC certification will mean the implementation of measures to ensure that this valuable

resource is not overfished and its ecosystem is protected. It also opens up the scope for other fisheries in India to

work towards MSC certification that will enhance conservation and sustainability of the resource while providinggreater economic returns.

This demonstrates the importance of supporting small scale and high value fisheries as a niche market that supports

sustainability of resource use. It is also an excellent example of an initiative that supports the objectives of the

Convention on Biological Diversity.

Clams:


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Clams belong to the group of animals called bivalves, which includes clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops. The soft

body parts of these animals are enclosed between two shells; hence, the word bivalve. Bivalves are closely related to

limpets, abalone, snails, slugs, squids, and octopuses. These animals, including bivalves, are collectively called

mollusks.

The clam lives in muddy sediments in subtidal areas ranging in depth from less than a meter to 10-15 meters. They

can also be found inside the mouths of tidal creeks where water is retained near the mouth of the creek. Larval clams

will settle in areas where adult clams are present, which may result in dense, patchy populations.

The harvesting techniques include harvesting by hand and handgrabs as well as "treading," which involves

individuals feeling around with their feet. Mechanical hydraulic escalators are generally used in deeper areas and

can harvest hundreds of bushels per day in productive beds.

Sources: The Hindu,http://www.wwfindia.org/,http://wdfw.wa.gov/

69% quota: SC notice to Tamil Nadu

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government on a petition filed by two aspiring medical

students challenging the State's 69 per cent reservation policy in educational institutions and government jobs,

saying it violated their fundamental right to education.

The petition questioned the State legislature's competence to pass the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, Scheduled

Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of seats in educational institutions and appointments or posts in the

service under the state) Act, 1993 (Act 45 of 1994).

In their petition, the students questioned the competence of the Tamil Nadu legislature to venture beyond the 50 per

cent reservation prescribed by the Supreme Court in the Indira Sawhneymajority judgment of 1992.

It said that the State legislature went on to increase the reservation quota to 69 per cent though there was no

preceding constitutional amendment.

The petition said the 1994 statute has been amended twice in the year 2007 to provide exclusive reservation for

backward class Muslims and in 2009 for the Arunthathiyar community. The petition further contended that the

Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission's report dated July 8, 2011 justifying 69 per cent reservation on the basis

of data of the year 1985, provided in the report of the previous backward class commission is unsustainable and a

constitutional fraud.

The petition also contended that in any event, a meritorious candidate coming within the cut-off mark of 50 per cent

reservation cannot be denied her right of admission under Articles 14 and 15.

The Supreme Court, in its 16 November 1992 judgment in the Indra Sawhney case, ruled that reservations in

promotions are unconstitutional, but allowed its continuation for 5 years as a special case.

The apex court reiterated the law laid down through various judgements by the Constitution benches in the M

Nagaraj, Indra Sawhney and other cases wherein it was declared that reservation in promotions can be provided

only if there is sufficient data and evidence to justify the need.
http://www.wwfindia.org/http://www.wwfindia.org/http://wdfw.wa.gov/http://wdfw.wa.gov/http://wdfw.wa.gov/http://www.wwfindia.org/


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Reservation in TN:

The reservation system in Tamil Nadu is much in contrast to the rest of India.

At present, reservation works out to somewhat less than 69%, depending on how many non-reserved category

students are admitted in the super-numerary seats. If 100 seats are available, first, two merit lists are drawn up

without considering community (reserved or unreserved), one for 31 seats and a second for 50 seats, corresponding

to 69% reservation and 50% reservation respectively. Any non-reserved category students placing in the 50 seat list

and not in the 31 seat list are admitted under super-numerary quota (i.e.) seats are added to the 100 for these

students. The 31 seat list is used as the non-reserved open admission list and 69 seats are filled up using the 69%

reservation formula (30 seats obc, 20 seats mbc, 18 seats sc and 1 seat st).

The effective reservation percentage depends on how many non-reserved category students figure in the 50 list and

not in the 31 list. At one extreme, all 19 (added from 31 to make the 50 list) may be non-reserved category students,

in which case the total reservation works out to about (69+19)/119 or 74% with 16%(19 in 119) considered as a

'reservation' for non-reserved category students. At the other extreme, none of the 19 added to the 31 list may be

from the non-reserved category, in which case no super-numerary seats are created and reservation works out to be69% as mandated by the state law.


PM's climate change council recast

The Union government reconstituted the Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change on recently to coordinate the

National Action Plan for Assessment, Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change.

It is the 18-member council with Prime Minister acting as itsChairperson.

The council also includes Ministers for External Affairs, Finance, Environment, Forests and Climate Change,

Agriculture, Science and Technology, and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and the

Cabinet Secretary, the Foreign Secretary, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Functions of the Council:

The council will coordinate the action plan and advise the government on proactive measures that can be taken

by India to deal with the challenge of climate change.

It will facilitate inter-ministerial coordination and guide policy in relevant areas.

The council will evolve a coordinated response to issues relating to climate change at the national level, provide

oversight for formulation of action plans in the area of assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change

and periodically monitor key policy decisions.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change will assist the Prime Minister's Office in facilitating the

work of the council.


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Ebola vaccine shows promise in animal trial

Results from a recent pre-clinical trial have shown that a single dose of a non-injectable vaccine provided long-term

protection for non-human primates against the Ebola virus.

Researchers said that a breathable vaccine could surmount the logistical obstacles of storing, transporting and

administering injectable vaccines in parts of Africa most afflicted by the virus.

Researchers in the new study have worked over seven years to develop a respiratory formulation that improved

survival of immunised non-human primates from 67 per cent to 100 per cent after challenge with 1,000 plaque

forming units of Ebola Zaire 150 days after immunisation. This improvement is statistically significant because only

50 per cent of the primates given the vaccine by the standard method of intramuscular injection survived challenge.

Ebola causes devastating outbreaks with fatality rates of 25 to 90 per cent in Africa and Asia. Although progress has

been made in understanding the virus' biology, no licensed vaccines or treatments currently exist. The current Ebola

outbreak has killed almost 5,000 people.

This is important since the longevity of other vaccines for Ebola that are currently being evaluated is not fully

evaluated.

Sources: The Hindu

7 November

NCDs major threat to human health: report

A report released by the World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health

says that an estimated 60 per cent of all deaths in India in 2012 were owing to Non

Communicable Diseases (NCD), but Indiasresponse to these preventable diseases has

been largelyunderfunded.


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Other important observations made by the Report:

The report says that India stands to incur a cost of $4.58 trillion between 2012 and

2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions. Of this amount, cardiovascular

diseases and mental health conditions will account for the majority of the economic

loss.

Prevention and treatment of these conditions have long been largely underfunded and,

until recently, did not occupy a central place on the global development agenda.

The report describes cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes

and cancer as major threat to human health, economic growth and national

development.

Cautioning that unless India takes remedial steps to check NCDs, the report says the

country is poised to experience significant urban growth over the next 35 years, which

suggests more individuals will encounter urban risk factors for NCDs, which could

contribute to an increase in disease burden and related economic losses. NCDs are a

large and growing challenge for Indiasfuture economic growth and its populations

well-being. Business leaders and the government feel the threat of NCDs, and the

country has already moved to address it via public policy Initiative.

Primary prevention of NCDs, built upon robust early screening and a strong healthcare

infrastructure, is a promising path for reaping favourable returns on investment in the

Indian context.

Sources: The Hindu

Centre for quality checks on Ayurvedic drugs

The Central Government is working towards setting up a separate Central Drug Controller

for traditional medicines to ensure quality in production standards.


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The global market for Ayurvedic medicines or herbal medicines or traditional medicines

is estimated at about $100 billion. Indiasshare in this is negligible because quality

standards are not maintained to international specifications. The government has decided

to address this lacuna.

The institutionalisation of a regulatory authority backed up by Central and State

laboratories would ensure for traditional and indigenous medicine pride of place in

mainstream healthcare.

Ayurvedic Drugs and their regulation in India:

Ayurvedic medicine is a system of Hindu traditional medicine of Vedic tradition, is native

to the Indian subcontinent, and is a form of alternative medicine. The oldest known

Ayurvedic texts are the SuruthaSahitand the Charaka Sahit. These Classical

Sanskrit texts are among the foundational and formally compiled works of Ayurveda.

AYURVEDAmeans Scienceof life. It incorporates all aspects of life whether physical,

psychological, spiritual or social. What is beneficial and what is harmful to life, what is

happy life and what is sorrowful life; all these four questions and life span allied issues are

elaborately and emphatically discussed in Ayurveda. It believes the existence of soul before

birth and after death too.

About 20 years back, W.H.O. adopted Traditional Medicine programme in conjunction

with the goal of health for all with the adoption of primary health care approach. W.H.O.

has an open mind on Traditional Medicine. However, it endorses only that therapy which

has solid scientific evidence with no toxicity. In view of this Ayurveda is duly recognised by

W.H.O.

Government of India in 1970 established PLIM (pharmaceutical laboratory of Indian

medicine) as an organisation to monitor the quality of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha drugs.

This is an apex laboratory helping to lay down the standards of Ayurvedic medicines. It is

the approved laboratory under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940.


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There exists such a regulation by which commercial manufacturing of Ayurvedic

medicines is regulated. Manufacturers have to take prior license from the State Drug

Controlling Authority for running an Ayurvedic Pharmacy. Formulations whether classical

or patent proprietary have to be got cleared from the competent authority before starting

commercial manufacturing.

In 1970, the Indian Medical Central Council Act which aimed to standardise qualifications

for Ayurveda practitioners and provide accredited institutions for its study and research

was passed by the Parliament of India. The Indian government supports research and

teaching in Ayurveda through many channels at both the national and state levels, and

helps institutionalise traditional medicine so that it can be studied in major towns and

cities.

To fight biopiracy and unethical patents, the Government of India, in 2001, set up the

Traditional Knowledge Digital Library as repository of 1200 formulations of various

systems of Indian medicine, such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha.

The Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) a statutory body established in 1971,

under Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy

(AYUSH), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, monitors higher

education in Ayurveda.

Research in Ayurveda is undertaken by the statutory body of the Central Government, the

Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), through a national

network of research institutes.

Sources: The Hindu, Wiki,www.nccam.nih.gov,indianmedicine.nic.in

Sex workers seek change in law
http://www.nccam.nih.gov/http://www.nccam.nih.gov/http://www.nccam.nih.gov/http://www.nccam.nih.gov/


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Sex workers and activists have been demanding amendments to the Immoral Traffic

(Prevention) Act (ITPA), which they allege has been disproportionately used against sex

workers.

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA), 1956 does not prohibit sex work per se but

sex workers can be booked by invoking its provisions which ban brothel keeping, living on

earnings of sex work and soliciting in public places.

Section 4 of the Act says an individual over 18 years of age, dependent on the income of a

sex worker shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two

years, or with fine which may extend to Rs.1000. This means children of all sex workers

can be punished, because by the time they are 18 they are barely out of school and unlikely

to be financially independent. This also comes in the way of children aspiring for higher

education, since after turning 18 they can no longer depend on the earnings of their

mothers.

Those arguing in favour of an amendment point out at the Suppressionof Immoral Traffic

Act,which was introduced in 1956 to prevent under aged girls from being forced into

prostitution but that has not stopped. The laws were amended twice, in 1972 and again in

1986, without promising results.

Efforts were made by the Government to amend the ITPA in 2005. The issue was referred

to a Parliamentary Committee and several changes were recommended. But the Bill could

not go through as there was disagreement between the Health Ministry on the one hand

and the Home and Women and Child Development Ministry on the other. And hence the

Cabinet could not reach an agreement.

An Inter Ministerial Group was formed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development

to recommend changes in the ITPA but nothing has happened so far. In the absence of

amendments, sex workers allege they are at the mercy of the local police who can barge in

any time and book them.

Sources: The Hindu


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8 & 10 November

Vacancies reduce CBDT to just two members

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), a key player to track down black money

stashed away abroad, is under tremendous pressure to meet deadlines despite senior

positions being vacant.

The CBDT, a constituent of the Special Investigation Team on black money, comprises a

Chairman and six members: member (income-tax), member (legislation &

computerisation), member (personnel & administration), member (investigation),

member (revenue &vigilance) and member (audit & judicial).

At present the Board has five vacancies.

About CBDT:

The Central Board of Direct Taxes is a statutory authorityfunctioning under the Central

Board of Revenue Act, 1963. The officials of the Board in their ex-officio capacity also

function as a Division of the Ministry of Finance dealing with matters relating to levy and

collection of direct taxes.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is a part of the Department of Revenue in theMinistry of Finance, Government of India. It provides essential inputs for policy and

planning of direct taxes in India and is also responsible for administration of the direct tax

laws through Income Tax Department. It is Indiasofficial Financial Action Task

Forceunit.


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The Central Board of Revenue as the Department apex body charged with the

administration of taxes came into existence as a result of the Central Board of Revenue

Act, 1924. Initially the Board was in charge of both direct and indirect taxes. However,

when the administration of taxes became too unwieldy for one Board to handle, the Board

was split up into two, namely the Central Board of Direct Taxes and Central Board of

Excise and Customs in 1964.

The CBDT Chairman and Members of CBDT are selected from Indian Revenue Service

(IRS), a premier civil service of India, whose members constitute the top management of

Income Tax Department.

Sources: The Hindu, Wiki, dor.gov.in

Celebrations to mark 25 years since fall of Berlin Wall

Germany has kicked off celebrations marking 25 years since the epochal fall of the Berlin

Wall, set to culminate in rock stars and freedom icons joining millions at an open-air

party.

The festivities under the banner Couragefor Freedomrecall the peaceful revolution that

led communist authorities to finally open the border after 28 years in which Easterners

were prisoners of their own government.

Berlin Wall:

The Berlin Wall was both the physical division between West Berlin and East Germany

from 1961 to 1989 and the symbolic boundary between democracy and Communismduring the Cold


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War.

The Berlin Wall which was erected for 28 years kept East Germans from fleeing to the

West. Its destruction, which was nearly as instantaneous as its creation, was celebratedaround the world.

The Eastern Bloc claimed that the wall was erected to protect its population from fascist

elements conspiring to prevent the willof the peoplein building a socialist state in East

Germany. In practice, the Wall served to prevent the massive emigration and defection

that marked East Germany and the communist Eastern Bloc during the post-World War II

period.

The Berlin Wall was officially referred to as the Anti-Fascist Protection Rampartby

German Democratic Republic authorities, implying that the NATO countries and West

Germany in particular were fascists.


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In 1989, a series of radical political changes occurred in the Eastern Bloc, associated with

the liberalization of the Eastern Blocsauthoritarian systems and the erosion of political

power in the pro-Soviet governments in nearby Poland and Hungary. After several weeks

of civil unrest, the East German government announced on 9 November 1989 that all

German Democratic Republic citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin. Crowds

of East Germans crossed and climbed onto the wall, joined by West Germans on the other

side in a celebratory atmosphere. Over the next few weeks, euphoric public and souvenir

hunters chipped away parts of the wall; the governments later used industrial equipment

to remove most of what was left. Contrary to popular belief the wallsactual demolition did

not begin until Summer 1990 and was not completed until 1992. The fall of the Berlin Wall

paved the way for German reunification, which was formally concluded on 3 October 1990.

More about Berlin Wall:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWx-DSXSq4.


Agni-II test-fired for full 2,000-km strike range

India recently test-fired the nuclear weapon-capable Agni-II ballistic missile for its full

strike range of 2,000 km.

Agni-II:

Agni is a strategic ballistic surface-to-surface missile. The Agni missile family is envisaged

to be the mainstay of the Indian missile-based strategic nuclear deterrence. The Agni-II is

a medium range ballistic missile (MRBM) with two solid fuel stages and a Post Boost

Vehicle (PBV) integrated into themissilesRe-entry Vehicle (RV). TheAgnismanoeuvringRV is made of a carbon-carbon composite material that is light and able to sustain high

thermal stresses of re-entry, in a variety of trajectories.

The range of the missile would allow India to attack all of Pakistan and parts of China;

some suggest that the reinitiating of the Agni missile project was instigated by Chinese and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWx-DSXSq4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWx-DSXSq4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWx-DSXSq4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWx-DSXSq4


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Pakistani missile advances.

In its present configuration, the missile is 20 m in length with a diameter of 1.3 m in the

first and second stages. The payload carries a warhead weighing up to 1,000 kg. The Agni-

2 can be fitted with 150 or 200 kT yield nuclear warheads, in addition to chemical, high-

explosive, and submunitions versions. Fully loaded, the missile has a maximum range of

2000 km, though if carrying a reduced payload, it can achieve a range of 3,500 km. The

range of the Agni-2 is significantly greater than needed to strike targets within all of

Pakistan, but its range falls short of primary targets within China.

The Agni-2smain strength is its relatively high accuracy, especially at close range, due to

its combination of an INS/GPS guidance module and dual-frequency radar correlation.

The third stage uses four moving control fins in order to maneuver independently during

the terminal phase, though newer models may use side thrust motors instead.

Sources: The Hindu, Wiki,http://missilethreat.com/
http://missilethreat.com/http://missilethreat.com/http://missilethreat.com/http://missilethreat.com/


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SEBI to clear milder version of draft insider trading norms

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is set to overhaul the insider trading

norms, first framed two decades ago. The new rules would be far more stringent than theregulations currently in place but not as strict as those mentioned in the draft document

circulated in December last year.

The insider trading norms will define connected persons on the basis of the duty they

perform for a company and the legal relation they have with the listed entity and its

promoters.

In the draft regulations formulated by the insider trading committee, led by judge N K

Sodhi, a connected person was defined as someone connected with a company in any

capacity (including people who had frequent communications with company officers) in

the six months prior to the trade. The committee had suggested fundamental changes to

current regulations, aimed at improving predictability, clarity and deterrence.

The draft regulations had made headlines for their inclusion of public servants in the

definition of connected persons. But in the final guidelines, public servants and ministers

might not find a specific mention.

In the draft regulations, any due-diligence that companies engaged in needed to be

declared to stock exchanges two days before any trading activity was undertaken in the

stock. But the final norms might not find mention of due-diligence aspects.

Draft norms

Connected persons defined on the basis of association and responsibility to a company

Connected persons include public servants


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Due-diligence required to be declared to bourses 2 trading days before proposed trade

New norms

Connected person is someone who is related to a firm in any capacity

No specific mention of public servants as connected persons

Due-diligence aspects will not be mentioned

However, there is another section of market that believes any form of price-sensitiveinformation should be available to all types of investors. The due-diligence aspect is

the heart and soul of the regulations.

Legal experts say persons with fiduciary duty to shareholders are supposed to put

shareholdersinterest ahead of their own and, thus, should be labelled as insiders.

Sebi

upsc current affairs nov 2014

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