The Gist August 2019 - Ias Exam Portal

UPSC Exam PRE Cum Mains Study Materials
http://iasexamportal.com/SK-200
‘The GIST’ AUG 2018

CONTENTS
GIST OF THE YOJANA Magazine 4

#1 In the Finance Act, 2019 (Interim Budget) 4
#2 10-point Vision for the decade 5
#3 Moving Towards Better, Equitable and Affordable Health Services 7
#4 Budget 2019-20: Some Reflections 10
#5 GAON, GAREEB AUR KISAN 12
#6 Welfare and Empowerment of Marginalised Through Budgetary Interventions 12
#7 Power for All and Energy Security 12
#8 RURAL India 15
#9 YOUNG INDIA 16
GIST OF THE KURUKSHETRA Magazine 17

#1 BUDGET 2019-20: AGRICULTURE AND RURAL PROSPERITY 17
#2 AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE: AN OVERVIEW 20
#3 CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE 23
#4 RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN UNION BUDGET 2019-20 25
#5 RURAL EDUCATION 26
#6 Union Budget Announcements 2019-20 to Promote Skilling and Entrepreneurship 28
GIST OF THE HINDU (Newspaper) 30

PM calls for mass movement for water conservation 30
U.S-Taliban fresh talks on ending war 32
Finance ministry claims demonetisation had no effect of economy 33
Centre adopts multi-pronged approach to tackle illegal migrants 35
Home ministry claims over 20cr crime datas available in CCTNS 37
China demands lifting of US tariffs for trade deal 40
SC seeks response from centre on Aadhar ordinance 42
New amendments by govt.will make doctors prescribe only generics 45
Researchers studying MGNREGS disputes arguments made in economic survey 47
India condemns UNHCR report on Kashmir 48
IMF claims Pakistan facing severe economic challenges due to weak growth 50
Supreme court to examine refugee status of illegal immigrants 51
Cabinet approves Transgender protection of rights bill 2019 53
India urges admission of Maldives into the commonwealth 55
Japanese crypto currency exchange faces huge loss 56
President Calls for easy access to legal assistance for the poor 57
www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 1

National Digital Health Mission 60

PM KISAN Scheme 62
Centre along with Assam seek for re verification of sample NRC 64
CJI wants judiciary to revisit conventional wisdom 67
SEBI opposes centre’s move to transfer surplus to consolidated fund 69
Plea in Supreme Court for proper identification of minorities 71
Defence ministry assures solving Kashmir issue 74
Japanese ruling coalition secures upper house majority 77
Govt.asserts RTI amendment does not compromise autonomy of Information commission 78
Govt.denies U.S president’s claim on Kashmir mediation 80
Nation pays tribute to Kargil war martyrs on Vijay diwas 81
Supreme court asks centre to respond to order condemning mob lynching 82
PM addresses nation through Mann kiBaat programme 86
Study reveals shark fisheries declining in India 89
GIST OF Science Reporter Magazine 90

#1 Chandrayaan-2: Eyes on the Lunar South Pole 90
#2 3D-printed Biological Tissue 91
#3 Cytophone - New Laser Destroys Circulating Cancer Cells 91
#4 Autofocals 91
#5 Speech2Face — AI Generates Human Face based oil Voices 91
#6 LifeFlow Next Gen Device 92
#7 KalamSat 92
#8 First Exoplanet of its Kind Found in Neptunian 92
#9 SpaceX’s satellites to boost internet services 93
GIST OF PIB (Press Information Bureau) 94

#1 CBDT takes further steps to ensure transparency in Tax Administration by bringing in concept of
DIN 94
#2 CORAS 94
#3 Operation Number Plate 95
#4 High Level Committee on CSR recommends CSR expenditure to be made tax deductible
expenditure 95
#5 Swachh Survekshan 2020 96
#6 National Youth Awards 96
#7 Vice President advocates Supreme Court Benches in different regions 96
#8 66th National Film Awards for 2018 97
#9 Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation 97
#10 Report of the Competition Law Review Committee submitted to Union Finance and Corporate
Affairs Minister 98
#11 Samagra Shiksha-Jal Suraksha 98
#12 3rd RE-INVEST 99
#13 Women Transforming India Awards 99
#14 The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2019 99

#15 National Entrepreneurship Awards, 2019 100

#16 World Biofuel Day to be observed 100
#17 e-Rozgar Samachar launched to spread awareness about job opportunities 101
#18 Resolution to Repeal Article 370 of the Constitution 102
#19 Lalit Kala Academy celebrates 65th Foundation Day 102
#20 NFDC announces Second window of Funding for Film Production in various Indian languages
102
#21 World Breastfeeding Week 103
#22 Skill India’s SANKALP Scheme to focus on district level skilling ecosystem 103
#23 Army Launches E Car to Combat Pollution 104
#24 Time Release Study 104
#25 Cabinet approves Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers
105
#26 Rajya Sabha passes Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019 105
#27 PM’s interaction through PRAGATI 105
#28 Cabinet approves signing of the UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements
resulting from mediation by India 106
#29 GHAR-GHAR DASTAK GHAR GHAR PUSTAK 106
#30 Seed Bankers for Conserving Native Crops 106
#31 Parliament passes the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2019 107
#32 PRE-BID meeting for construction of Light House projects under GHTC-India 107
#33 Regulation of NBFCs by RBI 108
#34 DE-Linting and Cotton Seed Oil Extraction 108
#35 Implementation of Krishonnati Yojana 108
#36 First Bamboo Industrial Park 109
#37 Preventive steps taken to check Marine Pollution 109
COURTESY:
● The Hindu
● Yojana
● Kurukshetra
● Science Reporter
● Press Information Bureau

GIST OF THE YOJANA Magazine
The Gist of
YOJANA
investments eligible for deduction under

#1 In the Finance Act, 2019 (Interim Budget) Section 80C will be not be required to pay
● Rebate of income-tax for taxable income any income-tax.
up to Rs. 5 lakh: It is provided in the tax ● Increase in Standard Deduction for salaried
proposal that a resident individual having taxpayers: The amount of standard
total taxable income up to Rs. 5 lakh shall deduction was increased from Rs. 40,000
● not be required to pay any income tax. to Rs. 50.000.
● Further, with the deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 ● Exemption for the Second Self Occupied
lakh available under Section 80C of the Act, House: Exemption from levy of tax on
an individual with income up to Rs. 6.5 lakh notional rent of the second self occupied
will not be required to pay any income-tax. house provided.
● Deduction of up to Rs. 3.5 lakh (instead of ● Capital Gains Exemption for Second
Rs. 2 lakh earlier) on loan interest on House: Exemption to capital sains up to Rs.
purchasing an affordable house: An 2 crore was provided for
individual who has purchased a house after purchase/construction of two houses
taking a loan also gets a deduction on (instead of one house earlier).
interest payment on such loan up to Rs. 2 ● Increase in Threshold Limits for Tax
lakh. If an individual has purchased an Deduction at Source (TDS): The threshold
affordable house after taking a loan, he will limits for TDS are increased as below:
get a deduction of up to Rs. 3.5 lakh ● Threshold limit for TDS on bank interest,
(instead of Rs. 2 lakh earlier) on interest etc. increased from Rs.10.000 to Rs.
payment on such loan. 40.000.
● Deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on loan ● Threshold limit for TDS on rental income
interest on an electric vehicle: If an increased from Rs. 1.8 lakh to Rs. 2.4 lakh.
individual has purchased an electric In the Finance (No. 2) Bill. 2019 (Main Budget)
vehicle after taking a loan, he will get a ● Incentives for Purchase of Affordable
deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on interest House: Interest deduction on loan taken for
payment on such loan. purchase of an affordable house is
● Therefore, an individual with income up to proposed to be increased from the existing
Rs. 11.5 lakh, who is paying interest on Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 3.5 lakh.
housing loan taken to purchase an ● Incentives for Purchase of Electric Vehicle:
affordable house, on loan taken to Interest deduction of Rs.1.5 lakh is
purchase an electric vehicle and has made

proposed to be given on loan taken for gearing up to alter its taxation approach
purchase of an electric vehicle. from enforcement to self-motivated
● Interchangeability of PAN and Aadhaar: In voluntary compliance through
order to enable an individual who does not technological means and tax incentives.
have PAN to file return and carry out other
transactions which require quoting of PAN. #2 10-point Vision for the decade
it is proposed that such individual can use
● Building Team India with Jan Bhagidari:
Aadhaar in place of PAN.
Minimum Government Maximum
Incentives for NPS:
Governance.
● Various incentives proposed to be
● Achieving green Mother Earth and Blue
provided are (i) full exemption to the
Skies through a pollution-free India.
amount which can be withdrawn from NPS
● Making Digital India reach every sector of
on closure of NPS account; (ii) enhanced
the economy.
deduction of 14 per cent on Central
● Launching Gaganyan. Chandrayan, other
Government contribution to NPS; (iii)
Space and Satellite programmes.
deduction under Section 80C on
● Building physical and social infrastructure.
contribution made by Central Government
● Water, water management, clean rivers.
employees to their Tier-11 NPS accounts.
● Blue Economy.
● TDS on Income Element only of Insurance
● Self-sufficiency and export of food-grains,
Policy Payout: TDS on payout of taxable life
pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables.
insurance policies proposed to be on
● Achieving a healthy society via Ayushman
income element only, instead of on the
Bharat, well-nourished women & children,
gross amount.
safety of citizens.
Pre-filing of Income Tax Return:
● Emphasis on MSMEs, Start-ups, defence
● It is proposed to widen the scope of third-
manufacturing, automobiles, electronics,
party reporting for enabling prefilling of
fabs and batteries, and medical devices
income-tax returns for ease of compliance
under Make in India.
to the taxpayer.
Towards a 5 Trillion Dollar Economy
● With India's vision of speedy growth and to
● Indian economy to become a 3 trillion
serve people with higher human
dollar economy in the current year.
development index ratings. We do need a
● Government aspires to make India a 5
healthy tax policy which has moderate tax
trillion dollar economy.
structure with maximised tax base, ease to
● Need for investment in:
comply, administrative transparency. non-
★ Infrastructure.
adversarial tax regime, lowest tax litigation,
online simple services and procedures, ★ Digital economy.
credible adjudication system and tax ★ Job creation in small and medium
abuse prevention mechanism. firms.
● Also, the integrity and efficiency of the tax ● Initiatives to be proposed for kick-starting
system should be highly credible in the the virtuous cycle of investments.
eyes of taxpayers so that our tax ● Common man’s life changed through
administration motivates every resident to MUDRA loans for ease of doing business.
be a proud self-compliant contributor to Measures related to MSMEs
the development of the country by being an ● Pradhan Mantri Karam Yogi Maandhan
honest taxpayer. The tax administration is Scheme.

● Pension benefits to about three crore retail ● Government to organize an annual Global
traders & small shopkeepers with annual Investors Meet in India, using National
turnover less than Rs. 1.5 crore. Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) as an
● Enrolment to be kept simple, requiring only anchor to get all three sets of global
Aadhaar, bank account and a self- players (pension, insurance and sovereign
declaration. wealth funds).
● Rs. 350 crore allocated for FY 2019-20 for ● Statutory limit for FPI investment in a
2 per cent interest subvention (on fresh or company is proposed to be increased from
incremental loans) to all GST-registered 24 per cent to sectoral foreign investment
MSMEs, under the Interest Subvention limit. Option to be given to the concerned
Scheme for MSMEs. corporate to limit it to a lower threshold.
● Payment platform for MSMEs to be ● FPIs to be permitted to subscribe to listed
created to enable filing of bills and debt securities issued by RelTs and InvITs.
payment thereof, to eliminate delays in ● NRI-Portfolio Investment Scheme Route is
government payments. proposed to be merged with the Foreign
Social stock exchange: Portfolio Investment Route.
● Electronic fund raising platform under the ● Cumulative resources garnered through
regulatory ambit of SEBI. new financial instruments like
Listing social enterprises and voluntary Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs),
organizations: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as
● To raise capital as equity, debt or as units well as models like Toll-Operate-Transfer
like a mutual fund. SEB1 to consider raising (ToT) exceed Rs. 24,000 crore.
the threshold for minimum public ● Tax Simplification and Ease of living -
shareholding in the listed companies from making compliance easier by leveraging
25 per cent technology:
● to 35 per cent. ● Interchangeability of PAN and Aadhaar
● Know Your Customer (KYC) norms for ● Those who don’t have PAN can file tax
Foreign Portfolio Investors to be made returns using Aadhaar.
more investor friendly. ● Aadhaar can be used wherever PAN is
● Government to supplement efTorts by RBI required.
to get retail investors to invest in ● Pre-filing of Income-tax Returns for faster,
government treasury bills and securities, more accurate tax returns.
with further institutional development ● Pre-filled tax returns with details of several
using stock exchanges. incomes and deductions to be made
Measures to make India a more attractive FDI available.
destination: ● Information to be collected from Banks,
● FDI in sectors like aviation, media Stock exchanges, mutual funds etc.
(animation, AVGC) and insurance sectors ● Faceless e-assessment.
can be opened further after ● Faceless e-assessment with no human
multistakeholder examination. interface to be launched.
● Insurance Intermediaries to get 100 per ● To be carried out initially in cases requiring
cent FDI. verification of certain specified
● Local sourcing norms to be eased for FDI transactions or discrepancies.
in Single Brand Retail sector. Ease of Living

● About 30 lakh workers joined the Pradhan ● Present digital repository aimed at
Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme that preserving rich tribal cultural heritage, to be
provides Rs. 3.000 per month as pension strengthened.
on attaining the age of 60 to workers in Digital Payments
unorganized and informal sectors. TDS of 2 per cent on cash withdrawal exceeding
● Approximately 35 crore LED bulbs Rs. 1 crore in a year from a bank account.
distributed under UJALA Yojana leading to ● Business establishments with annual
cost saving of Rs. 1 8.341 Crore annually. turnover more than Rs. 50 crore shall offer
Solar stoves and battery chargers to be low cost digital modes of payment to their
promoted using the approach of LED bulbs customers and no charges or Merchant
mission. Discount Rate shall be imposed on
● A massive program of railway station customers as well as merchants.
modernization to be launched. Mega Investment in Sunrise and Advanced
Naari Tu Narayani/Women Technology Areas
● Approach shift from women-centric-policy ● Scheme to invite global companies to set
making to women-led initiatives and up mega-manufacturing plants in areas
movements. such as Semi-conductor Fabrication (FAB).
● A Committee proposed with Government Solar Photo Voltaic cells. Lithium storage
and private stakeholders for moving batteries. Computer Servers. Laptops, etc.
forward on Gender budgeting. ● Investment linked income tax exemptions
SHG: to be provided along with indirect tax
● Women SHG interest subvention program benefits.
proposed to be expanded to all districts.
● Overdraft of Rs. 5.000 to be allowed for #3 Moving Towards Better, Equitable and
every verified women SHG member having Affordable Health Services
a Jan Dhan Bank Account.
● One woman per SHG to be eligible for a Ayushman Bharat PMJAY:
loan up to Rs. 1 lakh under MUDRA ● A Bold New Approach to Healthcare
Scheme. Delivery in the Subcontinent To address
India's Soft Power these gaps, last year Government of India
● Proposal to consider issuing Aadhaar Card launched Ayushman Bharat which is a two
for NRIs with Indian Passports on their pronged approach towards universal
arrival without waiting for 180 days. health care.
● Mission to integrate traditional artisans ● The first is Health and Wellness Centres
with global markets proposed, with (HWCs) which will provide Comprehensive
necessary patents and geographical Primary Health Care, covering maternal
indicators. and child health services, screening for
● 18 new Indian diplomatic Missions in noncommunicable diseases, free essential
Africa approved in March, 2018. out of drugs and follow-up of hospitalisation
which 5 already opened. Another 4 new cases. 150.000 HWCs will be set up by
Embassies intended in 2019-20. 2022 and will be able to handle more than
● Revamp of Indian Development Assistance 70 per cent of all outpatient care including
Scheme (IDEAS) proposed. non-communicable diseases and mental
● 17 iconic Tourism Sites being developed illnesses. The centre will also conduct yoga
into model world class tourist destinations. sessions to promote wellness and have a

much wider range of free drugs and ● Who is Covered Under PMJAY PMJAY has
diagnostics, including many that need to be been rolled out for the bottom 40 percent
prescribed but can be made available of poor and vulnerable population. In
locally by the health workers. absolute numbers, this is close to 10.74
● The second is Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogva crore (100.74 million) households. The
Yojana (PMJAY). the world’s largest fully inclusion of households is based on the
government funded health insurance deprivation and occupational criteria of the
scheme, which provides a health Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011
protection cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per (SECC) for rural and urban areas,
year to 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable respectively. This number also includes
families (or 50 crore people) for families that were covered in the RSBY but
hospitalisation expenses towards the were not present in the SECC database.
treatment of serious illnesses. The SECC involves ranking of households
● Through PMJAY. Government of India based on their socio economic status. It
aims to offer financial risk protection to the uses exclusion and inclusion criteria and
beneficiary families through a system of accordingly decides on the automatically
demand-led healthcare initiative that included and automatically excluded
meets their immediate hospitalization households.
needs in a cashless manner. The ● Rural households which are included (not
objectives of PMJAY are to reduce excluded) are then ranked based on their
catastrophic out-of-pocket health status of seven deprivation criteria (D1 to
expenditure, improve access to quality D7). Urban households are categorised
healthcare and meet the unmet needs of based on occupation categories. In line
the population for hospitalization care. The with the approach of the Government to
scheme was launched on 23rd September use the SECC database for social welfare
last year by the Prime Minister in Ranchi, schemes. PMJAY also identifies targeted
Jharkhand. beneficiary families through this data.
● Thus, Ayushman Bharat represents a Rural Beneficiaries
significant transition from a sectoral, ● Out of the total seven deprivation criteria
segmented approach to comprehensive, for rural areas. PMJAY covered all such
holistic approach bringing together families who fall into at least one of the
preventive, promotive, curative, following six deprivation criteria (D1 to D5
rehabilitative aspects of care along a and D7) and automatic inclusion 6 criteria:
continuum of care. Ayushman Bharat ● D1-Only one room with kuchu walls and
marks a paradigm shift in how health is kucha roof
looked at in India. It is the advent of new ● D2- No adult member between ages 16 to
thinking about health where health is no 59
longer looked at as a challenge to be ● D3-Households with no adult male
solved through a silo-approach but a reality member between ages 16 to 59
to be reckoned with and approached ● D4-Disabled member and no able bodied
through a continuum of care offering an adult member
entire gamut of healthcare services from ● D5- SC/ST households
primary to secondary to tertiary and follow- ● D7- Landless households deriving a major
up care. part of their income from manual casual
labour

● Urban Beneficiaries- For urban areas, the ● There is no cap on family size and age of
following 11 occupational categories of members. The benefits of INR 5, 00,000 are
workers are eligible for the scheme: on a family floater basis which means that
● Ragpicker it can be used by one or all members of the
● Beggar family.
● Domestic worker ● All pre-existing diseases are covered from
● Street vendor/ Cobbler/hawker other the very first day. This means that any
service provider working on streets eligible person suffering from any medical
● Construction worker/ Plumber/Mason/ condition before being covered by PMJAY
Labour/ Painter/ Welder/Security guard/ will now be able to get treatment for those
Coolie and other head-load worker. medical conditions under the scheme. This
● Sweeper/ Sanitation worker/Mali is a major advantage over regular private
● Home-based worker/Artisan/Handicrafts insurance schemes that often do not cover
worker/ Tailor illnesses being suffered by the
● Transport worker/ Driver/Conductor/ policyholder.
Helper to drivers and conductors/ Cart ● Benefits covered under PMJAY are
puller/ Rickshaw puller portable across the country and any
● Shop worker/Assistant Peon in small eligible beneficiary can visit any
establishment/Helper/Delivery empanelled hospital across the country
assistant/Attendant/ Waiter. and receive cashless treatment.
● Electrician/ Mechanic/Assembler Repair ● 1393 secondary and tertiary treatment
worker/Washerman/Chowkidar. packages covering 23 specialties are
● Even though PMJAY uses the SECC as the offered. PMJAY has also made provision
basis of eligibility of households, many for unspecified surgical package to cover
States are already implementing their own treatment for ailments that are not in the
health insurance schemes with a set of list of surgical packages. However,
beneficiaries already identified. mandatory pre-authorisation approval is
● Thus, States have been provided the required to book a patient under this
flexibility to use their own database for package.
PMJAY. However, they will need to ensure Implementation Model: A Bulwark of Cooperative
that all the families eligible based on the e Federalism
SECC database are also covered. ● Insurance Mode-The State Government
Key Features of PMJAY appoints an insurer at a defined premium
● PMJAY provides cashless cover of up to rate for taking over the financial risk of the
FNR 5,00.000 to each eligible family per beneficiaries. Nine States have chosen the
annum for listed secondary and tertiary Insurance
care conditions. The cover under the ● mode.
scheme includes all the expenses incurred ● Trust Mode- The State Government creates
from diagnostic and laboratory an agency (State Health Agency) which will
investigations, full treatment, non-intensive pay the claims of the hospitals as per
and intensive care services, medicine and actual utilisation. The risk of health
medical consumables and post- protection lies with
hospitalization follow-up care up to 15 ● the State. 17 States are implementing the
days. scheme in the trust mode.

TOPICS OF THE GIST Magazine:
● The Hindu Newspaper (Monthly) Price of the Magazine:
● Yojana Magazine (Govt of India) Rs. 840
● Kurukshetra (Govt of India)
● Press Information Bureau (Govt of India) Rs. 499/-
● Science Reporter Magazine (Only Rs.42/- Per Month)
No. of Issues: 12 Months (1 Year)

Release Date: 20th of Every Month
File Type: PDF File (via Email)
Order Online (100% Safe)

Click here for Other Payment Options (Cash/NEFT/etc)
FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE
● Mixed Mode - The State uses a India flowing from the highest level and the
combination of Insurance and Trust modes will to mainstream health of the citizens
generally where low' cost common and link it to their economic growth and
procedures (secondary care) is managed development of the country'.
by the insurer and high cost ● This is reflected in the 2019-20 budget with
● specialised procedures managed by the a Rs. 6,400 crore allocation for PMJAY, up
State trust. Six States have chosen the from Rs. 2,400 crore in 2018-2019, the year
Mixed mode. of its launch.
Financing of the Scheme ● The outlay for overall health sector at Rs.
● PMJAY. being a centrally sponsored 62.659 crore, the highest in the last two
scheme is fully funded from the financial years, marked an increase of
Consolidated Fund of India and the budget around 19 per cent over the 2018-19 fiscal
allocated is received from Government of when the health allocation was Rs. 52.800
India as recurring grant-in-aid. Under the crore.
Union Budget the allocation for PMJAY for
2019-20 is Rs. 6400 crore. #4 Budget 2019-20: Some Reflections
● The expenditure under PMJAY is shared
● Before the presentation of Budget for the
between Central Government and State
year 2019-20. the Economic Survey for the
Governments/Union Territories as per the
year was presented in the Parliament. The
sharing instructions issued by the Ministry
Economic Survey throws up certain
of Finance in vogue.
significant figures which one has to keep in
The existing sharing ratio is as under;
mind while attempting to understand and
● For North Eastern and 3 Himalayan States:
analyse the Budget.
90 (Centre): 10 (States).
A few of these basic facts are summarised below:
● For Union Territories with Legislation and
● The rate of growth of Gross Domestic
Other States: 60 (Centre): 40 (States).
Product (GDP) in the year 2018-19 has
● For Union Territories without Legislation:
been 6.8 per cent against 7.5 per cent in
100 (Centre).
2017-18. The Budget aims at 7 per cent
Payment of Central Share
GDP growth rate. The average growth rate
● Insurance model- A flat premium per
during the last five years has been 7.5 per
family, irrespective of the number of
cent.
members under PMJAY in that family, is
● There is a declaration of an intent to
paid to the State Government which in turn
become a 5 trillion economy by 2024. This
pays this to the insurer based on the
will necessitate 8 percent rate of growth of
number of eligible families.
GDP in next 5 years.
● Assurance model -Central share of the
● The Survey also informs that the macro
contribution is paid based on the actual
economic conditions are expected to be
cost of claims or the ceiling whichever is
stable during 2019-20. Thanks to the
lower. If the State is using an
structural reforms affected during the last
Implementation Support Agency, then cost
five years.
of ISA, determined through tender, is also
● The fiscal deficit has been at the rate of 3.4
shared between Centre and State.
percent of GDP. However, if the Central
● Reflections on the 2019-20 Budget
Government and State Government’s fiscal
● Ayushman Bharat represents the priority
deficit is combined, it would go up to 5.8
accorded to health by the Government of
per cent. This is actually a decline from the

previous year; when it had been 6.4 per interaction. Besides, there would be pre
cent. filled tax return forms also.
● Current Account deficit has increased ● There is a new element of tax deduction at
from1.9 per cent in 2017-18 to 2.6 per cent source by 2 per cent for the cash
in the period April to December, 2018. This withdrawals of over a crore in a year. This
has been because of higher trade deficit is aimed at discouraging the cash
which rose from 162.1 billion dollars in transactions and at promoting cashless
2017-18 to 184 billion dollars in 2018-19. transactions. In an ideal situation, lesser
Budget: Main Points currency in circulation and more cashless
● Excise and road cess on petroleum and transactions would increase the velocity of
diesel has been hiked by Rs. 1 per litre. This money, and in turn the GDP.
has caused an increase in the price of ● Government is willing to consider less than
petrol and diesel. 51 per cent stakes in certain PSUs. It will be
● Customs duties on gold and precious decided on a case to case basis. This
metals have been increased from 10 per would mean that while taking a decision to
cent to 12.5 per cent. This would make gold this effect, the peculiar facts and
costlier. Despite being costlier, gold has circumstances of the company and its
been a significant expenditure item business would he kept in consideration.
because of traditional preference for it. To The budget envisages 1.06 lakh crores as
an extent, it is price inelastic. Therefore, contribution from dividends and surplus
one can argue that the gold would, in any from RBI and financial institutions
case, get purchased in certain quantity including disinvestment.
even if it is costlier. ● Public sector banks will get a capital
● An additional Rs. 1.5 lakh would be infusion of Rs. 70.000 crores. Banks have
deductible from income tax for the spend been under stress because of non-
on affordable housing(up to Rs. 45 lakhs). performing assets and stranded assets.
This is expected to give a flip to the This capital infusion is expected to ease
sluggish housing sector. Budget also the stress.
seeks to bring housing finance companies ● Budget seeks to encourage the corporates
under the regulation of Reserve Bank of of up to 400 crore by lowering the
India (from National Housing Board at corporate tax rate to 25 per cent. For
present). investors too. There are some incentives.
Income tax too is going to see significant The entire lump sum withdrawal from New
changes: Pension Scheme (NPS) which is otherwise
● Income tax liability on annual income limited to 60 per cent of the accumulated
between Rs. 2 to 5 crore has been hiked by amount, shall be exempted from tax.
3 per cent and income above Rs.5 crores ● Long term capital gains from the sale of
has been taxed by additional 7 per cent. housing property has been exempted from
● Companies with turnover up to Rs. 400 tax if capital gains are invested in a startup.
crore shall pay lower tax at the rate of 25 To facilitate this, the Sunset Clause has
per cent. been extended till 3L March, 2021.
● In order to increase the ease of interaction ● There is an interesting incentive for
with Income Tax Department, an element electrical vehicles which will entitle to a
of automated tax assessment has been concession of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on its
introduced to make it a faceless purchase.

● NBFCs have now been brought under RBI’s ● Make in India with particular emphasis on
pooled assets of NBFCs regulation. MSMEs, Startups, defence manufacturing,
Further, a relief on defaults on loans in form automobiles, electronics, Fabs and
of partial government guarantee has also batteries, and medical devices;
been provided. ● Water, water management, clean rivers;
● There are some interesting steps on the ● Blue Economy;
consumption side. For example, those with ● Space programmes, Gaganyan,
foreign trips and massive power bills will Chandrayan and Satellite programmes;
also get into the tax net. This means that ● Self-sufficiency and export of food-grains,
this aims at expanding the tax base. pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables;
● Healthy society Ayushman Bharat, well-
#5 GAON, GAREEB AUR KISAN nourished women and children. Safety of
citizens;
Key highlights:
● Team India with Jan Bhagidari, Minimum
● Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
Government Maximum Governance.
to establish robust fisheries management
● The Union Government and States have an
framework to address critical gaps in value
obligation to earmark funds and ensure the
chain.
welfare and development opportunities for
● Dairying through Co-operatives to be
SCs, STs, Women and Children through
encouraged by creating infrastructure for
Gender Budgeting, Budgeting for Children
milk procurement, processing and
and budgetary allocations for SCs and STs.
marketing.
● The Union Government in its Full Budget
● Creation of 10000 new farmer Producer
2019-20 has allocated Rs. 81340.74 crore
Organizations to ensure economies of
for Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan, Rs.
scale for farmers over the next 5 years.
52884.82 crore for Tribal Sub-Plan, Rs.
● Innovative pilots of Zero Budget farming’ to
136934.10 crore for Women
be replicated across the country for
empowerment and Rs, 91644.29 crore for
doubling farmers income.
welfare of Children.
#6 Welfare and Empowerment of

#7 Power for All and Energy Security
Marginalised Through Budgetary
● 18 percent of the world’s population, India
Interventions
uses only around 6 per cent of the world's
● The theme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat ● primary energy. The four primary sources
is prime focus of the Government to of energy are coal, oil, gas and renewable
achieve inclusive growth with agenda of energy.
‘no one left behind’ in the area of ● Out of the four,
development. ● India is well endowed in coal as well as
● The current Government has clearly renewable energy sources including bio-
visualised the development with following energy.
visions to make it real: Coal
● Building physical and social infrastructure; ● India has been estimated to be roughly
● DigitalIndia reaching every sector of the about 300 billion tonnes. It has been the
economy; mainstay of the Indian electricity system so
● Pollution free India with green Mother Earth far and is likely to remain so in the
and Blue Skies; immediate future as well.

● Due to the vast availability of this fuel form of crop residue, cattle dung, human
source, it could remain the cheapest waste and food waste, also present large
source of energy for India for a long time, if scale opportunities for biomass based
explored and used efficiently. It is the only energy production.
energy source for which India is not ● The prices of renewable sources,
dependent on imports (except coking coal particularly solar and wind, have been
used for steel making). reduced drastically and are now almost at
● The import of thermal coal can also be par with electricity generated using coal.
reduced to zero if a proper policy ● However, the issue with renewable energy
framework for exploration cum-mining for is its volatility, uncertainty and seasonality.
commercial use is put in place. Coal is Further, solar energy, though at par with
however not an environment friendly fuel thermal electricity in terms of cost, requires
compared to renewable energy and is likely more than 50 times the land to generate
to lose out in the long run. ` the same quantum of electricity as from
● Though when compared to renewable thermal power plants. This can become a
energy, particularly solar energy, thermal limiting factor, even though rooftops and
power plants take up only about l/50th of farm land offer a solution.
the land required for generation of the ● Yet. while the issue of volatility and
same amount of power at current level of uncertainty is being addressed by a
efficiencies. number of economical storage solutions,
Oil and Gas the problem of seasonality may still limit
● As far as oil and gas is concerned, these the full exploitation of this source. For this,
resources in India are not adequate to meet the conversion of solar energy into
its growing requirements. Of the two, the hydrogen and methanol would have to be
price of oil has been much more volatile. seriously researched and made viable.
where the slightest increase puts Bio-Energy
tremendous pressure on the economy. ● Bio-energy can play a major role in
● Compared to oil, gas is cheaper and more strengthening the energy basket of India.
environmentally friendly. Though oil Biogas derived from cattle dung, human
comprises 29 per cent of total primary waste and vegetative waste, can, to a very
commercial energy mix and gas only 7 per large extent, provide cooking solutions
cent, it is imperative that India’s which are cheap and environment friendly.
dependence on oil and gas as a source of Being cheaper, locally available and much
energy is reduced to the extent possible by more environment friendly, it has the
encouraging a switch to other forms of potential to replace LPG in rural areas.
energy, such as electricity which can be ● Biomass can also become the source of
derived from renewable sources. bio-fuel which would help in reducing the
Renewable Energy requirement of petroleum oil.
● The third source is renewable energy from Nuclear Energy
solar- wind- biomass, hydro and more such ● Nuclear energy also constitutes a
sources. It is also the most environment significant part of the energy and electricity
friendly. Fortunately, being located in the mix. However, unless the cost of nuclear
tropics endows us with virtually unlimited reactors is controlled significantly,
potential of solar and wind energy. The electricity generated from nuclear reactors
huge availability of biomass sources in the

may not be as cost effective as energy Energy Access

from renewable sources. ● The Government has continued its focus
● Government may consider budgetary on energy access by setting a target of
support for non-electricity components. providing an electricity connection and
Methanol, a liquid fuel produced from access to clean cooking fuel to all rural
natural gas or coal, has the potential to households in the country (except those
significantly alter the way gas or coal is who are unwilling). It claimed to already
used. have connected 99 percent of the
● Methanol extracted from natural gas is households under Saubhagya and given
likely to bring down transportation costs out 7 crores LPG cylinders under Ujjwala
compared to gas, which needs to be scheme.
liquefied, transported in liquid form at very ● However, the challenge in energy access is
low temperature (and at a significant cost) not just of connection but of accessibility
and undergo re-gasification. and affordability. Focus on Rural Energy
Energy Security Access and Fanners: New Ujjwala-type
● In India, access to energy for all at rational scheme that will promote solar stoves and
prices is of utmost importance. As of June battery chargers. Private initiatives will be
2, 2019, access to electricity has been supported to develop renewable energy as
substantially improved with a household an alternate source of income for farmers.
electrification percentage of 99.99 per Focus on Distribution Reforms:
cent. Providing clean, non-polluting ● Performance of Ujwal DISCOM Assurance
cooking fuel in the form of LPG, to nearly Yojana (UDAY) is being examined.
139 million people who are still dependent Renewable Energy:
on biomass for cooking is also expected ● The renewable energy industry expected
within a reasonable time frame. the Budget to provide some impetus to
● India improved its ranking in the Energy revive growth. However, there is nothing
Transition Index published by World specific in the Budget in this regard.
Economic Forum (76th position). Its ● When it comes to power sector, the Budget
installed capacity has increased from 3, focused on structural and tariff policy
44,002 MW in 2018 to 3,56,100.19 MW in reforms to improve distribution sector
2019. Total generation of energy during efficiency. The priority is well placed, as
2018-19 was 1376 BU (including imports distribution sector efficiency is at the core
and renewable sources of energy). of all power sector challenges including
Union Budget 2019: Power Sector 24x7 power supply, generation sector
● Union Budget allocates Rs.16400.57 crore stress, including inadequate demand for
for power sector for this financial year renewable energy. This is a massive
which is higher than Rs.1988.02 crore in challenge for the Government.
comparison to last financial year. ● Going by past experience, improving
● The MM RE sector gets allocated Rs. distribution sector's efficiency requires
4653.45 crore and petroleum sector Rs. broader structural reforms, such as
38982.05 crore for this financial year. The carriage and content separation proposed
Union Budget 2019 for power sector focus in the Electricity Act amendment.
on electricity access. ● Meanwhile, a key area that also needs
Followings are major announcement in the dedicated attention is solar rooftop.
budget:

#8 RURAL India Scheme of Fund for Upgradation and

Regeneration of Traditional Industries’ (SFURTI)
● The Union Minister for Finance and
● Common Facility Centres (CFCs) to be
Corporate Affairs Smt. Nimrala Sitharaman
setup to facilitate cluster based
presented the Union Budget 2019-20
development for making traditional
before the Parliament.
industries more productive, profitable and
● The key highlights related to Rural India
capable for generating sustained
from the Union Budget 2019-20 as follows:
employment opportunities.
Grameen Bharat / Rural India
● 100 new clusters to be setup during 2019-
● Ujjwala Yojana and Saubhagva Yojana
20 with special focus on Bamboo. Honey
have transformed the lives of every rural
and Khadi, enabling 50,000 artisans to join
family, dramatically improving ease of their
the economic value chain.
living.
Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural
● Electricity and clean cooking facility to all
Industry and Entrepreneurship’ (ASPIRE)
willing rural families by 2022.
● 80 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs)
● Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin
and 20 Technology Business Incubators
(PMAY-G) aims to achieve “Housing for All"
(TBIs) to be setup in 2019- 20.
by 2022:
● 75.000 entrepreneurs to be skilled in agro-
● Eligible beneficiaries to be provided 1.95
rural industry sectors.
crore houses with amenities like toilets,
● Private entrepreneurships to be supported
electricity and LPG connections during its
in driving value-addition to farmers'
second phase (2019-20 to 2021-22).
produce from the field and for those from
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
allied activities.
(PMMSY)
● Dairying through cooperatives to be
● A robust fisheries management
encouraged by creating infrastructure for
framework through PMMSY to be
cattle feed manufacturing, milk
established by the Department of
procurement, processing and marketing.
Fisheries.
● 10.000 new Farmer Producer
● To address critical gaps in the value chain
Organizations to be formed, to ensure
including infrastructure, modernization,
economies of scale for farmers.
traceability, production, productivity, post-
● Government to work with State
harvest management, and quality control.
Governments to allow farmers to benefit
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
from e-NAM.
● Target of connecting the eligible and
● Zero Budget Farming in which few states'
feasible habitations advanced from 2022
fanners are already being trained to be
to 2019 with 97% of such habitations
replicated in other states.
already being provided with all weather
India’s Water Security
connectivity.
● New Jal Shakti Mantralaya to look at the
● 30.000 kilometers of PMGSY roads have
management of our water resources and
been built using Green Technology. Waste
water supply in an integrated and holistic
Plastic and Cold Mix Technology, thereby
manner.
reducing carbon footprint.
● Jal Jeevan Mission to achieve Har Ghar
● 1,25.000 kilometers of road length to be
Jal (piped water supply) to all rural
upgraded over the next five years under
households by 2024.
PMGSY III with an estimated cost of Rs.
80,250 crore.

● To focus on integrated demand and supply ● Internet connectivity in local bodies in

side management of water at the local every Panchayat under Bharat-Net to
level. bridge rural-urban divide.
● Convergence with other Central and State ● Universal Obligation Fund under a PPP
Government Schemes to achieve its arrangement to be utilized for speeding up
objectives. Bharat-Net.
● 1592 critical and over exploited Blocks
spread across 256 District being identified #9 YOUNG INDIA
for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
Key highlights:
● Compensatory Afforestation Fund
● Now Education Policy to transform India's
Management and Planning Authority
Higher Education System to one of the best
(CAMPA) fund can be used for this
global education systems.
purpose.
● Creation of National Research Foundation
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
to fund, coordinate and promote research .
● 9.6 crore toilets constructed since October
● Study in India' Program to help India attract
2, 2014.
foreign students to make India a global
● More than 5.6 lakh villages have become
Higher Education Hub.
Open Defecation Free (ODF).
● Setting up Higher Education Commission
● Swachh Bharat Mission to be expanded to
of India' to promote greater autonomy and
undertake sustainable solid waste
focus on academic outcomes.
management in every village.
● Setting up of National Sports Education
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan
Board for development of sportspersons
● Over two crore rural Indians made digitally
under Khelo India Scheme.
literate.

GIST OF THE KURUKSHETRA Magazine
The Gist of
Kurukshetra
#1 BUDGET 2019-20: AGRICULTURE AND RURAL PROSPERITY

● The Union Budget 2019-20 was announced skill up-gradation drives and to guarantee a
amidst wide expectations on removal of long-term double-digit economic growth
distress in rural areas and to step up with social justice.
Government's focus on agriculture and Allocation to Centrally Sponsored Schemes
rural economic reform measures. ● As per the recommendations of the
● The annual average growth rate registered SubGroup on Centrally Sponsored
at 2.88 per cent during 2014-2018 in Schemes (CSS), the number of CSSs was
agriculture and allied sectors and was well restricted to 30 for ensuring optimum
below the prescribed target of 4 per cent utilization of resources with better project
per annum. The Gross Value Added (GVA) outcomes through location-specific
of agriculture and allied sector during interventions.
2018-19 was recorded at 2.9 percent ● Such CSSs were categorised as 'Core
against 6.3 per cent in 2016-17. Schemes', 'Core of the Core Schemes' and
Importance of Agriculture budget 'Others'. While the focus under core
● Agriculture remains the mainstay of the schemes was to jointly implement
Indian economy despite its shrinking share schemes of national development by the
in the Union Government and the State, the core
● country's Gross Domestic Product [55.4 of the core schemes are dedicated towards
per cent in 1950-51 to 17.4 per cent in social protection and social inclusion.
2018-19]. ● A glance at the Budget 2019-20 allocation
● Similarly, rural non-farm sector coupled on CSSs indicates that out of a total budget
with farm sector have tremendous allocation of Rs. 3,31,609 crore for all
potential in ushering an overall positive schemes, Rs.2,49,508 crore and Rs. 81,862
economic scenario in the country. crore have been allocated to Core
● The Budget intends to re-orient Schemes and Core of the Core schemes,
government policy interventions in rural respectively.
and agriculture sector and aims at re- ● While Core Schemes witnessed an
establishing an enabling atmosphere for increase of 9.5 per cent in 2019-20 (BE)
not only to achieve the objective of than that of 2018-19, Core of the Core
doubling farmers' income by 2022, but also Schemes registered 5.37 per cent hike in
to expedite poverty reduction, job creation, their allocation. 2019-20 Budget allocation

reduced for National Social Assistance Rural Roads

Programme, Green Revolution and ● The Budget reposed its faith in Pradhan
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) which
remained constant for Pradhan Mantri had managed to successfully deliver on-
Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Allocation road connectivity to underdeveloped and
for National Rural Drinking Water Mission. unconnected habitations. Rs.19,000 crore
● National Livelihood Mission - Aajeevika has been allocated to PMGSY which would
and Jobs and Skill Development initiatives allow the States to lay roads and improve
witnessed 42.85 per cent, 61.28 per cent existing roads in villages and hamlets.
and 43.16 per cent enhancements in the BE ● The target of connecting all eligible and
2019-20 vis-a-vis 18-19. MGNREGA has feasible habitations has been advanced
been allocated Rs. 60,000 crore in this from 2022 to 2019 under PMGSY. The next
year's budget, which is 9 per cent more phase of PMGSY would focus on
than that of 2018-19. construction and up-gradation of 1,25,000
Rural Wage Employment kms of road length over the next five years
● The Budget continued to underscore the with an estimated cost of Rs. 80,250 crore.
importance of MGNREGA in building ● The rural connectivity would ensure ease in
quality and productive community assets travel of rural farmers who would find it
considering its effective workability in a easy to market their produce at a better
rural set up riddled with high incidence of price in more affluent markets than the
poverty, low work participation, increased existing local area markets and would
casualization of labour and heavy bring in overall socio-economic gain in
dependence on agriculture and non-farm rural areas.
sectors. Zero Budget Farming
● The Budget allocation for the scheme has ● Budget 2019-20 has tried to lay intense
been pegged at Rs. 60,000 crore for 2019- focus on the factors impinging on the
20 against BE of Rs. 55,000 crore in 2018- overall GDP growth with special emphasis
19. The positive impacts of MGNREGA on rural and agriculture sector. This was a
have prompted the government to remain challenging task given the likely
committed to supporting this right-based persistence of global slowdown and
rural wage employment programme with a probable sluggish growth rate in the agri-
view to broaden occupational choices and exports.
to assure generation of employment ● Each year, the Government focuses on
opportunities in the rural areas along with productivity and yield growth in Indian
creation of productive quality community Agriculture. The Union Budget 2019-20
assets. Transparency and accountability emphasized on promotion of zero-budget
provisions are in-built into the rights based farming. The intention is to promote this
MGNREGA. form of farming as a low-cost, natural
● The real challenge is to effectively utilize alternative to the existing practices of
the funds under MGNREGA by integrating heavy and unbalanced use of chemical
activities of other Ministries/Departments fertilizer and pesticides.
like Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Jal ● Though zero budget farming is believed to
Shakti and Ministry of Rural Development enable arrest of further degradation of the
right at the worksite in consultation with soil, a scientific study by the Government is
the State Governments. the need of the hour to understand its exact

What you will get:
● UPSC PRELIMINARY G.S. (Paper -1) 100% Syllabus Covered
● UPSC MAINS G.S. (Paper -2,3,4,5) 100% Syllabus Covered Price of the Kit:
● Every section is covered with Multiple Choice Question (MCQs) Rs. 24,000
in preliminary paper.
● Flow chart, diagram and figures are exhaustively compiled, for Rs. 7,999/-
better understanding of the Contents. (Limited time Offer)
● Gist of NCERT for different sections of the IAS syllabus is
covered.
● IAS Planner Booklet - Print Copy
● UPSC Syllabus Booklet - Print Copy
● Online Coaching Access (Pdf Copy)
● Weekly Current Affairs (Pdf Copy)
● Yearly Current Affairs for UPSC IAS (Pre.) Exam
● Gist of The Hindu, Yojana, Kurukshetra, PIB (12 Months) - PDF
Copy
● UPSC PRE 10 Year Solved Papers - (Pdf Copy)
● IAS PRE 5 MOCK Tests with OMR - (Pdf Copy)
● Guidance & Support from Our Experts

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT:
impact on soil health, food production, process of social and economic

livelihoods and sustainable agriculture mobilization for up scaling their capacity to
before the same is replicated throughout collectively leverage farm productivity and
the country. strengthen agri-marketing for quick and
Promotion of FPOs appropriate price realization for their
● The Budget has a 5-year long-term target to products.
form 10,000 Farmer Producer Investment in Irrigation
Organisations (FPOs) to ensure economies ● Considering irrigation coverage of only
of scale for farmers. Farmer Producer 46% of net cultivated area of 141 million
Organizations (FPOs) are collectivization hectares in the country and significance of
of producers, especially small and irrigation in enhancing agriculture
marginal farmers, to collectively address production and ensuring food security, the
challenges of agriculture viz. improved Budget continued its stress on
access to investment, technology, inputs strengthening Pradhan Mantri Krishi
and markets. Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) which targeted
● Peasant member driven Pos FPO are legal to irrigate the field of every farmer and to
entities formed by primary producers, viz. improve water use efficiency. PMKSY
farmers, milk producers, fishermen, envisages providing end-to-end solutions
weavers, rural artisans, craftsmen etc. An in irrigation supply chain, viz. water
FPO, registered under the special sources, distribution network and farm
provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, level application.
may take an institutional shape of a Rural Drinking Water Security
producer company, a cooperative society ● The Budget has indicated Government's
or any other legal formal form which could priority for ensuring country's water
provide for sharing of profits/benefits security and
among the members. Around 3,100 FPOs ● providing access to safe and adequate
are currently promoted in the country drinking water to all citizens.
through schemes of Govt of India, State ● e-NAM & Agri-marketing
Government and National Bank for ● Access to both domestic and international
Agriculture and Rural Development markets for realizing appropriate income
(NABARD). level is critical for our farmers. The positive
Challenges faced by FPOs and improved agriculture terms of trade
● The FPOs already in the country are facing which was a major reason of cheer for the
a lot of challenges which, inter alia, include exporting farmers started deteriorating
access to finance by FPOs at the initial since 2010-11 and continued up till now.
stage, provision of basic facilities like Keeping in view the criticality of the easy
water and power, lack of sufficient storage spread of transparent and effective agri-
place, lack of knowledge about the use of markets, the Government has supported in
modern technology and practices and 2016-17 the rolling out of a unified
capacity building for managing a company. agricultural marketing electronic platform
● In order to promote quality collective action [e-NAM] under which selected 585
in the agriculture sector, Small Farmers' regulated wholesale market points got
Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) and integrated.
NABARD should promote Indian farmers ● Though e-NAM was a great innovative
and primary producers to undergo a move made by the Government, the

intervention could not produce desired ● The 2019-20 Budget announcements have
results in the selected Mandis of various attempted to match the need of the
states due to implementation logjams. occasion for restoring the rural growth
Budget 2019-20 too has reposed its faith in engine. Undoubtedly, the Budget has
e-NAM and vows to actively work with the diagnosed the problem areas on the
State Governments, to allow the farmers to country's development sphere and the
actualise the real price discovery benefits utilization of public resources on such
from e-NAM in a transparent manner. development intervention.
Value Chain Finance ● The Budget though has laid down the
● The Government has understood that broad contours of rural and agricultural
appropriate agri-business culture in the economic policies and prepared a road-
country can give rise to an all-inclusive map for a journey towards a positive and
economic growth. sustained farm and non-farm sector
● To boost agri-business, the government growth, a lot of coordination is required
has been attempting to ensure robust between the States and the Centre.
modern infrastructure in the food
processing sector along the entire #2 AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE:
value/supply chain of food processing AN OVERVIEW
through its scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan
Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). ● Agriculture which formed 3.5 per cent of
● Budget 2019-20 expressed its will to invest the budget in financial years 2018-19
widely in agri-infrastructure by supporting comprised 5.4 percent of budgeted
private entrepreneurships in driving value- expenditure in Financial Year 2019-20, an
addition to farmers' produce from the field increase of 1.9 percentage points (the
and for those in the allied activities as well. biggest rise).
● Dairying through cooperatives are ● In terms of allocation, agriculture and allied
proposed to be encouraged by creating activities were collectively allocated Rs.
infrastructure for cattle feed 1,42,299 crore in 2019-20 Union Budget, an
manufacturing, milk processing, increase of 80 per cent over 2018—19.
procurement and marketing. The real ● However, a huge chunk of this allocation
challenge is to expand credit flow for was towards the 'assured income support'
meeting the agri-value chain credit scheme i.e. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman
demand-supply gap. Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme (Rs.75,000
● Credit needs to flow to all sub-sectors of crore) and also Pradhan Mantri Kisan
agriculture and value-chain infrastructure Pension Yojana (Rs. 900 crore).
to realise the dream of doubling farmers' ● Therefore, the Union Budget was presented
income by 2022. taking into consideration the gaon, garib
Conclusion aur kisan (village, poor and farmer) for
● The Budget exemplifies a statement of 2019-20 financial years.
positive economic intent and growth ● Indian economy was at approximately US
oriented policy $1.85 trillion in 2014 and within 5 years it
● directions. This is evident from the budget has reached USS 2.7 trillion. Hence, it is
allocation to agriculture and irrigation and well within our capacity to reach the US $5
rural development and drinking water. trillion in the next few years as per the
Union Budget.

Ten major theme points to target them through ● The GCF in agriculture and allied sectors in
their Budget absolute terms increased from Rs.
● Building physical and social infrastructure; 2,51,094 crore
● Digital India reaching every sector of the ● in 2012-13 to Rs. 2,73,755 crore in 2017-18
economy; at 2011-12 prices.
● Pollution free India with Green Mother Increasing Irrigation Water Productivity (IWP) in
Earth and Blue Skies; Agriculture
● Make in India with particular emphasis on ● The cropping pattern in India is highly
MSMEs, Start-ups, defence manufacturing, skewed towards crops that are water
automobiles, electronics, fabs and intensive. The
batteries, and medical devices; ● incentive structures like MSP, heavily
● Water, water management, clean Rivers; subsidized electricity, water and fertilizers
● Blue Economy; have played a significant role in the
● Space programmes, Gagarryan, misalignment of crop patterns in the
Chandrayan and Satellite programmes; country.
● Self-sufficiency and export of food-grains, ● The water guzzlers, paddy and sugarcane,
pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, consume more than 60 percent of
● Healthy society - Ayushman Bharat, well- irrigation water available in the country,
nourished women & children. Safety of thereby reducing water availability for other
citizens; crops.
● Team India with Jan Bhagidari. Minimum Increasing Sustainability in Agriculture -Turning
Government Maximum Governance. to Organic and Natural Farming
Gross Value Added in Agriculture ● The Government has been promoting
● Agriculture sector in India typically goes organic farming in the country through the
through cyclical movement in terms of its schemes
growth. ● such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
● While the crops, livestock and forestry and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
sector showed fluctuating growth rates ● In the revised guidelines of PKVY scheme
over the period from 2014-15 to 2017-18, during the year 2018, various organic
the fisheries sector has shown a rapid farming models like Natural Farming, Vedic
growth from 4.9 per cent in 2012-13 to 11.9 Farming, Cow Farming, Homa Farming,
per cent in 2017-18. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) etc.
● Average annual growth rate in real terms in Importance of ZBNF
agricultural and allied sectors has ● The main aim of Zero Budget Natural
remained at around 2.88 per cent during Farming (ZBNF) is the elimination of
2014-15 to 2018-19. However, the volatility chemical pesticides and promotion of
of output growth as measured by the good agronomic practices.
coefficient of variation has declined from ● ZBNF also aims to sustain agriculture
2.7 in the period of 1961-1988 to 1.6 during production with eco friendly processes in
1989-2004 and further to 0.8 during 2005 tune with nature to produce agricultural
to 2018. produce free of chemicals.
Gross Capital Formation in Agriculture and Allied ● Soil fertility and soil organic matter is
Sector restored by pursuing ZBNF.
● Less water is required under ZBNF and it is
a climate friendly agriculture system.

Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries from culture fisheries, which constitutes
● Livestock farming in India is part of a 6.5 per cent of global fish production.
composite farming system characterized ● The sector has been showing a steady
by crop-livestock interactions. growth in the total gross value added and
● The by-products from several of the crops accounts for 5.23 per cent share of
(crop residues, hay and straw) are used as agricultural GDP.
input ● Fish and fish product exports emerged as
● for dairy production, in addition to other the largest group in agricultural exports
inputs for which they have to directly incur and in value terms accounted for Rs.
costs (cattle feed,veterinary medicines and 47,620 crore in 2018-19.
artificial insemination). Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
● Animal dung and urine are used as inputs (PMMSY)
(bio-fertilizers and bio pesticides) by ● Fishing and fishermen communities are
farmers to improve soil fertility. closely aligned with farming and are crucial
Schemes/Initiatives to Improve Productivity of to rural India.
Livestock and Dairy Sector ● Through a focused Scheme - the Pradhan
● From past years various new initiatives Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)-
were taken to improve productivity of the Department of Fisheries will establish a
livestock and dairy sector like Rashtriya robust fisheries management framework.
Gokul Mission (RGM), E-Pashu Haat Portal, ● This will address critical
National Livestock Mission, Livestock ● gaps in the value chain, including
Health and Disease Control Scheme and infrastructure, modernization, traceability,
Dairy Development schemes viz. National production, productivity, post-harvest
Programme for Dairy Development, management and quality control.
National Dairy Plan (Phase-1), Dairy Improving Infrastructure and Access to Markets
Entrepreneurship Development Scheme, ● If farmers' access to markets are improved
Dairy Processing and Infrastructure through better connectivity to nearby
Development Fund (DIDF) etc. mandis, it will help farmers fetch better
● However, in the recent Union Budget 2019- prices for their agricultural produce.
20 the Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog has ● A combination of enhancing rural
been proposed to set up to upscale infrastructure to improve connectivity and
sustainable genetic up-gradation of cow Information, Communication Technology
resources and to enhance production and (ICT) to provide timely information about
productivity of cows. prices, aggregation and storage facilities
● The committee would also look into can help small and marginal farmers in
implementing policies and schemes for the overcoming the marketing bottlenecks.
welfare of cows. It aims to enhance the Agricultural Credit
production and productivity of cows. ● The access to timely credit or finance is a
Fisheries Sector critical determinant of profitability of
● India is the second largest fish producer in agriculture. If credit is not available to
the world with a total production of 13.7 purchase seeds at the time of sowing, or if
million metric tonnes in 2018-19 of which lack of credit delays the administering of
65 percent was from inland sector. Almost fertilizers, it can severely impact
50 per cent of inland fish production is agricultural productivity.

● The small and marginal holdings constitute Greater investments from companies
the majority (more than 85 per cent) of which buy farmers' produce in some states,
total operational holdings in the eastern can contribute significantly towards
region, north-eastern region and central uplifting farmers' incomes at a steady
region, which warrants greater distribution pace.
of agricultural credit disbursement to this Significance of Private Sector in Agricultural R
region. and D
Doubling the Income of Farmers by 2022 ● The private corporate sector is investing
● The Government has set a target of not only in infrastructure and facilities, but
doubling of farmers' income by the year also in R and D in the food, feed, energy and
2022. The Government had constituted an health sectors. Like other expenditures,
InterMinisterial Committee to examine expected payoffs from innovations largely
issues relating to Doubling of Farmers' influence private spending in agricultural R
Income (DFI) and recommend strategies. and D; these expected payoffs have Market
● The Committee has identified seven size and the cost of servicing the market
sources of income growth viz. are other important dimensions that are
improvement attracting entry of private firms.
● in crop productivity; improvement in ● The agricultural sector comprises 18 per
livestock productivity; resource use cent of India’s GDP. Most of the research
efficiency or savings in the cost of carried out by the private sector
production; increase in the cropping enterprises focuses on the provision of
intensity; diversification towards high- input technologies such as machinery,
value crops; improvement in real prices chemicals, seeds and food processing.
received by farmers and shift from farm to ● In recent years, despite the continuously
non-farm occupations. growing investments in R and D by the
private sector, documentation of
#3 CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN agricultural R and D expenditure data is
AGRICULTURE very cumbersome and remain inadequate.
● Recently, agri-biotechnology has been the
● India is the world's largest producer of fastest growing sector attracting huge
pulses and spices and the second largest resources for R and D through small and
producer of wheat and rice following medium enterprises
China. Government Efforts to Encourage Corporate
● The current private corporate investment in Investment
agriculture as a percentage of the total ● The Government has introduced policy
annual investment in agriculture is about reforms which may have helped in
2%. Agriculture is highly reliant on the elevating corporate sector investments in
Government. India. The reforms are as follows:
● The State provides minimum support ● There have been efforts since 2012 to
prices, irrigation facilities, subsidies, loan encourage Farmer Producer Companies
waivers, (FPCs) which are a hybrid between
● storage, and transport services. cooperative societies and private limited
● However, further improvement and triumph companies registered under the
of this sector are unimaginable without the Company's Act. Farmer producer
vital corporate private investments. companies may be given priority for

cultivation on pooled land and for allied guidance from them and an opportunity to
infrastructure development to harvest the get incubated and gain market access.
desired economies of scale in operations. ● There is a budget proposal (2019) by the
● In order to promote the production of oil Government to form 10,000 farmer
palm in the country, the Government producer
implemented ● organisations (FPOs) in the next five years.
● the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil This is believed to assist small and
Palm (NMOOP) from 2014-15. Government marginal cultivators to team up to get
has recently relaxed the land ceiling limit lower rates for inputs and sell produce at
for oil palm cultivation under NMOOP to higher rates. The Finance Minister, Smt.
attract corporate bodies to oil palm Nirmala Sitharaman, has said that FPOs
production and derive maximum benefit of will ensure economies of scale.
100 percent FDI. The Road Ahead
● The Model Agriculture Produce and ● Agricultural growth is dependent on
Livestock Marketing (Promotion and investments from the private sector, but
Facilitation) Act, 2017 provides the first large investments in public goods —
opportunity for the private sector to set up roads, power, education, research,
private markets, alternate marketing irrigation, extension, finance, warehouses,
channels, online market platforms, etc. in etc. is essential to attract private
both agriculture and livestock marketing. investments.
● The Model Agriculture Produce and ● The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Livestock Contract Farming and Services Welfare has estimated that to double
Act (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2018 farmer
enables private sector investments by way ● incomes, private investment in agriculture
of capital, technology, and extension all must increase by two times. Private
along the value system. investments refer to investments made by
● Exemption to FPC under the Income Tax farmers themselves, therefore there is a
Act has offered an IT exemption to all FPCs dire need for the sector to be backed by
with a turnover of up to Rs 100 crore per corporate investments.
annum, by considering their incomes as Conclusion
agricultural income. This will incentivise ● The corporate investment had become a
corporate sector to partner with farmers as huge cause of concern in the farming
FPCs. sector. The
● There is 100 per cent foreign direct ● main reason for this has been excessive
investment (FDI) in food retail - this will controls and regulations in the agriculture
encourage foreign investments in sector. On a few occasions, the
establishing appropriate post-production Government of India has addressed the
infrastructure to strengthen the food growing need of corporate investment for
supply chains. food processing, warehouses, and cold
● In 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture and storage.
farmers Welfare, in collaboration with ● Currently, only corporate houses/private
Start-Up India, launched the Agriculture industrial ventures drive India's farm
Grand Challenge. The Ministry selected mechanical sector, the seed sector and
start-ups which received mentorship and also invest heavily in horticulture and food
processing sector. As per the Government,

there is a need for relaxing rules for already being provided with all weather
companies investing in contract farming, connectivity.
transport, marketing, warehouses and food ● 30,000 kilometers of PMGSY roads have
processing. been built using Green Technology, Waste
● To address this growing need of corporate Plastic and Cold Mix Technology, thereby
investment in agriculture, the Government reducing carbon footprint.
needs to encourage the corporate sector ● 1,25,000 kilometers of road length to be
by adopting policies that incentivize them upgraded over the next five years under
to participate in agriculture. PMGSY III with an estimated cost of Rs.
80,250 crore.
#4 RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN UNION BUDGET Scheme of Fund for Upgradation and
2019-20 Regeneration of Traditional Industries' (SFURTI)
● Common Facility Centres (CFCs) to be
● The Union Minister for Finance and setup to facilitate cluster-based
Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman development for making
presented the Union Budget 2019-20 ● traditional industries more productive,
before the Parliament. The key highlights profitable and capable for generating
Rural Development from the Union Budget sustained employment opportunities.
2019-20 are as follows: ● 100 new clusters to be setup during 2019-
● Ujjwala Yojana and Saubhagya Yojana 20 with special focus on Bamboo, Honey
have transformed the lives of every rural and Khadi, enabling 50,000 artisans to join
family, dramatically improving ease of their the economic value chain.
living. ● Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural
● Electricity and clean cooking facility to all Industry and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE)
willing rural families by 2022. consolidated.
● Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin ● 80 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs)
(PMAY-G) aims to achieve "Housing for All" and 20Technology Business Incubators
by 2022. (TBIs) to be setup in 2019-20.
● Eligible beneficiaries to be provided 1.95 ● 75 000 entrepreneurs to be skilled in agro-
crore houses with amenities like toilets, rural industry sectors.
electricity and LPG connections during its ● Private entrepreneurships to be supported
second phase (2019-20 to 2021-22). in driving value-addition to farmers'
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana produce from the field and for those from
(PMMSY) allied activities.
● A robust fisheries management framework ● Dairying through cooperatives to be
through PMMSY to be established by the encouraged by creating infrastructure for
Department of Fisheries. cattle feed manufacturing, milk
● To address critical gaps in the value chain procurement, processing & marketing.
including infrastructure, modernization, ● 10,000 new Farmer Producer
traceability, production, productivity, post- Organizations to be formed to ensure
harvest management, and quality control. economies of scale for
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) ● farmers.
● Target of connecting the eligible and ● Government to work with State
feasible habitations advanced from 2022 Governments to allow farmers to benefit
to 2019 with 97% of such habitations from e-NAM.

● Zero Budget Farming in which few states' aim to overhaul of the entire education
farmers are already being trained to be system.
replicated in other states. ● The report seeks to address the challenges
India's Water Security: of: (i) access, (ii) equity, (iii) quality, (iv)
● New Jal Shakti Mantralaya to look at the affordability, and (v) accountability. The
management of our water resources and proposals in National Education Policy
water supply in an integrated and holistic specifically target to strengthen and
manner. Jal Jeevan Mission to achieve Har upscale the skills of both teachers and
Ghar Jal (piped water supply) to all rural learners to meet global levels.
households by 2024. ● The policy proposes major changes in both
● To focus on integrated demand and supply school and higher education, improved
side management of water at the local governance and focus on research and
level. Convergence with other Central and innovation.
State Government Schemes to achieve its ● It aims to equip students with the
objectives. necessary skills and knowledge. The
● 1592 critical and over exploited Blocks initiatives proposed in the new education
spread across 256 District being identified policy will go a long way in empowering
for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. and uplifting the overall status of rural
● Compensatory Afforestation Fund India.
Management and Planning Authority ● The Union Budget re-emphasises and
(CAMPA) fund can be used for this realizes the importance of all these
purpose. essential components in revitalizing the
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: education system, especially in rural India.
● 9.6 crore toilets constructed since Oct 2, ● Budget 2019 is a positive step in the right
2014. direction to focus on the education sector.
● More than 5.6 lakh villages have become This budget is guided by the mission to
Open Defecation Free (ODF). strengthen the Education Sector.
● Swachh Bharat Mission to be expanded to ● Support to IITs, Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha
undertake sustainable solid waste Abhiyan (RUSA), Scheme for
management in every village. transformational and advanced research in
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta the Sciences (STARS), Scheme for
Abhiyan: Promotion of Academic and Research
● Over two crore rural Indians made digitally Collaboration (SPARC), Impactful Policy
literate. Internet connectivity in local Research in Social Science (IMPRESS) and
bodies in every Panchayat under Bharat- Impacting Research Innovation and
Net to bridge rural-urban divide. Technology (IMPRINT), are among the
● Universal Obligation Fund under a PPP schemes which have got considerable
arrangement to be utilized for speeding up allocations in the budget.
Bharat-Net. Education- Budget 2019 highlights
● #5 RURAL EDUCATION ● National education Policy to propose major
● The Committee for Draft National changes higher education.
Education Policy submitted its report to the ● Study in India.
Ministry of Human Resource Development ● Setting up of National Research
on May 31, 2019. The proposals in the Foundation to fund and promote research.
newly released Draft Education Policy 2019 ● New age skills.

Draft National Education Policy ● Enhance India's global market share of

● The Policy proposes major changes in International students.
higher education in the country to improve ● The Campaign aims to launch India onto
outcome drastically. The allocation for the international student scene to promote
education for 2019-20 would be more than the country as a higher education
three times the revised estimates. destination.
● India's school will be made future-ready National Research Foundation (NRF)
with a deeper focus on research and new ● Youth and employment are at the core of
age skills. The Budget allocates provide Rs the Union Budget. It proposes setting up
400 crore for world-class institutions. It National Research Foundation for youth.
proposes the creation of several new ● The draft Education Policy recommends
bodies to overlook different facets of establishing a National Research
education. Also, National Higher Education Foundation, an autonomous body, for
Regulatory Authority or Rashtriya Shiksha funding, mentoring and building the
Aayog (RSA) should be the only regulator capacity for quality research in India. The
for all higher education including NRF will fund, coordinate and promote
professional education. research in the country.
● Of the total Rs. 94,853.64 crore allocated to ● The Foundation will consist of four major
education in Budget 2019-20, Rs.56,536.63 divisions: science, technology, social
crore have been pegged for the school sciences, and arts and humanities, with the
sector and Rs. 38,317.01 crore has been provision to add additional divisions.
allocated to the higher education. In the ● The Government will make renewed efforts
school sector, Rs. 36,322 crore will be to promote research in the country.
allotted to Samagra Shikha Abhiyan. ● The proposed NRF will give a boost to
● The mid-day meal programme has been research critical to building indigenous
allocated Rs. 1,000 crore. The budget products
allocates the teachers training and adult ● and solutions.
education only Rs. 125 crore. To improve the overall quality of higher
● There has been an increase of over 13% in education, it gives the following suggestions:
outlay for education sector as compared to ● Regulatory structure and accreditation.
2018-19. ● Establishing new higher education
Study in India institutions.
● The aim of this Campaign would be to ● Strengthening the existing higher
brand India as a prime study destination for education institutions.
international students. It has been set up ● Setting up of National Research
with the objectives to: Foundation.
● Boost the number of inbound International ● Professional Development of faculty.
students in India; ● Optimal learning environment.
● Increase India's market share of global ● Starting programmes on Liberal Arts.
education exports; Role of Technology
● Improve the overall quality of higher ● The Policy recommends that a National
education; Education Technology Forum be setup.
● Increase in global ranking of India as Ministry
educational destination; and ● of Human Resource Development is
already administering a programme

All Information for UPSCIAS
MAINS Exams
UPSC Mains General Studies:

● Syllabus
● Strategy & Suggested Reading
● New! Previous Year Question Papers
Compulsory Papers:
● Syllabus
● Previous Year Papers
Essay
Optional Papers:
● Syllabus
● New! Previous Year Papers
Other Resources:
● Scheme and Syllabus
● List of Optional Subjects
● UPSC MAINS Free Mock Test Papers
● Experts Zone
GS MAINS Model Answers
Model Question Cum Answer Booklet (QCAB) मॉडल न सह उ र पिु तका
UPSC Mains Cut-off Marks
UPSC Mains Exam Result
'National Mission on Education through Freight Corridor. Bharatmala and

Information and Communication Sagarmala projects, railway station
Technology' (NMEICT) to make the best modernization, JalMarg Vikas and UDAN
quality content accessible to all learners in Schemes. To take forward these schemes
the country, free of cost through ICT. One requires skilled workforce in the building,
of the initiatives under this programme is construction, real estate, construction
SWAYAM. material & building hardware sectors.
Conclusion ● Under the Make in India initiative, the
● Thus, the Union Budget also emphasizes development of Maintenance, Repair and
upon sports for holistic development of Overhaul (MRO) in the aviation sector is to
young be promoted in India. This calls for
● learners. A National Sports Education promoting skilled workforce in the MRO
Board will be set up under the Khelo India segment of aviation sector.
scheme, a programme to increase ● Ujwala Yojana and Saubhagya Yojana have
awareness on sports in India. Khelo India transformed the lives of every rural family,
programme is focused on nurturing talent dramatically improving their ease of living.
and connecting rural India to global games. Electricity and clean cooking gas facilities
● It's components include community sports, to be provided to all willing rural families by
coaching for excellence, talent 2022. These initiatives promise job
identification, competition structure as opportunities for the rural youth and
well as the sports economy. The vision of relevant skill trainings need to be provided
the Khelo India is to infuse sports culture to meet the skill demands arising from the
and achieve sporting excellence in the sector.
country. The mission is ● To promote overseas employment of the
● to encourage sports for all. youth, there will be increased focus on skill
● The other important items covered in the sets needed for going abroad as well as
budget include: new age skills such as language training,
● Development of a "Gandhi-pedia" to Artificial Intelligence (Al), Internet of
sensitize youth about Mahatma Gandhi's Things, Big Data, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality
ideas; and Robotics. The new age-skills are in
● Establishing a dedicated Television great demand both within and outside the
Channel for Start-ups. This will have an country, and offer much higher
indirect impact on institutions offering remuneration.
higher education. The youth also needs to be skilled and up skilled
to avail of the new job opportunities that are likely
#6 Union Budget Announcements 2019-20 to to arise from the following budget
Promote Skilling and Entrepreneurship announcements:
● Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin
To intensify skill development and enhance the (PMAY-G) aims to achieve "Housing for All"
employability of rural youth, the Union Budget by 2022 and eligible beneficiaries to be
2019-20 has announced the following measures: provided 1.95 crore houses with amenities
● In the Budget, a massive push has been like toilets, electricity and LPG connections
given to all forms of physical connectivity during its second phase spanning from
viz; the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak 2019 2022.
Yojana, Industrial Corridors, Dedicated

● To address the traditional village households leading to cost savings of

industries, the Scheme of Fund for Rs.18,464 crores annually and 3.73 crore
Upgradation and Regeneration of tons reduction in CO. emissions. A similar
Traditional Industries' (SFURTI) aims to set mission mode approach would be adopted
up more Common Facility Centres (CFCs) to promote solar stoves and battery
to facilitate cluster based development for chargers.
making traditional industries more ● This would not only reduce carbon
productive, profitable and capable for emissions but also has the added benefit
generating sustained employment of promoting indigenous manufacturing of
opportunities.100 new clusters to be set up solar stoves and battery chargers leading
during 2019-20 with special focus on to creation of new job opportunities.
Bamboo, Honey and Khadi, enabling ● To encourage women enterprise, women
50,000 artisans to join the economic value SHG interest subvention programme to be
chain. expanded to all districts. Every verified
● To improve the technology of such woman SHG member having a Jan Dhan
industries, the Scheme for Promotion of bank account to be allowed overdraft of Rs.
Innovation, Rural Industry and 5,000. One woman per SHG to be eligible
Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE) has been for loan up to Rs.1lakh under the MUDRA
consolidated to set up 80 Livelihood Scheme.
Business Incubators (LBIs) and 20 ● Mission to integrate traditional artisans
Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) with global markets proposed, with
during 2019-20. 75,000 entrepreneurs to be necessary patents and geographical
skilled in agro-rural industry sectors. indicators.
Private entrepreneurships to be supported ● 17 iconic tourism sites to be developed
in driving value-addition to farmers into model world class tourist destinations.
produce from the field and for those from This would increase the footfall of tourists
allied activities. to these sites.
● Dairying through cooperatives to be ● Mega Investment in Sunrise and Advanced
encouraged by creating infrastructure for Technology Areas Scheme to invite global
cattle feed manufacturing, milk companies to set up mega-manufacturing
procurement, processing and marketing. plants in areas such as Semi-conductor
● 10,000 new Farmer Producer Fabrication (FAB), Solar PhotoVoltaic cells,
Organizations to be formed, to ensure Lithium storage batteries, Computer
economies of scale for farmers. Servers, Laptops, etc.
● Swachh Bharat Mission to be expanded to
undertake sustainable solid waste
management in every village.
● Under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital
Saksharta Abhiyan over two crore rural
Indians have been made digitally
literate.Through BharatNet, internet
connectivity is being provided to the local
bodies in every Panchayat.
● Under UJALA Yojana, approx. 35.54 crore
LED bulbs was distributed to the

GIST OF THE HINDU (Newspaper)
The Gist of
The Hindu
have been in use over the centuries for the

PM calls for mass movement for water conservation of water. He asked the people
conservation to pay a visit to Porbandar to see a 200-
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called year-old water tank which is still capable of
upon people to start a mass movement for storing water and has a mechanism to
water conservation and resolve to save harvest rainwater.
every drop of water amidst water scarcity ● Mr Modi also requested the people to share
in several parts of the country. the information concerning people who are
● He said an awareness campaign should be making significant contributions towards
started which should not only focus on water conservation. He urged people to
water-related problems but also propagate use #JanShakti4JalShakti to share their
ways to save water. content on the matter.
● Prime Minister Modi also requested the ● Listing the initiatives taken by the people
people to share traditional methods that for water conservation in many parts of the

country, the Prime Minister said there in Jammu and Kashmir residing in areas
cannot be a single formula for dealing with adjoining the international border.
water crisis throughout the country. ● They can now avail reservation in direct
● Urging the people to choose books over recruitment, promotion and admission in
flowers in welcome or felicitation different professional courses. The bill had
ceremonies, the Prime Minister mentioned already passed by the LokSabha last week.
about the stories written by famous Hindi Centre celebrates second anniversary of GST
writer Premchand and said their messages ● The Centre will celebrate two years of the
are still relevant. He said his stories like Goods and Services Tax on Monday.
Eidgah, Pus Ki Raat, Nasha, show images Minister of State for Finance Anurag
of the stark social realities that exist and Thakur will preside over the event, the
are expressions of human emotions government said on Sunday.
through a simple and lucid language. ● Monday also marks the first day of the trial
● Mr Modi also mentioned Akshara Library in run of the new return-filing system,
Kerala which lies in a village nestled within announced by the GST Council at its latest
the dense forests of Idukki. A Primary meeting. It is expected to simplify the
school teacher, P.K.Muralidharan and process.
P.V.Chinna Thambi who runs a small tea ● The Centre will also introduce a cash
shop, work tirelessly for this library which ledger system that will merge the earlier 20
is a beacon guiding tribal children on a new heads into five major heads. There will be
path. only one cash ledger for tax, interest,
Centre to bring in reservation of teachers bill in penalty, fee and others, the government
lokSabha said in a statement.
● Human Resource Development Minister ● “The introduction of the GST is a game
Ramesh PokhriyalNishank will move the changer for the Indian economy as it has
Central Educational Institutions replaced a multi-layered, complex indirect
(Reservation in Teachers' Cadre) Bill, 2019 tax structure with a simple, transparent and
for consideration and passing in LokSabha technology-driven tax regime,” the
today. government said.
● The bill will ensure full representation of ● It will increase the information available
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes with the government to curb leakages. The
Socially and Educationally Backward Centre will also introduce a cash ledger
Classes and Economically Weaker system that will merge the earlier 20 heads
Sections in direct recruitment in teachers' into five major heads. There will be only
cadres. one cash ledger for tax, interest, penalty,
● This will allow filling up of more than seven fee and others, the government said in a
thousand existing vacancies by direct statement.
recruitment in Teachers' cadre. The Bill will ● “The introduction of the GST is a game
also ensure providing 10 per cent changer for the Indian economy as it has
reservation to Economically weaker replaced a multi-layered, complex indirect
section. tax structure with a simple, transparent and
● In RajyaSabha, Home Minister Amit Shah technology-driven tax regime,” the
will move the Jammu and Kashmir government said.
Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Centre sets up panel to revise current WPI series
bill is aimed at providing relief to persons

● The Government has constituted a presidential elections in September, which

Working Group for the revision of the have already been delayed twice.
current series of Wholesale Price Index. ● US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who
● In a release, Commerce and Industry paid an unannounced visit to Kabul on
Ministry said, Prof. Ramesh Chand, Tuesday, said he hoped for a peace deal
Member, NitiAayog will be the chairman of with the Taliban before 1st September.
the 18-member committee. ● A potential deal would see the US agreeing
● The Office of Economic Adviser, to withdraw its troops after more than 17
Department for Promotion of Industry and years in Afghanistan, in return for the
Internal Trade will be the nodal office for Taliban guaranteeing the country never
the Working Group and will process the again becomes a safe haven for violent
report and recommendation of the Group extremist groups, as was the case with Al-
for further necessary action. Qaeda before the September 11, 2001
● The Ministry said the current series of attacks.
Wholesale Price Index with 2011-12 as the North Korea describes Trump-Kim meet as
base year was introduced in May 2017. historic
Since 2011-12, significant structural ● North Korea today described the weekend
changes have taken place in the economy. meeting between its leader Kim Jong Un
● Therefore, it has become necessary to and US President Donald Trump in the
examine the coverage of commodities, Demilitarised Zone as 'historic' and
weighting diagram and related issues 'amazing'.
pertaining to the existing series of index ● The official Korean Central News Agency
numbers of Wholesale Price Index. said that the two leaders agreed to resume
● The Terms of Reference of the Working and push forward productive dialogues for
Group include deciding on the making a new breakthrough in the
computational methodology to be adopted denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.
for monthly WPI and Producer Price Index ● After a Twitter invitation by the US
and reviewing the existing system of price President on Saturday, the two leaders met
collection in particular for the yesterday in the strip of land that has
manufacturing sector and suggest divided the peninsula for 66 years since the
changes for improvement. end of the Korean War.
● Kim and Trump shook hands over the
U.S-Taliban fresh talks on ending war concrete blocks dividing North and South
before Trump walked a few paces into
● The United States and the Taliban have
Pyongyang's territory, the first US President
opened fresh negotiations in Doha. The
ever to set foot on North Korean soil.The
talks mark the seventh round of
impromptu meeting in the DMZ was full of
negotiations aimed at ending
symbolism.
Afghanistan's longest war.
IISER moves towards predicting space weather
● The negotiations have, so far, centred on
● The researchers from Indian Institute of
four issues - counter-terrorism, presence of
Science Education and Research (IISER)
foreign troop presence, an intra-Afghan
Kolkata team has given out a computer
dialogue and a permanent ceasefire.
model-based prediction of the shape of the
● US officials previously said, they are hoping
Sun’s atmosphere that the eclipse will
for a deal before the upcoming Afghan
reveal.

● Many Indian and international solar ● She said economic growth is high on the
physicists will be gathering in Argentina to agenda of the government and various
observe the eclipse and discuss the Sun’s reforms are being undertaken in many
influence on our space environment. If the spheres to improve GDP growth.
Indian prediction works, it will help us ● The Minister said as regards steps taken,
forecast how the Sun’s temperament can the government has taken several steps in
affect space weather. This, in turn, can help order that more money goes to people and
monitor the safety of the electronic that is why the PM’s KisanSammanYojna,
sensors in satellites, astronauts’ well-being the Pension Yojna, where the money goes
and even the impact on Earth. directly through Direct Benefit Transfer
● The team uses a two-step process to (DBT) into the people’s hands, are activities
predict the shape of the corona. Using a through which people are getting the
model for the way the magnetic fields benefit.
emerge as sunspots and evolve on the ● Along with this, the government has
sun’s surface, they first predict what will be launched voluntary pension scheme for
the form of the sun’s surface magnetic small and marginal farmers and small
field on the day of the eclipse. Then, they shopkeepers or retail traders, she claimed.
use another model to extrapolate this to ● To give focused attention to issues of
reveal what the corona will look like. growth, Government has constituted a five-
● According to their calculation, the occulted member Cabinet committee on investment
Sun will show two petal-like formations on and growth chaired by the Prime Minister.
either side of the corona with extended Centre hike MSP marginally for Kharif crops
plume like structures stretching out into ● The Centre has hiked the minimum support
the solar system from their tips. It is to be price (MSP) for paddy by less than 4% to
noted that while solar north points upwards Rs. 1,815 per quintal for the 2019-20
on paper, the eastern side is to the left and season. The Rs. 65 per quintal increase is
western side is to the right, unlike the much lower than last year’s hike of Rs. 200
conventions for geographical maps. per quintal, but it will ensure that the MSP
● The eclipse will last for four minutes and 33 remains exactly 50% above the cost of
seconds. It will be visible during sunset in production, not including land costs.
parts of Chile and Argentina. ● The decision was taken by the Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs on
Finance ministry claims demonetisation had Tuesday. MSPs were hiked for 14 major
no effect of economy crops of the kharif or summer season, to
ensure they remain at a level that is 1.5
● India still continues to be the fastest times the cost of production.
growing economy and demonetisation has ● The only commodities with MSP that will
had no effect on the Indian economy, ensure a higher than 50% return over input
Finance Minister NirmalaSitharaman told costs are bajra (85%), urad (64%) and tur
the RajyaSabha on July 2. dal (60%). However, even for these crops,
● The Minister, while responding to returns are lower than last year.
supplementaries during the Question Hour, ● Farmers groups pointed out that MSPs do
said the manufacturing sector has had a not actually help the farmer unless
certain fall, but it is not attributable to procurement can be increased.
demonetisation.

● “What is the rationale of symbolically ● Indicating that there is still some confusion
increasing prices when paddy is being sold in India’s position on stopping oil imports
at 40% lower rates in the mandi?” asked from Iran in line with sanctions by the
V.M. Singh, convenor of the All India United States, the government said on
KisanSangharsh Coordination Committee, Wednesday that it does not propose to
a platform of more than 200 farmers cancel trade, including oil imports from
groups. Iran.
● He noted that paddy was sold at Rs. 1,100- ● Mr.MuraleedharanMoS external affairs
1,200 per quintal in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar said, “India’s bilateral relations with Iran
last year when the official MSP was Rs. stand on their own and are not influenced
1,750 per quintal. by India’s relations with any third country.”
U.S senates passes legislation to give India status ● The MEA’s answer reflects India’s
of NATO ally traditional position but is at considerable
● The United States Senate has passed a variance from the stand taken last week at
legislative provision that brings India at par the G20, when Prime Minister
with America's NATO allies and countries NarendraModi reportedly told U.S.
like Israel and South Korea for increasing President Donald Trump that New Delhi
defence cooperation. had, in fact, reduced its intake of Iranian oil,
● The National Defense Authorisation Act or in accordance with Washington’s request
NDAA for fiscal year 2020, was introduced to “zero out” Iranian oil imports after May
by Senate India Caucus Co-Chair Senator 2.
John Cornyn with the support of Senate ● “Prime Minister [Modi] pointed out that
India Caucus Co-Chair Senator Mark although Iran supplies 11% of our energy,
Warner. The proposal was passed by the India had reduced oil imports from Iran
Senate last week. despite the effect it had on the Indian
● The amendment provides for increased economy, [and] we had been able to
US-India defence cooperation in the Indian sustain this position,” Foreign Secretary
Ocean in areas of humanitarian assistance, Vijay Gokhale said at a press conference
counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and after the India-U.S. bilateral summit.
maritime security. ● When asked about the differing positions,
● Last week, House India Caucus Co-Chair a senior government official said the
Brad Sherman, along with other Ministry of Petroleum could confirm that
Congressmen including Raja levels of Iranian oil imports had in fact
Krishnamoorthi introduced a similar dropped, but that the decision to reduce oil
legislative proposal to the House, FY2020 imports was based on “commercial
NDAA that would greatly enhance the US- considerations and national interest”.
India relationship. Coastal research centre’s proposal for artificial
● The bill would be signed into law after both coral reefs faces objection
chambers of the US Congress pass it. The ● The National Centre for Coastal Research’s
House is expected to take up its version of (NCCR) proposal of dropping ‘melted
the NDAA this month before legislators plastic rocks or slabs’ on the seabed for
adjourn for the August recess. growing coral reefs and address the
Indian govt.confirms no proposal to end trade problem of disposal of plastic waste drew
with Iran as of now flak from the Gulf ofMannar Marine
National Park, which has been

implementing coral rehabilitation ● While having a meal at the athletes' mess

programme since 2002. of the National Institute of Sports in
● Officials and scientists involved in marine Patiala, the Minister noticed different diets
research expressed apprehensions that being served to senior and junior athletes
the NCCR’s ‘innovative idea’ for the growth and SAI trainees as the food budget for
of marine organisms like algae for coral each section was different.
reefs building would destroy the existing ● He thought the budget cannot be the
coral reef colonies, and opposed the use of deciding factor while planning an athlete's
the GoM region for field tests. diet since diet is key to the success of a
● The NCCR had also suggested that plastic sportsperson. The Minister also
waste materials could simply be wound announced that supplements required by
around as hard substrates as a way of athletes, as per preion, will also be made
disposing of them and help build coral available without delay.
colonies. The research institute preferred
the GoM region, one of the four coral reef Centre adopts multi-pronged approach to
areas in the country, for field testing the tackle illegal migrants
ideas.
● Scientists, preferring anonymity, said worn ● The government has adopted a multi-
out tyres were tried as artificial reefs in pronged approach to ensure effective
Florida and Costa Rica, but they turned out surveillance and domination of
to be disastrous. The clustered old tyres international borders to check infiltration
initially attracted many marine organisms of illegal migrants.
but they later collapsed and littered ● In a written reply to a question in the
beaches. LokSabha, Minister of State for Home
● Officials in the GoM Marine National Park Affairs, G Kishan Reddy said, physical
said they had not received any infrastructure like border fencing,
communication from the NCCR for field floodlighting, construction of border roads
tests. Any test, study or research would be and establishment of border outposts has
allowed only with the permission of the been created.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, ● He said the Home Ministry has issued
they said. instructions to States and Union Territories
Sports ministry announces diet budgetary for advising them to ensure that no Aadhaar
athletes card is issued to illegal migrants.
● The move will impact 12,500 athletes ● Mr Reddy said state governments have
training in various centres of the Sports further been advised to cancel other state-
Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports level identification documents fraudulently
Ministry will release an additional amount obtained by illegal migrants.
of 150 crore rupees annually to fund the ● In another instance Union Home Secretary
new diet budget. Rajiv Gauba has asked Maoist-affected
● Earlier, the diet budget for SAI trainees was States to increase the number of inter-
250 rupees. For junior athletes, the diet State operations and conduct joint
budget was 480 rupees and for senior operations.
athletes, it was 690 rupees. But the Sports ● The Home Ministry convened a meeting of
Minister decided to make the amounts eight Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected
equal. States to review the various aspects of

security and the ongoing development ● She was speaking at the meeting of the
projects. World Economic Forum in Dalian on the
Supreme court seeks report on cash transfer first day of her five-day visit to China
schemes from EC yesterday. Ms Hasina said, despite
● The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a differences in size and capacity compared
response from the Election Commission of to India, Bangladesh can only secure its
India (ECI) on a plea to declare the peace and security through sustainable
implementation of direct cash transfer development and connectivity.
schemes such as the PM ● She said Bangladesh and India are joining
KisanSammanNidhi scheme, by “parties in hands to develop the river navigation
power” in the Centre and six States between the two countries.
immediately before or during polls as ● The Bangladesh Prime Minister said she is
“illegal and unconstitutional” and contrary not worried about falling into a debt trap
to the “right of equal participation of each due to Chinese involvement in many of the
citizen in polity.” developmental projects.
● The Court issued the notice on a writ ● Ms Hasina also outlined a five-point
petition filed by PentapatiPullaRao, agenda to address key concerns of weaker
represented by senior advocate Santosh economies of the world. Expanding upon
Pal and advocate Sravan Kumar. Mr.Rao her vision, she said, stability in the region,
was a contestant from the Eluru sustainable development, mutual trust for
Parliamentary constituency in Andhra mutual benefit, inclusive development and
Pradesh on a JanaSena Party ticket. competition rather than rivalry are its key
● Mr.Rao has arraigned, besides the ECI, the elements.
Centre and States Andhra Pradesh, Britain warns China on violation of agreement
Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, with Hongkong
Odisha and Jharkhand as respondents in ● Britain has warned China of serious
the petition. He alleged that these States consequences if it breaches a bilateral
had done cash transactions to sections of agreement to preserve Hong Kong's
voters under various direct cash transfer freedoms, after an unprecedented night of
schemes during or just before the polls. anti-government protests.
● Besides the PM kisan scheme, the ● British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said
schemes mentioned in the petition are in Belfast today that Hong Kong is part of
PasupuKumkuma, NTR Atmabandhu, China but the freedoms in Hong Kong are
Rythu Bandhu, KALIA and enshrined in a joint declaration signed with
MukhyaMantriKrishiYojana. former colonial ruler Britain.
● The plea sought action under Article 324 ● He said the legally binding agreement
and Section 123 of the Representation of should be honoured. Mr Hunt was speaking
the People Act. during a campaign event in Northern
Bangladesh PM embraces relationship with India Ireland as part of his bid to lead the ruling
● Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Conservative Party and become Prime
has said, its ties with India are organic and Minister.
they go beyond a few billion dollars of trade ● Junior foreign minister Alan Duncan said in
as both countries have shed blood together London that the British government
during the liberation struggle of the rejected Beijing's assertion that the joint
country. declaration was no longer valid.

● Download NCERT Books for IAS Preliminary Examination
● Download NCERT Books for IAS Main Examination
● डाउनलोड) एनसीईआरट बक
(डाउनलोड ु (NCERT Books in Hindi)
● NEW! Gist of NCERT Study Kit For UPSC Exams
● Importance of NCERT BOOKS for UPSC Exams (Why, What, How)

● Why read NCERT Books for UPSC IAS Exams
● Old NCERT Vs New NCERT Books
● NCERT and NIOS Books for IAS Preparations
● आई. ए. एस
आई एस. क तैयार के लए एन
एन. सी
सी. ई. आर
आर. ट . क कताब का मह व
● Printed (Hard) Copy of NCERT Text Books
● Download By Subject & Class
● NEW! Download OLD NCERT Books
● Download Subject wise NCERT Books
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NCERT BOOKS

http://iasexamportal.com/ncert-books
● He told parliament, the government's clear his 26th ODI ton. He became the first Indian
view is that the Sino-British Joint and second after Sri Lanka's Kumar
Declaration of 1984 obliges the Chinese Sangakkara to score four centuries in a
government to uphold Hong Kong's high World Cup.
degree of autonomy and its rights and ● The winner of today's game will book a
freedoms. semi-final berth, while the losing team will
India to become co investigator in NASA mission still have the chance to qualify. It will have
● NASA has selected Texas-based to wait for the result Pakistan's final game
Southwest Research Institute to lead its against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka's last
PUNCH mission which will image the Sun. match against India. Pakistan and Sri
This is a landmark mission that will image Lanka are alive in the tournament
regions beyond the Sun’s outer corona. mathematically.
Dipankar Banerjee, solar physicist from
Indian Institute of Astrophysics is also a Home ministry claims over 20cr crime datas
Co-Investigator of the PUNCH mission. available in CCTNS
● PUNCH, which stands for “Polarimeter to
Unify the Corona and Heliosphere,” is ● Government today said over 20 crore
focused on understanding the transition of records of crime and criminals are
particles from the Sun’s outer corona to the available at national level. The record are
solar wind that fills interplanetary space. available on Crime and Criminal Tracking
● “The Sun and the solar wind are one Network and Systems, CCTNS.
interconnected system, but [these] have ● Minister of State for Home Affairs, G.
until recently been studied using entirely Kishan Reddy said this in a written reply in
different technologies and scientific RajyaSabha.
approaches,” explains Prof. Banerjee. ● He said, the Ministry has implemented
● India is planning to send up its own satellite CCTNS to facilitate police in States and
Aditya-L1, a mission to study the Sun’s Union Territories with a common platform
corona, and Prof. Banerjee is the co-Chair for filing reports, collecting and sharing
of the Science Working Group. “We expect information on crimes and criminals at
co-ordinated observations of Aditya and national level.
PUNCH in order to understand our space ● Mr Reddy said, against the target of
weather environment,” he says. covering 14 thousand 306 police stations,
● The mission will image and track the solar a total of 14 thousand 874 police stations
wind and coronal mass ejections – which have been covered in CCTNS including
are huge masses of plasma that get thrown some new police stations.
out of the Sun’s atmosphere. The coronal ● The Minister said, 35 States and UTs
mass ejections can affect and drive space except Sikkim have already launched their
weather events near the Earth. State Citizen Portals under CCTNS
India beats Bangladesh to enter world cup semi providing citizen centric police services,
finals including online filing of complaints,
● India secured a place in the semi-finals of obtaining status of complaints, copies of
the ICC Cricket World Cup with a 28-run win FIRs and viewing details of arrested
over Bangladesh at Birmingham last night. persons.
● Opting to bat, the Men in Blue posted 314 Centre says it has brought in high level of
for 9, riding on Rohit Sharma's 92-ball 104, transparency in electoral funding

● Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Finance Minister NirmalaSitharaman told
Prasad today asserted that the the RajyaSabha on July 2.
government has taken several measures to ● The Minister, while responding to
ensure transparency in political funding supplementaries during the Question Hour,
and stressed on the need to take further said the manufacturing sector has had a
step to free election from the pressure of certain fall, but it is not attributable to
money power. demonetisation.
● Replying to a short duration discussion in ● She said economic growth is high on the
RajyaSabha on electoral reforms, Mr agenda of the government and various
Prasad said government is of the view that reforms are being undertaken in many
there should not be pressure of money spheres to improve GDP growth.
power in the election system. ● The Minister said as regards steps taken,
● He also said the time has come for One the government has taken several steps in
Nation, One Election in the country and order that more money goes to people and
there must be an open-minded discussion that is why the PM’s KisanSammanYojna,
on this idea. the Pension Yojna, where the money goes
● He highlighted the loopholes due to directly through Direct Benefit Transfer
continuous elections and how (DBT) into the people’s hands, are activities
developmental work is being hampered. through which people are getting the
● The Minister also rejected opposition benefit.
allegations and doubts with regard to ● Along with this, the government has
EVMs wondering why they do not have any launched voluntary pension scheme for
issues when they win elections through small and marginal farmers and small
this system. shopkeepers or retail traders, she claimed.
● He said the opposition should accept their ● To give focused attention to issues of
defeat in the LokSabha elections and they growth, Government has constituted a five-
should not insult the verdict of the people member Cabinet committee on investment
by questioning EVMs. and growth chaired by the Prime Minister.
● Initiating the discussion earlier, Derek O’ Centre hike MSP marginally for Kharif crops
Brien of Trinamool Congress said there is a ● The Centre has hiked the minimum support
need to take steps and bring amendments price (MSP) for paddy by less than 4% to
in the existing law related to appointment Rs. 1,815 per quintal for the 2019-20
of Election Commissioners. season. The Rs. 65 per quintal increase is
● On the issue of One Nation, One Election, much lower than last year’s hike of Rs. 200
Mr O’ Brien said government should take per quintal, but it will ensure that the MSP
every party on board before moving remains exactly 50% above the cost of
forward in this direction. He also raised the production, not including land costs.
issue of EVMs and misuse of data during ● The decision was taken by the Cabinet
elections. Committee on Economic Affairs on
Finance ministry claims demonetisation had no Tuesday. MSPs were hiked for 14 major
effect of economy crops of the kharif or summer season, to
● India still continues to be the fastest ensure they remain at a level that is 1.5
growing economy and demonetisation has times the cost of production.
had no effect on the Indian economy, ● The only commodities with MSP that will
ensure a higher than 50% return over input

costs are bajra (85%), urad (64%) and tur House is expected to take up its version of
dal (60%). However, even for these crops, the NDAA this month before legislators
returns are lower than last year. adjourned for the August recess.
● Farmers groups pointed out that MSPs do Indian govt.confirms no proposal to end trade
not actually help the farmer unless with Iran as of now
procurement can be increased. ● Indicating that there is still some confusion
● “What is the rationale of symbolically in India’s position on stopping oil imports
increasing prices when paddy is being sold from Iran in line with sanctions by the
at 40% lower rates in the mandi?” asked United States, the government said on
V.M. Singh, convenor of the All India Wednesday that it does not propose to
KisanSangharsh Coordination Committee, cancel trade, including oil imports from
a platform of more than 200 farmers Iran.
groups. ● Mr.MuraleedharanMoS external affairs
● He noted that paddy was sold at Rs. 1,100- said, “India’s bilateral relations with Iran
1,200 per quintal in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar stand on their own and are not influenced
last year when the official MSP was Rs. by India’s relations with any third country.”
1,750 per quintal. ● The MEA’s answer reflects India’s
U.S senates passes legislation to give India status traditional position but is at considerable
of NATO ally variance from the stand taken last week at
● The United States Senate has passed a the G20, when Prime Minister
legislative provision that brings India at par NarendraModi reportedly told U.S.
with America's NATO allies and countries President Donald Trump that New Delhi
like Israel and South Korea for increasing had, in fact, reduced its intake of Iranian oil,
defence cooperation. in accordance with Washington’s request
● The National Defense Authorisation Act or to “zero out” Iranian oil imports after May
NDAA for fiscal year 2020, was introduced 2.
by Senate India Caucus Co-Chair Senator ● “Prime Minister [Modi] pointed out that
John Cornyn with the support of Senate although Iran supplies 11% of our energy,
India Caucus Co-Chair Senator Mark India had reduced oil imports from Iran
Warner. The proposal was passed by the despite the effect it had on the Indian
Senate last week. economy, [and] we had been able to
● The amendment provides for increased sustain this position,” Foreign Secretary
US-India defence cooperation in the Indian Vijay Gokhale said at a press conference
Ocean in areas of humanitarian assistance, after the India-U.S. bilateral summit.
counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and ● When asked about the differing positions,
maritime security. a senior government official said the
● Last week, House India Caucus Co-Chair Ministry of Petroleum could confirm that
Brad Sherman, along with other levels of Iranian oil imports had in fact
Congressmen including Raja dropped, but that the decision to reduce oil
Krishnamoorthi introduced a similar imports was based on “commercial
legislative proposal to the House, FY2020 considerations and national interest”.
NDAA that would greatly enhance the US- Coastal research centre’s proposal for artificial
India relationship. coral reefs faces objection
● The bill would be signed into law after both ● The National Centre for Coastal Research’s
chambers of the US Congress pass it. The (NCCR) proposal of dropping ‘melted

plastic rocks or slabs’ on the seabed for ● Earlier, the diet budget for SAI trainees was
growing coral reefs and address the 250 rupees. For junior athletes, the diet
problem of disposal of plastic waste drew budget was 480 rupees and for senior
flak from the Gulf ofMannar Marine athletes, it was 690 rupees. But the Sports
National Park, which has been Minister decided to make the amounts
implementing coral rehabilitation equal.
programme since 2002. ● While having a meal at the athletes' mess
● Officials and scientists involved in marine of the National Institute of Sports in
research expressed apprehensions that Patiala, the Minister noticed different diets
the NCCR’s ‘innovative idea’ for the growth being served to senior and junior athletes
of marine organisms like algae for coral and SAI trainees as the food budget for
reefs building would destroy the existing each section was different.
coral reef colonies, and opposed the use of ● He thought the budget cannot be the
the GoM region for field tests. deciding factor while planning an athlete's
● The NCCR had also suggested that plastic diet since diet is key to the success of a
waste materials could simply be wound sportsperson. The Minister also
around as hard substrates as a way of announced that supplements required by
disposing of them and help build coral athletes, as per preion, will also be made
colonies. The research institute preferred available without delay.
the GoM region, one of the four coral reef
areas in the country, for field testing the China demands lifting of US tariffs for trade
ideas. deal
● Scientists, preferring anonymity, said worn
out tyres were tried as artificial reefs in ● U.S. tariffs against China must be lifted for
Florida and Costa Rica, but they turned out the two sides to reach a deal to end the
to be disastrous. The clustered old tyres trade war, the Chinese Commerce Ministry
initially attracted many marine organisms said on Thursday.
but they later collapsed and littered ● Trade teams from the world’s top two
beaches. economies “have maintained
● Officials in the GoM Marine National Park communication”, Ministry spokesman
said they had not received any GaoFeng said, days after President Donald
communication from the NCCR for field Trump and Xi Jinping agreed at the G20 in
tests. Any test, study or research would be Japan to revive negotiations.
allowed only with the permission of the ● “The United States’ unilateral tariff
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, increase on China’s exports to the United
they said. States is the starting point for the Sino-U.S.
Sports ministry announces diet budgetary for economic and trade frictions,” Mr.Gao said
athletes at a weekly press briefing. “If the two sides
● The move will impact 12,500 athletes can reach an agreement, the tariffs
training in various centres of the Sports imposed must be completely eliminated.
Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports China’s attitude toward this is clear and
Ministry will release an additional amount consistent,” Mr.Gao said.
of 150 crore rupees annually to fund the ● The countries have exchanged tariffs on
new diet budget. $360 billion in two-way trade and
negotiations broke down in May after the

United States accused China of reneging comprehensive and will not exclude
on its commitments. anyone.
● The U.S. leader said he would not slap new ● The power-sharing agreement came after
tariffs on Chinese exports and suggested two days of talks in Khartoum that
he could take a softer stance on Chinese resumed on Wednesday.
telecom giant Huawei, which he has moved NASA successfully tests launch abort system for
to blacklist. moon mission
● On Wednesday, Trump administration ● NASA carried out a successful test on
officials said top representatives of the Tuesday of a launch-abort system for the
U.S. and China are organising a resumption Orion capsule designed to take U.S.
of talks for next week to try to resolve the astronauts to the Moon.
trade war. ● The three-minute exercise at Cape
● An official from the Office of the U.S. Trade Canaveral in Florida aimed to test in almost
Representative said later that the two sides real-life conditions the evacuation of
were in the process of scheduling a astronauts from the capsule in the event of
principal-level phone call with Chinese an explosion or rocket booster failure.
officials for next week. ● In the test, an unmanned Orion capsule
Sudan military council and opposition finalise on was launched by a mini-rocket — a
power sharing agreement repurposed first stage of an
● Sudan's ruling military council and a intercontinental ballistic missile. Fifty-five
coalition of opposition and protest groups seconds after the launch, at an altitude of
have reached an agreement to share power 9,500 m, a rocket-powered tower on top of
during a transition period leading to the crew module ignited its engines to
elections. quickly pull the Orion away from a
● Addressing a press conference, African hypothetical rocket experiencing
Union mediator Mohamed Hassan Lebatt problems.
today said the two sides agreed to ● In just 15 seconds, the capsule gained two
establish a sovereign council by rotation miles of altitude. Then the tower reoriented
between the military and civilians for a the capsule to prepare it for descent and
period of three years or slightly more. disengagement from the tower.
● The two sides also agreed to form an ● In real-life conditions, parachutes would
independent 'technocratic' government open to ease the manned capsule's fall
and to launch a transparent, independent toward the Atlantic Ocean.
investigation into violent events in recent Hima Das wins gold in Poznan athletics grand prix
weeks. ● Indian sprinter Hima Das won the women's
● Omar al-Degair, a leader of the Forces for 200m gold, while national record holder
Freedom and Change -- an umbrella shot putter Tajinder Pal Singh Toor bagged
organization of opposition groups, hailed a bronze in the Poznan Athletics Grand Prix
the agreement as the beginning of a new in Poland.
era and said the agreement opens the way ● Hima, the world junior champion and
for the formation of the institutions of the national record holder in 400m clocked
transitional authority. 23.65 seconds on her way to the 200m
● General Mohamed HamdanDagalo, Deputy gold.
Head of the Transitional Military Council, ● This was Hima's first competitive 200m
said that the agreement will be race of the year. She has a personal best of

23.10 seconds, which she clocked last Laundering Act and the Indian Telegraph
year. Another Indian, V K Vismaya finished Act. This posed a grave threat to national
third with a personal best time of 23.75 security.
seconds in the race at Poznan last night. Centre claims its schemes have brought in
women led development
SC seeks response from centre on Aadhar ● Two mega initiatives of UjjwalaYojana and
ordinance SaubhagyaYojana- have transformed the
lives of women in every rural family and
● A Supreme Court Bench led by Justice S.A. dramatically improved their ease of living.
Bobde ordered the Central government and This was stated by the Union Minister of
the Unique Identification Authority of India Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt.
(UIDAI) to respond to a writ petition NirmalaSitharaman, while presenting the
challenging the new Aadhaar Ordinance Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today.
and Regulations passed by the LokSabha, ● Household access to clean cooking gas
saying they will create a “surveillance has seen an unprecedented expansion,
State” and enable the database to be through provision of more than 7 crore LPG
exploited by private players for commercial connections. All villages, and almost 100%
gain. households across the country have been
● The Bench issued notice on the petition provided with electricity.
filed by activists S.G. Vombatkere and ● A combination of efficient implementation
Bezwada Wilson, who said the UIDAI and enthusiastic adoption has significantly
intended to use the ordinance to improved access to energy for rural
commercialise and gain financially through households, the Finance Minister added.
the large-scale collection of personal data ● By 2022, the 75th year of India’s
of citizens and use of Aadhaar database by independence, every rural family, except
private entities. those who are unwilling to take the
● “People’s data collected for Aadhaar connection will have an electricity and a
database is their private property and clean cooking facility, informed Finance
permitting this to be commercially Minister..
explored is a violation of their fundamental ● The Government has supported and
right to dignity,” the petition, represented by encouraged women entrepreneurship
senior advocate Shyam Divan and through various schemes such as MUDRA,
advocate Vipin Nair, submitted. Stand up India and the Self Help Group
● It said a Constitution Bench of the Supreme (SHG) movement. In order to further
Court in September last specifically struck encourage women enterprise, the budget
down provisions, including Section 57 of has a proposal to expand the Women SHG
the Aadhaar Act 2016 that led to interest subvention programme to all
commercial exploitation of the database. districts. Seventy percent of beneficiaries
● The court had found that the architecture under MUDRA scheme are women.
and design of the Aadhaar project did not Budget focuses on infrastructure investment and
enable mass surveillance of persons under job creation
the Aadhaar Act. ● Finance Minister NirmalaSitharaman
● The petition said the Ordinance allowed the presented the first General Budget of
Aadhaar database to be linked to existing NarendraModi Government’s second term
databases under the Prevention of Money today. Infrastructure development; vision

for making India a five trillion-dollar operating illegally without the central
economy; Farmers’ welfare and water bank's authorization.
security are some of the key features of ● Abhijit Mishra, a financial economist, has
Mrs.Sitharaman’s first budget as Finance claimed in his plea that Paypal is operating
Minister. as a payment and settlement system in
● She said that the NDA government had set blatant violation of the Payments and
the ball rolling for a new India and showed Settlements Systems Act. He said, Paypal
that the principle of Reform, Perform and does not figure in the list of authorized
Transform can succeed. The Finance payment system operators published by
Minister exuded confidence that India will RBI on 27th May 2019.
become a five-trillion-dollar economy in the ● According to the PIL, filed through
next few years. advocate PayalBahl, PayPal's services are
● Asserting, that connectivity is the life-blood being used by various online travel,
of an economy, the Finance Minister said clothing and food websites or apps,
the government has given a massive push including Yatra, Makemytrip, Bookmyshow,
to all forms of physical connectivity Domino's Pizza and Myntra.
through PradhanMantri Gram ● The petition has alleged that PayPal was
SadakYojana, industrial corridors, also operating as a foreign exchange
dedicated freight corridors, Bharatmala dealer in contravention of the Foreign
and Sagarmala projects, JalMargVikas and Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
UDAN Schemes. ● Claiming that the company has
● The Finance Minister said, Public sector unmonitored and unauthorized access to
banks will be provided with 70 thousand the personal information such as Aadhaar,
crore rupees to boost capital and improve PAN, etc of the public. Such access to the
credit. She said, for purchase of high-rated personal information of the public was a
pooled assets of financially sound Non violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of
Banking Finance Companies amounting to India, the plea contended and sought
1 lakh crore rupees during 2019-20, one- directions to PayPal to immediately stop
time six-month partial credit guarantee will its allegedly illegal and unauthorized
be given to Public Sector Banks. She operations.
proposed strengthening of regulatory IAEA to hold special session to address Iran’s
authority of RBI over NBFCs. nuclear issue
● There is no change proposed for personal ● The International Atomic Energy Agency
income tax rate below 2 crores. However, (IAEA) will hold a special session to
Surcharge on individuals having taxable address concerns of Iran's nuclear activity,
income from 2 crore - 5 crore and 5 crore US National Security Adviser John Bolton
and above to be enhanced, so that said in a statement issued yesterday.
effective tax rate will increase by around ● Earlier, US Ambassador to International
3% and 7% respectively. Organizations in Vienna Jackie Wolcott
Delhi HC asks response to plea alleging illegal requested the IAEA board convene to
operation of PayPal discuss concerning reports about Iran's
● The Delhi High Court today asked the nuclear program.
Reserve Bank of India and Enforcement ● On last Monday, IAEA Director General
Directorate to respond to a plea alleging Yukiya Amano confirmed that Iran
that online payment platform PayPal was

exceeded the limit for enriched uranium ● Presenting the General Budget 2019-20 in
stockpiles of 300 kilograms (661 pounds). the Parliament today, Union Minister of
● Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt.
Wednesday that Iran intends to start NirmalaSitharaman said that a Public
enriching its uranium beyond the 3.67 Sector Enterprise viz. New Space India
percent level on July 7, outlined the nuclear Limited (NSIL) has been incorporated as a
agreement and it will maintain enrichment new commercial arm of the Department of
at a level that it considers necessary. Space to tap the benefits of the Research &
● On May 8, Tehran announced the decision Development carried out by ISRO.
to suspend some of its obligations under ● The Company will spearhead
the nuclear deal, giving the other commercialization of various space
signatories - France, Germany, the United products including production of launch
Kingdom, Russia, China and the European vehicles, transfer to technologies and
Union - 60 days to save the accord by marketing of space products.
facilitating oil exports and trade with Iran ● The Minister said that, “India has emerged
amid US sanctions. as a major space power with the
● Amid escalating tensions with Washington, technology and ability to launch satellites
Iran has threatened to exceed the limit on and other space products at globally low
the uranium supply permitted under the cost. Time has come to harness this ability
2015 Nuclear Pact. commercially”.
China to pursue Myanmar for Rohingya ● The Budget Estimates for Department of
repatriation Space for FY 2019-20 is Rs 12,473.26 crore
● China has assured Bangladesh that it will as compared to the RE of Rs 11,200 crore
pursue Myanmar to create a safe in FY 2018-19.
environment for Rohingya repatriation to Indian cricketer Ambati rayudu retires from all
their homeland. forms of cricket
● The assurance came at the bilateral talks ● Indian middle-order batsman
between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and AmbatiRayudu retired from all forms of
her Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang in cricket today. He did not specify reasons
Beijing on Thursday. for calling it quits.
● During the talks, Prime Minister Hasina told ● The 33-year-old Andhra Pradesh batsman
her Chinese counterpart that peace and was in India's official standbys list for the
stability are being affected in the region on-going World Cup but was omitted twice.
due to the Rohingya problem and the ● In his letter to the BCCI, he thanked the
challenge will be bigger with the passage national body and state associations which
of time. Speedy repatriation of the he represented in the game.
Rohingyas to their homeland is the only ● He said it was an honour and privilege for
solution. him to have represented the country.
● The Chinese premier agreed with Hasina Rayudu played 55 ODIs for India, scoring
on resolving the crisis quickly. He, however, 1694 runs at an average of 47.05. He,
stressed the need for solving the crisis however, did not play any Test.
bilaterally and promised to help end the
standoff.
NSIL incorporated as commercial arm of Dept.of
Space

New amendments by govt.will make doctors ● He said the transformation of the nation is
prescribe only generics for the betterment of the lives of the people
and innovation plays an important role in
● The Central Government is considering this process.
amendments to the D-rdable but we have Increase of gold duty in Budget draws flak
to ensure availability and effectiveness of
● Gem and jewellery exporters on Saturday
generic medicines.” expressed disappointment over the
Vice President calls for a national innovation significant increase in import duty on gold
movement and other precious metals, saying the
● The Vice President of India, Shri M.
move would result in shifting of businesses
Venkaiah Naidu has called for creating a to neighbouring countries.
National Innovation Movement to promote ● Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council
path-breaking ideas and innovations that
(GJEPC) chairmanPramodAgrawal said:
improve the living conditions of the people
“We, as an industry, are greatly
and generate wealth. disappointed with the increase of import
● Speaking after presenting Gandhian Young duty on precious metals, gold and silver.”
Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards- ● The sector was already going through very
2019 at a function organised by the tough times with decline in exports and job
Department of Biotechnology, here today, losses, he added. According to industry
Shri Naidu stressed the need to tap the
experts, the decision could lead to an
huge talent present in every section of the increase in smuggling of the yellow metal
society across the length and breadth of in the country.
the country to build a new and inclusive ● In the Budget 2019-20, the government
India. proposed to raise the import duty on gold
● Calling for stepping up Bio-Technology and other precious metals from 10% at
interventions to make agriculture more present to 12.5%. Mr.Agrawal said they had
viable and sustainable, he said there was a
urged the government to cut the import
need for a greater focus on allied sectors duty as they were important raw materials
like animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries, for the sector.
apart from other vital areas such as health, ● The government’s move “will result in
nutrition, environment and biodiversity
growth of business in the neighbouring
conservation. countries as foreign tourists will stop
● On the plans to make India a five trillion buying jewellery from here and processing
dollar economy by 2025, Shri Naidu said of larger diamonds will shift to competing
the engines driving this growth would be countries like China, Vietnam,” he said.
start-ups and digitisation. In this context, Fiscal target revised to 3.3% in budget
he suggested that every school and college
● The government is estimating a fiscal
should setup innovation departments and
deficit of 3.3% of GDP in financial year
promote the culture of entrepreneurship. 2019-20, lower than the 3.4% estimated
● The Vice President said that the earlier in the interim Budget presented in
Government has identified 117 February.
Aspirational Districts for their overall ● The main reason for this is an increase on
transformation and exhorted the young the revenue side, while expenditure is being
innovators to be part of the mass controlled, Finance Secretary Subhash
movement to transform those districts.
Chandra Garg said. Ratings agencies and

What you will get:
● 100% G.S. Mains Syllabus Covered
● Total 04 Booklets on GS Mains (All four papers) Price of the Kit:
● More Than 1500+ Pages Rs. 15,000
● Gist of Yojana, Kurushetra, Science Reporter and The Hindu (pdf)
● Practice papers for GS Mains papers I,II,III & IV (PDF Copy) Rs. 4,999/-
● Model Answers for GS Mains Papers I,II,III & IV (PDF Copy) (Limited time Offer)
● Weekly Current Affairs – One year (PDF Copy)
● GS Mains Categorized Papers of last 3 years (PDF Copy)
● With Guidance & Support from Experts
● 3 Years UPSC General Studies Mains Solved Papers
● Guidance & Support from Our Experts

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT:
tax analysts say there is a risk of missing ●In tune with China’s intent to engage with
the 3.3% target if tax revenue falls short of India to spur the BCIM-EC, President Xi and
the target. Prime Minister Hasina acknowledged that
● The government has budgeted a higher “the initiative would have to be revived
disinvestment target for 2019-20 of ₹1.05 working together with India,” the United
lakh crore, compared to the ₹80,000 crore News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported on its
budgeted in the previous year. Apart from website.
this, Mr.Garg said, the government had ● After the Wuhan summit, China has been
budgeted a dividend from the Reserve advocating “China-India Plus” cooperation,
Bank of India amounting to about ₹90,000 aimed at adopting a joint approach
crore. towards some of the major issues in the
● While the government predicted a total region, including the Rohingya refugee
revenue of ₹17.2 lakh crore in its revised crisis along with possible initiatives in
estimates for 2018-19, the data in the Nepal, Afghanistan and Iran.
Survey showed this was actually ₹1.6 lakh ● China’s decision to adopt a consultative
crore lower. The bulk of this reduction in approach with its BRI partners, including
collections was due to tax receipts falling financing of specific projects, as
well short of the mark. announced during this year’s Belt and Road
● Notably, the government has cut the Forum (BRF), echoed in Ms.Hasina’s talks
allocations for several major schemes. with the Chinese leadership.
Most significant of these is the ₹4,334 MoeFCC to consider contraceptives for animals
crore cut for the Swachh Bharat scheme. ● The Ministry of Environment, Forest and
China talks on quicker implementation of BCIM Climate Change (MOEFCC) has launched a
corridor project for undertaking
● A statement on the Chinese foreign ‘immunocontraceptive measures’ for
ministry’s website on Ms.Hasina’s talks population management of four species of
with President Xi on Friday says that the wild animals elephant, wild boar, monkeys
Prime Minister pledged to “promote the and blue bull (Nilgai).
construction of the Bangladesh-China- ● Human-animal conflict has emerged as a
India-Myanmar Economic Corridor”. major challenge in managing wildlife in the
● On Thursday, Chinese Prime Minister Li country and human-elephant conflict
Keqiang advocated that Beijing and Dhaka causes the maximum number of casualties
should “work together to build the BCIM- every year.
EC, in a bid to connect the market covering ● According to reply tabled in Parliament on
nearly 3 billion people” June 28, 2019, nearly 494 persons were
● The revival of Chinese interest in the BCIM- killed by elephants last year alone.
EC in coordination with India was evident Between 2014 and March 2019, 2,398
when Mr. Xi singled out the project as an people died in elephant attack in the
example of expanding the India-China ties, country, with West Bengal accounting for
which had entered a “new phase” after the maximum number of such deaths .
Wuhan informal summit held last year in ● Raman Sukumar, a well-known elephant
April, following last month’s talks with expert and ecologist, said
Mr.Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai immunocontraception is a technology that
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in uses a female animal’s immune system to
Bishkek.

build a protein around the egg that Aadhaar-linked payments (ALP) on the
prevents it from fertilising. scheme.
● Professor Sukumar said the birth-control ● The Survey used the rural jobs scheme as
method has been tried in Africa in areas a case study to show the benefits of the
like the Kruger National Park but added use of technology in improving targeting
that the implementation of such a project and efficiency in welfare schemes. One of
in India will not be a simple task. It will the strongest pieces of evidence cited
involve multi-disciplinary effort over a long dealt with timeliness: the percentage of
period of time, he said. wage payments generated within 15 days
● Professor Sukumar said that after improved from 27% in 2014-15 to more
developing the technology, the test will be than 90% by 2018-19.
to deliver the contraceptive and the ● RakshitaSwamy, a member of the People’s
logistics around it. In Africa the system has Action for Employment Guarantee, said the
worked in private reserves with a relatively state verified the work done and the muster
small elephant population, where every roll and generated a fund transfer order,
individual can be easily identified, he and in the next stage, money was credited
added. into the worker’s bank account. Aadhaar
Indian athletes perform well in Kosanov memorial could play a role only in the latter stage.
meet ● Another area of contention is the Survey’s
● Indian track and field athletes won six comparison of MGNREGS performance in
medals, including three gold, on the first drought-affected and regular districts
day of the Qasanov Memorial Meet at before and after the introduction of the
Almaty in Kazakhstan today. ALP. In supply and demand for work as well
● Mohammed Afsal won the men's 800m as in worker attendance, the scheme’s
gold in a good time of one minute 49.12 performance in drought-hit areas
seconds. improved.
● Gagandeep Singh added another gold in ● Rajendran Narayanan, Assistant Professor,
men's discus throw with a best effort of AzimPremji University, noted that around
52.39m. Senthil Kumar Mithravarun took the same time that Aadhaar was
the silver with a 49.54m throw. introduced to the MGNREGS, a Supreme
● NavjeetKaurDhillon, who had won a bronze Court ruling mandated special measures
in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, won for the scheme in drought-affected areas.
the third gold for India recording discuss Governments issued orders to comply with
throw covering 54.80m. the ruling, leading to interventions
influencing the situation at the same time
Researchers studying MGNREGS disputes as Aadhaar.
arguments made in economic survey Centre asks Urban local bodies to monitor
rainwater harvesting
● Researchers and activists studying ● The Centre has asked all Urban Local
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Bodies across the country to set up a cell
Employment Guarantee Scheme each for effective monitoring of Rain Water
(MGNREGS) data have disputed the Harvesting and revival of at least one water
argument made in the Economic Survey for body in their areas.
2018-19 on the positive causal impact of ● In its Guidelines for urban water
conservation, Union Housing and Urban

Affairs Ministry said the cell should ($3 to $18), are bacteria free as they are
monitor the extent of groundwater sterilized. These glass items have also
extraction and groundwater aquifer been a means of livelihood for local women
recharge. who shape them into trendy designs.
● This information should be displayed at
prominent locations for public awareness. India condemns UNHCR report on Kashmir
The guidelines have been issued as part of
● The UN Commission on Human Rights
the first phase of Jal Shakti Abhiyan which
(UNHCR) on Monday said India and
began on the 1st of this month and will
Pakistan had failed to improve the
continue till 15th of September this year.
situation in Kashmir and have not taken
● In his recent Mann Ki Baat programme,
any concrete steps to address the
Prime Minister NarendraNarendraModi
numerous concerns raised in its earlier
pitched for the conservation of rainwater,
report.
saying there is a pressing need to make it
● The update made wide ranging
a mass movement.
recommendations to the governments of
Nepal goes for innovative methods to dispose off
India and Pakistan, and urged the Human
Everest trash
Rights Council (HRC) to explore
● In a bid to save Mount Everest from trash,
possibilities of setting up an international
Nepal conducted a month-long cleaning
commission of inquiry into allegations of
campaign and collected around 10,000 kg
human rights abuse in Kashmir.
of rubbish from the region.
● India said the report had extended
● For the mega clean-up drive, government
legitimacy to cross-border terrorism
and non-government agencies, along with
emanating from Pakistan. “It is a matter of
a dedicated Sherpa team, not only brought
deep concern that this update seems to
the litter down but also removed four dead
accord a legitimacy to terrorism that is in
bodies from the roof of the world, Xinhua
complete variance with UN Security
news agency reported on Sunday.
Council positions,” said External Affairs
● Instead of sending the solid waste straight
Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. He
to the landfill near Kathmandu, the items
described the report as part of the
were segregated, processed and recycled
continued “motivated narrative” against
as raw materials for various products.
Indian sovereignty and integrity.
● Besides recycling the waste, a team is also
● Mr. Kumar said the update referred to
working with municipalities, hospitals,
terror outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed
hotels and different offices to maximise
as “armed groups”, and reminded that the
value from waste by recycling, reducing the
UN Security Council had blamed the group
amount of waste sent to landfills and by
for the February 14, 2019 Pulwama terror
creating green jobs.
attack that led to a deterioration in India-
● To make the campaign more effective, the
Pakistan ties.
company suggested authorities to set up
● India also said the update had distorted its
an initial processing unit in the mountain
policy on the Kashmir issue and failed to
area itself, so that waste can be
recognise that the Indian state ensured
segregated immediately and easily
justice through a strong judiciary and a
managed.
national human rights mechanism.
● These products, which range from 350
● Mr. Kumar pointed out that the new report
Nepalese rupees to 2,000 Nepalese rupees
reflected a “prejudiced mindset” which

chose to ignore the “comprehensive socio- penalties of up to Rs. 1 crore on brokers for
economic development efforts undertaken certain violations.
by the government in the face of terrorist ● These new powers assume significance as
challenges”. the regulator is in the midst of probing the
NGT asks states to update on steps taken to curb leak of sensitive data through WhatsApp
stubble burning and also recently passed fresh orders on
● National Green Tribunal, NGT has asked the National Stock Exchange (NSE) co-
states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar location matter, which had been
Pradesh as to how they intend to tackle the challenged at the Securities Appellate
problem of crop burning, a major Tribunal (SAT).
contributor to air pollution in Delhi, this ● As per the Finance Bill, a new section
year. 15HAA has been inserted in the SEBI Act
● A bench headed by NGT Chairperson that says if a person tampers with
Justice AK Goel asked the three states to information to obstruct or influence an
file progress reports indicating the investigation, destroys regulatory data or
strategies and proposed action plan to tries to access data in an unauthorised
tackle the problem. manner then the entity could be penalised
● The direction by the tribunal came up to Rs. 10 crore or three times the
following news reports on deaths caused unlawful gains, whichever is higher.
in the national capital due to air pollution, ● Incidentally, the WhatsApp leak case or
and crop burning being one of the reasons even the NSE co-location matter deal with
for the poor air quality. the data being leaked through electronic
● The bench said the issue for consideration means and unauthorised access to
before it was the remedial action needed to exchange data, which forms the base in
tackle air pollution caused by crop burning. most regulatory probes.
● It said that according to news reports, 25- ● The Centre has also explicitly allowed the
30 percent of the air pollution in the regulator to impose a fine of up to Rs. 1
national capital region was caused due to crore on brokers if they fail to issue a
crop burning in Punjab, Haryana, UP and contract note to clients in the format as laid
Delhi. down by the exchanges. Earlier, only the
● The tribunal referred to the news reports lower limit of Rs. 1 lakh was prescribed.
while hearing a plea by Ganga Lalwani RBI finalises on road map strategy to improve
seeking direction to provide machinery to regulation and supervision
poor and marginal farmers to avoid crop ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) board,
residue burning. which met in New Delhi, finalised a three-
SEBI gets more powers to act against information year roadmap to improve regulation and
tampering supervision, among other functions of the
● The Finance Bill, 2019 has given the central bank.
Securities and Exchange Board of India ● This medium term strategy — named
(SEBI) new powers to act against entities Utkarsh2022 is in line with the global
that tamper or destroy electronic central banks’ plan to strengthen the
databases or fail to furnish information regulatory and supervisory mechanism,
when sought by the capital markets sources aware of the board meeting told.
regulator, SEBI, who can now also impose ● An internal committee was formed, which
was anchored by outgoing Deputy

Governor Viral Acharya, to identify issues U.S slaps further duties on steel from China and
that needed to be addressed over the next Mexico
three years. ● United States has announced fresh duties
● While around a dozen areas were identified on some Mexican and Chinese steel goods,
by the committee, some board members saying those countries helped their
felt that areas could be filtered and lesser manufacturers with unfair subsidies.
number of areas can be identified for ● The decision comes two months after
implementation in the next three years. President Donald Trump agreed to lift
● In a statement after the board meeting, the tariffs on steel and aluminium from Mexico
RBI said the board finalised the three -year and Canada after the three nations agreed
medium-term strategy document of the on a revised North American free trade
Reserve Bank, ‘which covered, inter-alia, its pact.
mission and vision statement.’ ● The action was in response to a grievance
● The board also approved the RBI’s budget lodged in February by US steel producers.
for the July 2019—June 2020 period. Other In its preliminary findings, US Commerce
matters discussed by the board included Department found Mexican and Chinese
issues relating to currency management exporters of fabricated structural steel
and payment systems, the statement benefitted from subsidies ranging from 30
added. percent to 177 percent.
● In a statement, Commerce Department
IMF claims Pakistan facing severe economic said, US customs agents will begin
challenges due to weak growth collecting import duties based on the
subsidy rates, but the funds could be
● International Monetary Fund has said, returned if officials later reverse the
Pakistan is facing significant economic findings.
challenges due to a weak and unbalanced ● Citing purported threats to US national
growth adding that it needs an ambitious security, Trump last year announced global
and bold set of reforms. tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10
● Cash-strapped Pakistan had approached percent on aluminium but in May agreed to
the Washington-based International lift them for Mexican and Canada.
Monetary Fund (IMF) in August last year for EPCA requests supreme court to intervene for the
a bailout package after the Imran Khan inadequate public transport in Delhi region
government took over. Currently, it has a ● To reduce air pollution in Delhi, the
currency reserve of less than 8 billion US Environment Pollution (Prevention and
Dollars, enough to cover only 1.7 months of Control) Authority (EPCA) requested the
imports. Supreme Court to intervene in the “grossly
● The global lender last week formally inadequate” public transport infrastructure
approved the 6 billion US Dollar loan to of the city.
Pakistan, the 13th since the late 1980s.In ● In a ‘special report’ submitted to the SC on
an accompanying report, the IMF said that July 1, the EPCA urged it to intervene for
Pakistan's economy is at a critical juncture. the approval of Phase IV of Delhi Metro,
● Pakistan has so far received billions in which is stuck between the Central and
financial aid packages from friendly Delhi governments. It also requested the
countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the SC to ask the government to speed up the
UAE during the current fiscal year. process to purchase more buses.

● “Cities like Beijing have 107 buses per lakh Supreme court to examine refugee status of
people while Delhi has 17 buses per lakh illegal immigrants
people,” the report stated. The proposal for
● The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to
phase IV of Delhi Metro was submitted in
examine a “substantial question” put forth
2014 and work was to begin by 2016 and
by the Union government as to whether
“further delay will cost the city
illegal immigrants can even be considered
enormously”, the report said.
for ‘refugee’ status.
● The EPCA said there are four issues
● The court said it would examine the issue
between the governments — taxes, sharing
and asked the parties and intervenors to
of land cost, bearing operational cost and
complete pleadings by the next hearing.
repayment of JICA loan.
● The Rohingya, who fled to India after
● Two of these are “notional”, the report
violence in the State of Rakhine in
stated, adding that the Centre says
Myanmar, are settled in Jammu,
operational cost should be borne by the
Delhi government while the latter demands Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-
NCR and Rajasthan.
a 50:50 share. The DMRC stated that the
● The petitions said the Centre’s move
costs involved in the project costs would
increase with delay. violated the constitutional guarantee that
the Indian State should “protect the life and
● Delhi Dialogue and Development
liberty of every human being, whether
Commission vice-chairperson Jasmine
citizen or not.”
Shah said, “We are in the process of
● The National Human Rights Commission
procurement of 4,000 buses and 1,000-
(NHRC) had even issued a notice to the
1,500 buses will hit the roads by December
government on the proposed deportation.
2019 and the rest in 2020.”
● Panic struck the refugee community
India’s Parupallikashyap wins silver at Canadian
following media reports of a statement
open
made by the then Union Minister of State
● In Badminton, former Commonwealth
for Home Affairs KirenRijiju in Parliament
Games champion ParupalliKashyap's
that the Centre had directed the States to
impressive run at the Canada Open Super
identify and deport illegal immigrants,
100 tournament came to an end after he
including Rohingya.
lost a three-game thriller to China's Li Shi
● The UNHRC report of 2016 on rights
Feng in the men's singles summit clash in
violations and abuses against Rohingya
Calgary.
Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar
● Sixth-seed Kashyap, who has produced
some gritty performances this week, fell had noted successive patterns of serious
short against Feng, going down 22-20 14- rights violations, violations of the right to
life, liberty and security of the Rohingya by
21 17-21 in the finals that clocked an hour
State security forces and other officials in
and 16 minutes.
Myanmar.
● Kashyap had reached the semifinals of the
Rising cost of healthcare pushing families into
India Open earlier this year and the final
poverty : Centre
finish at Canada Open is his best
● The Central government has admitted that
performance of the season.
75 lakh families fall below the poverty line
annually due to the rising cost of
healthcare in India.

● The minister for Chemical & Fertilisers ● The large exposures framework applies to
informed the House that the Central all scheduled commercial banks apart
government is providing generic medicines from regional rural banks. The framework
under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya became partially effective since April 2019
Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) which and the same circular was modified in June
are normally cheaper by 50-90% of average 2019.
price of top 3 brands of corresponding ● The report says from April 2020 onwards,
medicines. the obligation to assess the
● He explained that the product basket of connectedness based on economic
PMBJP now comprises 900 medicines and interdependence and the inclusion of non-
154 surgicals and consumable items. Out centrally cleared derivatives exposures in
of this, 714 medicines and 53 surgicals are calculation of the large `R6 Exposure limits
now available for sale at PMBJP Kendras. will also enter into force as per the revised
● The National Pharmaceutical Pricing circular.
Authority (NPPA), he said, fixes the ceiling ● The four-phased assessment began in
price of scheduled medicines specified in early 2018 and started with self-
the first schedule of the Drugs (Prices assessment by the RBI, followed by an on-
Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO) in accordance site assessment where the team met the
with the provisions of the DPCO. officials of the RBI and rating agencies, a
● All manufacturers of scheduled medicines review and finally a desk assessment of
(branded or generic) have to sell their the draft regulations.
products within the ceiling price (plus Abolishing of merchant discount rate may affect
applicable local taxes) fixed by the NPPA. non bank payment providers
A manufacturer is at liberty to fix the ● The government’s proposal of abolishing
maximum retail price of a non-scheduled merchant discount rate (MDR) will impact
formulation (branded or generic) launched non-bank payment providers as banks will
by it. recover the money from them, industry
● However, as per the DPCO, the players said.
manufacturers of non-scheduled ● The Union Budget proposed doing away
formulations are not allowed to increase with any charges on customers and
the maximum retail price of such merchants. MDR is the rate that the
formulations by more than 10 % per merchant has to pay to the service
annum,’’ he explained. providers of digital payments.
Basel committee claims India has high regulatory ● It is proposed to be applicable to
supervision businesses with a turnover of ₹50 crore
● The Basel Committee on Banking that facilitate low-cost digital payment
Supervision has said that India is modes such as BHIM, UPI, QR code,
compliant regarding regulation on large Aadhaar Pay as well as certain debit cards,
exposures though, in some respects, NEFT or RTGS transactions.
regulations are stricter than the Basel ● “This announcement of industry bearing
large-exposures framework. MDR would lead to the whole digital
● In a report on assessment of large payment industry without any business
exposure regulations, it said India is and revenue model,” said Naveen Surya,
compliant with the highest grade of Chairman Emeritus, Payment Council of
regulation. India (PCI).

● PCI said digital payments in India had materials, we need a policy change, we
received quite high interest from various need education, we need the arts to be
investors, both domestic and international, shifting mindsets, we need engineers. The
and any “knee-jerk” policy changes were only way we are going to solve it is by all
likely to spook such investors. working together,” Ms.Penn,one of the
● “Non-bank payment service providers crew members said.
(PSPs) like aggregators/ processors are a Duteechand clinches gold at World universiade
significant part of the ecosystem. If there ● India's Dutee Chand has clinched a Gold
is no commercial model, they will be forced medal in the 100-metre dash event at the
to shut down, banks may have multiple World Universiade at Napoli in Italy. The 23-
ways to recover money from the year-old sprinter clocked 11.32 seconds as
merchants, but non-bank players do not she led the race from start to finish. Del
have any other avenue than the MDR,” Ponte of Switzerland won the Silver, while
Loney Antony, co-chairman, PCI, and vice- German Lisa Kwayie took home the
chairman, Hitachi Payments, said. Bronze.
Newly formed female voyage crew to fight ocean ● With the Gold, Dutee has become the first
plastic Indian woman track and field athlete to win
● More than 300 women will join a round-the- the coveted yellow metal at the event. She
world voyage launching in October to is also now only the second Indian sprinter
highlight the devastating impact of plastic to win a Gold in a global event after 19-year
pollution in the oceans and conduct old Hima Das.
scientific research into the escalating
crisis. Cabinet approves Transgender protection of
● Millions of tonnes of plastic, from food rights bill 2019
packaging to fishing gear enters the sea
each year, leading some marine experts to ● The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime
warn that there could be more plastic than Minister NarendraModi has approved the
fish in our oceans by 2050. proposal to introduce The Transgender
● The two-year all-female voyage comprises Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.
scientists, teachers, filmmakers, product The Bill will be introduced in the ensuing
designers, photographers and athletes. Session of Parliament.
● It is organised by eXXpedition, a non-profit ● The Bill provides a mechanism for their
focusing on marine pollution - will collect social, economic and educational
samples from some of the planet’s most empowerment.
important and diverse marine ● The Bill will benefit a large number of
environments to build a picture of the state transgender persons, mitigate the stigma,
of the seas. discrimination and abuse against this
● The 38,000 nautical mile trip will cover the marginalized section and bring them into
Arctic, the Galapagos Islands, the South the mainstream of society. This will lead to
Pacific islands and central ocean areas inclusiveness and will make the
where plastic accumulates because of transgender persons productive members
circulating currents. of the society.
● “There’s not one silver bullet solution. We ● Transgender community is among one of
need to be working from every sector, from the most marginalized communities in the
every angle. “We need design of new country because they don’t fit into the

stereotypical categories of gender of ‘men’ figures. However, she added that the two
or ‘women’. rates were consistent with each other.
● Consequently, they face problems ranging ● While the Union Budget presented on July
from social exclusion to discrimination, 5 projected a nominal GDP growth of 12%
lack of education facilities, unemployment, for financial year 2019-20, the Economic
lack of medical facilities and so on. The Bill Survey pegged this figure at 11%.
shall empower the transgender community Opposition leaders in the LokSabha
socially, educationally and economically. highlighted this discrepancy and
Centre creates new Indian nuclear insurance pool demanded why there were so many
● The Government has created an Indian different numbers being issued by the
Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) on 12th government.
June, 2015. M/s. General Insurance ● The Opposition also walked out of the
Corporation of India (GIC-Re), along with lower House during Ms.Sitharaman’s reply
several other Indian Insurance Companies, to the concerns over the Budget, protesting
launched the Indian Nuclear Insurance the Budget’s announcement of a hike in the
Pool (INIP) with a capacity of ₹1500 crore duties and cess rates on petrol and diesel.
to provide insurance to cover the liability as ● Finance Minister NirmalaSitharaman on
prescribed under Civil Liability for Nuclear Wednesday clarified that the Economic
Damage (CLND) Act, 2010. Survey and the Union Budget project
● This has addressed issues related to Civil different rates of nominal GDP growth for
Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act 2019-20 because they use different base
and had facilitated the commencement of figures. However, she added that the two
work in setting up new nuclear power rates were consistent with each other.
projects. ● While the Union Budget presented on July
● The present nuclear power capacity is 5 projected a nominal GDP growth of 12%
6780 MW comprising of 22 reactors. There for financial year 2019-20, the Economic
are 9 reactors with a capacity of 6700 MW Survey pegged this figure at 11%.
(including 500 MW PFBR being Opposition leaders in the LokSabha
implemented by BHAVINI) under highlighted this discrepancy and
construction. demanded why there were so many
● The Government in 2017 has also different numbers being issued by the
accorded administrative approval and government.
financial sanction of 12 nuclear power ● The Opposition also walked out of the
plants totalling to a capacity of 9000 MW. lower House during Ms.Sitharaman’s reply
On their progressive completion, the to the concerns over the Budget, protesting
installed nuclear capacity is expected to the Budget’s announcement of a hike in the
reach 8180 MW by 2020 and 22480 MW by duties and cess rates on petrol and diesel.
2031. Study in India’ programme to encourage flow of
Finance ministry clarifies on different GDP rates inbound international students
in Budget & economic survey ● To facilitate Internationalization of Higher
● Finance Minister NirmalaSitharaman on Education in India, a Programme viz. ‘Study
Wednesday clarified that the Economic in India’ is under implementation with the
Survey and the Union Budget project objectives to make India a preferred
different rates of nominal GDP growth for education destination/hub for foreign
2019-20 because they use different base students.

All Information for UPSC Civil ServicesIAS
Prelims Exams
● New! UPSC, IAS (PRE) Papers Download

● UPSC Pre Exam Syllabus
● Number of attempts
● Eligibility Conditions
● New! IAS Exam Age Eligibiity Calculator
● New! IAS GS PRE Cum MAINS Printed Study Material
● Answer Keys
● UPSC Prelims Cut-off Marks
● Educational Qualifications
● How To Apply
● Model Questions for UPSC PRE Exam
● ONLINE COACHING FOR IAS EXAMS
● Printed Study Material for IAS Pre General Studies (Paper-1)
● Printed Study Material for UPSC Prelims CSAT (Paper -2) Exam
● UPSC सामा य अ ययन (GS) ारं भक पर ा (Pre) पेपर-1
र टडी कट
● सीसैट (CSAT) ारं भक पर ा (Pre) टडी कट
कट: पेपर - 2 (Paper - 2)
● GS Foundation Course (PT+ MAINS) for IAS EXAM
● Postal Test Series for IAS PRE Exam (GS+CSAT) with OMR Sheets
● The programme focuses on attracting ● The Republic of Maldives had severed its
International students from select 30 plus ties with the 53-member organisation in
countries across South-East Asia, Middle 2016 and re-applied to join last year under
East and Africa. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
● The programme envisages participation of ● It undertook a review of the
select reputed Indian implementation of the mandates set out
institutes/universities by way of offering during the Commonwealth Heads of
seats for the International students at Government Meeting (CHOGM) in April last
affordable rates, along with fee waivers to year alongside discussions on the CHOGM
meritorious foreign students ranging from 2020 to be held in the Rwandan capital of
100% to 25%. Kigali in June next year.
● Moreover, the programme also envisages ● Mr Jaishankar, during his first visit to the
setting up of call centres for support; UK as External Affairs Minister, also held
algorithm for allocation of seats to the separate bilateral talks with Foreign Affairs
meritorious candidates; selection of top Ministers of Australia and Canada, as well
100 partner institutions on the basis of as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
National Assessment and Accreditation of Bangladesh on the sidelines of the
Council (NAAC) grading and National Commonwealth summit to cover a wide
Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) range of bilateral issues.
ranking; branding activities in the target ● The minister expressed his appreciation of
countries; and close coordination with the UK government's backing for Prime
Indian missions abroad and foreign Minister Modi's initiative to build a global
missions in India. Coalition of Disaster Resilient
● With the increase in number of foreign Infrastructure (CDRI).
students, the global ranking of the Indian India pushes UNSC to focus attention on terror
Higher Educational institutions will networks
improve. The domestic students shall be ● In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India has
exposed to a more diverse peer group and told the UN Security Council that Dawood
also get greater International exposure Ibrahim's illegitimate activities from a safe
culminating in enhanced interest of Indian haven pose a real danger, as New Delhi
students to study in the country. called for a focused attention to address
the threats by the D-Company, the JeM and
India urges admission of Maldives into the the LeT.
commonwealth ● India's Permanent Representative to the
UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said on
● India has called for fast-tracking the re- Tuesday that terrorist organisations are
admission of Maldives into the increasingly involved in lucrative criminal
Commonwealth during the Foreign Affairs activities such as trading in natural
Ministers' Meeting held in London. resources and human trafficking to raise
● External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar funds.
addressed the meeting at Marlborough ● He was speaking at the Security Council
House yesterday on a range of issues. Mr debate on 'Threats to International Peace
Jaishankar also held bilateral talks with his and Security: Linkages between
British counterpart, Foreign Secretary International Terrorism and Organised
Jeremy Hunt, during his visit to the UK. Crime'.

● He further added that, criminal groups are ● Tokyo-based Remixpoint, which runs the
joining hands with terrorists and are BITPoint exchange as well as travel, used
providing services such as counterfeiting, car and energy businesses, apologised on
illicit financing, arms dealing, drug Friday, saying the losses were confirmed
trafficking and smuggling terrorists across starting Thursday.
borders. ● The reason for the losses, which include
● He emphasised that the success of a bitcoins as well as Ethereum, Ripple and
collective action to denude the ISIS is a other kinds of cryptocurrencies, is under
pointer that the Council must focus to yield investigation.
results. ● About two-thirds of the losses affected
Indian air force to adopt ASRAAM missile customers while the rest of the missing
● The Indian Air Force is looking to adopt a assets belonged to Remixpoint, the
new European visual range air to air missile company said in a statement. All
across its fighter fleet. transactions have been halted.
● The Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air ● Japan has been relatively open to
Missile of European missile-maker MBDA cryptocurrencies, which use a technology
has been approved for fitting on Jaguar called blockchain, despite some high-
jets. The IAF was looking to integrating it profile heists.
on the Su-30MKIs and the indigenous Light ● It has set up a licensing system to oversee
Combat Aircraft as well, defence sources their use. Bitcoin has been a legal form of
said. payment in Japan since April
● It would be the first over-the-wing launched 2017.Remixpoint said the lost money was
missile in the IAF inventory. All missiles are in what is called the “hot wallet.” Money in
now fired from under the wing. the “cold wallet,” which has tighter security,
● The missile was shortlisted through a was safe.
tender and MBDA is working with Japan’s Hayabusa 2 reaches Ryugu asteroid
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on the ● Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe made a
integration. After the initial trials, further “perfect” touchdown on Thursday on a
modifications would be done by HAL. distant asteroid, collecting samples from
● “HAL is in talks with MDBA for integrating beneath the surface in an unprecedented
the missile on the LCA and the Su-30MKI mission that could shed light on the origins
as well. It will be taken up after the Jaguar of the solar system.
integration,” the source added. ● Confirmation of the landing came only
● ASRAAM is widely used as a Within Visual after Hayabusa2 lifted back up from the
Range (WVR) air dominance missile with a asteroid and resumed communications
range of over 25km. with the control room. Research director
Takashi Kubota told reporters that the
Japanese crypto currency exchange faces touchdown operation was “more than
huge loss perfect.” And Mr.Tsuda, with a grin, said he
rated it “1000 points out of 100.”
● A Japanese cryptocurrency exchange has ● Thursday’s touchdown was intended to
reported a hack causing the loss of 3.5 collect pristine materials from beneath the
billion yen, or $32 million, worth of virtual surface of the asteroid that could provide
money. insights into what the solar system was like
at its birth, some 4.6 billion years ago.

● To get at those crucial materials, in April an ● He called upon all those in the legal
“impactor” was fired from Hayabusa2 profession, including judges, lawyers and
towards Ryugu in a risky process that court officers to ensure the primacy of the
created a crater on the asteroid’s surface rule of law.
and stirred up material that had not ● President Kovind observed that as the
previously been exposed to the nation keeps evolving, the legal profession
atmosphere. is also undergoing drastic changes and
● Hayabusa2’s first touchdown was in said the legal students now find many
February, when it landed briefly on Ryugu avenues open to them than any time in the
and fired a bullet into the surface to puff up past.
dust for collection, before blasting back to ● President RamnathKovind has insisted
its holding position. that the judgments of higher judiciary
Indian weightlifters win gold at commonwealth should be made available in the language
● In Weightlifting, Youth Olympics gold of the litigants so that the legal system
medallist Jeremy Lalrinnunga smashed could be made simpler for the people.
three records in a power-packed ● He appreciated the Chhattisgarh High
performance but failed to register a clean Court for paying heed to his suggestion to
and jerk lift on day three at the translate all judgments into Hindi and said
Commonwealth Championships in Apia, High Courts like Madras and Kerala could
Samoa today. emulate the practice. He underscored that
● In a remarkable performance, the 16-year- legal professionals should maintain the
old Jeremy, competing in the 67 kg highest standards of public ethics.
category, obliterated the Youth World, India abstains at UN against issue of
Asian and Commonwealth records in the discrimination towards sexual minorities
snatch category with a lift of 136 kgs. ● India on Friday abstained at the vote for
● Other Indian lifters continued impressive extending the mandate of an important UN
show by winning four golds, two silvers and official who reports on violence and
a bronze.AchintaSheuli lifted a total of 305 discrimination against sexual minorities.
kgs to win the senior and junior men's 73kg ● India’s abstention at the resolution for
gold. term-renewal of the independent Expert on
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in
President Calls for easy access to legal the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva
assistance for the poor drew criticism from activists, especially
since it came after the Supreme Court
● President RamnathKovind has asked the struck down Section 377 and
legal professionals to enable the poor to decriminalised the LGBTQ community.
get justice on par with the rich in the ● The resolution received support from most
society. member countries at the Human Rights
● Addressing the Special Convocation of the Council but India, Angola, Burkina Faso,
Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University in Cameron, Congo, Hungary, Togo and
Chennai this morning, he said, it would be a Senegal abstained during the final voting.
travesty of the republican ethic if a poor ● Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Bangladesh,
person did not get the same access to the Bahrain, Qatar and Somalia opposed the
law as a rich person. resolution. Earlier, India had abstained
during the 2016 vote on the appointment of

the Independent Expert. The current there would be more resources available
Independent Expert is Victor Madrigal for the domestic private sector to utilise.
Borlioz of Costa Rica. ● Members from CII raised the issue of
● Activists pointed out that though India government bodies delaying payments to
abstained, they were surprised to see that service providers, leading to a liquidity
the Indian delegation had supported some block in the private sector. Mr.Garg
amendments brought by countries that acknowledged this and said that the
opposed the work of the Independent government was setting up a payments
Expert. They chose Nepal and Philippines portal.
for supporting the resolution which was CEA bats for balanced use of domestic and
about opposing violence against the foreign savings
LGBTQ persons, which is essentially a form ● Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy
of gender violence. Subramanian on Friday sought to caution
● The Resolution numbered L10 Rev 1 against a more-than necessary reliance on
granted an extension of three years to the foreign savings as a trigger for
Independent Expert to carry on reporting on accelerating economic growth through
incidents of violence against the LGBTQ more investments.
community all over the world. ● Dependence on foreign savings, on the
Decision to bring down fiscal deficit would free up other hand, can create macro vulnerability,
additional resources for private sector he said, adding that letting all or a large part
● Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg of investment coming from foreign savings
on Friday defended the government’s would mean exposing to vulnerability as it
decision to bring the fiscal deficit down to happened in the case of East Asian
3.3% this year, saying this would free up economies.
additional resources for the private sector ● Underscoring the need for hitting the
to borrow and invest. ‘sweet spot’ in meeting the investment
● He also acknowledged the industry’s requirement, Mr. Subramanian, who spoke
concerns that payments by the at The Global ISB Forum on ‘$5 Trillion in
government for services were delayed, Five Years: Can we do It?’, said that exports
creating a liquidity crunch in the system. were important in the context of driving
● Mr.Garg explained that a 1% relaxation in demand.
the fiscal deficit means an additional Rs. 2 ● His observations follow the Union Budget
lakh crore that can be used as an speech in which Finance Minister
investment. NirmalaSitharaman said it was high time
● The Finance Secretary also said that one of India not only got integrated into the global
the reasons that the Reserve Bank of value chain of production of goods and
India’s rate cuts were not being transmitted services, but also became part of the global
by the banks was because they didn’t have financial system to mobilise global
enough liquidity left to adequately lend to savings, mostly institutionalised in
the private sector after accommodating pension, insurance and sovereign wealth
government borrowing. funds.
● Therefore, he said that the decision for the ● She also said the government would start
government to start borrowing overseas raising a part of its gross borrowing
was a good one because it would mean programme in foreign markets in external
currencies.

● Mr. Subramanian strongly advocated Taiwan defends U.S arms deal citing self defence
labour law reforms for more growth, citing ● Taiwan has defended the proposed
the case of Rajasthan. On the system of purchase of arms worth 2.2 billion dollars
extending assistance to small units, he from the US, following a Chinese
said it was necessary to support those announcement that it would impose
units that grew large as opposed to those sanctions on any American companies
that remained “dwarves.” involved in the deal.
India – Pakistan to meet at Wagah to discuss ● The Defence Ministry of Taiwan, in a
Kartarpur issue statement, said yesterday that US weapons
● Indian and Pakistani officials will meet at help strengthen Taiwan's self-defence in
the Attari-Wagah border on Sunday to the face of a growing military threat from
discuss issues, including ways to bridge China.
gaps related to the Kartarpur Corridor that ● China said that the arms sales would
is to be made operational by November, undermine its sovereignty and national
ahead of the commemoration of the 550th security and that it would impose
birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. sanctions on any US enterprises involved in
● The delegations will meet at Wagah in the deal.
Pakistan to discuss issues of connectivity ● The Trump administration announced the
at the Zero Point, number of pilgrims and proposed sale earlier in the week. It would
kind of travel documents to be allowed, include 108 Abrams tanks and 250 Stinger
government officials, speaking on surface-to-air missiles.China considers
condition of anonymity, said on Friday. Taiwan a part of its territory. The self-
● New Delhi had earlier conveyed to Pakistan governing island split from the mainland
its serious concern over the presence of a during a civil war in 1949.
leading Khalistani separatist in a Environment ministry brings in project to save
committee appointed by Islamabad for the Great Indian Bustard
project. ● With just 130 great Indian bustards left in
● The project is aimed at easing access for the country, the Centre has initiated a
Sikh pilgrims from India to visit project worth ₹33.85 crore for their
GurdwaraDarbar Sahib in Kartarpur in conservation and protection, the
Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Environment Ministry told LokSabha on
Nanak. Work on a four-lane highway on the Friday.
Indian side was in full swing, the officials ● Responding to a query on measures being
said. The four-lane highway connecting the taken to protect the Indian bustard, one of
Zero Point of the Kartarpur Corridor to the heaviest birds listed under critically
National Highway 354 is being constructed endangered species, Union Minister of
by the National Highways Authority of India State for Environment Babul Supriyo said
(NHAI). the ministry was providing funds to states
● India is constructing a bridge at the Zero and Union Territories for conservation and
Point and has urged Pakistan to build a protection of 21 critically endangered
similar bridge on its side to ensure safe and species, including the great Indian bustard.
secure movement of pilgrims and to ● “The important objective of this
address concerns regarding flooding, the programme is to build up captive
officials said. The bridge is over a creek, of population of great Indian bustard and to
which a major part falls in Pakistan. release the chicks in the wild for increasing

the population. Rajasthan, Gujarat and public domain for suggestions from all
Maharashtra are the important range stakeholders, including common people.
states involved in this programme,” said ● Launching the report, Dr Harshvardhan
the Minister. said, Centre proposes to implement the
● In the last four years, the government has blueprint as part of Prime Minister
released over Rs 7.9 crore to Maharashtra Narendra Modi's vision of 'New India’
and Rajasthan for conservation of great Loksabha passes National Investigation
Indian bustard under the CSS-IDWH. Agency(Amendment) Bill 2019
● A senior official of the WII, an organisation ● The Lok Sabha today passed the National
working on the Indian bustard breeding Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill,
project, said power lines are killing these 2019 making important changes to
birds and in order to increase their National Investigation Act 2008. The bill
population, their breeding has started. seeks to broaden the NIA’s powers and can
Ajay singh wins gold at commonwealth be seen as Government policy of zero
● Indian weightlifter Ajay Singh has won Gold tolerance against terrorism.
in 81 kg category at the Commonwealth ● The bill provides for a national-level agency
Championships in Apia, city of Samoa to investigate and prosecute offences
today. listed in a schedule (scheduled offences).
● 22 year old also created a new Further, it allows for creation of Special
Commonwealth record in the clean and Courts for the trial of scheduled offences.
jerk category by lifting more than double ● Amendment changes the type of offences
his body weight (190kg) to score vital that the NIA can investigate and prosecute.
points at the Olympic qualifying event. He Under the existing Act, the NIA can
also smashed the national record in the investigate offences under Acts such as
same category. the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the
● The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.
Championships bronze medallist had ● The latest amendments will enable the NIA
earlier pulled off a clean lift of 148kgs in to additionally investigate offences related
the snatch event, taking his total to 338kg. to human trafficking, counterfeit currency,
This is also Ajay's personal best. manufacture or sale of prohibited arms,
cyber-terrorism, and offences under the
National Digital Health Mission Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
● It also broadens NIA’s jurisdiction. Under
● A high-level committee formed by the
the Act, for the offences under its purview,
government has proposed setting up of a
NIA officers have the same power as other
National Digital Health Mission.
police officers and these extend across the
● The report of the committee entitled
country.
'National Digital Health Blueprint' was
● The Bill amends this to give NIA officers
released by Health Minister Dr
the power to investigate offences
Harshavardhan in NewDelhi today.
committed outside India subject to
● Both the Centre and state governments will
international treaties and domestic laws of
be the owners and stakeholders in the new
the countries.
organisation.
● The next change relates to the special trial
● A combination of GST-N and UIDAI models
courts for the offences that come under
of the institutional structure has been
NIA’s purview or the so-called “scheduled
proposed. The proposal has been put in the

offences”. The existing Act allows the 2019 were USD 18.68 billion registering a
Centre to constitute special courts for positive growth of 15.49 per cent in dollar
NIA’s trials. But the Bill enables the Central terms, vis-à-vis May 2018. Import of
government to designate sessions courts services in May 2019 were USD 12.49
as special courts for such trials. billion registering a positive growth of
India's Foreign Trade: June 2019 22.37 per cent in dollar terms vis-à-vis May
● India’s overall exports (Merchandise and 2018.
Services combined) in April-June 2019-20 ● The trade deficit for goods for June 2019
are estimated to be USD 137.26billion, was estimated at USD15.28billion as
exhibiting a positive growth of 3.14per cent against the deficit of USD16.60billion
over the same period last year. inJune 2018. The trade balance in Services
● Overall imports in April-June 2019-20 are (i.e. Net Services export) for May, 2019 is
estimated to be USD 164.50billion, estimated at USD6.19billion.
exhibiting a positive growth of 3.57per cent ● Taking merchandise and services together,
over the same period last year. overall trade deficit for April-June 2019-20
● Exports of goods(Merchandise Export) in is estimated at USD27.24billion as
June 2019 were USD25.01billion, as compared to USD25.75 billion in April-June
compared to USD27.70billion in June 2018, 2018-19.
exhibiting a negative growth of 9.71per Provisional Wholesale price Index for June 2019
cent. ● Wholesale Price Index for 'All
● In June 2019, major commodity groups of Commodities' (Base: 2011-12=100) for the
export showing positive growth over the month of June,2019 rose by 0.2% to 121.5
corresponding month of last year are Iron (provisional) from 121.2 (provisional) for
ore, Electronic goods, Ceramic products & the previous month.
glassware, Spices, Drugs & ● The index of Primary Articles rose by 1.4%
Pharmaceuticals. to 141.4 (provisional) from 139.5
● Imports of goods in June 2019 were (provisional) for the previous month.
USD40.29billion, which was 9.06per cent Among Primary articles, index for 'Food
lower in Dollar terms over imports of Articles' group rose by 1.1% to 151.7
USD44.30billion in June 2018. Major (provisional) from 150.1 (provisional) for
commodity groups of import showing the previous month.
negative growth in June 2019 over the ● The Index for Fuel and Power group
corresponding month of last year are declined by 1.3% to 102.1 (provisional)
Pearls & precious stones, Petroleum & from 103.4 (provisional) for the previous
crude products, Machinery, Coal and month.
Electronicgoods. ● The index for Manufactured Products
● Oil imports in June 2019 were remained unchanged at its previous month
USD11.03billion, which was 13.33 percent level of 118.4.
lower in Dollar terms, compared to Slowdown in China's Growth
USD12.73billion in June2018. The global ● China's growth slowdown to 6.2% in the
Brent price ($/bbl) has decreased by second quarter from 6.4% in the previous
15.81% in June 2019 vis-à-vis June 2018 as quarter..
per data available from World Bank. ● This is the lowest level since the first
● As per the latest press release by RBI dated quarter of 2009 in the aftermath of the
15thJuly 2019, export of services in May global financial crisis.

● This is the weakest growth rate in nearly accounts of 3 crores 56 lakh three
three decades for the world's second- thousand 344 beneficiaries as the first
largest economy, in the midst of a trade instalment.
war with the United States and weakening ● Earlier under PM-Kisan, landholding
global demand. farmer families having cultivable land up to
● The growth, however, was in line with the two hectares were provided direct income
government's annual target range of 6.0- support at the rate of six thousand rupees
6.5 per cent for the whole year, down from per year in three instalments of two
6.6 per cent growth China put up in 2018. thousand each.
European Powers calls to resolve Iran's Nuclear ● The ambit of the scheme has been
Crisis. expanded to cover all farmers in the
● Three key European powers VIZ Britain , country irrespective of the size of their
France and Germany have called for landholdings. With this, the expected
dialogue and an end to the escalation over expenditure of the scheme for the financial
Iran's nuclear programme, amid tensions year 2019-20 has been revised to over
between Iran and the USA. 87,217 crore rupees.
● The three European powers were among ● Government has also approved a pension
the key players in the 2015 deal known as scheme for all Small and Marginal Farmers
the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on in the country.The scheme provides for
Iran's nuclear programme. payment of a minimum fixed pension of
● But last year, US President Donal Trump three thousand rupees per month to the
announced withdrawal from the Nuclear eligible farmers on attaining the age of 60
deal with Iran. years with minimal or no savings.
England wins ICC World Cup Final. ● Over 1.28 Lakhs Gram Panchayats linked
● England wins ICC World Cup 2019 with optical fibre under Bharat Net
surpassing New Zealand on number of ● Union Panchayat Raj Minister Narendra
boundaries scored. Singha Tomar informed Lok Sabha today
● Scores were tied after regular 50 overs and that over one lakh 28 thousand Gram
Super Over. But England was judged Panchayats have been linked with optical
winners based on the Boundary Rule. fibre under Bharat Net programme .
● This is England's first World Cup Win. ● These Panchayats are uploading
● England’s Ben Stokes has been declared photographic evidence of the works taken
Man of the Match and New Zealand up by them and assistance given to
captain, Kane Williamson was declared beneficiaries.
Man of the series. ● In reply during the Question Hour, the
Minister said two lakh 19 thousand Gram
PM KISAN Scheme Panchayats have uploaded their
Development plan and the details of 16
● The government today said three crores
lakh works taken up by them are on the
ten lakh 77 thousand 444 beneficiaries
website ensuring transparency.
have received the second instalment under
India permits sugar export to US
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.
● The government has permitted the export
● In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Agriculture
of 1,239 tonnes raw sugar under its tariff-
and Farmer Welfare Minister Narendra
rate quota (TRQ) to the US, which enables
Singh Tomar said around 7,121 crore
shipments to enjoy relatively low tariff.
rupees is already credited into the bank

● TRQ is a quota for a volume of exports that government-led effort to defeat the deadly
enter the US at relatively low tariffs. After disease.
the quota is reached, a higher tariff applies ● The meeting was chaired by the WHO
on additional imports. Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom
● Directorate General of Foreign Trade in a Ghebreyesus and UN Under-Secretary-
public notice said that additional quantity General for Humanitarian Affairs and
of 1,239 tonnes of raw cane sugar to be Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark
exported to US under TRQ up to September Lowcock.
30, 2019 has been notified. ● The first case of Ebola was confirmed in
● The country enjoys duty-free sugar exports Goma, a city of about one million people
to the US for up to 10,000 tonnes annually south of the outbreak's epicentre.
under preferential quota arrangement. ● Almost 3,000 health workers have so far
WPI declines in June been vaccinated against the disease in
● Wholesale price-based inflation declined Goma. More than 1,650 people have died in
for the second consecutive month to its 23- the current outbreak, while about 12 new
month low of 2.02 per cent in June, helped cases are reported every day.
by a decline in prices of vegetables as well Over 820 million people suffering from hunger:
as fuel and power items. UN Report
● According to official data released today, ● UN report has said, more than 821 million
the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based people suffered from hunger worldwide
inflation was at 2.45 per cent in May. last year. It is the third year in a row that the
● It was 5.68 per cent in June last year. number has risen.
Inflation in food articles basket eased ● The report named, 'The State of Food
marginally to 6.98 per cent in June from Security and Nutrition in the World',
6.99 per cent in May. produced by the UN Food and Agriculture
● Vegetable inflation softened to 24.76 per Organization and other UN agencies,
cent in June, down from 33.15 per cent in including WHO, was released on Monday.
the previous month.Inflation in the fuel and ● It noted that the number of people without
power category cooled substantially to enough to eat had risen from 811 million in
minus 2.20 percent from 0.98 per cent last 2017 and getting to a world where no one
month. is suffering from hunger remains an
● Manufactured items too saw a decline in immense challenge.
prices with inflation at 0.94 per cent in ● The report said, after decades of decline,
June, against 1.28 per cent in May.WPI malnutrition began to increase in 2015,
inflation data for April has been revised mainly because of climate change and war.
upwards to 3.24 percent from provisional Reversing the trend is one of the 2030
3.07 per cent. targets of the UN's Sustainable
UN hold high level meeting on Ebola Outbreak in Development Goals which aim to improve
Congo the planet and its people.
● Almost a year after the outbreak of Ebola Launching the Broadband Readiness Index for
was declared in eastern Congo, the UN has Indian States and Union Territories (2019-2022)
held a high-level meeting in Geneva to take ● The Department of Telecom (DoT) and the
stock of the coordinated response and Indian Council for Research on
galvanize further support for the International Economic Relations (ICRIER)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding

ttp://iasexamportal.com/SK-2000
For Details Visit: h
(MoU) to develop a Broadband Readiness Inzamam steps down as Pak selector

Index (BRI) for Indian States and Union ● Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq
Territories (UT). The first estimate will be has decided to step down as Pakistan chief
made in 2019 and subsequently every year selector. Speaking at a press conference in
until 2022. Lahore, Inzamam said that he would not
● The National Digital Communication seek an extension or renewal of his
Policy (NDCP) 2018 acknowledged the contract, which is due to expire by the end
need for building a robust digital of this month.
communications infrastructure leveraging ● He, however, made it clear that he was
existing assets of the broadcasting and ready to take up any new job that the
power sectors including collaborative Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offered him.
models involving state, local bodies and ● Inzamam came under severe criticism as
the private sector. the chief selector after Pakistan failed to
● Accordingly, the policy recommended that qualify for the knockouts in the recently
a BRI for States and UTs be developed to concluded ICC Cricket World Cup.
attract investments and address Right of
Way(RoW) challenges across India. Centre along with Assam seek for re
● This index will appraise the condition of verification of sample NRC
the underlying digital infrastructure and
related factors at the State/UT level. Such ● The Centre and the State of Assam on
an exercise will provide useful insights into Tuesday made an urgent mention before
strategic choices made by States for the Chief Justice of India for an extension
investment allocations in ICT programmes. of the deadline for final publication of the
● The framework will not only evaluate a National Register of Citizens (NRC) for the
state’s relative development but will also State from July 31, 2019 to a “future date”.
allow for a better understanding of a ● In identical but separate applications, the
state’s strengths and weaknesses that can Centre and Assam urged the court for more
feed into evidence-based policy making. time to conduct a “sample re-verification
● The BRI consists of two parts. Part I will process” in relation to names included in
focus on infrastructure development the draft NRC published on July 30, 2018.
based on the measurement of nine ● They said a 20% sample re-verification of
parameters. names included in the draft NRC of July 30
● Part II consists of demand side should be conducted in districts bordering
parameters which will be captured through Bangladesh and a 10% sample re-
primary surveys. It will include indicators verification should be held in the remaining
such as percentage of households using districts of Assam.
computers/ laptops with internet ● Both the Centre and the State said the re-
connection, the percentage of households verification exercise should be conducted
with fixed broadband connection, internet by Class 1 officers of the State government
users as a percentage of the population, from other districts who have knowledge
smart phones density, percentage of and experience of handling the process of
households with at least one digitally enquiry/investigation.
literate member, etc. ● The applications further sought an order
● The Primary survey will be conducted that the sample re-verification should be
annually until 2022. undertaken at a place different from where

the NRC exercise happened. The Assam ● The demographic change India is going
government agreed that this would cut out through, coupled with the banking
the possibility of local influences, infrastructure being put in place, stands to
bias/threat, etc. greatly increase savings in the country,
● The draft NRC list, published on July 30, Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy
2018, had included 2,89,83,677 persons as Subramanian said on Tuesday.
Indian citizens but found 40,70,707 ● Mr. Subramanian also said India needs to
persons ineligible. The Centre said remove out of the mindset of being
verification should be done for both apologetic for profit, as long as they are
inclusions and exclusions. legally obtained.
NGT asks states & UT’s to report on biomedical ● As life expectancy increases, people
waste generation realise that they must begin saving by at
● The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has least 40 years because they will live for
directed all States and Union Territories to much longer now.
furnish a report on the amount of ● “And, as people have fewer children, they
biomedical waste generated and asked will realise they need to save because their
them to set up common treatment and children might not be able to take care of
disposal facilities, if not done yet. them,” Mr. Subramanian added. This shift
● A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson will be enabled by the Jan Dhan Yojana,
Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed the which is creating the necessary banking
District Magistrates across States to infrastructure, especially in rural India.
monitor compliance of the biomedical ● The CEA also spoke about the importance
waste management rules, twice a month. of digitisation in the banking space and
● Stating that a District Environment Plan how it stands to greatly increase the reach
needs to be in place across the country, the of savings and credit instruments.
green panel further said that the plan can However, he added that this digitisation
be operated by district committees needs to be accompanied by greater digital
comprising representatives from the literacy.
respective panchayats, local bodies, ● “I don’t know why people are apologetic
regional officers and State pollution about profits,” Mr. Subramanian said. “If
control boards. you are working within the law and are
● “We place on record our disapproval of the helping the economy grow, then profits are
inaction of States in furnishing the good!”
inventory studies as well as for incomplete Market experts conclude auto sector to face a
inventories. The States which have not yet volatile year
constituted state-level advisory committee ● Tyre major MRF Ltd. expects the current
may also do so within two months. The year to be a tumultuous one for the auto
action plans and their execution must be sector on account of various regulatory
carried out having regard to the key changes and the switch over to BS-VI
performance indicators,” the Bench said. norms.
● The Bench warned States of imposing ● The Indian automotive industry is at an
environmental compensation if the orders inflection point where both opportunities
are not complied with. and challenges abound in equal measure.
CEA urges for demographic changes & banking The coming year will be witness to several
infrastructure to help savings grow landmark disruptions and changes in the

auto industry which will shape the direction Srilanka accuses international drug dealers over
of future events in the industry, MRF said. easter attacks
● Asserting that these short-term hiccups ● Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena
would have to be factored in by automobile has asserted that international drug
firms and tyre manufacturers, he said that dealers were behind the Easter Sunday
the uncertainty over the next six months attacks as he continued with his anti-drug
would be further compounded by low drive.
consumer sentiments, resulting in ● Addressing a programme in Nuwara Eliya
inventory build-up and all OE (original on Monday, Mr Sirisena said drug barons
equipment) manufacturers aligning carried out the attack to discredit him and
production in line with demand. discourage his anti-narcotics drive.
● While anticipating an increase in scooter ● He said, illegal drug trafficking is the
prices (due to BS-VI norms), volatile fuel simplest and easiest way to destroy a
prices and rising insurance costs, the country but added that he will not be
company said that there could be some deterred.
uncertainties around how the complete ● The comments came as the President has
impact of BS-VI norms will play out during taken a tough stand against drug
the next fiscal year. traffickers and ordered death penalty be
● Compliance with BS-VI norms will require implemented for four accused but the
higher investment by automakers in matter has been stayed by court amidst
technology to upgrade vehicles in stock opposition by some political parties and
and in making new vehicles. This will also international organizations.
mean significantly reduced launches till the ● Investigations so far have revealed that
new norms come into force, effective April the Easter Sunday attacks were carried out
1, 2020, MRF said. by local fundamentalist groups though ISIS
North Korea warns U.S-South Korea's mock drills had claimed responsibility for it.
might affect nuclear talks ● Over 260 people, including 45 foreigners,
● North Korea on Tuesday said looming US- were killed in coordinated attacks on
South Korea military drills could impact the churches and hotels across the country.
proposed resumption of nuclear talks NGT asks CPCB to close down polluting
between Pyongyang and Washington, and industries
hinted that it could reconsider its ● Stating that economic development
moratorium on nuclear testing. cannot take place at the cost of public
● It was the first statement from Pyongyang health, the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
on the talks since US President Donald has directed the Central Pollution Control
Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Board (CPCB) to shut down all polluting
Un agreed to their resumption at an industries in “critically polluted” and
impromptu meeting in the Demilitarized “severely polluted” areas within three
Zone in June, after months of deadlock months.
between the two sides. ● A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson
● The joint drills have been held for years but Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed the
were scaled down to facilitate dialogue apex pollution control board to assess the
with North Korea after Trump's historic quantum of compensation to be recovered
first summit with Kim in Singapore last from polluting units for the period of last
year.

five years, in coordination with the would like to see this institution in the
respective State pollution control boards. decades ahead.
● The Ministry of Environment, Forests and ● In this context, the CJI said the court and
Climate Change was directed to take all its constituents should revamp existing
requisite steps for the enforcement of the methodologies and revisit conventional
action plans. wisdom and traditions.
● The directions came after the NGT took Centre clears bill amending medical education
cognisance of a media report which stated sector in India
that the CPCB was ranking 88 industrial ● In a move to bring sweeping changes to the
clusters across the country based on their medical education sector, the Centre plans
pollution levels. to introduce the National Medical
● The NGT, however, clarified that non- Commission (NMC) Bill in this session of
polluting industries will not be affected by Parliament and repeal the Indian Medical
this order. Council Act, 1956.
● The Union Cabinet approved a revised
CJI wants judiciary to revisit conventional version of the Bill on Wednesday, almost
wisdom two years after the original version was
introduced in Parliament in December
● Chief Justice of India RanjanGogoi on 2017.
Wednesday said great institutions like the ● The 2017 Bill, which had provoked
judiciary should be on their guard against widespread protests over a proposal for
the “wicked and the vile,” who work in their bridge courses to allow AYUSH
dark recesses to weaken them in a practitioners to prescribe allopathic
deceptive manner. medicines, was referred to a Parliamentary
● The Chief Justice was speaking at the Standing Committee and amended to
inauguration of the state-of-the-art remove that contentious initiative.
Additional Building Complex of the However, it lapsed with the dissolution of
Supreme Court. On the occasion, the Court the 16th LokSabha.
also launched the translation of 100 of its ● The current Bill proposes to convert the
English judgments in seven other final year MBBS examination into a
languages. licentiate exam, which will be a
● In his address, the CJI said it is time for requirement for doctors to practise
stakeholders to introspect their respective medicine. The Bill also proposes to unify all
roles in order to successfully engage in the entrance procedures to enforce common
process of nation-building. standards.
● “The threat from such people has always ● Under the Bill, the NMC will have four
been the greatest to institutions like the autonomous Boards — Undergraduate
judiciary, which does not pander to any Medical Education Board, Post-Graduate
particular interest or bow to powerful Medical Education Board, Medical
coteries that breed in the nooks and dark Assessment and Rating Board, and Ethics
corners,” the CJI said. and Medical Registration Board.
● The Chief Justice also said there is a dire ● The Commission would also be
need for introspection among the responsible for regulating fees and all
stakeholders as to where and how they other charges for 50% of the seats in

private medical colleges and deemed the central bank’s reserves can be
universities. transferred to the Centre.
Cabinet clears amendments to bankruptcy code ● The government view has been that the
● The Union Cabinet on Wednesday RBI’s reserves constitute 27% of its total
approved amendments to the Insolvency assets, a much higher proportion than the
and Bankruptcy Code, placing a greater global norm of 14%.
emphasis on more time-bound resolution ● The committee was to keep in mind the
and laying down voting rules of the statutory mandate under the RBI Act that
financial creditors. the profits of the RBI be transferred to the
● Among the amendments approved is the government after it made provisions ‘which
one that mandates a deadline for the are usually provided by the bankers’.
completion of the resolution process ● The treatment of the RBI’s reserves is a
within 330 days, including all litigation and matter of great importance at a time when
judicial processes. the central government has committed to a
● “Votes of all financial creditors covered fiscal deficit target of 3.3% in financial year
under Section 21(6A) shall be cast in 2019-20, and a further tightening to 3%
accordance with the decision approved by next year.
the highest voting share [more than 50%] of ● With tax revenues falling short of
financial creditors on present and voting expectations, any off-Budget receipts from
basis,” the release added. the RBI will be welcomed by the Centre.
● Another amendment allows for creditors Saudi intercepts drones by Yemeni rebels
who voted against the majority to receive a ● The Saudi military says it has intercepted a
minimum liquidation value. This decision drone launched at the kingdom's southern
would have retrospective effect in cases border by Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen.
where the resolution plan has not yet been Col. Turki al-Maliki, a military spokesman,
finalised or has been appealed against. was quoted in the state-run Saudi Press
● The Amendment Bill also states that the Agency today as saying the drone was
resolution plan will be binding on all the launched by the Houthi rebels from
stakeholders, including governments, to Yemen's Governorate of Sanaa toward the
whom a debt is owed. Saudi city of Jizan.
BimalJalan committee to recommend for transfer ● A Saudi-led coalition allied with Yemen's
of RBI reserves Government has been at war with the
● The BimalJalan Committee on treatment Houthis since 2015. The fighting has killed
of Reserve Bank of India’s reserves is likely tens of thousands of Yemenis, with Saudi-
to recommend a transfer of a specified led airstrikes blamed for many civilian
quantum of RBI reserves to the deaths.
government over two or three tranches ● Late yesterday, al-Maliki had announced
over the next few years, an official in the the interception of three other Houthi
Finance Ministry said. The committee will drones launched at Saudi cities near
submit its report in 10-15 days, the official Yemen's border. Bomb-laden drones
said, following the final meeting of the launched by the Houthis have killed a
committee on Wednesday. civilian and wounded others in Saudi
● The government and the RBI have been at Arabia in recent weeks.
loggerheads over the issue of how much of ICJ asks Pakistan to review kulbhushan jadhav
verdict

● In a major verdict that accepted India’s plea ● The IMD routinely updates ‘normal’ rain
that former Indian naval officer every 10-12 years but the changes can take
KulbhushanJadhav’s trial under espionage nearly 5 years to reflect in the agency’s
and terror charges in Pakistan violated official forecasts.
international law, the International Court of ● This time the change could be reflected by
Justice ruled that Pakistan should “review 2021 after taking into account the
and reconsider” his conviction and death monsoon rainfall from 1970-2020, a senior
sentence. meteorologist connected to IMD's forecast
● The court, based at The Hague in the process told.
Netherlands, also ruled that Pakistan ● This year the monsoon has been 16% short
should give the Indian government over India so far, largely due to a shortfall
consular access to Mr.Jadhav, something in June. It has improved in July and the IMD
Pakistan has failed to do in the three years has forecast a pick-up in the coming days
since his arrest, and to stay the execution due to a ‘monsoon pulse’ in Southern India.
of his sentence, pending the review Kerala, the Konkan coast, Odisha and
process. Madhya Pradesh will see heavy rainfall.
● The verdict was welcomed by Prime Hima Das wins gold in Tabor Athletics meet
Minister NarendraModi, the government ● Star Indian sprinter Hima Das clinched her
and by leaders across the political fourth gold in a fortnight as she won the
spectrum. External Affairs S. Jaishankar 200m race with a credible timing in the
said that he had spoken to Mr.Jadhav’s Tabor Athletics Meet in Czech Republic
family after the verdict was delivered, and yesterday.
“applauded their courage.” ● Hima won the race in 23.25 seconds, which
● The Pakistan government claimed a victory had a mediocre field with most of the
of sorts, pointing out that the court had not competitors representing clubs of Czech
accepted India’s submissions asking for Republic.
cancellation of the Pakistani verdict, and to ● In men's 400m, Muhammad Anas won in
direct Mr.Jadhav’s release. “Commander 45.40 seconds, while compatriots Tom
Jadhav shall remain in Pakistan. He shall Noah Nirmal came second with a season-
be treated in accordance with the laws of best effort of 46.59 seconds. KS Jeevan
Pakistan,” tweeted Foreign Minister Shah was third with a timing of 46.60 seconds
MehmoodQureshi. and MP Jabir finished fourth in 47.16
IMD plans to review quantity of normal monsoon seconds.
rain
● The India Meteorological Department SEBI opposes centre’s move to transfer
(IMD) is likely to revise downward by 2% surplus to consolidated fund
the quantity of ‘normal’ monsoonal rain,
two independent sources confirmed. ● The government’s proposal to transfer
● Currently, 89 cm of monsoon rain from surplus money with the Securities and
June to September is considered ‘normal’, Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to the
more technically, the long period average Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) has met
(LPA), and this is derived from the average with strong opposition from the regulatory
rainfall that the country got from 1960- body.
2010. ● The capital markets regulator feels that the
proposal would result in compromising its

“autonomy and its ability to function Mr. Subramanian said, was how India can,
effectively” towards the progress and right now, grow at the same rate as it did in
development of the Indian securities the pre-1980 Hindu rate of growth period,
market. when the economic condition was clearly
● The government has proposed an much worse.
amendment to the SEBI Act, which states ● Further, he said, the 4.5% growth rate was
that the SEBI would constitute a reserve all the more impressive because the size of
fund and 25% of the annual surplus of the the economy now is five times of what it
general fund would be put in the reserve was in the 1980s. “Most impressively, a
fund. Further, the size of such reserve fund 4.5% growth rate is a notable achievement
cannot exceed the total annual expenditure in the current, post-Global Financial Crisis
of the preceding two financial years. world,” he added.
● More importantly, the surplus of the ● He argued that this benchmark of 8% failed
general fund, after factoring in all the SEBI to take into account a number of factors
expenses and the transfer to the reserve that took effect in the years following the
fund, needs to be transferred to the CFI as boom years, such as the twin balance
per amendments proposed in the Finance sheet (TBS) problem, the export collapse,
Bill, 2019. rising oil prices, loss of macroeconomic
● The general fund of the SEBI, which stability under UPA-II, drought in 2014-15,
currently has a balance of over Rs. 3,000 and finally, demonetisation.
crore, is used to meet the expenses of the India urges UN member states to take action
regulatory body, including salaries and against Hafiz Saeed
allowances. The fund gets money via ● India today said effective action against
charges that the SEBI levies on market 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind
participants in the form of registration or Hafiz Saeed and his terrorist organizations
processing fees. is an obligation on the part of all UN
Ex-CEA says India might have to revise growth Member states, including Pakistan.
rates ● External Affairs Ministry spokesperson
● India may have to revise downwards what Raveesh Kumar told media in New Delhi
is considered its “potential” rate of growth that this is not the first time Hafiz Saeed
from 7-8% to bring expectations more in has been arrested or detained, and it
line with reality, former Chief Economic remains to be seen whether Saeed will be
Adviser (CEA) Arvind Subramanian has tried and sentenced for his terrorist
argued in a paper. activities this time.
● This paper comes as a follow-up to the one ● He said Pakistan’s sincerity to take action
Mr. Subramanian published last month, in against terrorists and terror groups will be
which he argued that India’s GDP growth in judged on the basis of their ability to
the 2011-17 period had been demonstrate verifiable, credible and
overestimated by 2.5 percentage points irreversible actions against terrorists and
and that the actual growth rate was about to disrupt and dismantle terror groups
4.5%. operating from their soil. He hoped that
● The original paper drew a lot of criticism this time Hafiz Saeed will genuinely be
over its methodology and assertions. The brought to justice.
follow-up paper is an attempt to address ● India has long maintained that the United
those criticisms. The first question raised, Nations Security Council 1267 provisions

pertaining to listing and proion of known ● While each group of organisms face
terrorist entities and individuals must be specific threats, human behaviour,
effectively and sincerely enforced by all including overfishing and deforestation,
member states. He also carries a reward of was the biggest driver of plummeting
10 million dollars under US law. populations.
India confirms close monitoring of peace efforts ● “Nature is declining at rates unprecedented
in Afghanistan in human history,” said IUCN acting
● India is closely following the developments director general Grethel Aguilar. “We must
related to the peace and reconciliation wake up to the fact that conserving
efforts in Afghanistan as a close neighbour nature’s diversity is in our interest.”
and an important stakeholder in the ● Wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes, known
country. collectively as Rhino Rays due to their
● Talking to media in New Delhi today elongated snouts, are now the most
afternoon, External Affairs Ministry imperilled marine families on Earth.
spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said US side ● The False Shark Ray is on the brink of
briefs India on their talks with Afghanistan extinction after overfishing in the waters
from time to time. off Mauritania saw its population collapse
● He said India will exchange views by 80% in the last 45 years. Seven species
tomorrow with the Special Representative of primate are closer to extinction on the
from Germany who is responsible for intra- new list, including the Roloway Monkey of
Afghan dialogue. Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, with fewer than
● Mr Kumar added that India believes that all 2,000 individuals left in the wild.
initiatives and processes must include all ● More than 500 deep-sea bony fish and
sections of the Afghan society, including molluscs have been added to the list for the
the legitimately elected government. first time posing something of a
● He said that any process should respect conservation conundrum as the space they
the constitutional legacy and political inhabit — 1,000 metres beneath the surface
mandate and should not lead to any — is often beyond national boundaries.
ungoverned spaces where terrorists and
their proxies can relocate. Plea in Supreme Court for proper
● He said India has supported a national identification of minorities
peace and reconciliation process which is
Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan ● The Supreme Court on Friday asked the
controlled. Attorney-General of India to be served a
More than 7000 species added to IUCN red list copy of a writ petition filed by advocate
● Mankind’s destruction of nature is driving AshwiniUpadhyay, who is seeking
species to the brink of extinction at an directions to the government to either
“unprecedented” rate, the International frame guidelines for identification of
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) minorities at States’ level or, in the
warned on Thursday, as it added more than alternative, to “declare Hindus as ‘Minority’
7,000 animals, fish and plants to its for States where they are real minority”.
endangered “Red List”. ● A Bench led by Chief Justice of India
● The group has now assessed more than RanjanGogoi was hearing the petitioner,
1,05,000 species worldwide, around 28,000 represented by senior advocate
of which risk extinction. MukulRohatgi, challenging a notification

issued on October 23, 1993 under the stressed that the amendment has ensured
“unbridled powers” of Section 2(c) of the transparency in the appointment of
National Commission for Minorities Act of Chairman and members of the
1992. Commission and will help fill all the
● The petition said the October 1993 vacancies. The OBCs and minorities rights,
notification declared Muslims, Christians, he added, have been protected by the
Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis as ‘Minority’ Government.
community without conducting any study, International energy agency praises Ujjawala
research or homework. scheme
● According to the petition minority benefits ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ujjwala
are given to religious communities in scheme for providing free cooking gas
certain States where they are in fact a connection to poor came in for praise from
majority, whereas religious communities the International Energy Agency (IEA). The
which are actually minorities in those Agency said it is a major achievement in
States are not even given equal status. improving the environment and health of
● “Denial of minority rights to real minorities women.
and arbitrary/unreasonable disbursement ● Speaking at a conference in New Delhi, IEA
of minority benefits to the majority, Executive Director FatihBirol said,
infringes upon fundamental right to providing access to LPG across India by
prohibition of discrimination,” the petition 2020 is a major achievement. Mr Birol said
said. it is not an energy issue, it is an economic
LokSabha passes protection of human rights issue and it is a social issue.
(amendment)bill 2019 ● Launched by Modi on May 1, 2016, in Ballia,
● The Protection of Human Uttar Pradesh,
Rights(Amendment) Bill 2019 has been PradhanMantriUjjwalaYojana (PMUY) aims
passed by voice vote in LokSabha today. to safeguard the health of women and
● In his reply in the House, the Minister of children by providing free cooking gas
State for Home Affairs NityanandRai said (LPG) connection to poor families.
that the Government is sensitive to the Centre seeks response from Indigo for
rights of humanity and is committed to misgovernance
strengthen Human Rights Commission in ● The government has sought a response
the country. from IndiGo on allegations of corporate
● He negated the allegation that India’s misgovernance levelled by its co-promoter
Human Rights Commission has lost its RakeshGangwal, the airline informed the
good grade and informed that it is given ‘A’ stock exchanges on Friday.
grade by the international agency. ● “The company has received a
● Saying that it was Prime Minister communication from the Ministry of
NarendraModi who suggested to increase Corporate Affairs (MCA), Office of the
the presence of civil Society in the Registrar of Companies requiring the
Commission, the minister emphasised that company to furnish certain
every section of the society has now information/explanations pursuant to
received representation. Section 206 (4) of the Companies Act,
● He further added that they are not for 2013, in relation to complaint dated July 8,
Human rights of terrorists and perpetrators 2019 received from Mr.Gangwal, co-
of sexual crime but of the victims. He founder and director of the company. The

What you will get:
Price of the Kit:
● 800+ Pages (5 Books)
Rs. 3,000
● All Old and new NCERT Important Material for UPSC Exam
● From Class-6 to Class-12 Compilation Rs. 1,499/-
(Limited time Offer)
● The Gist of NCERT History (Old & New)
● The Gist of NCERT Indian Polity (Old & New)
● The Gist of NCERT Geography (Old & New)
● The Gist of NCERT General Science (Old & New)
● The Gist of NCERT Indian Economy (Old & New)
● Practice MCQ included in every Booklet
● IAS Planner (PDF Copy)
● UPSC PRE 10 Year Solved Papers (PDF Copy)

FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE
company will respond to MCA within the advantage of the cooperation of

prescribed period,” IndiGo said. participating nations for coordination and
● The airline is witnessing a battle of sorts enhanced maritime domain awareness
with Mr.Gangwal seeking the Securities and surveillance.
and Exchange Board of India’s intervention India-Srilanka sign agreement to upgrade
in the matter relating to ‘unusual rights’ railways
available with another promoter, Rahul ● Sri Lanka has signed an agreement with
Bhatia, allegedly leading to governance India to upgrade tracks in a key railway
problems. segment connecting the north and south at
● He had also raised an issue with the a cost of $ 91.26 million.
businesses conducted between IndiGo and ● This is the first time in 100 years that the
Mr. Bhatia’s InterGlobe Enterprises. 130 km-long-tracks, running from Maho
● Mr. Bhatia, though, had called these town in the North Western Province to
charges “hot air” and an attempt to dilute Omanthai in the Northern Province, are
his controlling rights.Amid this tussle, the being upgraded.
IndiGo board is headed for a stormy meet ● The contract agreement for concessional
on Friday to finalise June quarter results. financing was signed in Colombo on July
U.S to increase surveillance in middle east 18 between the Government of Sri Lanka
● The United States announced yesterday and IRCON International Ltd., represented
that the US Central Command(CENTCOM) respectively by ArjunaRanatunga, Minister
is developing a multinational maritime of Transport and Civil Aviation, and Sunil
effort to increase surveillance of and Kumar Choudhury, Chairman & Managing
security in key waterways in the Middle Director, IRCON.
East. ● The terms of the agreement, as in earlier
● The effort, christened as Operation Lines of Credit extended by India to Sri
Sentinel, comes a day after the US said it Lanka, include an interest rate of 1.75 %,
destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of with a grant element of 31.37 %, and a
Hormuz after it came within threatening repayment period of 20 years, with a five-
range. Iran has denied that its drone has year moratorium, according to official
been downed. sources.
● The US Central Command said in a ● The agreement comes as part of India’s
statement that it is developing a ongoing support to further develop Sri
multinational maritime effort to ensure Lankan railways. New Delhi has so far
freedom of navigation in light of recent committed Lines of Credit worth $1.3
events in the Arabian Gulf region. billion for development of the sector in the
● The goal of Operation Sentinel is to island, including restoration of an arterial
promote maritime stability, ensure safe railway line that was destroyed during civil
passage and de-escalate tensions in war, and the island’s southern railway line
international waters throughout the that was hit by the 2004 tsunami.
Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el- Highlands of Kaziranga saves animals from flood
Mandeb Strait (BAM) and the Gulf of Oman, ● Kaziranga National Park (KNP)’s man-
it said. made highlands have turned into islands of
● CENTCOM said, this maritime security relative safety for the park’s animals as
framework will enable nations to provide large parts of Assam remain inundated by
escort to their flagged vessels while taking flood waters.

● Among the handful of species that have “bound to be solved”. The Minister is in
taken refuge in these patches of higher Jammu and Kashmir on the 20th
ground are the one-horned rhino and the anniversary of the Kargil War.
water buffalo, while most other animals ● Referring to his appeals of talks to
have moved to the hills of KarbiAnglong separatists during the NDA government’s
district just beyond a highway that runs previous tenure, Mr. Singh said the Hurriyat
along the southern fringe of the park. had shut its door on the members of the
● Two decades ago, the Assam Forest delegation. “The new government’s focus
Department constructed 111 highlands as is only on speedy development and
an experiment. It helped keep a few prosperity of J&K,” he said.
animals above the water level but served ● The Defence Minister paid tributes to the
little purpose when 75% or more of the park soldiers killed in the 1999 Kargil War at a
was flooded. memorial in Drass Sector.
● In 2017, the park authorities started work ● He was accompanied by Union Minister
on 33 more highlands that were bigger in Jitendra Singh, Chief of the Army Staff
dimension. “The older ones were 100x40 General BipinRawat and General Officer
metres in area and 4 metres high,” said Commanding-in-Chief (Northern
Rohini B. Saikia, KNP’s Divisional Forest Command) Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, said a
Officer. “The newer ones are 100x50 Defence spokesman.
metres and 5 metres high,” Mr.Saikia ● The Defence Minister also visited Veer
added. Bhoomi and the Hut of Remembrance,
● The new highlands, constructed at a cost which are located on the memorial
of ₹13 crore, were designed scientifically premises.
with provision for adequate grass, and ● Mr. Singh also dedicated to the nation a
plants yielding fruits such as elephant Memory Lane, which displays information
apple and Indian gooseberry, said State on a few important battles that took place
Forest Minister ParimalSuklabaidya. in Kargil. He later interacted with the
Indian men & women teams wins at soldiers deployed in the sector.
commonwealth table tennis More wellness centres under Ayushman Bharat
● In Commonwealth Table Tennis scheme
Championship held in Cuttack today, India ● 20 thousand wellness centres will be
made a record by winning gold in both completed by the end of the current year
men’s and women’s category. under Ayushman Bharat programme.
● The Indian men won the final match ● This was stated by the Health and Family
defeating England 3-2. The Indian women Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in
team defeated England 3-0 in final match. Hyderabad yesterday, he said that a total of
The Indian women team won the gold for 1.5 lakh wellness centres are to be
the first time in the history in the established in the country under this
commonwealth games. programme.
● Addressing scientists and officials of CSIR
Defence ministry assures solving Kashmir laboratories Dr Harsh Vardhan termed the
issue Ayushman Bharat programme as a
successful model in implementing
● Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on universal health.
Saturday said the Kashmir problem was

● He asked them to work in a proactive and India’s Forex reserves fall in mid-July
out of box manner to reduce sufferings of ● India's foreign exchange reserves declined
people, especially those with rare and by USD 1.113 billion to USD 428.797 billion
genetic diseases. He asked the scientists in the week to July 12 - the first fall after
to work in a focused manner so that the four consecutive weeks of gains - due to a
results of the research reach people. fall in foreign currency assets.
● The minister further said the government ● According to the latest weekly RBI data,
has set a target of eradicating foreign currency assets, which are a major
Tuberculosis from the country by 2025. He component of the overall reserves, slipped
also informed that the new National by USD 1.11 billion to USD 399.697 billion.
Medical Council Bill will be introduced in ● The central bank said that despite ongoing
Parliament on Monday. massive rally in gold prices, the country's
Govt.to discuss SME loan issue with foreign gold reserves remained unchanged at USD
players 24.304 billion.
● The government is in talks with foreign ● It stated that the Special drawing rights
lenders to provide $14.5 billion in credit to with the International Monetary Fund fell by
millions of small firms, two officials said. USD 1.2 million to USD 1.450 billion. The
● The government is in discussions with country's reserve position with the fund
multiple foreign lenders, including also declined by USD 1.5 million to USD
Germany’s state-owned development bank 3.345 billion.
KfW Group, the World Bank and some Chinese envoy confirms no disruption of relations
Canadian institutions to extend lines of with India for individual cases
credit to small enterprises, one of the ● China's new Ambassador to India Sun
officials, who did not want to be identified, Weidong has said that China and India
told Reuters. should not allow any individual case at
● KfW’s India office confirmed the certain times to disrupt the bilateral
discussions, though the main focus was on relations and take more initiatives to move
credit lines to support small businesses’ forward the bilateral ties.
solar power generation. The talks were at ● Talking to media in Beijing, Mr Sun
an early stage, KfW said. Weidong said under the strategic guidance
● The World Bank’s India spokesperson did provided by XiJinping and Mr Modi at their
not reply to an email seeking comment. first informal summit in Wuhan last year,
The official said the government plans to the China-India relations have gathered a
source up to Rs. 1 lakh crore of loans from very good and sound momentum of
foreign institutions because Indian banks development.
were not in a position to provide enough ● In an apparent reference to the CPEC and
capital for the small business sector, which the Belt and Road Initiative( BRI), Mr Sun
is seen as critical to job creation. said both the countries should not allow
● State-owned banks have not been able to individual cases to disrupt ties.
drive increased lending because they are ● Outlining various initiatives taken by India
burdened with more than $145 billion in and China, including the appointment of
bad loans. Last month, a study by an RBI Special Representatives in 2003 to address
panel said the overall deficit in credit for the boundary dispute, Sun said an early
the MSME sector is estimated at about Rs. settlement of the boundary issue is in line
20-25 lakh crore. with the interests of the two countries.

India asks Iran to release its sailors held in colistin and its formulations for food-
captivity producing animals, poultry, aqua farming
● India has reached out to the Iranian and animal feed supplements.
government to help release 18 Indian crew ● Intensivists across the country are
members on board the British oil tanker rejoicing as the move is a “massive victory”
seized by Iranian forces in the Straits of for the movement against antimicrobial
Hormuz, the government said here on resistance.
Saturday. ● The order, issued on Friday, directed
● The Iranian Embassy in Delhi said it did not manufacturers of colistin and its
have further information on the charges formulations (since it is also used to treat
against the Indians arrested, but Iran would humans) to affix a label on the container
protect them. “Based on the goodwill which reading thus: Not to be used in food
exists between Iran and India, the two producing animals, poultry, aqua farming
countries protect the nationals of the other and animal feed supplements: on the
side, and this is not a matter of concern,” package, insert and promotional literature.
said a senior embassy official when asked ● Dr.Ghafur,an expert says awareness
by The Hindu about the fate of the Indians programmes need to be conducted for
on board the cargo vessel. farmers, telling them about the danger of
● The ship’s captain and 17 other crew using colistin in feed. “Most are not aware
members detained on board are Indians, of the presence of colistin, since it comes
said an Iranian official, quoted by news mixed in the feed.
agencies. The official listed five others with ● However, we have had discussions with
Russian, Philippines and Latvian associations of poultry farmers and they
nationalities. have not objected to removing colistin
● According to the Iranian government, the from the mix.” Also, he argues that since
Stena Impero was involved in a collision the bulk of colistin (nearly 95%) is imported
with a smaller Iranian fishing boat in the from China, it would also be easy to stop
Straits, which the IRGC called a “violation importing it within a short time.
of international regulations”. “After it was India’s Asian Games silver medal to be upgraded
seized, it was transferred to Iranian shores to gold
to undergo legal procedure,” the IRG said in ● India are in line to get the Asian Games
a statement. gold in 4x400 mixed relay as KemiAdekoya
● Indian sailors on various ships are under of Bahrain, who was part of the gold
threat from the tit-for-tat actions on the winning team, has been handed a four-year
high seas, along with the lakhs of Indians ban for failing a dope test.
living in the Gulf region who would face the ● The silver won by India's mixed relay team
consequences of any open conflict. of Mohammad Anas, Hima Das, Arokia
● For the past few weeks, Indian air carriers Rajiv and M R Poovamma at the Asian
have avoided overflying parts of Iranian Games in Jakarta last year is set to be
airspace after American FAA strictures, upgraded to gold.
which has already meant crores in losses.
Centre bans colistin from animal food industry
● The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
has issued an order prohibiting the
manufacture, sale and distribution of

Japanese ruling coalition secures upper ● British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt
house majority spoke to his French and German
counterparts over the issue.
● In Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ● Both ministers agreed with the foreign
ruling coalition secured a majority in the secretary that safe passage for vessels
upper house of parliament in elections
through the Strait of Hormuz is a top
today. According to vote counts by public priority for European nations while
television and other media, Abe's Liberal avoiding any possible escalation.
Democratic Party and its junior partner ● Iranian authorities impounded the Stena
Komeito had won 64 seats in the upper
Impero with 23 crew members aboard off
house after two hours of voting. the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic
● Exit polls indicated Abe could even close in Revolutionary Guard Corps seized it Friday
on the super-majority needed to propose
in the highly sensitive Strait of Hormuz.
constitutional revisions.
Environment ministry claims sharp decline in
● The two-thirds majority needed for vulture population in the country
constitutional revision could be within ● There has been a sharp decline in the
reach if the ruling bloc can gain support population of vultures in the country which
from members of another conservative has come down from 40 million to 19,000
party and independents. Up for grabs were in a span of over three decades, the
124 seats in the less powerful of Japan's
Environment Ministry told the Parliament
two parliamentary chambers. on Friday
● There are 245 seats in the upper house - ● Responding to a query on the status of
which does not choose the prime minister vultures in the country, Union Environment
- about half of which are elected every three Minister PrakashJavadekar said there are
years. three species of critically endangered
● The results appeared to match or even resident Gyps vultures – white-backed
exceed pre-election polls that indicated
vulture, long-billed vulture and slender-
Abe's ruling bloc was to keep ground in the billed vulture – whose population as per
upper house, with most voters considering the latest figures is 6,000, 12,000 and
it a safer choice over an opposition with an 1,000, respectively
uncertain track record. To reach the two-
● The Minister said nationwide vulture
thirds majority, or 164 seats, Abe needs 85 surveys are being carried out by the
more seats by his ruling bloc and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
supporters of a charter change. every four years sponsored by the Ministry
Britain to hold emergency meeting to discuss oil of Environment and Forest Departments of
tanker seizure issue various States since 1990.
● Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a
● The major cause of mortality of vultures
meeting of Britain's emergencies
was found to be the veterinary non-
committee today to discuss Iran's seizure steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf. ‘Diclofenac’, given to cattle in pain and
● A Downing Street spokeswoman said the inflammation.
meeting will discuss the maintenance of ● The Environment Minister also gave out
the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf details of financial support for vulture
as well as receive the latest s from conservation to various States for saving
ministers and officials.
critically endangered species and habitats

of centrally sponsored scheme – 2018-19 from the Election Commission

Development of Wildlife Habitats. and others.
● He said no specific instance of paid news
Govt.asserts RTI amendment does not in electronic media (Private Satellite TV
compromise autonomy of Information Channels) has been brought to the notice
of his ministry.
commission
RBI deputy governor wants govt.to reduce
● Information & Broadcasting Minister borrowing by going for disinvestment
PrakashJavadekar has said that ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy
NarendraModi Government is fully Governor Viral Acharya said that
committed to transparency and disinvestment in public sector enterprises
accountability in the flow of information (PSEs) would alleviate crowding-out
relating to various government effects of the government’s borrowing in
departments. the country.
● He said, as a result of its commitment to ● He said serious rationalisation could be
strengthen genuine and free flow of undertaken including cutting back on
information, the government has subsidies and programmes that are not
encouraged suo motu dissemination of delivering long-term growth, and instead,
maximum information by Government focussing on providing education, health
Departments in order to reduce the number and infrastructure. Mr.Acharya had
of RTIs. decided to quit the RBI six months before
● In a tweet, Mr Javadekar said, there is a his tenure ends.
deliberate and mischievous attempt by a ● The Deputy Governor argued there could be
section to malign the government. efficiency gains if there are more private
● The Minister said, there is no merit in their investors playing an effective role in the
criticism as the amendment to RTI Act in governance of public sector enterprises,
no way compromises the autonomy of which will also reduce the need for market
Information Commission. borrowings by the government and reduce
PCI recommends to make paid news a punishable crowding-out.
offence ● “The much-needed land, labour and
● Union Information and Broadcasting agricultural reforms could be undertaken,
Minister PrakashJavadekarhas said the all of which can help crowd-in private
Press Council of India has recommended sector growth,” he added.
amendments to the Representation of the Expert panel recommends ban on digital
People Act, 1951 in order to make the currencies in India
incidence of paid news a punishable ● The committee set up to look into the
electoral malpractice. legality of cryptocurrencies and blockchain
● Giving this information in a written reply in has submitted its report to the Finance
the RajyaSabha today, the Minister said the Ministry and recommended that private
Election Commission has also cryptocurrencies be banned in India.
recommended for including paid news in ● All these cryptocurrencies have been
the category of corrupt practices or created by non-sovereigns.” The report
electoral offences. says cryptocurrencies do not have any
● The Minister said the Press Council of India intrinsic value of their own and lack any of
has received 58 cases of paid news during the attributes of a currency. They neither

act as a store of value nor are they a Beyond agreeing to suspend the
medium of exchange in themselves. extradition bill, there have been few other
● The Committee, however, leaves the door concessions.
open for the central bank issued ● Radical protests have “insulted the country
cryptocurrencies, adding that it endorsed and the nation”, Chinese Communist Party
the RBI’s stance of banning any sort of mouthpiece People’s Daily said in a front-
interface of cryptocurrencies with the page article. “These acts of violence
banking system in India. seriously undermined Hong Kong's social
● While the committee has taken a strong order and trampled on the rule of law.”
stance against cryptocurrencies, it has Israel demolishes Palestinian settlements near
highlighted the benefits of the underlying west bank
technology— the distributed ledger ● Israeli forces demolished a cluster of
technology (DLT) and blockchain. Palestinian homes near a military barrier
● “The Committee recommends that the RBI on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Monday,
examine the utility of using DLT based in the face of protests and international
systems for enabling faster and more criticism.
secure payment infrastructure,” the report ● Israel said the 10 apartment buildings,
said. most of them still under construction, had
China claims Hongkong protests as unnecessary been built illegally and posed a security risk
and intolerable to Israeli armed forces operating along the
● China reacted furiously on Monday to anti- barrier that runs through the occupied
government protesters vandalising the West Bank.
walls of its representative’s office in Hong ● U.N. officials, who had called on Israel to
Kong and defacing the national emblem, halt the demolition plans, said 17
branding their actions “absolutely Palestinians faced displacement.
intolerable”. ● Israel's Supreme Court ruled in June that
● Thousands of masked pro-democracy the structures violated a construction ban.
demonstrators briefly occupied the road Palestinians and rights groups say Israeli
outside the office in the semi-autonomous building permits are nearly impossible to
city on Sunday night and targeted the obtain. The deadline for residents to
building with eggs, projectiles, laser lights remove the affected buildings, or parts of
and graffiti in a stark rebuke to Beijing’s them, was Friday.
rule. ● In a statement, the European Union said the
● Hong Kong has been shaken by massive, structures, containing some 70
sometimes violent, protests initially apartments, were in areas under PA
organised to oppose a now-suspended bill jurisdiction and that Israel's demolition
that would have allowed extraditions to policy in occupied territory is illegal under
mainland China. They have now morphed international law.
into a wider movement for democratic ● The Palestine Liberation Organization
reforms. issued a statement accusing the Israeli
● So far, Beijing has refused to budge. court of trying to set a precedent for further
Officials and state media have accused the demolitions along the barrier.
protesters of playing into the hands of Chandrayaan-2 successfully launched by ISRO
foreign powers who seek to harm China, ● The powerful booster GSLV-Mark-Three
and backed the Hong Kong government. carrying Chandrayaan-2 on-board zoomed

into space at 14.43 hours by puffing out Govt.denies U.S president’s claim on Kashmir
thick smoke and leaving trailblazers mediation
amidst thundering sound from the second
● External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar
launch pad of the SatishDhawan Space
today said, it is India’s consistent position
Centre.
that all outstanding issues with Pakistan
● After piercing through the cloudy sky, it
are discussed only bilaterally.
placed the high-stakes lunar probe into the
● Making a brief statement in the
designated highly elliptical orbit around the
RajyaSabha on US President Donald
earth in just 16 minutes and 33 seconds.
Trump’s claim with regard to Jammu and
ISRO Chairman Dr Sivan congratulated the
Kashmir, he assured the House that no
Team ISRO for the remarkable
such request of mediation was made by
achievement saying it is the beginning of a
Prime Minister NarendraModi to the US
historic journey by the nation to the moon.
President.
● From the earth-bound orbit, Chandrayaan-2
will be navigated by the ISRO scientists to ● He said, any engagement with Pakistan will
require an end to cross-border terrorism.
near the South Pole of the moon.
● Earlier, Anand Sharma of Congress raised
● It will be made possible by carrying out
fifteen earth-bound manoeuvres that the issue saying the entire country is
shocked to hear the claim made by US
involve burning the engine onboard
President. He said, the Prime Minister
Chandrayaan-2. It will be the first-ever soft-
should come to Parliament and verify the
landing of a probe by India, that is expected
US President’s statement.
to be on September 7.
● US President claim about mediation in the
● India would become the fourth ever nation
Kashmir issue was also raised in the
to have a soft-landing on the moon, once
LokSabha. As soon as the House met for
Chandrayaan-2 reaches the unexplored
the day, Opposition members created
area.
uproar and shouted slogans demanding
India tops at commonwealth table tennis
the presence of the Prime Minister to clear
championships
the air.
● In Table Tennis, hosts India completed a
● While raising the issue, Congress leader
clean sweep, claiming all the seven gold
AdhirRanjanChowdhury said India cannot
medals at the 21st Commonwealth
bow its head before anyone and Prime
Championships, which concluded
Minister NarendraModi should come to the
yesterday in Cuttack.
House and clarify.
● Harmeet Desai and Ayhika Mukherjee won
the men's and women's singles titles Supreme court to act against fraudulent builders
Yesterday. Harmeet defeated favourite G. ● The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed
the Union and State governments to move
Sathiyan 4-3 in a hard-fought final to claim
against builders defrauding homebuyers
the men's singles title.
even as it cancelled the registration of
● Earlier yesterday, Anthony Amalraj and
Amrapali Group under the Real Estate
ManavThakkar claimed the men's doubles
Regulatory Authority (RERA) and directed
gold by stunning top seeds Sathiyan and
the State-owned National Buildings and
Sharath Kamal 3-1.
Construction Corporation (NBCC) to
complete the unfinished housing projects
of the company in a relief for over 40,000
homebuyers.

● The court directed the Enforcement accelerated star formation lasting about 2
Directorate and other law enforcement to 4 billion years, the scientists said.
agencies to investigate and nail the people ● High-precision measurements of the
in the group responsible for fraud and position, brightness and distance of
money laundering. It sought a progress around a million stars within 6,500 light
report. It fixed the next hearing for August years of the sun, obtained by the Gaia
9. space telescope, helped pinpoint stars
● The 270-page judgment made scathing present before the merger and those that
remarks at the lender banks, Noida and formed afterward.
Greater Noida authorities who remained ● Certain stars with higher content of
mute spectators while the company and its elements other than hydrogen or helium
directors conducted “sham transactions” arose in the Milky Way, they found, and
under their very noses. others with lower such content originated
● These included sub-lease of public land got in Gaia-Enceladus, owing to its smaller
on huge concessions, grant of NOC for mass. While the merger was dramatic and
illegal mortgages, diversion of loans to helped shape the Milky Way, it was not a
“dummy companies” run by their office star-destroying calamity.
boys and peons. All this without bothering
to pay compensation to the farmers whose Nation pays tribute to Kargil war martyrs on
lands were taken away for housing Vijay diwas
projects.
● The court accused the banks of ● President Ram NathKovind, Vice President
“negligence and non-monitoring”; of M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister
turning a blind eye to such an extent that NarendraModi paid tribute to the martyrs
even the basic checks were not done. On of Kargil War on the 20th anniversary of
the other hand, the group owed over Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Rs.5426.09 crore to the Noida and Greater ● In a tweet, Mr Kovind said, a grateful nation
Noida authorities. acknowledges the gallantry of Armed
● The judgment also exposed the ways in Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. The
which builders collude with banks and President said, the country salutes the grit
authorities to crush the hand which feeds and valour of those who defended India,
them – the lower income and middle class and record its everlasting debt to those
homebuyers. who never returned.
Scientists decode birth of Milkyway galaxy ● On the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay
● The Milky Way, home to our sun and Diwas, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu
billions of other stars, merged with another paid respects to the brave soldiers of
smaller galaxy in a colossal cosmic Indian Army who made ultimate sacrifice in
collision roughly 10 billion years ago, the line of duty to protect nation. In a tweet,
scientists said on Monday based on data Mr Naidu saluted all the heroes of the
from the Gaia space observatory. Kargil war and Operation Vijay who
● The union of the Milky Way and the so- secured a valiant victory on 26th of July,
called dwarf galaxy Gaia-Enceladus 1999.
increased our galaxy’s mass by about a ● On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister
quarter and triggered a period of NarendraModi paid tributes to the brave
soldiers of Indian Army who laid down their

Free E-Books Download for UPSC Exams
IAS Pre CSAT Paper-2

IAS Pre GS Paper-1 Download UPSC (Free e-Book) संघ लोक सेवा
PAPERS
PAPERS IAS Syllabus PDF आयोग िसिवल सेवा परी ा
ारं िभक और मु परी ा परी ा
IAS Mains General UPSC संघ लोक सेवा IAS Mains Public (E-Book) UPSC CAPF (AC)
Studies Previous 10 आयोग (Main Exam) GS Administration Exam Papers
Years Question Papers सामा अ यन -प (Optional) Papers
(डाउनलोड) एनसीईआरटी बुक

Download NCERT Books for IAS Exam (NCERT Books in Hindi)
https://iasexamportal.com/ebook
lives protecting their motherland. In a ● While average global temperatures are

tweet, the Prime Minister said, the day currently around 1°C hotter than pre-
reminds us of the courage, bravery and industrial times, there have been a number
dedication of our soldiers. of periods of cooling and warming over the
● The Prime Minister also shared on twitter centuries. This had led sceptics of man-
some photographs of his Kargil visit in made global warming to suggest that
1999 and described his interaction with human activity is not the main driver of
soldiers as unforgettable. He said, during climate change.
the Kargil War, he had the opportunity to go ● The findings are clear: at no point in
to Kargil and show solidarity with brave modern human history did temperatures
soldiers. Mr Modi said, he was working for rise so quickly and so consistently as in the
his Party in Jammu and Kashmir as well as late 20th century — the period where the
Himachal Pradesh at the time. world’s post-war, fossil fuel-powered
Supreme court directs centre to set up special economy reached unprecedented heights
courts for POCSO cases of production and consumption.
● The Supreme Court today asked the Centre ● The study found that pre-industrial
to set up courts within 60 days and appoint temperature fluctuations were largely
sensitised prosecutors to deal with sexual driven by volcanic activity.But it also
assault cases against children. concluded that humans had never
● The court directed the setting up of witnessed such rapid global warming as in
Centrally-funded exclusive court in districts the latter part of the 20th century.
with over 100 cases registered under the ● Commenting on the studies, Mark Maslin,
Protection of Children from Sexual Professor of Climatology at University
Offences (POCSO) Act. College London, said their results “should
● A bench headed by Chief Justice finally stop climate change deniers
RanjanGogoi, comprising Justices Deepak claiming that the recent observed coherent
Gupta and Aniruddha Bose, said the Centre global warming is part of a natural climate
would have to appoint trained, sensitised cycle”.
prosecutors and support persons to deal
with the POCSO cases. Supreme court asks centre to respond to
● The bench also directed the chief order condemning mob lynching
secretaries of states and union territories
to ensure timely submission of forensic ● The Supreme Court on Friday sought the
reports in such cases. response of the Central government, the
● The court asked the Centre to apprise it National Human Rights Commission
about the status of compliance of the order (NHRC) and the State governments to a
in 30 days and to make the money available plea for the implementation of its July
for setting up of POCSO courts, 2018 judgment laying down preventive,
appointment of prosecutors and others. remedial and punitive measures to combat
Study finds earth warming up faster than in last lynching.
2000years ● The 45-page judgment, by a three-judge
● World temperatures rose faster in the late Bench led by the then Chief Justice of India
20th century than at any other time in the DipakMisra had wondered whether the
last 2,000 years, according to a study “populace of a great Republic like ours has
released on Wednesday.

lost the values of tolerance to sustain a ● Based on an activation request by the

diverse culture?” Indian Space Research Organisation
● The court had observed that the recent (ISRO) on July 17, France’s National Centre
litany of spiralling mob violence, their for Space Studies, China National Space
horror, the grim and gruesome scenes of Administration and ROSCOSMOS of Russia
lynchings were made worse by the apathy shared satellite images of the flood
of the bystanders, numbness of the mute situation in the districts of Dhubri,
spectators, inertia of the police and, finally, Marigaon, Barpeta, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur in
the “grandstanding of the incident by the Assam with ISRO’s National Remote
perpetrators of the crimes” on social Sensing Centre.
media. ● Ravish Kumar, spokesperson of the
● Describing lynchings and mob violence as Ministry of External Affairs, said in
“creeping threats”, the judgment had response to a query from The Hindu that
warned that the rising wave of frenzied combining earth observation assets from
mobs - fed by fake news, self-professed different space agencies allows resources
morality and false stories - would consume and expertise to be coordinated for rapid
the country like a “typhoon-like monster.” response.
● The court had directed several preventive, ● This was a “standard practice” and in the
remedial and punitive measures to deal past ISRO too had provided information to
with lynching and mob violence. It ordered other space agencies in response to
the Centre and the States to implement the similar requests. In August 2014, for
measures and file compliance reports instance, ISRO’s CARTOSAT shared
within the next four weeks. images after an activation request from
● The measures mooted by the court China after an earthquake struck Yunnan
included the setting up of a special task province and killed 398.
force in the States to procure intelligence ● Since 2000, when the Charter came into
reports about the people likely to commit operation there have been about 600
such crimes or involved in spreading hate activations and data from 61 satellites
speeches, provocative statements and have helped with disaster operations in
fake news. 125 countries.
Satellite images of Assam flood regions shared to Indian telecom sector expected to create 3lakhs
India by foreign countries jobs next year
● With Assam inundated by floods, several ● India’s telecom sector will create up to
countries including China, Russia and 3,00,000 jobs in the next 18 months and a
France collaborated with India on sharing majority of these positions will come up in
satellite images of the scale of inundation. rural areas of the country, Telecom
As signatories to the The International Secretary and Telecom Commission
Charter Space and Major Disasters, any of chairman ArunaSundararajan said.
the 32 member countries can send a ● The sector has already created over
‘request’ to activate the Charter. 1,00,000 jobs since the introduction of the
● This would immediately trigger a request National Digital Communications Policy-
by the coordinators to space agencies of 2018 (NDCP), she said.
other countries whose satellites have the ● The Telecom Ministry had earlier said that
best eyes on the site of the disaster. the new framework (NDCP) would draw

investments worth $100 billion into the ● India along with other BRICS nations today
country’s telecom industry in five years. called on all states to prevent the financing
● “Since then, a total investment of around of terrorist networks and terrorist actions
$16 billion has already been announced by from their territories.
the private sector companies and ● The five nations Brazil, Russia, India, China
government via USOF [Universal Service and South Africa condemned terrorism in
Obligation Fund], with a rough split of 65% all its forms and manifestations during the
and 35% respectively. This investment is meeting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers at
currently in different phases of infusion Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
into the sector,” telecom secretary said. ● The BRICS nations called for concerted
● On the achievability of the government’s efforts to fight terrorism under UN
job target in telecom when most other auspices on a firm international legal
sectors are talking about jobless growth, basis. India was represented by Minister of
she said it [jobless growth] was happening State for Road Transport and Highways VK
in sectors where the physical infra creation Singh.
requirement was low. ● The five nations recognised the primary
● “This has never been the case with telecom role of states and their competent bodies
sector. Almost 95% of the investment in in preventing and countering terrorism. The
the telecom sector goes into infrastructure ministers of these countries expressed
creation and jobs creation will be a natural their conviction that a comprehensive
outcome of this investment,” she asserted. approach is necessary to ensure effective
Centre insists whatsapp to trace rogue messages results against terrorism.
● IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, the U.S pressurises Iran to curb its missile
Government will insist on WhatsApp programme
developing a mechanism to trace the origin ● US officials said today that Iran test-
of messages in cases where the platform launched a mid-range ballistic missile
is misused by terrorists and 'rogue' earlier this week in defiance of the Trump
elements. administration, which has warned the
● WhatsApp Global Head Will Cathcart country to curb its missile program.
assured the minister of prompt action in ● The test-launch was said to have taken
these issues of "concern" in a meeting on place completely within Iran’s borders and
Friday. did not pose a threat to American shipping
● On WhatsApp's proposed payments or military bases.
service, Mr. Prasad noted that the platform ● The test came amid heightened tensions
is also going into payments service in between Iran and the West, mainly
accordance with the Reserve Bank of India regarding the safety of commercial
and NPCI requirements. shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Strait
● He also asked WhatsApp to participate in of Hormuz.
India's trillion-dollar digital economy vision ● The White House said in a brief statement
and said the company is "welcome to that it was aware of reports of a projectile
explore India-specific products because of launched in Iran but officials declined to
their wide reach". comment further.
BRICS calls for prevention of terror financing ● Tensions have mounted with Iran over a
from members 2015 nuclear accord it reached with world
powers. The deal eased sanctions in

exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear creating a huge demand and supply gap
program. when it comes to the home rental market,”
Study reveals burning of grasslands detrimental said AmarendraSahu, co-founder & CEO,
to invertebrates Nestaway Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a service
● A recent study on “prescribed burning” of provider in the space. “The Model Tenancy
large tracts of grassland for the Act, 2019, offers a balance between the
conservation of threatened ungulates in rights and benefits, for both owners and
Eravikulam National Park (ENP), a tenants; and identifies the role of property
biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats, managers,” he added.
reveals that such burning is detrimental to ● He said when the company started in 2015,
endemic invertebrates, including about 20% of its owner base was reluctant
grasshoppers. to give their house on rent fearing eviction
● Grasshoppers are sensitive to grasslands risks.
management and an indicator of grassland ● Commenting on the Act, AnujPuri,
quality, health and restoration success. chairman, Anarock Property Consultants,
● “As grasshoppers represent a major faunal said, “At first look, the draft policies seem
component of grasslands, effects of fire on to favour both tenants and landlords. In all
them can be easily studied in grassland fairness, it aims to regulate the rental
habitats,” DhaneeshBhaskar, researcher, housing market by a more market-oriented
Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), approach by carefully balancing the
said. interests of both landowners and tenants.”
● Traditionally, the grasslands of the park are ● According to Mr.Puri, while the capping of
managed by prescribed “cold” burning the security deposit amount to a maximum
(cold season burning) with the help of the of two months may benefit tenants, the
local tribal community, P. S. Easa , former heavy penalty that will now be imposed for
director, KFRI said. non-vacancy of the residential unit would
● The study suggested that the interval of act as a deterrent and protect the interest
burning should be extended to more than of owners.
five years, and the area of burning should Opposition questions government’s airport
be made only in small plots of 25 m. X 25 privatisation move
m. or 50 m. X 50 m., with unburned ● The Congress on Sunday attacked the
adjacent areas between plots. Union government over its airport
● The findings have been published in a privatisation process and alleged that the
recent edition of Biodiversity and Adani group was being favoured in the
Conservation (Springer Nature), an entire exercise.
international journal. ● The party made the charge after The Hindu
Model tenancy law to rebuild trust between owner reported on how the government had
& tenant ignored the key recommendations of the
● The Model Tenancy Act, 2019 drafted by NITI Aayog and the Finance Ministry that
the Union Ministry for Housing and Urban suggested a cap on the number of airports
Development, is expected to benefit both to be handed over to a single company and
owners and tenants, thus releasing lot of consideration of their prior experience in
housing stock for rental purpose. handling airport operations.
● “There is a huge trust deficit prevalent ● “There are 123 airports in the country
between homeowners and tenants, operational today, and of these, only 14 are

making profits. All the other airports are of Space. He said the nation watched with
incurring a loss. Out of these 14 airports, pride as Chandrayaan II made strides into
five have been given to the Adani group,” Space from Sriharikota. He added that
Congress spokesperson PawanKhera said visuals of Chandrayaan II lifting off filled
at a press conference. people's hearts with glory, zest and joy.
● After a bidding process conducted by the ● The Prime Minister said his call to
Airports Authority of India, Adani conserve water in the previous Mann Ki
Enterprises Limited emerged as the Baat episode has evoked an immense
highest bidder. response. He said people have shared
● Mr.Khera said that though the Adani group information on traditional methods and the
might have emerged as the highest bidder media has embarked upon quite a few
in the tendering process, the Department of innovative campaigns. He also hailed
Economic Affairs (DEA) of the Finance Haryana where crops that require meagre
Ministry had recommended a cap. water are being encouraged.
● “During the UPA regime, one company, ● The Prime Minister said the Cleanliness
GMR, had qualified for both Delhi and campaign which began five years ago
Mumbai, but it was decided that one group gathered momentum with mass
will not be given more than one airport. participation and is now setting up newer
Here too, the DEA had suggested that no benchmarks in cleanliness and sanitation.
company be given more than two airports,” He said this movement has now advanced
he said. from cleanliness towards beautification.
Himalayan states demand green bonus and a
PM addresses nation through Mann kiBaat separate ministry
programme ● Himalayan States on Sunday came
together at a conclave here to demand a
● Prime Minister NarendraModi has said, the separate Ministry to deal with problems
people of Jammu and Kashmir want good endemic to them and a green bonus in
governance and those who spread hatred recognition of their contribution to
and pose hurdles will never succeed in their environmental conservation.
sinister plans. ● The twin demands formed part of a
● Sharing his thoughts in the Mann Ki Baat common agenda of the Himalayan States
Programme on All India Radio, Mr Modi which was handed over to Finance Minister
said, the people of Kashmir are eager to NirmalaSitharaman.
join the national mainstream, and their ● Explaining the rationale behind the demand
enthusiasm is reflected in the community for a green bonus, Uttarakhand Chief
mobilisation programme known as 'Back to Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said most
Village’ in the state. of the country’s rivers originate in the
● Citing the success of the programme, the Himalayas and therefore, the Himalayan
Prime Minister said, large scale States had to play the most significant role
participation of people in this programme in the PM’s water conservation initiative.
proves that the power of development is ● The States were also at a disadvantage
stronger than the might of bullets and because large swathes of land fell into eco-
bombs. sensitive zones where all sorts of
● The Prime Minister described the year development activities could not be carried
2019 as very fruitful for India in the realm out.

Model tenancy law to rebuild trust between owner ● The party made the charge after The Hindu
& tenant reported on how the government had
● The Model Tenancy Act, 2019 drafted by ignored the key recommendations of the
the Union Ministry for Housing and Urban NITI Aayog and the Finance Ministry that
Development, is expected to benefit both suggested a cap on the number of airports
owners and tenants, thus releasing lot of to be handed over to a single company and
housing stock for rental purpose. consideration of their prior experience in
● “There is a huge trust deficit prevalent handling airport operations.
between homeowners and tenants, ● “There are 123 airports in the country
creating a huge demand and supply gap operational today, and of these, only 14 are
when it comes to the home rental market,” making profits. All the other airports are
said AmarendraSahu, co-founder & CEO, incurring a loss. Out of these 14 airports,
Nestaway Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a service five have been given to the Adani group,”
provider in the space. “The Model Tenancy Congress spokesperson PawanKhera said
Act, 2019, offers a balance between the at a press conference.
rights and benefits, for both owners and ● After a bidding process conducted by the
tenants; and identifies the role of property Airports Authority of India, Adani
managers,” he added. Enterprises Limited emerged as the
● He said when the company started in 2015, highest bidder.
about 20% of its owner base was reluctant ● Mr.Khera said that though the Adani group
to give their house on rent fearing eviction might have emerged as the highest bidder
risks. in the tendering process, the Department of
● Commenting on the Act, AnujPuri, Economic Affairs (DEA) of the Finance
chairman, Anarock Property Consultants, Ministry had recommended a cap.
said, “At first look, the draft policies seem ● “During the UPA regime, one company,
to favour both tenants and landlords. In all GMR, had qualified for both Delhi and
fairness, it aims to regulate the rental Mumbai, but it was decided that one group
housing market by a more market-oriented will not be given more than one airport.
approach by carefully balancing the Here too, the DEA had suggested that no
interests of both landowners and tenants.” company be given more than two airports,”
● According to Mr.Puri, while the capping of he said.
the security deposit amount to a maximum President reaches Benin, to expand cooperation
of two months may benefit tenants, the in West African region
heavy penalty that will now be imposed for ● President Ram NathKovind has reached
non-vacancy of the residential unit would Benin on the first leg of his three nations'
act as a deterrent and protect the interest tour to the West African region.
of owners. ● The seven-day visit is the first high-level
Opposition questions government’s airport tour of any Head of State from India to the
privatisation move three West African countries- Benin, The
● The Congress on Sunday attacked the Gambia and Guinea. Mr Kovind reached the
Union government over its airport Cardinal Bernardin de Cotonou
privatisation process and alleged that the International Airport in Cotonou, the largest
Adani group was being favoured in the city in Benin this evening.
entire exercise. ● Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson
Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet that Benin's

Foreign Minister AurelienAgbenonci ● In his address, Indian Ambassador to

received the President at the airport. Union Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri said, India is fully
Minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi and committed to providing all necessary
Member of Parliament DilipGhosh are support to Nepal in achieving its goal of
accompanying the President. prosperity.
● Mr Kovind will hold talks with his Beninese UN report suggests new guidelines to improve
counterpart Patrice Talon tomorrow. Later, infant diets
the President will address the National ● Commercial baby foods often contain too
Assembly in Porto Novo. Mr Kovind will much sugar and display confusing
also meet members of the Indian ingredient lists, according to a UN report
Community at a reception hosted in his that proposed new guidelines on Monday
honour in Cotonou. to improve infant diets.
● During the visit to The Gambia, Mr Kovind ● The World Health Organization (WHO)
will hold delegation-level talks with examined nearly 8,000 products from more
President Adama Barrow in the capital, than 500 stores in Austria, Bulgaria, Israel
Banjul, on Wednesday. As a special and Hungary between November 2017 and
gesture, the National Assembly, which is January 2018.
currently in recess, will hold a special ● A high sugar intake can increase the risk of
session for the address of President overweight and dental cavities, the
Kovind on the same day. organisation warned. And early exposure
● On the last leg of his visit, the President will to overly sweet products can create a
reach Conakry, the capital of Guinea on 1st potentially harmful lifelong preference for
August. Mr Kovind will hold delegation- sugary foods.
level talks with his counterpart on 2nd ● Up to 60% of inspected food products were
August. labelled as suitable for infants under six
India- Nepal logistics summit inaugurated months old, contrary to WHO
● Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli has recommendations, “that infants receive
stressed upon smooth and quality logistics exclusively breast milk for the first six
between India and Nepal. months of life”, said the report.
● Inaugurating India-Nepal Logistics Summit ● The WHO said it was updating its
in Kathmandu today Mr.Oli said, smart guidelines to help member countries adopt
logistics plays a crucial role in making new legislation to curb high sugar intake.
trade and transit arrangements easy, The WHO wants the promotion of breast
hassle-free and cost-effective. milk substitutes to end, and recommends
● He said Nepal and India have a significant that children between six months and two
volume of trade, investment, tourism and years be fed nutrient-rich foods prepared at
people-to-people movement for which home.
smooth and quality logistics including easy Mary Kom and Simranjitkaur win gold
transit facilities is very essential. ● Six-time world champion Mary Kom in
● He also said connectivity remains a 51kg category and SimranjitKaur in 60kg
topmost agenda in bilateral cooperation category grabbed a gold each in 23rd
and many initiatives have been taken on President's Cup Boxing Tournament in
crucial components of road, rail, inland Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
waterways and air connectivity. ● The Olympic bronze medallist Mary
decimated Australian April Franks 5-0 in

finals. SimranjitKaur defeated Indonesia's for shark meat. “This study helped break
Asian Games bronze medallist Hasanah the common perception that the sharks are
uswatun 5-0 in the final bout. caught for fin and exported. We found that
● With this, Indian boxers finished their for most of the fisherfolk, sharks were a
campaign in the Tournament with nine non-target catch and was just an additional
medals. The rich haul comprised seven income. Few fishermen told us that they
gold and two silver. have sold large sharks for even ₹30,000 to
₹50,000,” says DivyaKarnad,an expert.
Study reveals shark fisheries declining in ● In 2013, The Ministry of Environment &
India Forests had brought out a policy called
“Fins Naturally Attached” to prevent finning
● India is one of the world's largest shark of sharks. But this did not bring about a
fishing nations and Maharashtra and major impact as there was still demand for
Gujarat together contribute more than 50% whole sharks.
of the harvest. But recently there has been ● Also, the Indian Wildlife Act of 1972 has
a drop in the size of the sharks and their proved inadequate in protecting this
numbers. This has affected the fisheries species. Due to various efforts by the
sector and traders. Government, only the whale shark numbers
● A new study by researchers from India, have made a revival.
Australia and UAE has tried to identify the ● The paper adds that the Indian Wildlife Act
local drivers of this decline. needs an urgent revival so that all
● Overfishing is one of the main reasons. The endangered and critically endangered
study published in May in Ambio adds that species in our waters get the required
in India there is a high domestic demand attention.

GIST OF Science Reporter Magazine
The Gist of
Science Reporter
fossil record of the early Solar System.

#1 Chandrayaan-2: Eyes on the Lunar South Studying them could give us a better
Pole understanding of the origin and evolution
● India's highly commendable space of the Moon.
programme and extremely successful ● When it finally lakes off, perhaps later this
space launches always inspire confidence. month, Chandrayaan-2's orbiter is
And so it is that the flavour of this editorial supposed to orbit the Moon at an altitude
had to be changed at the last moment of 100 km Its Orbiter High Resolution
when it became known in the early hours of Camera (OHRC) will conduct high-
15 July that the much expected launch of resolution observations of the landing site
Chandrayaan 2 had been put off. before the lander separates from the
● India's most ambitious space mission till orbiter.
date is being seen as a stepping stone for ● The six-wheeled. AI-powered robotic rover
the country 's next mega space programme functioning on solar energy will
the manned mission in 2022. The communicate with the lander Vikram which
Chandrayaan-2 programme envisaged a is named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the
soft landing of its lander Vikram - a feat Father of the Indian space programme, and
that would propel the country into an elite is designed to land softly on the lunar
club of three other countries - the US. surface. It has the capability to
Russia and China who have successfully communicate with I DSN at Byalalu near
soft-landed a lander on the moon's surface. Bangalore, as well as with the Orbiter and
● The Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008 had Rover. The 1DSN or Indian Deep Space
confirmed the presence of water on the Network is a network of large antennas and
moon. communication facilities operated by the
● Chandrayaan-2, to be launched on-board Indian Space Research Organisation to
India's most powerful indigenously support the interplanetary spacecraft
designed rocket GSLV Mk-III - is slated to missions of India.
stud) the lunar South Pole that remains in ● The science payloads of Chandrayaan-2
shadow and is much larger than the North will study among other things topography,
Pole. Apart from the possibility of the seismography, mineral identification and
presence of water, the South Pole region distribution, surface chemical
has craters that are cold traps containing a composition, thermo-physical

characteristics of top soil and composition behind. The study has been published in
of the lunar atmosphere. the journal Materials Horizons.
● The night-long vigil on 15th July had an
anti-climax when ISRO officials called off #3 Cytophone - New Laser Destroys
the launch an hour before the scheduled Circulating Cancer Cells
launch. The officials informed that the
problem was with the critical cryogenic ● A team of scientists from the University of
stage. However, unfazed and displaying Arkansas has successfully demonstrated a
“abundant precaution”. ISRO officials non-invasive device called Cytophone that
ensured that the rocket and satellite were integrates a laser, ultrasound and phone
safe. With the world space community technologies and has the ability to detect
watching India’s foray to the Moon with and kill Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in
interest, and with $120 million invested in the blood. The laser
the project. ISRO officials have avoided ● is up to 1,000 times more sensitive than
undue haste and displayed current methods used to detect tumour
professionalism. And they are quite cells in the blood.
optimistic that Chandrayaan-2 will fly into ● The Cytophone has also shown the ability
space later in the month. to detect CTCs even when the tumour is
not identifiable on the skin, and then to
destroy them without harming surrounding
#2 3D-printed Biological Tissue
blood cells.
● Scientists from the University of Illinois at ● The study was published in the Journal
Chicago have developed a 3D-printed Science Translational Medicine.
biological tissue by using “ink” made up of
only stem cells which can differentiate into #4 Autofocals
a wide variety of other cell types. The team
used the stem cells to 3D print a cartilage ● A team of researchers at Stanford
ear and a rodent-sized “femur”. University have invented glasses that track
● The printing of cells has been achieved by your eyes and automatically focus on
using a temporary hydrogel bead bath. The whatever you’re looking at. Auto-focusing
nozzle of the 3D printer is inserted into the glasses help those suffering from
hydrogel beads where it allows the nozzle presbyopia. The glasses would provide a
to move back and forth and deposit a bio- better vision than transition lenses or
ink consisting of stem cells. The cells are progressive lenses.
supported by gel beads which keep them in ● The team published a paper in the journal
place and preserve their shape. Then, the Science Advances.
hydrogel bead matrix is exposed to UV
light, which cross-links the beads together #5 Speech2Face — AI Generates Human Face
which freezes them in place. The printed based oil Voices
cells are now able to connect with each
● A team of researchers from the
other, mature and grow within a stable
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
structure.
(MIT) Computer Science and Artificial
● The hydrogel beads can be removed
Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) has
through gentle agitation, or controlling their
developed Artificial Intelligence (AI)
degradation, leaving the intact tissue
capable of constructing a rough

● The Hindu Newspaper: How and What to study in it
● 9 Step Strategy To Prepare For The UPSC Interview
● Importance of Yojana, Kurukshetra Magazine for UPSC Exams
● Crack IAS Preliminary in your first attempt
● Secrets of UPSC Exam Success
● (FAQs) Civil Services Examination (CSE)
● New! (Getting Started in Hindi) स वल सेवा या
या, य और कैसे ?
● (Article) DECIDING THE OPTIONAL SUBJECT with MYTHS AND FAQs by Divey Sethi (IFS)
● (IAS PLANNER) Selection of Optional Subjects
● Civil Services Exam: What, Why and How ?
● How should one start IAS preparation from scratch?
● Two more attempts in UPSC Exams: all boon and no bane!!
● How to Study? The Ultimate Dilemma
● Preparing for Civil Services without Coaching
● Importance of NCERT BOOKS for UPSC Exams (Why, What, How)
● How to Read A Newspaper for IAS Exam
● What are the important topics to read from a newspaper in two hours?
● (Motivational) Did not clear UPSC Pre Exam? Read this Article
● IAS Preparation for Rural/Remote Areas Students
● NCERT and NIOS Books for IAS Preparations
● Strategy for IAS Exam for Working Professionals
● Overview of UPSC Personality Test (IAS Interview)
● Preparing for Civil Services (Pre.) Examination
● All About UPSC Interview Panel Board and Profile
● How to Prepare Current Affairs For UPSC IAS (Pre.) Exam
● IAS Preparation for Undergraduate & CBSE Students
● The Significance and Role of Essay Paper in IAS MAINS
● What does Evaluate, Examine, Critically Discuss and Such Terms Mean??
● How to Study for Ethics Paper?
● Job Profile of an IAS Officer
● Decision Making for CSAT
approximation of an individual’s face ● It was designed for a life span of 240

based entirely on brief audio clips of a minutes and spent 12 minutes in
person’s voice. The paper was published in microgravity.
a pre-print server arXiv reports. ● KalamSat demonstrated 3-D printed
● The system is a neural network called technology for the first time in its category.
Speech2Face — a series of algorithms ● It was made from reinforced carbon fibre
designed to recognise patterns and to work polymer and carried ten sensors.
much like the human brain. The research ● KalamSat also carried a biological payload:
team trained the algorithm using millions two seeds (basil and sunflower).
of online educational videos that featured ● KalamSat holds records in India Book of
roughly 100,000 different people talking. Records, Asia Book of Records, URF Book
Based on that dataset, Speech2Face was of Records and Assist Book of Records.
able to make connections between vocal
cues and specific facial features on the #8 First Exoplanet of its Kind Found in
speaker’s face. Neptunian
● ASTRONOMERS have discovered a rare
#6 LifeFlow Next Gen Device
sub-Neptune sized transiting exoplanet
● Durham based 410 medical, a North which is a 20% smaller than Neptune and
Carolina firm has launched a new version about three times the size of the earth
of Lifeflow fluid delivery device which is orbiting its host star in the harsh conditions
mainly used to treat patients during sepsis of Neptunian Desert. The planet has been
or any type of shock. Lifeflow Next Gen formally named as NGTS-4b, however, due
delivers fluid inside the body in a very to its rare existence researchers have
simple way. nicknamed it as the “Forbidden Planet”.
● The device helps paramedics, nurses and The planet was discovered by using the
physicians by providing the best possible state-of-the-art Next Generation Transit
care to their critically ill patients. It has a Survey (NGTS) observing facility by an
syringe, automatic check valve and international collaboration of astronomers
highflow tubing set that help to increase led by the University of Warwick, UK.
fluid flow and if there is any air detected in ● The newly found planet is 920 light years
the system the away from the earth revolving around the
● fluid stops automatically. The device can host star in only 1.3 days which is
safely deliver 500 ml of crystalloid fluid in equivalent to the earth’s orbit around the
less than two minutes. sun in one year. The planet is 1000 degrees
Celsius and hotter than Mercury.
#7 KalamSat ● The Forbidden Planet retains its own
● KalamSat is the world's lightest and atmosphere in hellish Neptunian Desert
smallest 3D printed, femto-category sub- which surprised the astronomers that it’s
orbital surviving at such a close distance to its
● satellite. host star. The planet is the first of its kind
● It weighs 63.54 grams and fits into a cube found in Neptunian Desert. Neptunian
of 3.8 cm. Desert is the region close to the stars
where Neptune-sized planets do not exist
as planets cannot maintain their gaseous

atmosphere and evaporate leaving behind the Starlink satellites at much lower orbits
the rocky core due to irradiation from stars. to minimise this latency issue. This was the
● Despite the conditions of the Neptunian first batch of satellites, thousands of such
Desert, the NGTS-4b exists which led the launches are required to have moderate
researchers to believe that maybe it was broadband coverage. Once the mission is
formed at some other location but moved complete, the orbiting array of satellites
into the Neptunian Dessert within the last will provide high-speed and uninterrupted
one million years or the planet was itself internet services to the whole planet.
bigger and the atmosphere is still in the ● The solar-powered small satellites
process of evaporation. weighing 500 pounds will communicate
with one another in the space via radio and
#9 SpaceX’s satellites to boost internet optical links. The user terminals from the
services ground will then be connected with the
network which can be installed anywhere
● SpaceX successfully launched the with the view of the sky.
FALCON-9 rocket carrying 60 Starlink ● With these satellites passing overhead,
satellites on 23 May 2019. This was the web access should be persistent, unlike the
heaviest payload carried UP by SpaceX till latency issues that are normal with
date. The array of satellites were deployed conventional communication satellites.
at an altitude of 440 km which then used ● Keeping in view the risk of in-flight collision
onboard propulsion to reach an operational and space debris, SpaceX has equipped
height of 550 km. The main purpose of the each spacecraft with a startracker
mission is to provide reliable and navigation system same as used in Cargo
affordable high-speed broadband internet and Crew Dragon
services around the globe. ● spacecraft developed by SpaceX. The
● The problem with the present internet startracker system enables the SpaceX to
beaming satellites in space is their much point the satellites with precision enabling
higher altitudes i.e. geostationary orbits the satellites to track on-orbit debris and
because of which signals need to travel a autonomously avoiding a collision.
longer distance Additionally, 95 per cent of all components
● from space and back leading to delay in of this design will rapidly
accessing information. Therefore, to ● burn in the Earth’s atmosphere at the end
overcome the problem, SpaceX proposed of each satellite’s lifecycle.

GIST OF PIB (Press Information Bureau)
The Gist of
PIB
information will mention his DIN

#1 CBDT takes further steps to ensure underneath his signature.
transparency in Tax Administration by How to apply for DIN and relevant forms?
bringing in concept of DIN ● SPICe Form: Application for allotment of
DINs to the proposed first Directors in
● Every communication to be issued by the
respect of New companies shall be made
Income-Tax Department on or after the 1st
in SPICe form only.
of October, 2019 will now have a Document
● DIR-3 Form: Any person intending to
Identification Number (DIN).
become a director in an already existing
● This intends to insure proper audit trail of
company shall have to make an application
such communication.
in eForm DIR-3 for allotment of DIN.
About:
● DIN is a unique Director identification
number allotted by the Central Government
#2 CORAS
to any person intending to be a Director or ● Shri Piyush Goyal launches new
an existing director of a company. Establishment Manual for RPF Minister of
Features: Railways and Commerce and Industry
● It is an 8-digit unique identification number announces a new state of the art
which has a lifetime validity. Through DIN, commando training centre to be
details of the directors are maintained in a established in Jagadhri, Haryana.
database. BACKGROUND OF CORAS (Commandos for
● DIN is specific to a person, which means Railway Security)
even if he is a director in 2 or more VISION STATEMENT
companies, he has to obtain only 1 DIN. ● To develop world level capabilities of
And if he leaves a company and joins some specialized responder for any situation
other, the same DIN would work in the pertaining to damage, disturbance,
other company as well. disruption of train operations,
Where is DIN used? attack/hostage/hijack, disaster situations
● Whenever a return, an application or any in railway areas.
information related to a company will be ● Following the doctrine of graded response,
submitted under any law, the director minimum effective force shall be used for
signing such return, application or

providing fool proof security to Indian ● Similarly, 2034 vehicles were found parked
Railways and its users. in ‘No Parking’ zones for more than 01 day.
SALIENT FEATURES Credential verification of 28 such vehicles,
● Carved out from motivated and willing which are suspected, is being inquired into.
young staff of RPF/RPSF. ● During the operation 549 vehicles were
● With an average age between 30-35 years, towed away and have been deposited with
CORAS will always be young and motivated Police for further investigation.
staff. ● A fine of Rs. 59000/- have been recovered
● Very high physical standards to join as the charges for unauthorized parking.
CORAS.
● Commando Coys shall be deployed in Left #4 High Level Committee on CSR
Wing Extremism recommends CSR expenditure to be made tax
(LWE)/Insurgency/Terrorism affected
deductible expenditure
Railway areas.
● Injeti Srinivas, Secretary (Corporate
#3 Operation Number Plate Affairs), presented the Report of the High
Level Committee on Corporate social
● Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian
responsibility (CSR) to the Union Minister
Railways launched a Special Drive with a of Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman.
Code Name – Operation “Number Plate” to
About:
identify and verify all vehicles parked in
● The High Level Committee on CSR was
Railway premises, circulating area, constituted in October, 2018 under the
parkings and even in the ‘No Parking’ areas Chairmanship of Injeti Srinivas, Secretary
for longer duration.
(Corporate Affairs).
● The unidentified vehicles are considered
● To review the existing CSR framework and
as a serious threat to security and safety of make recommendations on strengthening
passengers and other stakeholders of
the CSR ecosystem, including monitoring
railways.
implementation and evaluation of
● It has been conducted specifically in view outcomes.
of forthcoming celebrations of Recommendations of the Committee:
Independence Day on 15th August 2019.
● Making CSR expenditure tax deductible,
Key highlights
● Provision for carry forward of unspent
● This was conducted as a special drive from balance for a period of 3 – 5 years,
9th August to 11th August at 466 Railway ● Aligning Schedule 7 with the SDGs by
Stations all over Indian Railways
adopting a SDG plus framework (which
● During the drive, 04 vehicles were
would additionally include sports
recovered which were reported to be stolen promotion, Senior Citizens’ welfare,
and cases were registered previously by
welfare of differently abled persons,
the Police.
disaster management and heritage
● 3943 Vehicles were found parked protection),
unattended/unclaimed for more than 05 ● Balancing local area preferences with
days in the authorized parking lots of
national priorities,
Railway stations.
● Introducing impact assessment studies for
● Credential of suspected 894 such vehicles CSR obligation of 5 crore or more,
is being verified and suitable action will be
taken as per the outcome of enquiry.

● Registration of implementation agencies ● AI enabled mSBM App: It has been

on MCA portal, developed by the National Informatics
● Developing a CSR exchange portal to Centre (NIC) to facilitate the applicants of
connect contributors, beneficiaries and Individual Household Toilets (IHHL) under
agencies, SBM-U know the status of their application
● Allowing CSR in social benefit bonds, in real-time after uploading the
● Promoting social impact companies and photograph.
third party assessment of major CSR
projects, #6 National Youth Awards
● Companies having CSR prescribed amount
● The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and
below Rs. 50 lakh may be exempted from
Sports Kiren Rijiju conferred the National
constituting a CSR Committee and.
Youth Awards 2016-17 upon the following
● Violation of CSR compliance may be made
20 individuals and 3 organizations.
a civil offence and shifted to the penalty
Key highlights
regime.
● It was given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports, Department of Youth Affairs.
#5 Swachh Survekshan 2020 ● The awards were conferred on individuals
● Union Minister for Housing and Urban (aged between 15-29 years) and
Affairs launched the Swachh Survekshan organizations for excellent work and
2020 (SS 2020), the SBM Water PLUS contribution in different fields of
Protocol and Toolkit, Swachh Nagar – an development and social service, such as
integrated waste management app and AI health, promotion of human rights, active
enabled mSBM App. citizenship, community service etc.
Key highlights ● To motivate young people to achieve
● Swachh Survekshan 2020 (SS 2020): It will excellence in the field of national
be the fifth edition of the annual development and social service.
cleanliness survey. It will be conducted in ● The individual award comprises of a medal,
January 2020 by the Ministry of Housing a certificate and a cash prize of Rs.
and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). 50,000/-. The award to a youth
● SBM Water PLUS Protocol: Moving beyond organisation includes a medal, a certificate
ODF, ODF+ and ODF++, the Water PLUS and a cash prize of Rs. 2,00,000/-.
protocol aims to provide a guideline for
cities and towns to ensure that no #7 Vice President advocates Supreme Court
untreated wastewater is released into the Benches in different regions
environment thereby enabling
sustainability of the sanitation value chain. ● The Vice President of India, Venkaiah
● Swachh Nagar Mobile App: It is an Naidu has advocated the need to set up
integrated waste management app to Supreme Court benches in different
tackle several issues that hinder effective regions in the country, including one at
waste management such as lack of Chennai, to bring the judicial system closer
monitoring, collection of segregated to people.
waste, and tracking the movement of Law Commission report 2009:
waste vehicles and waste pickers, ● The Law Commission, in its report
amongst others. submitted to the government in 2009,
recommended that;

● A Constitution Bench be set up in Delhi to ● Every year, the award ceremony is held in
deal with constitutional and allied issues, New Delhi, where the President of India
and presents the awards.
● four Cassation Benches in Delhi (north), Criteria and Procedure:
Chennai/Hyderabad (south), Kolkata (east) ● The makers of a film, and particularly the
and Mumbai (west) to deal with all director, should be Indian nationals.
appellate work arising out of the ● Films entering the competition should be
orders/judgments of the High Courts. produced in India, and in case of co-
Arguments in favour: production involving a foreign entity, they
● It is high time we had more benches have to fulfil certain conditions to qualify.
because in a country as vast as India the ● It is Declared for films produced in the
litigants have to travel long distances and previous year across the country i.e. a film
spend a huge amount of money and should be certified by the Central Board of
energy. Film Certification (CBFC) between 1
● Setting up Benches outside Delhi would January and 31 December.
neither impair unity and integrity nor ● The National Film Awards are presented in
undermine the importance of the Supreme two main categories: Feature Films and
Court. Non-Feature Films.
Way ahead: ● A lifetime achievement award, named after
● According to the Law Commission, If the father of Indian cinema Dadasaheb
Article 130 is liberally interpreted, no Phalke, is awarded to a film personality for
constitutional amendment may be required outstanding contribution to the Indian
for setting up Cassation Benches in four Cinema.
regions and a Constitution Bench at Delhi. ● All the award winners are awarded with a
● If it is found that Article 130 cannot be Medallion, cash prize and a certificate of
stretched to make it possible to implement merit.
the recommendations, Parliament should
enact suitable legislation/constitutional #9 Union Home Minister’s Medal for
amendment for this purpose.” Excellence in Investigation
● The “Union Home Minister’s Medal for
#8 66th National Film Awards for 2018
Excellence in Investigation” for the year
● 66th National Film Awards for 2018 have 2019 has been awarded to 96 Police
been announced. personnel.
About National Film Awards Key highlights
● It was established in 1954 ● It was constituted in 2018.
● It was awarded for Excellence in cinematic ● To promote high professional standards of
achievements for Indian cinema. investigation of crime and to recognize
● Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), a body such excellence in investigation by
under the Ministry of Information and investigating officers.
Broadcasting, administers the award. ● This medal will be awarded to officers in
● The selections of awards are made by an Central investigation agencies, State/UT
independent and impartial jury consisting police force investigating agencies in
of eminent filmmakers and film recognition of their outstanding service in
personalities, which is appointed by the investigation.
DFF.

● The names will be finalized by the Ministry ● Additional enforcement mechanism of

of Home Affairs based on ‘Settlement & Commitments” in the
recommendations made by States/UTs interests of speedier resolution of cases of
and Central police organizations. anti-competitive conduct.
● A scroll signed by the Union Home Minister ● CCI to issue guidelines on imposition of
will be awarded to each awardee along penalty to ensure more transparency and
with the medal. faster decision making which will
encourage compliance by businesses.
#10 Report of the Competition Law Review ● Strengthening the governance structure of
Committee submitted to Union Finance and CCI with the introduction of a Governing
Board to oversee advocacy and quasi-
Corporate Affairs Minister
legislative functions, leaving adjudicatory
● Injeti Srinivas, Secretary (Corporate functions to the Whole-time Members.
Affairs), presented the Report of the ● Merging DG’s Office with CCI as an
Competition Law Review Committee to the ‘Investigation Division’ as it aids CCI in
Union Minister of Corporate Affairs, discharging an inquisitorial rather than
Nirmala Sitharaman. adversarial mandate. However, functional
About: autonomy must be protected.
● The Government of India constituted a ● Opening of CCI offices at regional level to
Competition Law Review Committee in carry out non-adjudicatory functions such
2018 to review the existing Competition as research, advocacy etc. and interaction
law framework and make with State Governments and State
recommendations to further strengthen regulators.
the framework to inter alia meet new
economy challenges. #11 Samagra Shiksha-Jal Suraksha
● The Committee was chaired by Injeti
● Union HRD Minister and Union Minister for
Srinivas (Secretary, Ministry of Corporate
Jal Shakti launched ‘Samagra Shiksha-Jal
Affairs).
Suraksha’ drive for School Students.
Key recommendations of the Committee:
About:
● Introduction of a ‘Green Channel’ for
● It is launched by the Department of School
combination notifications to enable fast-
Education & Literacy, Ministry of HRD.
paced regulatory approvals for vast
Five Major Objectives of this drive:
majority of mergers and acquisitions.
● To educate Students learn about
● Introducing a dedicated bench in NCLAT
conservation of water.
for hearing appeals under the Competition
● To sensitize Students about the impact of
Act.
scarcity of water.
● Introduction of express provisions to
● To empower Students to learn to protect
identify ‘hub and spoke’ agreements as
the natural sources of water.
well as agreements that do not fit within
● To help every Student to save at least one
typical horizontal or vertical anti-
litre of water per day.
competitive structures to cover
● To encourage Students towards judicious
agreements related to business structures
use and minimum wastage of water at
and models synonymous with new age
markets. home and school level.
Target:

● This mega drive targets to connect more ● This year’s theme is ‘Women and
than 10 crore students with this Entrepreneurship’, in continuation of the
programme. theme for WTI Awards 2018.
● One Student – One Day – To Save One Litre ● WhatsApp has collaborated with NITI
of Water. Aayog for WTI Awards 2019 and will be
● One Student – One Year – To Save 365 providing support amounting to
Litres of Water. US$100,000 to the award winners.
● One Student – 10 Years – To Save 3650 About Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
Litres of Water. ● The Women Entrepreneurship Platform
(WEP) is a Government of India initiative by
#12 3rd RE-INVEST NITI Aayog to promote and support
aspiring as well as established women
● Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
entrepreneurs in India, assist and handhold
organised Curtain Raiser ceremony for the
them in their journey from starting to
3rd Edition of Renewable Energy Investors’
scaling up and expanding their ventures.
Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2019).
● It has more than 5,000 women
Key highlights
entrepreneurs registered on the platform,
● RE-INVEST 2019 will be organized by the
more than 30 partners and has committed
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
funding of more than US$10mn for these
from 30th October to 2nd November 2019
startups.
in India, coinciding with the Second
Assembly of International Solar Alliance
#14 The Public Premises (Eviction of
(ISA).
● Objective of the event is to attract the right Unauthorized Occupants) Amendment Bill,
investments in renewable energy (RE) and 2019
present India’s RE story to the world. ● Parliament has passed Public Premises
● It aims at building upon the success of RE-
(Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants)
INVEST 2015 to accelerate the worldwide
Amendment Bill, 2019 for speedy eviction
effort to scale up renewable energy and of unauthorised occupants from
connect the global investment community government residential accommodations.
with Indian energy stakeholders. The 2nd
Impact:
Global RE-INVEST, was held from 2-5
● The amendments will facilitate smooth
October, 2018. and speedy eviction of unauthorised
occupants from Government residences,
#13 Women Transforming India Awards and those vacant residences will be
● The NITI Aayog launched the Fourth Edition available for allotment to eligible persons
of Women Transforming India (WTI) on maturity of their turn in the waiting list.
Awards. Nominations for the awards will ● This will decrease the waiting time for
be opened immediately after the launch. availing the facility of residential
Crucial highlights accommodation.
● The Women Transforming India (WTI) ● Implications:
Awards is being organized in collaboration ● The new bill comes in place of “The Public
with the United Nations to recognize Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised
women entrepreneurs from across India. Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2017”.

Current Affairs For IAS, Civil Services Exams
Daily Current Affairs in English
● Daily IAS Current Affairs - Signup via Email

● Daily Current Affairs MCQ - Signup via Email
● Daily Audio Notes for IAS Exams- Signup via Email
● (VIDEO) Rajya Sabha TV : 'The Big Picture' Debate- Signup via Email
● (VIDEO) Lok Sabha TV : Insight Discussion- Signup via Email
NEW! Current Affairs HOT TOPICS for UPSC EXAMS

Daily Current Affairs in ह द
● समसाम यक दै नक ऑ डयो नो स - Signup via Email

● समसमा यक व तु न ठ न - Signup via Email
Current Affairs Subscriptions
● Weekly Current Affairs (PDF) Update for IAS Exam (52 Issues)
● The Gist of The Hindu, Yojana, Kurukshetra, PIB & Science Reporter
(1 Year Subscription - "Only PDF")
● Current Public Administration (Indispensable for Public Administration)
● It will be introduced in the ensuing Session ● The decision is yet another reflection of the
of Parliament. Government’s commitment to a
Implementation: transparent and hassle-free governance
● The Bill seeks amendments in Section 2, for the citizens of the country.
Section 3 and Section 7 of the Public
Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised #15 National Entrepreneurship Awards, 2019
Occupants) Act, 1971, by inserting clause
● Ministry of Skill Development and
(fa) before clause (fb) in Section 2, a new
Entrepreneurship announced the fourth
section 3B below section 3A of Section 3
edition of National Entrepreneurship
and a new sub-section 3A below sub-
Awards, 2019.
Section (3) under Section 7 of the Public
Key highlights
Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised
● The annual awards have been instituted to
Occupants) Act, 1971.
honour outstanding young first generation
● The proposed amendments would enable
entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders for
the Estate officer to apply summary
their exceptional contribution in
proceedings for evicting unauthorised
entrepreneurship development.
occupants from residential
● It was instituted by Ministry of Skill
accommodations and to levy damage
Development and Entrepreneurship
charges for accommodation held during
(MSDE).
the period of litigation.
● There are a total of 45 specially designed
● This Bill result in speedy eviction of
awards to be bestowed – 39 Enterprise
unauthorised occupants from Government
Awards and 6 Awards for Entrepreneurship
residences and increased availability of
Ecosystem Builders.
residential accommodations for eligible
● Winners will be presented with a Cash Prize
persons.
of ₹5 lakh (enterprises/ individuals) and
Background:
₹10 lakh (organizations/ institutes).
● The Government of India has to evict
Eligibility:
unauthorized occupants from Government
● To be eligible for these awards, the
accommodations under the provisions of
nominee (entrepreneur) – must be under
PPE Act, 1971. However, the eviction
the age of 40 years; must be first-
proceedings take unusually long time,
generation entrepreneurs; must hold 51%
thereby reducing the availability of
or more equity and ownership of the
Government accommodations to new
business; and women entrants must
incumbents.
individually or collectively own 75% or more
● Under the existing PPE Act,1971 as
of the enterprise.
amended by PPE Amendment Bill, 2015,
the eviction proceeding take around 5 to 7
weeks’ time. However, it takes much
#16 World Biofuel Day to be observed
longer, even years, to evict unauthorized ● World Biofuel Day will be observed on 10th
occupants. Under the proposed bill, the August to create awareness about the
state officer will not have to follow importance of non-fossil fuels as an
elaborate proceedings like serving notice, alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
show cause, inquiry, rather he or she can About:
initiate summary eviction proceedings. ● World Biofuel Day is observed every year
on 10th of August.

● It is being observed by the Ministry of ● Rozgar Samachar is the corresponding

Petroleum & Natural Gas since 2015. version of Employment News (English).
● To create awareness about the importance Employment News is the flagship weekly
of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to job journal from Ministry of Information
conventional fossil fuels and highlight the and Broadcasting, Government of India.
various efforts made by Government of ● It was launched in 1976 with a view to
India in the biofuel sector. provide information on employment
● This year the theme of the World Biofuel opportunities to the unemployed and
Day is “Production of Biodiesel from Used underemployed youth of the country.
Cooking Oil (UCO)”. ● The journal is published in
Key highlights of this year: English(Employment News), Hindi (Rozgar
● To facilitate the production of Biodiesel Samachar) and Urdu (Rozgar Samachar)
from UCO, the Oil Marketing Companies and has a circulation of over one lakh
shall float an Expression of Interest (EOI) copies per week.
on the occasion for procurement of Significance
Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil across ● The job journal provides information
100 cities. related to job vacancies, job oriented
training programmes, admission notices
#17 e-Rozgar Samachar launched to spread related to job oriented exams and results of
awareness about job opportunities recruitment exams in respect of:
● (a)Ministries/Departments/Offices/Organi
● The e-version of Rozgar Samachar has zations/Autonomous bodies/ Societies/
been launched recently by Union Minister PSUs of the Central Government, State
of Information and Broadcasting Shri Government and UT Administrations;
Prakash Javadekar. ● (b) Nationalised banks/ RRBs /UPSC/SSC/
Key highlights Constitutional and Statutory bodies;and
● It has been launched with a view to make ● (c) Central/State Governments
aspirants aware of job opportunities in Universities/ Colleges/Institutes
government sector including public sector recognised by the UGC/AICTE.
enterprises. Other utilities
● It will also provide information and ● In addition to this, Employment News also
guidance about admission and career provides editorial content on socio-
opportunities in various streams through economic issues and career guidance that
career-oriented articles by experts. helps youth in broadening their horizons.
● It is expected to meet the emerging ● The job journal serves as a guide to the
challenge of young readers switching to youth; especially those in rural areas, by
electronic modes of communication. helping them gain an understanding of the
● The journal has been priced at 75% of the job market and the plethora of employment
cost of its print version and is available for opportunities that otherwise go unnoticed.
an annual subscription fee of Rs. 400. ● The weekly educates the young people to
● It can be accessed by visiting the website make an informed decision about their
www.employmentnews.gov.in and clicking careers.
on the e-version tab.
Background

#18 Resolution to Repeal Article 370 of the ● Under article 370(3), there is a provision
Constitution that President, on recommendation of the
Parliament, has the power to amend or
● Government of India has brought cease the implementation of article
resolution to Repeal Article 370 of the 370,through a public notification.
Constitution.
● Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit
#19 Lalit Kala Academy celebrates 65th
Shah, introduced two bills and two
resolutions regarding Jammu and Foundation Day
Kashmir. Both the bills were passed by ● Lalit Kala Akademi celebrated its 65th
Rajya Sabha unanimously. Foundation Day on Monday, August 5th,
Key highlights 2019, at the Lalit Kala Art Galleries of
● Constitution (Application to Jammu and Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi. Shri Prahlad
Kashmir) Order, 2019 {Ref. Article 370(1) of Singh Patel, Minister of State (Independent
the Constitution of India} – issued by Charge), Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
President of India to supersede the 1954 Govt. of India, inaugurated the
order related to Article 370: celebrations.
● Resolution for Repeal of Article 370 of the Key highlights
Constitution of India {Ref. Article 370 (3)}: ● A live painting demonstration by eminent
● Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, artists Vasudeo Kamath and Ravindra
2019 {Ref. Article 3 of the Constitution of Salve was performed.
India}: It makes Jammu & Kashmir a Union ● ‘Mithila Ki Lokchitrakala’ a book by
territory with a Legislative Assembly, along Avdhesh Aman was also launched at the
with Union Territory status to Ladakh event. Artists, art critics, students and art
without a Legislative Assembly. lovers in a big number attended the
● Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (2nd programme.
Amendment) Bill, 2019: It amends the ● Celebrating the 65th Foundation Day, the
Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act Akademi has organized various events
2004. This bill seeks to extend the 10% including a Women-Artists Camp and an
quota to economically weaker sections of exhibition of eminent women artists’
society in J&K in jobs and educational paintings from Akademi’s permanent
institutions. collection.
Repeal of Article 370: ● The Akademi has also put on display a
● Government is moving a resolution which unique exhibition of post-cards dedicated
would repeal the provisions under Article to the Indian Armed Forces. The exhibition
370 of the Constitution of India, which showcases over 500 painted post cards
granted a special status to the state of and has been curated by artist-critic
Jammu and Kashmir. Bhupendra Kumar Asthana and his NGO
● The provisions of Article 370 would cease called Saprem Foundation.
to exist from the date President of India
issued a notification in this regard, after the #20 NFDC announces Second window of
recommendation of the Parliament. Funding for Film Production in various Indian
● Consequently, the Constitution of India
languages
would get applicable to Jammu and
Kashmir, on par with other states/UTs of ● National Film Development Corporation
the country, the Minister added. Limited – NFDC has announced that it will

start accepting applications for funding of ● It decreases the risk of mothers developing
feature films under the Central breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2
Government scheme, ‘Production of films diabetes, and heart disease and
in various Indian languages’. ● It protects infants from obesity-related
Key highlights illnesses, diabetes and increases the IQ.
● In a statement, NDFC has informed that The correct norms of infant and young child
interested applicants can apply by visiting feeding are:
official website ● Initiation of Breastfeeding within an hour of
● It adds that applicants will have to birth
compulsorily send the complete ● Exclusive breastfeeding for first six
application in hard copy to the Mumbai months of life i.e. only breast Milk ‘NO’
office of National Film Development other milk, food, drink or water
Corporation. ● Appropriate and adequate complementary
● The applications can be submitted till the feeding from six months of age while
8th of next month. continuing breastfeeding
● Continued breastfeeding up to the age of
#21 World Breastfeeding Week two years or beyond
● The Food and Nutrition Board, Ministry of

Women and Child Development, is
#22 Skill India’s SANKALP Scheme to focus
organizing the World Breastfeeding Week on district level skilling ecosystem
(WBW) program. ● Union Minister of Skill Development
● The theme of the program is “Empower reviewed the SANKALP programme at the
Parents, Enable Breastfeeding” . first Program Governance Board Meeting,
● It is being observed from 1st to 7th August which is the apex body for governance of
2019. the scheme.
● The focus this year is on protection, Key Highlights
promotion, and support of breastfeeding. ● It is known as Skills Acquisition and
The objectives of World Breastfeeding Week are: Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood
● To create awareness among the parents Promotion (SANKALP).
about breastfeeding, ● It is implemented by the Union Ministry of
● Encourage parents to adopt breastfeeding, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship with
● Creating awareness about the importance the assistance of World Bank.
of initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, ● This is a centrally sponsored programme.
and adequate and appropriate ● It was approved by the Union Cabinet in
complementary feeding, 2017. As of now, all 36 States/ UTs across
● Providing advocacy material about the country have submitted their consent for
importance of breastfeeding. participation in SANKALP.
Breastfeeding is important because: ● SANKALP aims to implement the mandate
● It promotes better health for mothers and of the National Skill Development Mission
children alike. (NSDM).
● It prevents infections like diarrhoea and Strategy:
acute respiratory infections in early infancy ● Under SANKALP four key result areas have
and thus reduce infant mortality been identified viz –

● Institutional Strengthening (at National, ● Electric vehicle technology has proved to

State & District level); be a viable alternative by reducing the
● Quality Assurance Quality Assurance of carbon emission footprint.
skill development programs; ● Indian companies like Tata Motors and
● Inclusion of marginalised population in Mahindra have taken a lead in R&D and
skill development; and manufacturing of Electric Cars.
● Expanding Skills through Public Private ● EESL has been the main facilitator in
Partnerships (PPPs). providing these vehicles to various
● A robust IT system namely “Skill India Government agencies.
Portal” has also been developed under ● Army’s initiative in encouraging these
SANKALP to capture and converge skill electric vehicles will go a long way in
data. further development of this technology and
its adoption for the general public in near
#23 Army Launches E Car to Combat future.
Pollution
#24 Time Release Study
● The Indian Army in step with government
policies on environmental protection has ● The Department of Revenue, Ministry of
launched an ecological initiative with Finance is conducting India’s first national
employing E Cars for use of its officials in Time Release Study (TRS) between 1st –
New Delhi in partnership with Energy 7th August to enable faster movement of
Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a joint cargo across borders to benefit traders.
Venture of Central PSUs under Ministry of Key highlights
Power. ● The exercise is being conducted as a part
Key highlights of its strategic commitment to improve
● It is pertinent to mention that Army has global trade.
always been at the forefront of ● The exercise will be conducted at the same
environmental initiatives. time across 15 ports including sea, air, land
● Indian Army has a large number of and dry ports which cumulatively account
Territorial Army Battalions (ECO) which for 81% of total Bills of Entries for import
have done a yeoman service in and 67% of Shipping Bills for export filed
environmental protection initiatives such within India.
as forestation. ● It will be institutionalized on an annual
● Army units posted in remote and basis, during the same period every year
ecologically sensitive areas from Kashmir hereafter.
to KanyaKumari have been carrying out ● This initiative will help India in improving its
various activities in close coordination with Ease of Doing Business ranking on the
the local populace to conserve the Trading Across Borders indicator. Last
ecological balance and protect the year India’s ranking on the indicator
environment. improved from 146 to 80.
Benefits
● Air pollution has been a major challenge in
Delhi. Governments across the World are
investing a lot of resources in fighting this
menace.

#25 Cabinet approves Nutrient Based again sent to the Lok Sabha for approval as
Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and it was passed with some Amendments.
● The bill seeks to amend the Motor Vehicles
Potassic fertilizers
Act, 1988 to provide for road safety.
● The Cabinet Committee on Economic Around 1.50 lakh people die and 5 lakh
Affairs (CCEA) has approved the proposal people injured annually in road accidents.
of the Department of Fertilizers for fixation Salient features of the Bill:
of Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates for ● Provisions related to increasing penalties
Phosphatic and Potassic Fertilizers for the for traffic violations, addressing issues on
year 2019-20. third-party insurance, regulation of cab
Key highlights aggregators and road safety are proposed
● The Department of fertilizers is in the amendment.
implementing NBS Policy for Phosphatic ● It proposes a scheme to allow cashless
and Potassic fertilizers w.e.f. 1.4.2010. treatment of victims in a road accident
● Under the NBS Policy, a fixed rate of during the golden hour.
subsidy (in Rs. per Kg basis) is announced ● It proposes to increase the minimum
on nutrients namely Nitrogen (N), compensation for hit and run cases. In
Phosphate (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S) case of the death, the compensation has
by the Government on annual basis. been raised from 25,000 to 2 lakh rupees,
● The per Kg subsidy rates on the nutrient N, and in case of grievous injury, it will be from
P, K, S is converted into per Tonne subsidy 12,500 to 50,000 rupees.
on the various P and K fertilizers covered ● The government will open motor driving
under NBS Policy. training schools to impart skill trainings to
● Any variant of the fertilizers covered under drivers. The government will also give one
the subsidy scheme with micronutrients crore rupees grant to those who want to
namely Boron and Zinc, is eligible for a open such training schools.
separate per tonne subsidy to encourage
their application along with primary #27 PM’s interaction through PRAGATI
nutrients.
● MRP of P and K fertilizers has been left ● The Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired
open and fertilizer his 30th interaction through PRAGATI. This
manufacturers/marketers are allowed to was also the first PRAGATI meeting in the
fix the MRP at reasonable rates. In effect, new term of the Union Government.
the domestic prices are determined by Key highlights
demand supply mechanism. ● PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active
Governance and Timely Implementation.
● It is a multi-purpose and interactive ICT
#26 Rajya Sabha passes Motor Vehicles
platform with the objective of initiating a
(Amendment) Bill 2019 culture of Pro-Active Governance and
● Rajya Sabha passed the Motor Vehicles Timely Implementation by –
(Amendment) Bill 2019 to provide an ● Addressing common man’s grievances,
Efficient, Safe and Corruption Free and
Transport System in the Country. ● Monitoring important programs of Union
About: and State Governments.
● The Rajya Sabha passed the Motor
Vehicles (Amendment), Bill, 2019. It will be

● It has been designed in-house by the PMO Salient Features:

team with the help of National Informatics ● The Convention provides a uniform
Center (NIC). framework for the enforcement of
Working: international settlement agreements
● It is a three-tier system (involving PMO, resulting from mediation and for allowing
Union Government Secretaries, and Chief parties to invoke such agreements.
Secretaries of the States); ● The Convention defines two additional
● PM will hold a monthly interaction with the grounds upon which a court may, on its
Government of India Secretaries and Chief own motion, refuse to grant relief. Those
Secretaries through Video-conferencing grounds relate to the fact that a dispute
enabled by data and geo-informatics would not be capable of settlement by
visuals; mediation or would be contrary to public
● Issues to be raised before the PM are policy.
picked up from the available database ● Signing of the Convention by India will
regarding Public Grievances, on-going boost the confidence of the investors and
Programs and pending Projects. shall provide a positive signal to foreign
Timeline: investors about India’s commitment to
● It was launched in 2015. adhere to international practice on
● The 29 PRAGATI meetings in the previous Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
term, saw a cumulative review of 257
projects and 47 programmes/schemes. #29 GHAR-GHAR DASTAK GHAR GHAR
Resolution of Public Grievances was also PUSTAK
reviewed across 17 sectors (21 subjects).
● The Union Minister of State for Culture and
Tourism (I/C) launched the Mobile Library
#28 Cabinet approves signing of the UN
Buses procured under C.S.R assistance
Convention on International Settlement
from Airports Authority of India in New
Agreements resulting from mediation by Delhi.
India ● The Programme was organized by Delhi
Public Library of Ministry of Culture.
● The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime
About:
Minister Narendra Modi has approved the
● The Mobile Library Buses were launched
signing of the United Nations Convention
under the “Ghar Ghar Dastak Ghar Ghar
on International Settlement Agreements
Pustak” Scheme of the Delhi Public Library.
resulting from mediation by India.
● Under this scheme, the Delhi Public Library
Key highlights
aims to provide books to the citizens of
● The United Nations General Assembly
Delhi, especially, the residents of slums,
adopted the United Nations Convention on
resettlement colonies and rural areas.
International Settlement Agreements
Resulting from Mediation (“the
Convention”) in December 2018. #30 Seed Bankers for Conserving Native
● The General Assembly authorized that the Crops
Convention will open for signature at a ● A total of 1597 farmers varieties have been
signing ceremony to be held on 7thAugust registered with Protection of Plant
2019 in Singapore and will be known as the Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority
“Singapore Convention on Mediation”.

and certificates of registration have been ● It declares the practice of triple talaq as
issued. void and illegal.
India’s Seed Bank? ● It makes this offence punishable with
● India has established its own seed storage imprisonment up to three years and fine.
facility at Chang La in Ladakh, Jammu and ● It provides for payment of subsistence
Kashmir. allowance to married Muslim women and
● It has been built jointly by the Defence dependent children.
Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) ● It proposes to make the offence
and the National Bureau of Plant Genetic cognizable, if information relating to the
Resources (NBPGR) in 2010 under the commission of an offence is given to a
aegis of Defence Research and police officer by the married Muslim
Development Organisation (DRDO). woman upon whom talaq is pronounced or
● It stores over 5,000 seed accessions (one by any person related to her by blood or
accession consists of a set of seeds of a marriage.
particular species collected from different ● The offence is made compoundable with
geographical and demographic locations). the permission of the Magistrate at the
● Note: Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the instance of the married Muslim woman
world’s largest seed storage facility upon whom talaq is pronounced.
situated at Norway. ● It further provides for hearing the married
ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Muslim woman upon whom talaq is
(NBPGR) pronounced, before the accused is
● It is a nodal organisation for management released on bail by the Magistrate.
of plant genetic resources in India and
functions under the control of Indian #32 PRE-BID meeting for construction of
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Light House projects under GHTC-India
● It is conserving seed germplasm for long-
term conservation (at -20°C) in its National ● A pre-bid meeting for construction of Light
Genebank (NGB) House Projects under GHTC-India was
● It plans, organizes, conducts and organized in New Delhi.
coordinates exploration and collection of ● Global Housing Technology Challenge
indigenous and exotic plant genetic (GHTC):
resources. ● GHTC was launched by the Union Ministry
of Housing and Urban Affairs in January
2019 to fast-track the construction of
#31 Parliament passes the Muslim Women
affordable housing and meet the target of
(Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2019 constructing 1.2 crore houses by 2022.
● Parliament passed the Muslim Women ● It comes under Pradhan Mantri Awas
(Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill Yojana Urban (PMAY-U).
2019. Salient Features:
About: ● Under it, Centre will offer about ₹150 crore
● The Bill would help in protecting the rights as a technology innovation grant to build
of married Muslim women and prevent 6,000 homes — cheaper, faster and better
divorce by practice of ‘talaq-e-biddat’ by — using alternative technologies and
their husbands. materials.
Salient features of the bill:

● The challenge will focus on identifying and ● To remove the regulatory arbitrage
mainstreaming proven demonstrable between banks and non-banks, supervisory
technologies through ASHA (Affordable framework for NBFCs is being aligned with
Sustainable Housing Accelerators) — India. that of Scheduled Commercial Banks.
Light House Projects Challenge: ● Minimum capital adequacy norms have
● Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs been prescribed for different categories of
(MoHUA) has published Request for NBFCs.
Proposal (RFP) for construction of Light ● Net owned fund requirement for Asset
House Projects (LHP) at six selected sites Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) has
under GHTC-India. been fixed at Rs. 100 crore on an ongoing
● These LHPs will be constructed at Indore, basis.
Rajkot, Chennai, Ranchi, Agartala and
Lucknow. #34 DE-Linting and Cotton Seed Oil Extraction
● These selected sites will be used as an
● The Union Minister of Textiles informed
‘open laboratory’ for live demonstration
Lok Sabha about the various initiatives by
and will receive due attention from policy
Government of India to provide
makers and media apart from felicitation/
remunerative price of cotton to farmers.
recognition in Grand Expo-cum-
● Government of India initiatives to provide
Conference.
remunerative price of cotton to farmers:
● Ministry of Agriculture, Government of
#33 Regulation of NBFCs by RBI India fixes the Minimum Support Price
● Minister of Finance informed Rajya Sabha (MSP) of two varieties of seed cotton
about the regulation of NBFCs by RBI. (kapas) every year before commencement
Key highlights of the Cotton Season (October to
● Amendments to give more powers to RBI September).
to regulate NBFCs form part of Finance Bill, ● The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has
2019, which has been introduced in the been Nominated as the nodal agency to
ongoing Budget Session 2019 of undertake MSP operation in all cotton
Parliament. The proposed amendments growing States, in the event when prices of
would empower RBI to – seed cotton (kapas) touches the MSP level.
● supersede the Board of an NBFC or remove ● Cott-Ally, a farmer friendly mobile app has
its director(s), been developed to keep the cotton farmers
● amalgamate or reconstruct or split an informed about various information related
NBFC in public interest or for financial to Minimum Support Price operations,
stability, tracking of payments status etc.
● remove and debar auditors,
● direct the inspection and audit of any group #35 Implementation of Krishonnati Yojana
company of an NBFC,
● Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers
● raise the Net Owned Fund requirement for
informed Rajya Sabha about the ‘Green
NBFCs, and
Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana’.
● impose higher penalties in case of legal
About:
contraventions.
● ‘Green Revolution– Krishonnati Yojana’ is
RBI has also taken a number of regulatory and
an Umbrella Scheme comprising both
supervisory measures to strengthen NBFCs:

Central Sector as well as Centrally ● It was informed that the target is to

Sponsored Schemes/Missions. complete the project by March 2021.
● Developing the agriculture and allied sector ● The Minister was also informed that
in a holistic and scientific manner. another project for Bamboo Park in
Components: Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh would be
● The 12 Schemes that are part of the taken up by NEC.
Umbrella Schemes are –
● Mission for Integrated Development of #37 Preventive steps taken to check Marine
Horticulture (MIDH); Pollution
● National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm
(NMOOP); ● The Union Minister for Shipping and
● National Food Security Mission (NFSM); Chemical & Fertilizers informed Lok Sabha
● National Mission for Sustainable about the Preventive steps taken to check
Agriculture (NMSA); Marine Pollution.
● Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension Measures taken to check Marine Pollution:
(SMAE); ● India is a signatory to MARPOL
● Sub-Mission on Seeds & Planting Material (International Convention on Prevention of
(SMSP); Marine Pollution).
● Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation ● Prevention of Marine Pollution is also dealt
(SMAM); with by Merchant Shipping Rules, 2009
● Sub-Mission on Plant Protection and Plant framed under the Merchant Shipping Act,
Quarantine (SMPPQ); 1958.
● Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Census, ● In May 2019, a steering committee with
Economics and Statistics; stakeholders from all the concerned
● Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Ministers has been constituted by the
Cooperation; Ministry of Environment, Forests and
● Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Climate Change to tackle the issues of
Marketing (ISAM); marine plastic littering.
● National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture ● In January, 2019, the Indian and Norwegian
(NeGP-A). governments agreed to work more closely
on oceans by signing an MoU and
establishing the India-Norway Ocean
#36 First Bamboo Industrial Park
Dialogue during the Norwegian Prime
● Minister of Development of North Eastern Minister’s visit to India in January.
Region (MDoNER) reviewed the status of
implementation of various projects under
MDoNER.
Key highlights:
● During the meeting, it was informed that
India’s first Bamboo Industrial Park will be
set up in Manderdisa in Dima Hasao
district of Assam in an area of 75 hectares
at a cost of Rs 50 crore.
● The in-principle approval will be granted to
this project in August this year.

Study Material for IAS (UPSC) General Studies Pre. Cum Mains (Combo) English
UPSC - IAS PRE (GS+CSAT) Solved Papers & Test Series English
UPSC सामा अ यन ारं िभक एवं मु परी ा (Combo) Study Kit Hindi
Study Material for IAS Prelims: GS Paper -1 + CSAT Paper-2 English
Study Kit for IAS (Pre) GENERAL STUDIES Paper-1 (GS) English
Study Kit for IAS (Pre) CSAT Paper-2(Aptitude) English
Public Administration Optional for UPSC Mains English
सामा अ यन (GS) ारं िभक परी ा (Pre) पेपर-1 िह ी
आई. ए. एस. (सी-सैट) ांरिभक परी ा पेपर -2 िह ी
Gist of NCERT Study Kit For UPSC Exams English
यूपीएससी परी ा के िलए एनसीईआरटी अ यन साम ी िह ी
COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM English
COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL FOR IAS PRE+MAINS+INTERVIEW EXAM English
UPSC, IAS िसिवल सेवा परी ा संपूण अ यन साम ी ( ारं िभक, मु , सा ा ार) िह ी

The Gist August 2019 - Ias Exam Portal

Încărcat de

Informații document

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

The Gist August 2019 - Ias Exam Portal

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

UPSC Exam PRE Cum Mains Study Materials

‘The GIST’ AUG 2018

GIST OF THE YOJANA Magazine 4

GIST OF THE KURUKSHETRA Magazine 17

GIST OF THE HINDU (Newspaper) 30

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 1

National Digital Health Mission 60

GIST OF Science Reporter Magazine 90

GIST OF PIB (Press Information Bureau) 94

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 2

#15 National Entrepreneurship Awards, 2019 100

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 3

GIST OF THE YOJANA Magazine

investments eligible for deduction under

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 4

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 5

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 6

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 7

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 8

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 9

No. of Issues: 12 Months (1 Year)

Order Online (100% Safe)

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 10

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 11

#6 Welfare and Empowerment of

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 12

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 13

may not be as cost effective as energy Energy Access

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 14

#8 RURAL India Scheme of Fund for Upgradation and

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 15

● To focus on integrated demand and supply ● Internet connectivity in local bodies in

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 16

GIST OF THE KURUKSHETRA Magazine

#1 BUDGET 2019-20: AGRICULTURE AND RURAL PROSPERITY

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 17

reduced for National Social Assistance Rural Roads

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 18

Order Online (100% Safe)

impact on soil health, food production, process of social and economic

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 19

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 20

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 21

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 22

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 23

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 24

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 25

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 26

Draft National Education Policy ● Enhance India's global market share of

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 27

UPSC Mains General Studies:

'National Mission on Education through Freight Corridor. Bharatmala and

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 28

● To address the traditional village households leading to cost savings of

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 29

GIST OF THE HINDU (Newspaper)

have been in use over the centuries for the

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 30

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 31

● The Government has constituted a presidential elections in September, which

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 32

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 33

www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM/GIST THE GIST - AUG 2018 34

implementing coral rehabilitation ● While having a meal at the athletes' mess

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NCERT BOOKS

● New! UPSC, IAS (PRE) Papers Download