Topics Covered:: Paper 2

Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

Population Research Centres (PRCs)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: PRCs- roles, objectives and significance.
Context: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) recently organized a two-
day orientation workshop for Population Research Centres (PRCs) to highlight
various features of Health Ministry’s flagship schemes and for their concurrent
monitoring.
About Population Research Centres (PRCs):
 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) established a network

of Population Research Centres (PRCs) with the mandate to provide, inter
alia, critical research based inputs related to the Health and Family
Welfare Programs and Policies at the national and state levels.
 Their main role is to undertake research projects relating to family planning,
demographic research and biological studies & qualitative aspect of
population control, with a view to gainfully utilize the feedback from these
research studies for plan formulation, strategies and modifications of on-
going schemes.

Functioning: Autonomous in their functioning, these PRCs are provided 100 per
cent central assistance in the form of grant-in-aid on a year-to year basis.
 Activities of PRCs are monitored by the Ministry of Health and Family

Welfare through regular periodical progress reports and meeting, seminars
etc. Besides, guidance is also provided by various institutions as well as
committees both at State and national level constituted by the Ministry from
time to time.
 Administratively, these PRCs are under the control of their host
University/Institutions where they are located.
 However, as the PRCs are established as well as fully funded by the Ministry
of health & family Welfare, they are governed by the guidelines issued by
the Ministry from time to time.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and
States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws,
institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of
these vulnerable sections.

Pension scheme for small retail traders and shopkeepers
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features and significance of the scheme.

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a monthly pension scheme for small
retail traders and shopkeepers. The scheme that offers pension coverage to the
trading community will cover 3 crore small retail traders and shop keepers.
Key features:
 Under the scheme all small shopkeepers, retail traders and self-employed

persons are assured a minimum of Rs.3,000 monthly pension after attaining
60 years of age.
 Eligibility: All small shopkeepers, self-employed persons and retail traders
aged between 18-40 years and with Goods and Service Tax (GST) turnover
below Rs.1.5 crore can enrol for pension scheme.
 The scheme is based on self-declaration as no documents are required
except bank account and Aadhaar Card.
 The Central Government will make matching contribution (same amount as
subscriber contribution) i.e. equal amount as subsidy into subscriber’s
pension account every month.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Issues related to health and Government policies and interventions for

development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and
implementation.

e-cigarettes

What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: e-cigarettes- concerns, effects on health, need for regulation,
challenges associated and measures needed.
Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended

‘complete’ ban on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), including e-
cigarettes. The recommendation is based on currently available scientific evidence.
Why ICMR has recommended a complete ban?
 Addictive in nature: e-cigarettes and other such devices contained not only
nicotine solution, that was highly addictive, but also harmful ingredients like
flavoring agents and vaporizers. Availability of flavor variants and attractive
designs are adding to allure of devices, and globally there was an increasing
trend of e-cigarettes consumption among youth and adolescents.
 Use of ENDS or e-cigarettes can open a gateway for new tobacco
addiction among the masses as on the balance, these have a negative impact
on public health.
 Prolonged use of ENDS or e-cigarettes has documented adverse impact on
humans which includes DNA damage, respiratory/cardiovascular/
neurological Disorders, carcinogenic/cellular/molecular/immunological
Toxicity and even have adverse effects on fetal development and pregnancy.
 Research has found that youths using e-cigarettes (or other such devices)
are more likely to use regular cigarettes in later period. The exposure to
ENDS increases the likelihood to experiment with regular products and
increase intention to indulge in cigarette smoking.

What are e-cigarettes?
 An electronic cigarette (or e-cig) is a battery-powered vaporizer that mimics

tobacco smoking. It works by heating up a nicotine liquid, called “juice.”
 Nicotine juice (or e-juice) comes in various flavors and nicotine levels. e-liquid
is composed of five ingredients: vegetable glycerin (a material used in all
types of food and personal care products, like toothpaste) and propylene
glycol (a solvent most commonly used in fog machines.) propylene glycol is
the ingredient that produces thicker clouds of vapor.
 Proponents of e-cigs argue that the practice is healthier than traditional
cigarettes because users are only inhaling water vapor and nicotine.

Why its hard to regulate them?
As e-cigarettes contain nicotine and not tobacco, they do not fall within the ambit
of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and
Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003
(COTPA), which mandates stringent health warnings on the packaging and
advertisements of tobacco products.
Need for regulation: The current unregulated sale of e-cigarettes is dangerous for

a country like India where the number of smokers is on the decline (WHO Global
Report, 2015) as it increases the possibility of e-cigarettes becoming a gateway for
smoking by inducing nicotine addiction and perpetuating smoking by making it
more attractive, thereby encouraging persons to become users of tobacco as well
as e-cigarettes.
WHO report on e- cigarettes and effects:

 As per the report, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (also known as
e-cigarettes) emits nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco products. In
addition to dependence, nicotine can have adverse effects on the
development of the foetus during pregnancy and may contribute to
cardiovascular disease.
 The WHO report further says that although nicotine itself is not a carcinogen,
it may function as a “tumour promoter” and seems to be involved in the
biology of malignant disease, as well as of neurodegeneration.
 Foetal and adolescent nicotine exposure may have long-term consequences
for brain development, potentially leading to learning and anxiety disorders.
 The evidence is sufficient to warn children and adolescents, pregnant
women, and women of reproductive age against ENDS use and nicotine.
‘Jal Shakti’Munistry:
 The Centre has created a new Ministry called ‘Jal Shakti’.

 It has been created by merger of Ministries of Water Resources, River
Development & Ganga Rejuvenation along with Drinking Water and
Sanitation.
 ‘Nal se Jal’ scheme to provide piped drinking water to every household will
be a component of government’s Jal Jivan Mission.
 The ministry will roll out government’s ambitious plans to provide piped
water connections to every household in India by 2024.
 It will also address international and inter-states water disputes and the
Namami Gange project which is the flagship initiative to clean the River
Ganga, its tributaries and sub-tributaries.
National Defence Fund (NDF):
Context: A major change has been brought about in the ‘Prime Minister’s
Scholarship Scheme’ under the National Defence Fund.
Key changes:
 Scholarships increase from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 a month for boys and from
₹2,250 to ₹3,000 a month for girls.
 The ambit of the scheme was widened to cover the wards of State police
officials martyred in terror or Naxal attacks.
 new scholarships are given to 5,500 wards of armed forces personnel, 2,000
wards of paramilitary forces personnel and 150 wards of forces under the
Railways Ministry every year.

About National Defence Fund (NDF):
 The National Defence Fund (NDF) was set up in 1962 to take charge of the:
 Voluntary donations in cash and kind received for promotion of the national
 Defence effort, and to decide on their utilisation.
 Currently the fund is being used for the welfare of the members of the
Armed Forces, Para Military forces and Railway Protection Force, and their
dependents.
 The fund is administered by an Executive Committee with the Prime Minister
as the Chairperson and the Defence, Finance and Home Ministers as
Members.
 Under National Defence Fund major scheme of ‘Prime Minister’s Scholarship
Scheme (PMSS)’ is being implemented to encourage technical and post-
graduate education for the widows and wards of the deceased/ex-service
personnel.
 Scholarships are available for education at technical institutions (medical,
dental, veterinary, engineering, MBA, MCA and other equivalent technical
professions with suitable AICTE/UGC approval).
 The National Defence Fund accepts online voluntary contributions through
the website.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Schemes for the vulnerable sections of the society.

PM – KISAN scheme
What to study?
For Prelims: Key Features of the scheme.
For Mains: Significance, relevance and need for the scheme, concerns and challenges
over its implementation, is it sufficient?
Context: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
approved that the ambit of the Pradhan Mantri KisanSamman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
would be comprehensively extended.
 The revised Scheme is expected to cover around 2 crore more farmers,

increasing the coverage of PM-KISAN to around 14.5 crore beneficiaries.
 With this decision, all land holding eligible farmer families (subject to the
prevalent exclusion criteria) would avail of the benefits under this scheme.

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi:
 Under this programme, vulnerable landholding farmer families, having

cultivable land upto 2 hectares, will be provided direct income support at the
rate of Rs. 6,000 per year.
 This income support will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of
beneficiary farmers, in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each.
 The complete expenditure of Rs 75000 crore for the scheme will borne by the
Union Government in 2019-20.

Definition:
For the purpose of the calculation of the benefit, the Centre has defined a small and
marginal landholder family as the one comprising of husband, wife and minor
children up to 18 years of age, who collectively own cultivable land up to two
hectare as per the land records of the concerned states.
Significance:
Around 12 crore small and marginal farmer families are expected to benefit from
this. It would not only provide assured supplemental income to the most vulnerable
farmer families, but would also meet their emergent needs especially before the
harvest season. It would pave the way for the farmers to earn and live a
respectable living.
Similar programmes by states:
 Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana in Madhya Pradesh was sought to provide relief

to farmers by providing the differential between MSPs and market prices.
 The Rythu Bandhu schemeof the Telangana government provides ₹4,000 per
acre for every season to all the farmers of the state. Similar initiatives have
also be framed in Jharkhand and Odisha.
 In December 2018, Odisha launched the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood
and Income augmentation (KALIA). KALIA is more complicated in design and
implementation. It commits to give Rs 5,000 per SMF, twice a year, that is Rs
10,000 a year.

Benefits of direct cash transfers:
 It has immediate impact on reducing hunger and rural poverty.

 They can help households to overcome credit constraints and manage risk.
This can increase productive investment, increase access to markets and
stimulate local economies.
 Income support can be used to make a repayment or at least activate a bank
account which can then receive a loan.
 It can increase investment in agricultural inputs, including farm implements
and livestock.
 It can serve as an important complement to a broader rural development
agenda, including a pro-poor growth strategy focusing on agriculture.

Challenges with cash transfers- criticisms:
 Landless labourers are not being covered under PM-KISAN.

 Cash transfers are not greatly superior in terms of leakagescompared to
other schemes of in-kind transfer such as the public distribution system
(PDS).
 A targeted cash transfer scheme envisions the role of the state to only
providing cash income to the poor. This kind of approach seeks to absolve
the state of its responsibility in providing basic services such as health,
education, nutrition and livelihood.
 Cash transfer scheme such as PM-KISAN cannot be substituted for subsidies
and other institutional support systems such as the National Food Security
Act-powered public distribution system. In fact, such cash transfer schemes
could be counterproductive and may lead to more distress.
 Cash transfers do not solve the following problems which are the reasons for
the current agrarian crisis. The Agrarian crisis is not just of low incomes in
agriculture. The genesis of the current crisis lies in the faulty and ad hoc
export-import policy, lack of infrastructure and cartelisation and collusion in
agricultural markets, which have prevented farmers from realizing the
market prices for agricultural produce.
 Cash transfer is neither a substitute for the structural reforms needed in
agriculture, nor does it adequately compensate the farmer for the risks and
uncertainty of crop cultivation.
 In the absence of proper tenancy records, it will also benefit the absentee
landlords.
 It is no substitute for the lack of investment in agriculture, which has declined
at 2.3% per annum in real terms.
Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Conservation related issues.

#SelfiewithSapling
What to study?
For prelims and mains: about the campaign and its significance, about World
Environment Day.
Context: On the eve of World Environment Day, Union Environment Ministry has

launched a people’s campaign called #SelfiewithSapling, urging people to advocate
the cause on social media.
Under the campaign, people have been urged to plant a sapling and post selfie
with the planted sapling on social media.
World Environment Day:
Every June 5th is World Environment Day. On this day, communities and individuals
around the world work to increase awareness of the importance of conserving the
environment, the positive global impact of environmental regulations and controls
and engage in activities that serve to educate and improve their environment
locally.
The World Environment Day is a part of the United Nations Environmental
Program (UNEP) for creating awareness and action worldwide for the environment.
The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973.
The theme for 45th World Environment Day is Beat Air Pollution. It is the call for
action to combat the global crisis for ‘fresh air’.
Host: China.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Issues related to health.

Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Programme

What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the programme, about World
Bank and related facts.
Context: The Government of India, Government of Tamil Nadu (GoTN) and the
World Bank recently signed a $287 million loan agreement for the Tamil Nadu
Health System Reform Programme.
About the Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Programme:
 The programme aims to improve the quality of health care, reduce the
burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and fill equity gaps in
reproductive and child health services in Tamil Nadu.
 The programme supports interventions to strengthen institutional and
state capacity to achieve results.
 The programme will promote population-based screening, treatment and
follow-up for NCDs, and improve monitoring and evaluation. Patients will be
equipped with knowledge and skills to self-manage their conditions. Lab
services and health provider capacity will also be strengthened to address
mental health. To tackle road injuries, the programme will improve in-
hospital care, strengthen protocols, strengthen the 24×7 trauma care
services and establish a trauma registry.
 Another key aim of this programme is to reduce the equity gaps in
reproductive and child health. Special focus will be given to nine priority
districts, which constitute the bottom quintile of the RCH indicators in the
state and have a relatively large proportion of tribal populations.
 This Programme focuses on results instead of inputs through a Programme-
for-Results (PforR) lending instrument. This will provide a much greater focus
on outputs and outcomes through better alignment of expenditures and
incentives with results.

The Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Program will support the state government
to:
 develop clinical protocols and guidelines;

 achieve national accreditation for primary, secondary, and tertiary-level
health facilities in the public sector;
 strengthen physicians, nurses and paramedics through continuous medical
education;
 strengthen the feedback loop between citizens and the state by making
quality and other data accessible to the public.

Background:
Tamil Nadu ranks third among all Indian states in the NITI Aayog Health Index
which is reflected in vastly improved health outcomes. The state’s maternal
mortality rate has declined from 90 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2005 to 62
deaths in 2015-16 while infant mortality has declined from 30 deaths per 1000 live
births to 20 in the same period. A key contribution to these achievements has been
the establishment of emergency obstetric and neonatal care centres and the 108
ambulance service with previous support from the World Bank. These have
ensured that no mother has to travel more than 30 minutes to access emergency
obstetric and neonatal care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources, issues relating to poverty
and hunger.

Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: About Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS)- objectives, functions and
significance.
Context: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has decided to

waive off fee for SC/ST candidates who join vocational training under Jan Shikshan
Sansthans (JSS).
About Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS):
 Formerly under the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Jan

Shikshan Sansthan was transferred to the Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship in 2018.
 Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS) were established to provide vocational
training to non-literate, neo-literate, as well as school dropouts by
identifying skills as would have a market in the region of their establishment.
 They were formerly known as Shramik Vidyapeeth.
 The JSSs are unique, they link literacy with vocational skills and provide large
doses of Life Enrichment Education (LEE) to the people.
 They aim for convergence with other stakeholders in society. It is their
endeavour to shape their beneficiaries into self reliant and self-assured
employees and entrepreneurs.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and
challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and
finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Cabinet committees
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Cabinet committees- establishment, mandate, composition,

functions and significance.
Context: The Government reconstituted eight key cabinet committees under

the Transaction of Business Rules.
What are they?
The Cabinet Committee are organizations which are instrumental in reducing the
workload of the Cabinet. These committees are extra-constitutional in nature and
are nowhere mentioned in the Constitution.

Types and Composition of Cabinet Committees:
Standing Cabinet Committee: These are permanent in nature with a specific job.

The Cabinet Ministers are called its ‘members’ while the people without the rank of
Cabinet Committee are called ‘special invitees’.
Ad-hoc Cabinet Committee: These are temporary in nature and are formed time to

time to deal with specific tasks.
Composition: The composition of a Cabinet Committee varies from 3 to 8 people.

Even Ministers who are not the part of the Cabinet can be added to a Cabinet
Committee. Usually, each cabinet committee has at least one Cabinet Minister. The
members of the Cabinet Committee can be from both the Lok Sabha and the
Rajya Sabha.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Economic Census
What to study?
Fo Prelims and Mains: What is Economic Census, who conducts and coordinates, uses
and significance.
Context: The 7th Economic Census -2019 is being conducted by MoSPI to provide

disaggregated information on various operational and structural aspects of all
establishments in the country.
Implementing agency: MoSPI has partnered with Common Service Centres, CSC e-

Governance Services India Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle under the MEITY as
the implementing agency.
About Economic Censuses:
Launched in 1976 as a plan scheme.
Coverage: All entrepreneurial units in the country which are involved in any
economic activities of either agricultural or non-agricultural sector which are
engaged in production and/or distribution of goods and/or services not for the sole
purpose of own consumption.
Objective: It provides detailed information on operational and other characteristics

such as number of establishments, number of persons employed, source of
finance, type of ownership etc.
Significance: This information used for micro level/ decentralized planning and to
assess contribution of various sectors of the economy in the gross domestic
product (GDP).
Total Six Economic Censuses (EC) have been conducted till date. First one was
conducted in 1977 by CSO.
Paper 2:
Topic covered:
1. Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure,

mandate.

2nd Global Disability Summit at Buenos Aires
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features, location, mandate and significance of the summit.
Context: 2nd Global Disability Summit is being held at Buenos Aires, Argentina.
About the Summit:
The objectives of the summit is to deliberate on issues across the world concerning
empowerment and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and to work out a
mechanism for enabling them to live an independent and dignified life.
The first-ever Global Disability Summit was held at London, United Kingdom (UK)

in 2018. It was hosted by UK Department for International Development (UK DFID),
along with the co-hosts International Disability Alliance (IDA) and Government of
Kenya.
Mandate: The Global leaders attending the summit express their commitments
towards eliminating stigma and discrimination against PwDs and to work towards
promoting inclusive education, economic empowerment, technology and
innovation in assistive devices, data desegregation etc. for them.
Mains Question: OUR UNDERSTANDING OF DISABILITY MUST EXPAND TO INCLUDE

PEOPLE WITH INVISIBLE DISABILITIES. EXAMINE.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

Competition Commission of India (CCI)
What to study?
For prelims: objectives, composition and functions of CCI.
For mains: issues associated with its functioning and the need for reforms.
Context: CCI imposes penalty on pharma companies, trade associations for

violating the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.
Competition Commission of India:

It is a statutory body of the Government of India, responsible for enforcing
the Competition Act, 2002 throughout India and to prevent activities that have an
adverse effect on competition.
Objectives of the Commission:
 To prevent practices having adverse effect on competition.

 To promote and sustain competition in markets.
 To protect the interests of consumers.
 To ensure freedom of trade.

Functions of the commission:
 It is the duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having adverse effect

on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of
consumers and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India.
 The Commission is also required to give opinion on competition issues on a
reference received from a statutory authority established under any law and
to undertake competition advocacy, create public awareness and impart
training on competition issues.

The Competition Act:
The Competition Act, 2002, as amended by the Competition (Amendment) Act,

2007, prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position by
enterprises and regulates combinations (acquisition, acquiring of control and M&A),
which causes or likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within
India.
Paper 2:
Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

NITI Aayog
What to study?
For Prelims: Composition of NITI Aayog, various initiatives.
For Mains: Cooperative federalism- meaning, significance and efforts by the government.
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the reconstitution of government

of India’s policy think tank NITI Aayog.
About NITI Aayog:
The Government, in January 2015, replaced Planning Commission with NITI Aayog
(National Institution for Transforming India).
Aim: to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and to enhance cooperative

federalism by fostering the involvement of State Governments of India in the
economic policy-making process using a bottom-up approach.
Role of NITI Aayog:

The institution has to provide governments at the central and state levels with
relevant strategic and technical advice across the spectrum of key elements of
policy. This includes matters of national and international import on the economic
front, dissemination of best practices from within the country as well as from other
nations, the infusion of new policy ideas and specific issue-based support. The
institution has to be able to respond to the changing and more integrated world
that India is part of.
Composition of NITI Aayog:
Chairperson: Prime Minister of India as the Chairperson.
Governing Council comprising the Chief Ministers of all the States and Lt.
Governors of Union Territories.
Regional Councils will be formed to address specific issues and contingencies

impacting more than one state or a region. These will be formed for a specified
tenure.
The Regional Councils will be convened by the Prime Minister and will comprise of
the Chief Ministers of States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories in the region.
These will be chaired by the Chairperson of the NITI Aayog or his nominee.
Experts, specialists and practitioners with relevant domain knowledge as special

invitees nominated by the Prime Minister.
The full-time organizational framework will comprise of, in addition to the Prime
Minister as the Chairperson:
Vice-Chairperson: To be appointed by the Prime Minister.

Members: Full-time.
Part-time members: Maximum of 2 from leading universities research

organizations and other relevant institutions in an ex-officio capacity. Part time
members will be on a rotational basis.
Ex Officio members: Maximum of 4 members of the Union Council of Ministers to

be nominated by the Prime Minister.
Chief Executive Officer : To be appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure,
in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
Facts for Prelims- Initiatives by NITI Aayog:
Its important initiatives include “15 year road map”, “7-year vision, strategy and
action plan”, AMRUT, Digital India and Atal Innovation Mission.
Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Food security related issues.

Shanta Kumar Committee
What to study?
For prelims: about FCI, key recommendations.
For mains: FCI- issues, need for reforms and measures to revamp.
Context: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri
Ram Vilas Paswan lays down the future roadmap for Food Corporation of India
(FCI).
He stated that primacy will be given to ensuring that the functioning of FCI is
streamlined and fast paced as per recommendations of the Shanta Kumar
Committee.
Background:
The government had set up a six-member committee to suggest restructuring or

unbundling of FCI to improve its financial management and operational efficiency
in procurement, storage and distribution of food grains.
Important recommendations made:

 Reduce the number of beneficiaries under the Food Security Act—from the
current 67 per cent to 40 per cent.
 Allow private players to procure and store food grains.
 Stop bonuses on minimum support price (MSP) paid by states to farmers,
and adopt cash transfer system so that MSP and food subsidy amounts can
be directly transferred to the accounts of farmers and food security
beneficiaries.
 FCI should involve itself in full-fledged grains procurement only in those
states which are poor in procurement. In the case of those states which are
performing well, like Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the states should do the procurement.
 Abolishing levy rice: Under levy rice policy, government buys certain
percentage of rice (varies from 25 to 75 per cent in states) from the mills
compulsorily, which is called levy rice. Mills are allowed to sell only the
remainder in the open market.
 Deregulate fertiliser sector and provide cash fertiliser subsidy of Rs 7,000
per hectare to farmers.
 outsource of stocking of grains: The committee calls for setting up of
negotiable warehouse receipt (NWR) system. In the new system, farmers can
deposit their produce in these registered warehouses and get 80 per cent of
the advance from bank against their produce on the basis of MSP.
 Clear and transparent liquidation policy for buffer stock: FCI should be given
greater flexibility in doing business; it should offload surplus stock in open
market or export, as per need.

Mains Question: Some argue that the report of the Shanta Kumar committee on
food management contains several cogent recommendations and they should be
implemented to make PDS efficient. Analyse these recommendations and comment
if they should indeed be implemented.
Paper 2:
Topic covered:
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers &
privileges and issues arising out of these.

Cabinet Secretary
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Cabinet secretary- roles, functions, appointment and
significance.
Context: Govt Amends 60-Year-Old Rule to Pave Way for Cabinet Secretary
Extension.
With this, the current Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha, has become the
longest-serving bureaucrat in the post in the country’s history.
Key concept- changes made:
A cabinet secretary is appointed for a fixed tenure of two years.
According to All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement-Benefits) Rules, 1958, the

government can give extension in service to a cabinet secretary provided the total
tenure does not exceed four years.
As per the modified rules, the central government may give an extension in service
for a further period not exceeding three months, beyond the period of four years
to a cabinet secretary.

Role of the cabinet secretary:
The cabinet secretariat is under the direct charge of the prime minister.
The administrative head of the secretariat is the cabinet secretary who is also the
ex-officio chairman of the civil services board.
Functions:
 The cabinet secretariat assists in decision-making in government by ensuring

inter-ministerial coordination, ironing out differences amongst ministries or
departments and evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the
standing or ad hoc committees of secretaries.
 Management of major crisis situations in the country and coordinating
activities of various ministries in such a situation is also one of the functions
of the cabinet secretariat.
 Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government
of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961 and the Government of India
(Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, facilitating smooth transaction of
business in Ministries/ Departments of the Government.

Facts for prelims:
Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman (AYDMS):

What is it? It is a new award instituted recent life by the Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting(I&B).
Objective: to recognise contribution made by media in spreading awareness about

Yoga and for promotion and commemoration of International Yoga Day, held every
year on 21 June.
G20:
Context: G20 Ministerial meeting on Trade and Digital Economy was recently held
in Japanese city of Tsukuba.
About G20:
Formed in 1999, the G20 is an international forum of the governments and central
bank governors from 20 major economies.
Collectively, the G20 economies account for around 85 percent of the Gross World
Product (GWP), 80 percent of world trade.
The G20 has no permanent staff of its own and its chairmanship rotates annually
between nations divided into regional groupings.
Objectives:
 The Group was formed with an aim of studying, reviewing, and promoting
high-level discussion of policy issues pertaining to the promotion of
international financial stability.
 The forum aims to pre-empt balance of payments problems and turmoil on
financial markets by improved coordination of monetary, fiscal, and financial
policies.
 The forum seeks to address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any
one organisation.
Member Countries:
 The members of the G20 consist of 19 individual countries plus the European
Union (EU).
 The 19 member countries of the forum are Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico,
Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom and
the United States.
 The European Union is represented by the European Commission and by the
European Central Bank.

Various initiatives launched in India on the eve of World Food Safety Day:
State Food Safety Index (SFSI): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI), under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has developed first State Food
Safety Index (SFSI) to measure performance of States on five parameters of food
safety. This is an effort of ministry to motivate states to work towards ensuring safe
food for citizens. Chandigarh topped the 2018-19 food safety index. The first State
Food Safety Index (SFSI) was to measure the performance of States on five
parameters of food safety. The categories included human resources and
institutional arrangements, compliance, food testing – infrastructure and
surveillance, training and capacity building and consumer empowerment.
Raman 1.0: It is hand-held battery operated equipment that performs rapid

detection, in less than a minute of economically driven adulteration in fats, ghee
and edible oils.
Food Safety Magic Box: It is do-it-yourself food testing kit comprising of a manual
and equipment to check for food adulterants. This can serve as innovative solution
to take food safety to schools.

Eat Right Awards: instituted by FSSAI, with aim to recognize contributions made by

food companies and individuals to empower citizens to choose safe and healthy
food options so as to improve their health and well-being.
SPICE 2000 guided bombs:
Context: Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a deal with Israel’s Rafael Advanced
Defense Systems, an Israeli defence firm to procure a batch of SPICE 2000 guided
bombs.
 The SPICE stands for Smart, Precise Impact and Cost-Effective. It is guidance

and maneuvering kit manufactured by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense
Systems.
 SPICE can overcome errors in locating target, GPS jamming and also reduces
collateral damage.

Summaries of important Editorials:
Is NITI Aayog old wine in a new bottle?
Why review the composition and working of NITI Aayog?

The country’s economy has not performed to the expectations of the citizens since
it was created.
Need of the hour:
 Review what NITI Aayog has achieved so far to adopt the new role described
in its charter — that of a catalyst of change in a complex, federal,
socioeconomic system.
 Assess whether it has transformed its capabilities sufficiently to become an
effective systems reformer and persuader of stakeholders, rather than
merely an announcer of lofty multi-year goals and manager of projects,
which many suspect it is.

Current concerns over it’s functioning:
There is deep concern that NITI Aayog has lost its integrity as an independent
institution to guide the government; that it has become a mouthpiece of the
government and an implementer of the government’s projects.
What needs to be done?
 NITI Aayog must have the ability to independently evaluate the government’s
programmes at the Centre and in the States.
 The transformational approach to planning and implementation that 21st
century India needs, which is alluded to in NITI’s charter, requires evaluations
and course-corrections in the midst of action.
 It requires new methods to speed up ‘organisational learning’ amongst
stakeholders in the system who must make plans together and implement
them together.
 There is a need for new methods of cooperative learning and cooperative
implementation by stakeholders, who are not controlled by any central body
of technical experts with political and/or budgetary authority over them.

Way ahead:
There must be a review of what the think tank has achieved to adopt the new role
described in its charter.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
BS – VI norms
What to study?
For prelims: what are BS Norms, components and comparison between BS – IV norms
and the BS- VI?
For mains: Need for upgradation, role of new norms in reducing pollution.
Context: International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) has

released India’s first Type Approval Certificate (TAC) for Bharat Stage – VI (BS – VI)
norms for the two wheeler segment.
Last year, ICAT issued the approval for BS –VI norms to M/s Volvo Eicher
Commercial Vehicles for the Heavy Commercial Vehicle segment which was also
the first in its segment in India.
Background:
Bharat Stage norms are the automotive emission norms which the automotive

manufacturers have to comply to sell their vehicles in India. These norms are
applicable to all two wheelers, three wheelers, fourwheelers and construction
equipment vehicles.
To curb growing menace of air pollution through the vehicles emission, the
Government of India has decided to leapfrog from the exiting BS – IV norms to the
BS- VI, thereby skipping the BS – V norms, and to implement the BS – VI norms with
effect from 1st April 2020. Only those vehicles will be sold and registered in India
from 1st April 2020 onwards, which comply to these norms. The norms are
stringent and at par with global standards.
About ICAT:
ICAT is the premier testing and certification agency authorized by Ministry of Road
Transport and Highways for providing testing and certification services to the
vehicle and component manufacturers in India and abroad.
Difference between BS-IV and the new BS-VI:
 The major difference in standards between the existing BS-IV and the new
BS-VI auto fuel norms is the presence of sulphur.
 The newly introduced fuel is estimated to reduce the amount of sulphur
released by 80%, from 50 parts per million to 10 ppm.
 As per the analysts, the emission of NOx (nitrogen oxides) from diesel cars is
also expected to reduce by nearly 70% and 25% from cars with petrol
engines.

Why is it important to upgrade these norms?
Upgrading to stricter fuel standards helps tackle air pollution. Global automakers
are betting big on India as vehicle penetration is still low here, when compared to
developed countries. At the same time, cities such as Delhi are already being listed
among those with the poorest air quality in the world. The national capital’s recent
odd-even car experiment and judicial activism against the registration of big diesel
cars shows that governments can no longer afford to relax on this front.
With other developing countries such as China having already upgraded to the
equivalent of Euro V emission norms a while ago, India has been lagging behind.
The experience of countries such as China and Malaysia shows that poor air quality
can be bad for business. Therefore, these reforms can put India ahead in the race
for investments too.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

and hunger.
States and the performance of these schemes.

National Programme for prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,

Cardiovascular Diseases and strokes (NPCDCS)

What to study?
For prelims: Key features, objectives of NPCDCS.
For mains: NCDs- burden, Concerns, efforts by government and global efforts on this.
Context: A meeting to review the status of National Programme for prevention and
Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and strokes (NPCDCS) was
held recently.
About NPCDCS:
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,

Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was launched in 2010 in 100 districts
across 21 States, in order to prevent and control the major NCDs.
The main focus of the programme is on health promotion, early diagnosis,

management and referral of cases, besides strengthening the infrastructure and
capacity building.
The main strategies of the programme are as follows:
1. a) Health promotion through behavior change with involvement of

community, civil society, community-based organizations, media etc.
2. b) Outreach Camps are envisaged for opportunistic screening at all levels
in the health care delivery system from sub-centre and above for early
detection of diabetes, hypertension and common cancers.
3. c) Management of chronic Non-Communicable diseases, especially
Cancer, Diabetes, CVDs and Stroke through early diagnosis, treatment and
follow up through setting up of NCD clinics.
4. d) Build capacity at various levels of health care for prevention, early
diagnosis, treatment, IEC/BCC, operational research and rehabilitation.
5. e) Provide support for diagnosis and cost-effective treatment at primary,
secondary and tertiary levels of health care.
6. f) Provide support for development of database of NCDs through a robust
Surveillance System and to monitor NCD morbidity, mortality and risk
factors.

Funding:
The funds are being provided to States under NCD Flexi-Pool through State PIPs of
respective States/UTs, with the Centre to State share in ratio of 60:40 (except for
North-Eastern and Hilly States, where the share is 90:10).
What are NCDs?
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of

long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological,
environmental and behaviours factors.
The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke),
cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease and asthma) and diabetes.

What are the socioeconomic impacts of NCDs?
NCDs threaten progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,

which includes a target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by
2030.
Poverty is closely linked with NCDs. The rapid rise in NCDs is predicted to impede
poverty reduction initiatives in low-income countries, particularly by increasing
household costs associated with health care. Vulnerable and socially disadvantaged
people get sicker and die sooner than people of higher social positions, especially
because they are at greater risk of being exposed to harmful products, such as
tobacco, or unhealthy dietary practices, and have limited access to health services.
In low-resource settings, health-care costs for NCDs quickly drain household

resources. The exorbitant costs of NCDs, including often lengthy and expensive
treatment and loss of breadwinners, force millions of people into poverty annually
and stifle development.
NCDs and Concerns associated:
 Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, are

collectively responsible for over 70% of all deaths worldwide, or 41 million
people. These include 15 million people dying prematurely, aged between 30
and 69.
 One third of these deaths are premature and occur before the age of 70,
affecting economically productive individuals.
 The four ‘major’ NCDs are caused, to a large extent, by four modifiable
behavioural risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical
activity and harmful use of alcohol.
 The NCDs disproportionately affect the poor, impoverish families, and place
a growing burden on health care systems.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Clean drinking water to all by 2024
What to study?
For prelims and mains: the target, need, concerns and challenges and what needs to be
done?
Context: The Central government has decided to increase coverage of piped water
to households from current 18 per cent to 100 per cent by 2024.
Facts:
 More than 163 million Indians – higher than the population of Russia – do not

have access to safe drinking water.
 Irrespective of the source of water, in most parts of rural India, availability of
water decreases dramatically in the summer months as the water levels drop
and surface sources may dry up.
 India’s estimated per capita availability of water in 2025 will be 1,341 cubic
metre. This may further fall to 1,140 cubic metre in 2050, bringing it closer to
becoming water-scarce.

Performance of NRDP:
 National Rural Drinking Water Programme, despite spending 90% of Rs

89,956 crore budget over five years to 2017, has “failed” its targets, according
to an August 2018 report from the government’s auditor.
 The programme’s target: providing 35% of rural households with water
connections and 40 litre – about two buckets – of water per person per day.
Less than half that target was achieved, thanks to “poor execution” and
“weak contract management.
 About 78% of 1.7 million rural Indian habitations have access to the
minimum required quantity of water, 40 litre per person per day, but that
does not mean they actually get this water, experts said. Nearly 18% of rural
habitations get less than 40 litre per person per day under the National
Rural Drinking Water Programme.
 National Rural Drinking Water Programme is a centrally sponsored
scheme aimed at providing every person in rural India with “adequate, safe
water” for drinking, cooking and other domestic basic needs in a “sustainable
manner”.
 The scheme provides financial and technical assistance to state
governments to install rural drinking water connections.

Way ahead:
There are nearly 14 crore households where clean drinking water is yet to reach.
Water falls under the state list of the Constitution and participation of states is
crucial to make the mission of providing clean drinking water a success.
Therefore, there has to be a holistic approach towards water supply and demand.
Paper 2:
Topic covered:
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers &
privileges and issues arising out of these.

Leader of Rajya Sabha
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Leader of House- provisions, roles and functions.
Context: Thawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice and

Empowerment was recently appointed as Leader of Rajya Sabha. The Leader of the
Rajya Sabha is appointed by the party in power at Centre.
Leader of House:
 The term Leader of the House has been defined in Rules of Procedure of the
Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
 Leader of the House, according to Rule 2 of the Rules of Procedure and
Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha means the prime Minister, if he is a
Member of the House or a Minister who is a Member of the House and is
nominated by the Prime Minister to function as the Leader of the House.
 The Prime Minister is invariably the Leader of the Lok Sabha.

Roles and functions:
 The Leader of the House is an important parliamentary functionary and

exercises direct influence on the course of parliamentary business.
 The whole policy of the Government especially in so far as it is expressed in
the inner life of the House and in measures dealing with the course of its
business, is concentrated in his person.
 The arrangement of Government business is the ultimate-responsibility of
the Leader of the House, though the details are settled, subject to his
approval, by the Chief Whip.
 The Leader of the House makes proposals for the dates of summoning and
prorogation of the House for the approval of the Chair.
 He has to draw up the programme of official business to be transacted in
the Session of Parliament, namely, Bills, motions, discussions on general or
specific subjects like five-year plans, foreign policy, economic or industrial
policy and other important State activities.
 He fixes inter se priorities for various items of business to ensure their
smooth passage.
 After settling tentative programme for the whole session, he maps out
weekly and daily programme depending upon the state of progress of work
and announces the programme to the members in advances every week.
 The Business Advisory Committee determines the allocation of time for
Government Bills and otter business on the basis of suggestions made by or
received from him from time to time.
 The Leader of the Lok Sabha. viz., Prime Minister, never sits in the Business
advisory Committee; he or she is represented by the Minister for
Parliamentary Affairs in the Business Advisory Committee. The Leader of the
House in the Rajya Sabha is generally a member of the Business Advisory
Committee (BAC). In the event, he is not a member of the BAC, he is invited
to attend its meetings.
Paper 2:
Topic:

J&K President’s rule
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Difference between President’s Rule under Article 356 and
Governor’s Rule in J&K, Special status for J&K under Article 370.
Context: Cabinet approves extension of President’s Rule in J&K for six months with

effect from 3rd July, 2019. Resolution to be moved in the forthcoming Parliament
session.
President’ s rule in J&K:
Since J&K has a separate Constitution, Governor’s rule is first imposed under

Section 92 for six months after an approval by the President. In case the Assembly
is not dissolved within six months, President’s rule under Article 356 is extended to
the State.
Governor’s rule is mentioned under Article 370 section 92 – ‘Provisions in case of

failure of constitutional machinery in the State.’

Article 370 section 92: Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in
the State:
If at any time, the Governor is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the
Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of
this Constitution, the Governor may by Proclamation:
 Assume to himself all or any of the functions of the Government of the State
and all or any of the powers vested in or exercisable by anybody or authority
in the State.
 Make such incidental and consequential provisions as appear to the
Governor to be necessary or desirable for giving effect to the objects of the
Proclamation, including provisions for suspending in whole or in part the
operation of any provision of this Constitution relating to anybody or
authority in the State.

Related key facts:
 Any such Proclamation may be revoked or varied by a subsequent

Proclamation. Any such Proclamation whether varied under subsection (2) or
not, shall except where it is a Proclamation revoking a previous
Proclamation, cease to operate on the expiration of six months from the
date on which it was first issued.
 If the Government or by a Proclamation under his section assumes, to
himself any, of the powers of the Legislature to make his laws, any law made
by him in the exercise of that power shall, subject to, the terms there of
continue to have effect until two years have elapsed from the date on
which the proclamation ceases to have effect, unless sooner.
 No Proclamation under this section shall, except where it is a Proclamation
revoking a previous Proclamation, be laid before each House of the
Legislature as soon as it is convened.

What is President’s Rule in the Indian context?

 The imposition of Article 356 of the Constitution on a State following the
failure of constitutional machinery is called President’s Rule in India. Once
the President’s Rule has been imposed on a state, the elected state
government will be temporarily dissolved, and the Governor, who is
appointed by the government at the Centre, will replace the Chief Minister
as the chief executive of the State.
 The state will fall under the direct control of the Union government, and the
Governor will continue to be head the proceedings, representing the
President of India – who is the Head of the State.
 The imposition of the President’s rule requires the sanction of both the
houses of Parliament. If approved, it can go on for a period of six months.
However, the imposition cannot be extended for more than three years, and
needs to be brought before the two houses every six months for approval.
Paper 2 and 3:
Topics Covered:

2. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their
effects on industrial growth.

New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Key features and significance of the Bill, need for and
significance of arbitration.

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Bill New Delhi International
Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) Bill, 2019 for introduction in the ensuing session of
Parliament.
Benefits:
 The benefits of institutionalized arbitration will accrue to Government and its

agency and to the parties to a dispute.
 This shall be to the advantage of the public and the public institutions in
terms of quality of expertise and costs incurred and will facilitate India
becoming a hub for Institutional Arbitration.

Salient Features:
In order to facilitate the setting up of NDIAC, the Ordinance envisages the transfer

and vesting of the undertakings of the International Centre For Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ICADR)
in the Central Government. The Central Government will subsequently vest the
undertakings in NDIAC.
Composition:
 New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) will be headed by a

chairperson who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Judge of a
High Court or an eminent person, having special knowledge and experience
in the conduct or administration of arbitration law or management, to be
appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice
of India.
 There will be two Full time or Part time Members from amongst eminent
persons having substantial knowledge and experience in institutional
arbitration, both domestic and international.
 Also, one representative of a recognised body of commerce and industry
shall be chosen on rotational basis as Part time Member.
 Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Financial Adviser nominated by the
Department of Expenditure and Chief Executive Officer, NDIAC shall be ex-
officio Members.

What is Arbitration?
Arbitration is a settlement of dispute between two parties to a contract by

a neutral third party i.e. the arbitrator without resorting to court action. The
process can be tailored to suit parties’ particular needs.
Arbitrators can be chosen for their expertise. It is confidential and can be speedier
and cheaper than court. There are limited grounds of appeal. Arbitral awards are
binding and enforceable through courts.
Significance of ADR:
It is felt that a reliable and responsive alternative dispute resolution system is

essential for rapidly developing countries like India. While business disputes need
speedy resolution, litigation is the least favoured method for that. The Indian
judicial system is marred by delays because of which businesses suffer as disputes
are not resolved in a reasonable time period. Therefore, need for alternative
dispute resolution processes like negotiation, mediation conciliation and arbitration
is felt from time to time.
Paper 3:
Topics Covered:

Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019
What to study?
For Prelims: Features of the Bill.
For Mains: Need and concerns associated with the use of Aadhaar, issues of privacy.
Context: In a major move aimed at making Aadhaar people friendly, the Union
Cabinet has approved “The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019” to
replace the earlier ordinance.
Impact:
 The amendments would enable UIDAI to have a more robust mechanism to

serve the public interest and restrain the misuse of Aadhaar.
 Subsequent to this amendment, no individual shall be compelled to provide
proof of possession of Aadhaar number for the purpose of establishing his
identity unless it is so provided by a law made by Parliament.

The salient features of the amendments are as follows:

1. Provides for voluntary use of Aadhaar number in physical or electronic form
by authentication or offline verification with the consent of Aadhaar number
holder.
2. Provides for use of twelve-digit Aadhaar number and its alternative virtual
identity to conceal the actual Aadhaar number of an individual.
3. Gives an option to children who are Aadhaar number holders to cancel their
Aadhaar number on attaining the age of eighteen years.
4. Permits the entities to perform authentication only when they are
compliant with the standards of privacy and security specified by the
Authority; The authentication is permitted under any law made by
Parliament or is prescribed to be in the interest of State by the Central
Government.
5. Allows the use of Aadhaar number for authentication on voluntary basis
as acceptable KYC document under the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the
Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002.
6. Prevents denial of services for refusing to, or being unable to, undergo
authentication.
7. Provides for establishment of Unique Identification Authority of India Fund.
8. Provides for civil penalties, its adjudication, appeal thereof in regard to
violations of Aadhaar Act and provisions by entities in the Aadhaar
ecosystem.

Background:
The Supreme Court in its judgement had held Aadhaar to be constitutionally valid.

However, it read down/struck down few sections of the Aadhaar Act and
Regulations and gave several other directions in the interest of protecting the
fundamental rights to privacy.
Consequently it was proposed to amend the Aadhaar Act, Indian Telegraph Act and
the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in line with the Supreme Court directives
and the report of Justice B.N.Srikrishna (Retd.) committee on data protection, in
order to ensure that personal data of Aadhaar holder remains protected against
any misuse and Aadhaar scheme remains in conformity with the Constitution.
Paper 2:
Topic covered:
Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: SCO- objectives, members, functions, significance, various
organs and issues associated.
Context: SCO Summit 2019 is being held in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan.
About SCO:
What is it? The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, also known as the Shanghai

Pact, is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organisation which was
founded in 2001 in Shanghai.
Founding members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and

Uzbekistan. The cooperation was renamed to Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
after Uzbekistan joined the organisation in 2001.
The SCO’s main goals are: strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among
the member states; promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the
economy, research, technology and culture, as well as in education, energy,
transport, tourism, environmental protection, and other areas; making joint efforts
to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region; and moving
towards the establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international
political and economic order.
Presently, the SCO comprises eight member states, namely the Republic of India,
the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and
the Republic of Uzbekistan;.
The SCO counts four observer states, namely the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,
the Republic of Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Mongolia.
The SCO has six dialogue partners, namely the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic
of Armenia, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal,
the Republic of Turkey, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Mains Question: Discuss the organizational structure, aims and mandate of

Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Paper 1 and 3:
Topics covered:
1. Women related issues.


Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill 2019
What to Study?
For Prelims: Key features of the Bill proposed.
For Mains: Need, significance and challenges in implementation.
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Muslim Women (Protection of

Rights on Marriage) Bill 2019.
Benefits:
The proposed Bill will protect the rights of married Muslim women and prevent
divorce by the practice of instantaneous and irrevocable ‘talaq-e-biddat’ by their
husbands.
It provides the rights of subsistence allowance, custody of minor children to victims

of triple talaq i.e. talaq-e-biddat.
Key provisions of the Bill:
The Bill makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be

void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.
Definition: It defines talaq as talaq-e-biddat or any other similar form of talaq
pronounced by a Muslim man resulting in instant and irrevocable divorce. Talaq-e-
biddat refers to the practice under Muslim personal laws where pronouncement of
the word ‘talaq’ thrice in one sitting by a Muslim man to his wife results in an
instant and irrevocable divorce.
Offence and penalty: The Bill makes declaration of talaq a cognizable offence,

attracting up to three years’ imprisonment with a fine. (A cognizable offence is one
for which a police officer may arrest an accused person without warrant.)
The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is given
by: (i) the married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or (ii) any
person related to her by blood or marriage.
The Bill provides that the Magistrate may grant bail to the accused. The bail may
be granted only after hearing the woman (against whom talaq has been
pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds
for granting bail.
The offence may be compounded by the Magistrate upon the request of the

woman(against whom talaq has been declared). Compounding refers to the
procedure where the two sides agree to stop legal proceedings, and settle the
dispute. The terms and conditions of the compounding of the offence will be
determined by the Magistrate.
Allowance: A Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared, is entitled to
seek subsistence allowance from her husband for herself and for her dependent
children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by the Magistrate.
Custody: A Muslim woman against whom such talaq has been declared, is entitled
to seek custody of her minor children. The manner of custody will be determined
by the Magistrate.
Significance:
Time has come to put an end to the suffering of Muslim women who have been at
the receiving end of instant talaq for several years. More than 20 Islamic countries
have already banned the practice.
Paper 3:
Topics Covered:


Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019
What to study?
For Prelims: Features of the Bill.
For Mains: Need and concerns associated with the use of Aadhaar, issues of privacy.
Context: In a major move aimed at making Aadhaar people friendly, the Union
Cabinet has approved “The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019” to
replace the earlier ordinance.
Impact:
 The amendments would enable UIDAI to have a more robust mechanism to
serve the public interest and restrain the misuse of Aadhaar.
 Subsequent to this amendment, no individual shall be compelled to provide
proof of possession of Aadhaar number for the purpose of establishing his
identity unless it is so provided by a law made by Parliament.

The salient features of the amendments are as follows:
1. Provides for voluntary use of Aadhaar number in physical or electronic form

by authentication or offline verification with the consent of Aadhaar number
holder.
2. Provides for use of twelve-digit Aadhaar number and its alternative virtual
identity to conceal the actual Aadhaar number of an individual.
3. Gives an option to children who are Aadhaar number holders to cancel their
Aadhaar number on attaining the age of eighteen years.
4. Permits the entities to perform authentication only when they are
compliant with the standards of privacy and security specified by the
Authority; The authentication is permitted under any law made by
Parliament or is prescribed to be in the interest of State by the Central
Government.
5. Allows the use of Aadhaar number for authentication on voluntary basis
as acceptable KYC document under the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the
Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002.
6. Prevents denial of services for refusing to, or being unable to, undergo
authentication.
7. Provides for establishment of Unique Identification Authority of India Fund.
8. Provides for civil penalties, its adjudication, appeal thereof in regard to
violations of Aadhaar Act and provisions by entities in the Aadhaar
ecosystem.

Background:
The Supreme Court in its judgement had held Aadhaar to be constitutionally valid.
However, it read down/struck down few sections of the Aadhaar Act and
Regulations and gave several other directions in the interest of protecting the
fundamental rights to privacy.
Consequently it was proposed to amend the Aadhaar Act, Indian Telegraph Act and
the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in line with the Supreme Court directives
and the report of Justice B.N.Srikrishna (Retd.) committee on data protection, in
order to ensure that personal data of Aadhaar holder remains protected against
any misuse and Aadhaar scheme remains in conformity with the Constitution.
Paper 2:
Topic covered:

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: SCO- objectives, members, functions, significance, various
organs and issues associated.
Context: SCO Summit 2019 is being held in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan.

About SCO:
What is it? The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, also known as the Shanghai

Pact, is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organisation which was
founded in 2001 in Shanghai.
Founding members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and

Uzbekistan. The cooperation was renamed to Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
after Uzbekistan joined the organisation in 2001.
The SCO’s main goals are: strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among
the member states; promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the
economy, research, technology and culture, as well as in education, energy,
transport, tourism, environmental protection, and other areas; making joint efforts
to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region; and moving
towards the establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international
political and economic order.
Presently, the SCO comprises eight member states, namely the Republic of India,
the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and
the Republic of Uzbekistan;.
The SCO counts four observer states, namely the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,
the Republic of Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Mongolia.
The SCO has six dialogue partners, namely the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic
of Armenia, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal,
the Republic of Turkey, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Mains Question: Discuss the organizational structure, aims and mandate of

Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Paper 1 and 3:
Topics covered:


What to Study?
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Muslim Women (Protection of

Rights on Marriage) Bill 2019.
Benefits:
husbands.
It provides the rights of subsistence allowance, custody of minor children to victims

of triple talaq i.e. talaq-e-biddat.

The Bill makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be

void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.
Definition: It defines talaq as talaq-e-biddat or any other similar form of talaq

pronounced by a Muslim man resulting in instant and irrevocable divorce. Talaq-e-
biddat refers to the practice under Muslim personal laws where pronouncement of
the word ‘talaq’ thrice in one sitting by a Muslim man to his wife results in an
instant and irrevocable divorce.
Offence and penalty: The Bill makes declaration of talaq a cognizable offence,

attracting up to three years’ imprisonment with a fine. (A cognizable offence is one
for which a police officer may arrest an accused person without warrant.)
The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is given
by: (i) the married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or (ii) any
person related to her by blood or marriage.
The Bill provides that the Magistrate may grant bail to the accused. The bail may
be granted only after hearing the woman (against whom talaq has been
pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds
for granting bail.
The offence may be compounded by the Magistrate upon the request of the

woman(against whom talaq has been declared). Compounding refers to the
procedure where the two sides agree to stop legal proceedings, and settle the
dispute. The terms and conditions of the compounding of the offence will be
Allowance: A Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared, is entitled to
seek subsistence allowance from her husband for herself and for her dependent
children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by the Magistrate.
Custody: A Muslim woman against whom such talaq has been declared, is entitled
to seek custody of her minor children. The manner of custody will be determined
by the Magistrate.
Significance:
Time has come to put an end to the suffering of Muslim women who have been at
the receiving end of instant talaq for several years. More than 20 Islamic countries
have already banned the practice.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

mandate.

Kimberley Process
What to study?
For prelims: About the Kimberly process, previous chair, conflict diamonds.
For mains: How does the Kimberley Process work?

Context: The Intersessional meeting of Kimberley Process (KP) is being hosted by

India in Mumbai.
India is currently the Chair of Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) since

1st January 2018. It was handed Chairmanship by the European Union during KPCS
Plenary 2018, which was held in Brussels, Belgium.
India is founding member of KPCS.
What is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that regulates

trade in rough diamonds. It aims to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds, while
helping to protect legitimate trade in rough diamonds.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) outlines the rules that govern

the trade in rough diamonds.
The KP is not, strictly speaking, an international organisation: it has no

permanent offices or permanent staff. It relies on the contributions – under the
principle of ‘burden-sharing’ – of participants, supported by industry and civil
society observers. Neither can the KP be considered as an international
agreement from a legal perspective, as it is implemented through the national
legislations of its participants.
What are Conflict diamonds?

“Conflict Diamonds” means rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their
allies to finance conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments. It is also
described in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
Who is involved?
The Kimberley Process (KP) is open to all countries that are willing and able to
implement its requirements. The KP has 55 participants, representing 82
countries, including the European Union and its Member States counting as a
single participant. KP members account for approximately 99.8% of the global
production of rough diamonds.
In addition, the World Diamond Council, representing the international diamond

industry, and civil society organisations, such as Partnership-Africa Canada,
participate in the KP and have played a major role since its outset.
How does the Kimberley Process work?
 The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes extensive

requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough
diamonds as ‘conflict-free’ and prevent conflict diamonds from entering the
legitimate trade.
 Under the terms of the KPCS, participating states must put in place national
legislation and institutions; export, import and internal controls; and also
commit to transparency and the exchange of statistical data.
 Participants can only legally trade with other participants who have also met
the minimum requirements of the scheme, and international shipments of
rough diamonds must be accompanied by a KP certificate guaranteeing that
they are conflict-free.

Rough diamond trading under the KPCS:
As per the Scheme, each shipment of rough diamonds being exported and
imported by crossing an international border be transported in a tamper proof
container and accompanied by a validated Kimberley Process Certificate. The
shipment can only be exported to a co-participant country in the KPCS. No
uncertified shipments of rough diamonds are permitted to enter a participant
country.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of

business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Speaker of the Lok Sabha
What to study?
For prelims and mains: The office of Speaker, powers, roles, appointment and functions.
Context: Om Birla has been named as the new Lok Sabha Speaker by the NDA. He
is elected Member of Parliament from Kota, Rajasthan.

Speaker of the Lok Sabha:
The chairman or the Presiding Officer of Lok Sabha is called Speaker.
The speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected from all other members by simple
majority.
Any member of Parliament is eligible to be nominated as a speaker but most

commonly the candidate of ruling party or the party with majority wins this post.
However, there are certain cases when the elected Speaker does not belonged to
the majority ruling party of Lok Sabha (G. M. C. Balyogi, Manohar Joshi, Somnath
Chatterjee).
Functions and Powers of Lok Sabha Speakers:
 Speaker of Lok Sabha is basically the head of the house and presides over
the sittings of Parliament and controls its working.
 The constitution has tried to ensure the independence of Speaker
by charging his salary on the consolidated Fund of India and the same is
not subject to vote of Parliament.
 While debating or during general discussion on a bill, the members of the
parliament have to address only to the Speaker.
 Whenever there is a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha &
Rajya Sabha) the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over this meeting.
 The Speaker of Lok Sabha comes at sixth position in the Order of
Precedence of Government of India.
 In the normal circumstances the Speaker does not casts his vote over any
matter in Lok Sabha. But when ever there is a tie on votes between the
ruling party and opposition, the Speaker at that time can exercise his vote.
 It is the Speaker who decides the agenda of various discussions.
 The speaker has the power to adjourn or suspend the house/meetings if the
quorum is not met.
 The Speaker ensures the discipline and decorum of the house. If the speaker
finds the behaviour and a member of Parliament is not good, he/she
can punish the unruly members by suspending.
 The Speaker decides weather a bill brought to the house is a money bill or
not. In the case Speaker decides some bill as a money bill, this decision can
not be challenged.
 Speaker is the final and sole authority to allow different types of motions
and resolutions such as No Confidence Motion, Motion of Adjournment,
Censure Motion etc.
 The Speaker of Lok Sabha does not leave the office just after dissolution of
the assembly. He continues to be in the office till the newly formed
assembly takes its first meeting and elects the new Speaker.

The Speaker of Lok Sabha automatically disqualifies from his post if:
 he is no longer the Member of Parliament.

 if he tenders his resignation to the Deputy Speaker.
 if he holds the office of profit under central government or any state
government.
 if he is of unsound mind and that too declared by the court of law.
 if he is declared undischarged insolvent.
 if he is no longer the citizen of India or voluntarily accepts the citizenship of
any other country.
 if he is removed from the post of Speaker by passing a resolution by majority
of the members of Lok Sabha. This is to note that during resolution for
removal of Speaker, the Speaker is not in position to cast his vote even if
there is tie.

Speaker and the Committees:

 The Committees of the House function under the overall direction of the
Speaker. All such Committees are constituted by her or by the House.
 The Chairmen of all Parliamentary Committees are nominated by her.
 Any procedural problems in the functioning of the Committees are referred
to her for directions.
 Committees like the Business Advisory Committee, the General Purposes
Committee and the Rules Committee work directly under her Chairmanship.
Paper 2 and 3:
Topics Covered:

2. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.
3. Cyber security related issues.

Data Localization
What to study?
For Prelims: What is data localization, Highlights of Srikrishna panel report.
For Mains: Data localisation- Why government wants this? Concerns expressed by
stakeholders and possible solutions.

Context: Commerce & Industry Minister Meets Industry Stakeholders on E-
Commerce & Data Localization.
Common issues for discussion include opportunities for India in the growing digital
economy, value addition in Indian GDP due to advent of e-commerce,
understanding data flows from four aspects – privacy, security, safety and free
choice, ownership and sharing of data, gains and costs of cross border flow of data
and means to monitor use of data.
What does Data Localization mean?
Data localization is the act of storing data on any device that is physically present
within the borders of a specific country where the data was generated.
Why data localization is necessary for India?
 For securing citizen’s data, data privacy, data sovereignty, national security,

and economic development of the country.
 Recommendations by the RBI, the committee of experts led by Justice BN
Srikrishna, the draft ecommerce policy and the draft report of the cloud
policy panel show signs of data localisation.
 The extensive data collection by technology companies, has allowed them to
process and monetize Indian users’ data outside the country. Therefore, to
curtail the perils of unregulated and arbitrary use of personal data, data
localization is necessary.
 Digital technologies like machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI) and
Internet of Things (IoT) can generate tremendous value out of various data. It
can turn disastrous if not contained within certain boundaries.
 With the advent of cloud computing, Indian users’ data is outside the
country’s boundaries, leading to a conflict of jurisdiction in case of any
dispute.
 Data localization is an opportunity for Indian technology companies to
evolve an outlook from services to products. International companies will
also be looking at the Indian market, and this will benefit the growth of the
local ecosystem.
 More data centres in India could mean new, power-hungry customers for
India’s renewable energy market. That means Data localisation could boost
India’s renewable energy.

Policies that imply data localization:
1. The Srikrishna Committeewants to localise data for law enforcement to have

easy access to data, to prevent foreign surveillance, to build an artificial
intelligence ecosystem in India, and because undersea cables through which
data transfers take place are vulnerable to attacks.
2. In April, the Reserve Bank of India imposed a hard data localisation
mandate on payment systems providers to store payment systems data only
in India.
3. Barring limited exceptions, telecom service providers are not allowed to
transfer user information and accounting information outside India.
4. Goals set in the Draft National Digital Communications Policy 2018, and the
Guidelines for Government Departments for Contractual Terms related to
Cloud Storage 2017, draft e-commerce policy and the draft report of the
cloud policy panel show signs of data localization.

Concerns / Challenges:
 Several of the recommendations in including the draft e-commerce policy,

falter on a key ground like they gloss over the negative economic impact of
data localization. This approach exhibits lack of evidence-based policy
making.
 Having data in India does not mean that domestic companies will be able to
access this data. Localization might aid the growth of the data centre and the
cloud computing industry in India, but as matter of wider public policy, such
an approach is extremely myopic.
 Mandating localization is less of a solution for data protection and might
be less relevant to promote e-commerce.
 Given the comparative trade advantages enjoyed by one section of Indian
industry in this context, mandating a strict data localization regime could be
perceived as a restrictive trade barrier and spur retaliatory measures.
 There is a possible rise in prices of foreign cloud computing services in case
of a data localisation, and its impact on MSMEs as well as start-ups relying on
these services.
 The possibility of triggering a vicious cycle of data localisation
requirements by other countries as a response to India’s possible data
localisation will be detrimental for the global data economy.
 Growth will be restricted if data cannot be aggregated internationally.
Infrastructure in India for efficient data collection and management is
lacking.

Need of the hour:
 There is an urgent need to have an integrated, long-term strategy for policy

creation for data localisation.
 Data localisation needs to integrate a wide range of social, political and
economic perspectives.
 Creating an opportunity for local data centres all over the country.
 Devising an optimal regulatory and legislative framework for data processors
and data centres operating in the country.
 Adequate infrastructure in terms of energy, real estate, and internet
connectivity also needs to be made available for India to become a global
hub for data centres.
 Adequate attention needs to be given to the interests of India’s Information
Technology Enabled Services (ITeS) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
industries, which are thriving on cross border data flow.
Paper 2 and 3:
Topics covered:

mandate.

Forest landscape restoration (FLR) and Bonn Challenge
What to study?
For prelims and mains: FLR and Bonn challenge- features and significance.
Context: The centre has launched a flagship project on enhancing capacity

on forest landscape restoration (FLR) and Bonn Challenge in India, through a pilot
phase of 3.5 years implemented in the States of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Nagaland and Karnataka.
Background:
At the UNFCC Conference of the Parties (COP) 2015 in Paris, India also joined the
voluntary Bonn Challenge pledge to bring into restoration 13 million hectares of
degraded and deforested land by the year 2020, and additional 8 million hectares
by 2030. India’s pledge is one of the largest in Asia.
What is Bonn Challenge? What is FLR approach?
The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to bring 150 million hectares of deforested
and degraded land into restoration by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.
The 2020 target was launched at a high level event in Bonn in 2011 organised by the
Government of Germany and IUCN, and was later endorsed and extended to 2030
by the New York Declaration on Forests of the 2014 UN Climate Summit.
The Bonn Challenge is an implementation vehicle for national priorities such as

water and food security and rural development while simultaneously helping
countries contribute to the achievement of international climate change,
biodiversity and land degradation commitments.
Underlying the Bonn Challenge is the forest landscape restoration (FLR) approach,

which aims to restore ecological integrity at the same time as improving human
well-being through multifunctional landscapes.
It will create approximately USD 84 billion per year in net benefits that could bring
direct additional income opportunities for rural communities.
What is FLR?
 Forest landscape restoration (FLR) is the on-going process of regaining
ecological functionality and enhancing human well-being across deforested
or degraded forest landscapes.
 FLR is more than just planting trees – it is restoring a whole landscape to
meet present and future needs.
 It is long-term because it requires a multi-year vision of the ecological
functions.
 The majority of restoration opportunities are found on or adjacent to
agricultural or pastoral land. In these situations, restoration must
complement and not displace existing land uses.
 This result in a mosaic of different land uses including: agriculture,
agroforestry systems and improved ecological corridors.
 It integrates a number of guiding principles, including: Focus on landscapes,
restore functionality, Involve stakeholders, Tailor to local conditions and
Avoid further reduction of natural forest cover.
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery

against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP):
Context: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will be co-hosting 12th Capacity Building

workshop with Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed
Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre (ISC).
About ReCAAP:
 The ReCAAP is the first regional Government-to-Government agreement to

deal with piracy and armed robbery at sea in Asia.
 Presently 20 countries are members of ReCAAP. India played an active role in
the setting up and functioning of ReCAAPISC along with Japan and Singapore.
 Union Government has designated ICG as the focal point within India for
ReCAAP.
 Information sharing, capacity building and mutual legal assistance are
the three pillars of co-operation under the ReCAAP agreement.
 An ISC has been established at Singapore to collate and disseminate the
information among the contracting parties and the maritime community.

Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: about NABCB, roles, objectives and significance of accreditation.
Context: The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), India’s

national accreditation body, has secured international equivalence for its
accreditation programme for personnel certification bodies.
Background:
NABCB signed the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of the Asia Pacific
Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) for its accreditation programme based on
international standard, ISO/IEC 17024.
ISO/IEC 17024: Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies

operating certification of persons specifies criteria for the operation of a Personnel
Certification Bodies (also known as a certification body for persons). The standard
includes requirements for the development and maintenance of the certification
schemes for persons upon which the certification is based.
Significance:
 With the above recognition, NABCB hopes to facilitate export of Indian

services and skills into the world market by attesting that persons are
certified following international standards by the certifying bodies.
 Personnel Certification would support many professionals in India, especially
those who do not have formal education or certificate programme.
 Any person carrying ISO/IEC 17024 certificate with NABCB logo will be
recognized internationally.
 It can also be used by regulators for establishing confidence in certified
personnel for different activities.
 This signifies that the accreditation of personnel certification bodies by
NABCB is now accepted as equivalent at international level.

About NABCB:
NABCB, a constituent Board of the Quality Council of India, an autonomous body

attached to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is responsible for accreditation
of certification/inspection bodies as per applicable international standards under
an international system of equivalence.

Significance of accreditation:
Accreditation reduces risk for business and its customers by assuring that
accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) are competent to carry out the
work they undertake within their scope of accreditation.
The Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC):
It was established on 1 January 2019 by the amalgamation of two former regional

accreditation cooperations – the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation
Cooperation (APLAC) and the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC).
APAC ‘s primary role is to manage and expand a mutual recognition arrangement
(MRA) among accreditation bodies in the Asia Pacific region.
The MRA facilitates the acceptance of conformity assessment results (e.g. test

reports, test certificates, inspection reports, and certification) across the region and
with other regions around the world.
APAC’s members include accreditation bodies, accreditation focal points and other

organisations that have an interest in accredited conformity assessment results.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. economics of animal-rearing.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Rashtriya Gokul Mission – features and significance, significance
of the dairy sector.
Context: Funds have been mobilized under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) for

setting up of 21 Gokul Grams as Integrated Cattle Development Centres.
About Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
To conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds, government has launched

‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’ under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and
Dairy Development (NPBBD).
The Mission is being implemented with the objectives to: a) development and
conservation of indigenous breeds b) undertake breed improvement programme
for indigenous cattle breeds so as to improve the genetic makeup and increase the
stock; c) enhance milk production and productivity; d) upgrade nondescript cattle
using elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi
and e) distribute disease free high genetic merit bulls for natural service.
Implementation:
Rashtriya Gokul Mission will be implemented through the “State Implementing

Agency (SIA viz Livestock Development Boards). State Gauseva Ayogs will be given
the mandate to sponsor proposals to the SIA’s (LDB’s) and monitor implementation
of the sponsored proposal. All Agencies having a role in indigenous cattle
development will be the “Participating Agencies” like CFSPTI, CCBFs, ICAR,
Universities, Colleges, NGO’s, Cooperative Societies and Gaushalas with best
germplasm.
Gokul Gram:
 Funds under the scheme will be allocated for the establishment of Integrated
Indigenous Cattle Centres viz “Gokul Gram”.
 Gokul Grams will be established in:i) the native breeding tracts and ii) near
metropolitan cities for housing the urban cattle.
 Gokul Gram will act as Centres for development of Indigenous Breeds and a
dependable source for supply of high genetic breeding stock to the farmers
in the breeding tract.
 The Gokul Gram will be self sustaining and will generate economic
resources from sale of A2 milk (A2 milkis cow’s milk that mostly lacks a
form of β-casein proteins called A1 and instead has mostly the A2 form),
organic manure, vermi-composting, urine distillates, and production of
electricity from bio gas for in house consumption and sale of animal
products.
 The Gokul Gram will also function as state of the art in situ training
centre for Farmers, Breeders and MAITRI’s.
 The Gokul Gram will maintain milch and unproductive animals in the ratio
of 60:40and will have the capacity to maintain about 1000 animals.
Nutritional requirements of the animals will be provided in the Gokul Gram
through in house fodder production.
 Gokul Gram will also be set up near to metropolitan cities for managing
urban cattle. Metropolitan Gokul Gram will focus on genetic upgradation of
urban cattle.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-

governance, applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential;
citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other
measures.

National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: NAA- establishment, composition, functions and significance.
Context: The tenure of National Anti-Profiteering Authority has been extended by 2

years.
About NAA:
The National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) has been constituted under Section

171 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.
It is to ensure the reduction in rate of tax or the benefit of input tax credit is passed
on to the recipient by way of commensurate reduction in prices.
The Authority’s core function is to ensure that the benefits of the reduction is GST
rates on goods and services made by GST Council and proportional change in the
Input tax credit passed on to the ultimate consumers and recipient respectively by
way of reduction in the prices by the suppliers.

Composition:
The National Anti-profiteering Authority shall be headed by a senior officer of the

level of a Secretary to the Government of India and shall have four technical
members from the Centre and/or the States.
Powers and functions of the authority:
 In the event the National Anti-profiteering Authority confirms the necessity of

applying anti-profiteering measures, it has the power to order the business
concerned to reduce its prices or return the undue benefit availed along with
interest to the recipient of the goods or services.
 If the undue benefit cannot be passed on to the recipient, it can be ordered
to be deposited in the Consumer Welfare Fund.
 In extreme cases the National Anti-profiteering Authority can impose a
penalty on the defaulting business entity and even order the cancellation of
its registration under GST.

Commom Service Centres
What to study?
For prelims and mains: CSCs- establishments, need, functioning and significance.

Context: NSIC signs MoU with Commom Service Centres– eGovernance Services
India for enhancing new offerings for the MSME sector.
What are CSCs?
Common Services Centers (CSCs) are a strategic cornerstone of the Digital India

programme. They are the access points for delivery of various electronic services
to villages in India, thereby contributing to a digitally and financially inclusive
society.
They are multiple-services-single-point model for providing facilities for multiple

transactions at a single geographical location. They are the access points for
delivery of essential public utility services, social welfare schemes, healthcare,
financial, education and agriculture services, apart from host of B2C services to
citizens in rural and remote areas of the country.
CSCs enable the three vision areas of the Digital India programme:
1. Digital infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen.

2. Governance and services on demand.
3. Digital empowerment of citizens.

Significance of CSCs:
CSCs are more than service delivery points in rural India. They are positioned as
change agents, promoting rural entrepreneurship and building rural capacities and
livelihoods. They are enablers of community participation and collective action for
engendering social change through a bottom-up approach with key focus on the
rural citizen.

Key facts:
 The CSC project, which forms a strategic component of the National

eGovernance Plan was approved by the Government in May 2006, as part of
its commitment in the National Common Minimum Programme to introduce
e-governance on a massive scale.
 It is also one of the approved projects under the Integrated Mission Mode
Projects of the National eGovernance Plan.

CSC 2.0 Scheme:
Based on the assessment of CSC scheme, the Government launched the CSC 2.0
scheme in 2015 to expand the outreach of CSCs to all Gram Panchayats across the
country. Under CSC 2.0 scheme, at least one CSC will be set up in each of the 2.5
lakh GPs across the country by 2019. CSCs functioning under the existing scheme
will also be strengthened and integrated with additional 1.5 lakh CSCs across the
country.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Population and associated issues.

Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features and significance of the programme.
Context: National Workshop on Experience Sharing under Shyama Prasad

Mukherji Rurban Mission.
About SPMRM:
The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) is a unique programme,

designed to deliver catalytic interventions to rural areas on the threshold of
growth.
Funding Support:
1. There is a funding support of up to 30% of the estimated investment for each

Rurban cluster, given as Critical Gap Funding (CGF), while 70% of the funds is
mobilized by the States through convergence with synergic State and Central
programmes and private investment and institutional funding.
2. The CGF is now shared between the Centre and the State in a ratio of 60:40
for Plain area States and 90:10 for Himalayan and NE States.

Various Provisions:
Provision of basic amenities –
 Provision of 24/7 Water Supply to all households,

 Solid and Liquid Waste Management facilities at the household and cluster
level
Provision of Inter and Intra village roads–
Adequate Street Lights and Public Transport facilities using green technologies.
Provision of Economic Amenities –
Various thematic areas in the sectors of Agri Services and Processing, Tourism, and
Skill development to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
Mission’s Objective:
The objective of the National Rurban Mission (NRuM) is to stimulate local economic

development, enhance basic services, and create well planned Rurban clusters.
Need for development of such clusters:
As per Census of India Statistics, the rural population in India stands at 833 million,
constituting almost 68% of the total population.
 The rural population has shown a growth of 12% during the 2001-2011
period and there has been an increase in the absolute number of villages
during the same period.
 Large parts of rural areas are not stand-alone settlements but part of a
cluster of settlements, which are relatively proximate to each other.
 These clusters typically illustrate potential for growth, have economic drivers
and derive location and competitive advantages.
 Hence, making a case for concerted policy directives for such clusters; these
clusters once developed can then be classified as ‘Rurban’.

Mains Question: Write a critical note on the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban
Mission.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:


National Policy on Biofuels – 2018
What to study?
For Prelims: National Biofuel Policy- key features, classification of biofuels.
For Mains: Biofuels- significance, policies for their promotion and challenges therein.
Context: The National Policy on Biofuels-2018 approved by the Government

envisages an indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5%
blending of bio-diesel in diesel by 2030.
National Policy on biofuels- salient features:

Categorization: The Policy categorises biofuels as “Basic Biofuels” viz. First
Generation (1G) bioethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” – Second
Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third
Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial
and fiscal incentives under each category.
Scope of raw materials: The Policy expands the scope of raw material for ethanol
production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar containing materials like
Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava,
Damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, unfit for human
consumption for ethanol production.
Protection to farmers: Farmers are at a risk of not getting appropriate price for
their produce during the surplus production phase. Taking this into account, the
Policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with
petrol with the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee.
Viability gap funding: With a thrust on Advanced Biofuels, the Policy indicates a

viability gap funding scheme for 2G ethanol Bio refineries of Rs.5000 crore in 6
years in addition to additional tax incentives, higher purchase price as compared to
1G biofuels.
Boost to biodiesel production: The Policy encourages setting up of supply chain

mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, Used Cooking Oil,
short gestation crops.
Expected benefits:
Import dependency: The policy aims at reducing import dependency.
Cleaner environment: By reducing crop burning & conversion of agricultural

residues/wastes to biofuels there will be further reduction in Green House Gas
emissions.
Health benefits: Prolonged reuse of Cooking Oil for preparing food, particularly in
deep-frying is a potential health hazard and can lead to many diseases. Used
Cooking Oil is a potential feedstock for biodiesel and its use for making biodiesel
will prevent diversion of used cooking oil in the food industry.
Employment Generation: One 100klpd 2G bio refinery can contribute 1200 jobs in

Plant Operations, Village Level Entrepreneurs and Supply Chain Management.
Additional Income to Farmers: By adopting 2G technologies, agricultural

residues/waste which otherwise are burnt by the farmers can be converted to
ethanol and can fetch a price for these waste if a market is developed for the same.
Significance of Biofuels:
Globally, biofuels have caught the attention in last decade and it is imperative to
keep up with the pace of developments in the field of biofuels. Biofuels in India are
of strategic importance as it augers well with the ongoing initiatives of the
Government such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill Development and
offers great opportunity to integrate with the ambitious targets of doubling of
Farmers Income, Import Reduction, Employment Generation, Waste to Wealth
Creation.
Classification of Biofuels:
1st generation biofuels are also called conventional biofuels. They are made from
things like sugar, starch, or vegetable oil. Note that these are all food products. Any
biofuel made from a feedstock that can also be consumed as a human food is
considered a first generation biofuel.
2nd generation biofuels are produced from sustainable feedstock. The

sustainability of a feedstock is defined by its availability, its impact on greenhouse
gas emissions, its impact on land use, and by its potential to threaten the food
supply. No second generation biofuel is also a food crop, though certain food
products can become second generation fuels when they are no longer useful for
consumption. Second generation biofuels are often called “advanced biofuels.”
3rd generation biofuels are biofuel derived from algae. These biofuels are given
their own separate class because of their unique production mechanism and their
potential to mitigate most of the drawbacks of 1st and 2nd generation biofuels.
Mains Question: Discuss the importance of biofuels for India? Critically examine
whether the national policy on biofuels will help India unlock it’s biofuel potential?
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

PMUY
What to study?
For Prelims: PMU- key features.
For Mains: PMUY- objectives, features, significance and measures needed to sustain the
momentum.

Context: 7.23 Crore Connections released under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
connections to poor households.
Who is eligible? Under the scheme, an adult woman member of a below poverty

line family identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) is given a
deposit-free LPG connection with financial assistance of Rs 1,600 per connection by
the Centre.
Identification of households: Eligible households will be identified in consultation

with state governments and Union territories. The scheme is being implemented by
the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Key objectives of the scheme are:
 Empowering women and protecting their health.

 Reducing the serious health hazards associated with cooking based on fossil
fuel.
 Reducing the number of deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel.
 Preventing young children from significant number of acute respiratory
illnesses caused due to indoor air pollution by burning the fossil fuel.

What makes LPG adoption necessary?
1. A large section of Indians, especially women and girls, are exposed to severe
household air pollution (HAP) from the use of solid fuels such as biomass,
dung cakes and coal for cooking. A report from the Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare places HAP as the second leading risk factor contributing to
India’s disease burden.
2. According to the World Health Organization, solid fuel use is responsible for
about 13% of all mortality and morbidity in India (measured as Disability-
Adjusted Life Years), and causes about 40% of all pulmonary disorders,
nearly 30% of cataract incidences, and over 20% each of ischemic heart
disease, lung cancer and lower respiratory infection.
Mains Question:
Examine the objectives, merits and demerits of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Paper 2:
Topics covered:

National Policy on Domestic Workers

What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of the proposed National Policy on Domestic Workers,
International Labour Organisation’s Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic
Workers.
For Mains: Need for a policy and guidelines on this, vulnerability and challenges faced
by domestic workers, international experience.
Context: Draft National Policy on Domestic Workers Under Consideration.
There is a need for the policy due to the following reasons:
 Employer-dominated, domestic work industry is characterised by low,

stagnant wage rates. Wages are particularly low for Bengali and Adivasi
workers.
 Irregular payment of wages by employer.
 Extraction of more work than agreed upon at the start of employment.
 Practice of arbitrarily reducing wages.
 Private power of regulation enjoyed by the employer.
 Private nature of regulation has allowed the employer to exercise quasi-
magisterial powers over the domestic worker in India.
 Workers’ attempts to renegotiate their terms of work or to leave such
employment are outbid by verbal, and often, physical assaults by employers.
 Domestic workers are on an almost absolute risk of unemployment or
criminalisation when they try to obtain their dues.

Proposed national policy for domestic workers:

 Its aimis to protect the domestic workers from abuse, harassment, violence
and guarantee them rights in the matter of social security and minimum
wages. The policy also includes social security cover and provisions against
sexual harassment and bonded labour.
 It is a national policy for all kinds of household helps, under which payment
of wages will be made to the board under fixed slab rates and the central
board/trust will be managed by all stakeholders.
 The policy intends to set up an institutional mechanismto social security
cover, fair terms of employment, grievance redressal and dispute resolution.
 It provides for recognising domestic workers as a worker with the right to
register themselves with state labour department or any other suitable
mechanism.
 The policy will also promote the rightsfor them to organise and form their
own unions/associations and affiliate with other unions/associations. It will
also provide for model contract of employment with well-defined period of
work and rest.
 It also aims to regulate the recruitment and placement agencies by
respective governments through formulation of a policy.
 It will also have a tripartite implementation committee at centre, state and
district levels.
 It will also clearly define various termssuch as part time workers, full time
workers, live in workers, employers and private placement agencies.

Mains Question: The proposed national policy for domestic workers fails to achieve
the purpose it is designed for. Critically examine.
Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support
prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations,
revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions;
economics of animal-rearing.

Beekeeping Development Committee report
What to study?
For prelims: India’s rank in honey production, key recommendations.
For mains: Challenges faced by the industry and what needs to be done to realise the
full potential of the industry.
Context: Beekeeping Development Committee under EAC-PM releases its report.
Background:
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister set up a Beekeeping

Development Committee under the Chairmanship of Professor Bibek Debroy.
BDC was constituted with the objective of identifying ways of advancing

beekeeping in India, that can help in improving agricultural productivity, enhancing
employment generation, augmenting nutritional security and sustaining
biodiversity.
Some of the recommendations in the report include:

 Recognizing honeybees as inputs to agriculture and considering landless
Beekeepers as farmers.
 Plantation of bee friendly flora at appropriate places and engaging women
self-help groups in managing such plantations.
 Institutionalizing the National Bee Board and rechristening it as the Honey
and Pollinators Board of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’
Welfare. Such a body would engage in advancing beekeeping through
multiple mechanisms such as setting up of new Integrated Bee Development
Centres, strengthening the existing ones, creating a honey price stabilization
fund and collection of data on important aspects of apiculture.
 Recognition of apiculture as a subject for advanced research under the aegis
of Indian Council for Agricultural Research.
 Training and development of beekeepers by state governments.
 Development of national and regional infrastructure for storage, processing
and marketing of honey and other bee products.
 Simplifying procedures and specifying clear standards for ease of exporting
honey and other bee products.

Significance of Beekeeping:
As per Food and Agricultural Organization database, in 2017-18, India ranked

eighth in the world in terms of honey production (64.9 thousand tonnes)
while China stood first with a production level of 551 thousand tonnes.
Further, beekeeping can be an important contributor in achieving the 2022 target

of doubling farmer incomes.

Expand the scope: Beekeeping cannot be restricted to honey and wax only,
products such as pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom are also marketable
and can greatly help Indian farmers.
Increase in area: Based on the area under cultivation in India and bee forage crops,
India has a potential of about 200 million bee colonies as against 3.4 million bee
colonies today. Increasing the number of bee colonies will not only increase the
production of bee-related products but will boost overall agricultural and
horticultural productivity.
Way ahead:
India’s recent efforts to improve the state of beekeeping have helped increase the
volume of honey exports from 29.6 to 51.5 thousand tonnes between 2014-15 and
2017-18 (as per data from National Bee Board and Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers’ Welfare). However, challenges persist and a lot more can be done to
enhance the scope and scale of beekeeping.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features,

amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Motion of thanks to President’s Address

What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: What is Motion of thanks, what it contains? Its significance and
what happens if it is not passed.
What is “Motion of Thanks” and what it contains?
The President makes an address to a joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the
Budget session, which is prepared by the government and lists its achievements. It
is essentially a statement of the legislative and policy achievements of the
government during the preceding year and gives a broad indication of the agenda
for the year ahead.
The address is followed by a motion of thanks moved in each House by ruling

party MPs. During the session, political parties discuss the motion of thanks also
suggesting amendments.
Amendments to the “Motion of Thanks”:
Notices of amendments to Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address can be

tabled after the President has delivered his Address. Amendments may refer to
matters contained in the Address as well as to matters, in the opinion of the
member, the Address has failed to mention. Amendments can be moved to the
Motion of Thanks in such form as may be considered appropriate by the Speaker.
Limitations:
The only limitations are that members cannot refer to matters which are not the
direct responsibility of the Central Government and that the name of the
President cannot be brought in during the debate since the Government and not
the President is responsible for the contents of the Address.
Provisions governing them:
President’s Address and Motion of Thanks are governed by Articles 86 (1) and 87
(1) of the Constitution and Rules 16 to 24 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of
Business in Lok Sabha.
Its passage:
Members of Parliament vote on this motion of thanks. This motion must be passed

in both of the houses.
A failure to get motion of thanks passed amounts to defeat of government and

leads to collapse of government. This is why, the Motion of Thanks is deemed to
be a no-confidence motion.
Constitutional provisions on this:
Article 86(1) of the Constitution provides that the President may address either
House of Parliament or both Houses assembled together, and for that purpose
require the attendance of members.
Article 87 provides for the special address by the President. Clause (1) of that article
provides that at the commencement of the first session after each general election
to the House of the People and at the commencement of the first session of each
year, the President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled together
and inform Parliament of the causes of its summons. No other business is
transacted till the President has addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled
together.
Mains Question: What is an amendment to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s
Address? Why is it resorted to? Give examples and examine significance of this
amendment.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:

North Eastern Council
What to study?
For Prelims: NEC, its functions and composition.
For Mains: Significance of North Eastern region of the country and efforts by
government for the development of the region.
Context: Centre releases 3rd issue of Newsletter of North Eastern Council.

About NEC:
 NEC was established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971as an apex
level body for securing balanced and coordinated development and
facilitating coordination with the States.
 Subsequent to the Amendment of 2002, NEC has been mandated to function
as a regional planning body for the North Eastern Area and while
formulating a regional plan for this area, shall give priority to the schemes
and projects benefiting two or more states provided that in the case of
Sikkim, the Council shall formulate specific projects and schemes for that
State.
 The Union Cabinet, in June 2018, approved the proposal of Ministry of
Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for the nomination of
the Union Home Minister as ex-officio Chairman of North Eastern Council
(NEC). The Cabinet also approved that Minister of State (Independent
Charge), Ministry of DoNER would serve as Vice Chairman of the Council.
 NEC and all the Governors and Chief Ministers of North Eastern States will
be Members.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Fall Armyworm (FAW)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: FAW- causes, effects, concerns and measures needed.
Context: The Department has taken note of Fall Army Worm (FAW) infestation in
the country. The infestation has been found primarily on maize and to a small
extent on Ragi and Sorghum.
What is FAW?
A native of the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas, FAW was first
detected in the African continent in 2016. Since then, it has spread to other
countries such as China, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
In India: It was reported in India for the first-time last year, when it affected crops in
Karnataka. Within a span of only six months, almost 50 per cent of the country,
including Mizoram, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal, has reported FAW
infestations.
Life cycle:
In its 45-day-long lifecycle, the female moth of this pest lays around 1,500-2,000

eggs on the top of leaves. In the roughly 30-day larval stage, the caterpillar goes
through six stages of development or instars.
This is the most dangerous part of the lifecycle as the caterpillar feeds on leaves,
whorls, stalks and flowers of crop plants. Once this stage is completed, the
growing moth pupates in the soil — for 8-9 days in summer and 20-30 days in cold
weather. The nocturnal egg-laying adults live for about 10 days, during which they
migrate long distances.

What makes FAW dangerous?
It is the polyphagous (ability to feed on different kinds of food) nature of the

caterpillar and the ability of the adult moth to fly more than 100 km per night.
Given its ability to feed on multiple crops — nearly 80 different crops ranging from
maize to sugarcane — FAW can attack multiple crops.
Similarly, it can spread across large tracts of land as it can fly over large distances.
This explains the quick spread of the pest across India.
How FAW affects output?
Till date, India has reported FAW infestation on maize, sorghum (jowar) and
sugarcane crops. Maize has been the worst affected as most maize-growing states
in southern India have been affected by the pest.
FAW infestation and drought has led to a shortfall of nearly 5 lakh tonnes in output,
prompting the central government to allow import of maize under concessional
duty. Maize is the third most important cereal crop grown in the country and the
infestation, if not checked in time, can wreck havoc.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:


President’s address to both Houses of Parliament
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: President’s address- what, when and how? Significance and
other key features.
Context: President Ramnath Kovind recently addressed joint sitting of

Parliament outlining the govt’s goals for next five years.
What does the Constitution say about this?
Article 87(1) says: “At the commencement of the first session after each general
election to the House of the People and at the commencement of the first session
of each year the President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled
together and inform Parliament of the causes of its summons.”
First Constitutional Amendment: Originally, the Constitution required the President

to address both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of “every session”.
This requirement was changed by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
President’s address:
The President’s speech essentially highlights the government’s policy priorities and

plans for the upcoming year. It is drafted by the Cabinet, and provides a broad
framework of the government’s agenda and direction.
Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources,

growth, development and employment.

Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Composition, role, objectives and significance of FSDC.
Context: FSDC meeting held recently was chaired by the Union Finance Minister.
About FSDC:
The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was constituted in

December, 2010. The FSDC was set up to strengthen and institutionalise the
mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory
coordination and promoting financial sector development.
An apex-level FSDC is not a statutory body.

Composition:
The Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and its members are

Governor, Reserve Bank of India; Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department
of Economic Affairs; Secretary, Department of Financial Services; Chief Economic
Adviser, Ministry of Finance; Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India;
Chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority and Chairman,
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. It also includes the chairman
of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI).
Recently, the government through a gazette notification, had included ministry of

electronics and information technology (MeitY) secretary in the FSDC in view of
the increased focus of the government on digital economy.
What it does?
The Council deals, inter-alia, with issues relating to financial stability, financial
sector development, inter–regulatory coordination, financial literacy, financial
inclusion and macro prudential supervision of the economy including the
functioning of large financial conglomerates. No funds are separately allocated to
the Council for undertaking its activities.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Dispute Resolution Mechanism for solar/wind sector

What to study?
For prelims and mains: DRM- need, significance, composition and functions.
Context: In a major decision to facilitate the solar and wind energy projects, the
government has approved a proposal to set up a Dispute Resolution Committee to
consider the unforeseen disputes between solar/wind power developers and
SECI/NTPC, beyond contractual agreement.
Significance: The move will give further fillip to the smooth implementation of
solar/wind energy projects in India. It fulfils a long pending demand of the industry
to resolve expeditiously, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of
Contractual Agreements.
Need:
 The Solar and Wind Industry have been demanding setting up of Dispute
Resolution Mechanism by MNRE for quite some time, to resolve
expeditiously, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of
Contractual Agreements between solar power developers / wind power
developers and SECI/ NTPC.
 The issue was considered and it was felt that there is need to erect a
transparent, unbiased Dispute Resolution Mechanism, consisting of an
independent, transparent and unbiased Dispute Resolution Committee
(DRC), for resolving the unforeseen disputes that may arise in
implementation of contractual agreements and also for dealing with issues
which are beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements between solar power
developers/ wind power developers and SECI / NTPC.

Composition and eligibility:
 A three member Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) will be set up with the

approval of Hon’ble Minister (NRE), consisting of eminent persons of
impeccable integrity.
 The upper age for the DRC members shall be 70 years.
 The Committee members of DRC shall be chosen from the eminent persons
located in NCR of Delhi so as to avoid expenditure on Air Travel &
accommodation.
Scope:
The mechanism of Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) will be applicable for all
solar/ wind Schemes/ Programmes/ Projects being implemented through/ by SECI/
NTPC.
The DRC will consider following kinds of cases:
 All cases of appeal against decisions given by SECI on Extension of Time

requests based on terms of contract:
 All requests of Extension of Time not covered under the terms of contract.
 All such cases referred to it, including the cases where the developer is not
satisfied with the decision of SECI/NTPC and it decides to appeal after paying
the required fee.

Final decision:
The recommendations of the ‘Dispute Resolution Committee’ (DRC) along with

MNRE’s observations, will be placed before Hon’ble Minister (NRE) for final decision.
The Ministry shall examine and put up such recommendations to Minister (NRE)
with the comments of IFD within twenty one (21) days of receipt of
recommendation from the DRC.
To arrive at any decision, Committee will be free to interact with the relevant parties
of the case and shall record their views. For presenting the case before the DRC, no
lawyers shall be permitted.
The forgotten funds:
What is a cess?
A cess is levied on the tax payable and not on the taxable income. In a sense, for
the taxpayer, it is equivalent to a surcharge on tax.
A cess can be levied on both direct and indirect taxes. The revenue obtained from
income tax, corporation tax, and indirect taxes can be allocated for various
purposes.
The proceeds of all taxes and cesses are credited in the Consolidated Fund of
India (CFI), an account of the Government of India.
Difference between tax and cess?
Unlike a tax, a cess is levied to meet a specific purpose; its proceeds cannot be
spent on any kind of government expenditure. While the tax proceeds are shared
with the States and Union Territories according to the guidelines by the Finance
Commission, the cess proceeds need not be shared with them.
Recent examples of cess are: infrastructure cess on motor vehicles, clean

environment cess, Krishi Kalyan cess (for the improvement of agriculture and
welfare of farmers), and education cess.

Education cess:
The education cess, at 2%, which was first proposed in 2004, was aimed at
improving primary education. In 2007, an additional cess of 1% was introduced to
fund secondary and higher education (SHEC). And recently, in the 2019 Union
Budget, a 4% health and education cess was announced which incorporates the
previous 3% education cess as well as an additional 1% to provide for the health of
rural families.
How is it utilised?
In order to utilise the cess proceeds lying in the CFI, the government has to create a
dedicated fund. As long as a dedicated fund is not created, the cess proceeds
remain unutilised.
The dedicated fund for primary education is the ‘Prarambhik Shiksha Kosh’, or PSK,
(created in October 2005, a year after the cess was introduced) while that for higher
and secondary education is the ‘Madhyamik and Uchchtar Shiksha Kosh’ (set up in
August 2017).
Present concerns:
It is shocking that Madhyamik and Uchchtar Shiksha Kosh has remained dormant

as of March 2018.
Moreover, data from the 2017-18 annual financial audit of government finances
conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) show that Rs. 94,036
crore of SHEC proceeds is lying unutilised in the CFI.
The degree of economic injustice becomes sharper when the unspent account is

seen in conjunction with the Central government’s expenditure on education; for
example, in 2017-18, the public expenditure on school and higher education was
estimated to be Rs. 79,435.95 crore. In other words, the cumulative unutilised SHEC
funds far exceeded the expenditure on both school and higher education for the
year 2017-18.
Need of the hour:
Since a cess is introduced with a specific purpose, it is completely unjustified when

the proceeds remain unutilised for so many years. Moreover, in the current context
of self-imposed fiscal discipline and the consequent reduction of public
expenditure, the opportunity cost of unutilised education cess proceeds is
significantly high. Finally, it is imperative that the government immediately begins
utilising cess proceeds and also publishes an annual account of the manner in
which they have been utilised.
To make the point clear, the proceeds from the education cess cannot be used for
cleaning the environment and vice versa.
Topics Covered:

2. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology,
bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

DNA technology Bill
What to study?
For Prelims: DNA Bill- highlights, difference between DNA and RNA.
For Mains: DNA profiling- uses, challenges and concerns.
Context: Cabinet has cleared the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation
Bill once again, paving the way for its reintroduction in Parliament. The Bill had
been passed by Lok Sabha in January this year, but could not get the approval of
Rajya Sabha. As a result, it lapsed once the tenure of the previous Lok Sabha
expired last month.
Need for the legislation and its significance:
The utility of DNA based technologies for solving crimes, and to identify missing
persons, is well recognized across the world. Therefore, the new bill aims to expand
the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the
justice delivery system of the country.
Highlights of the Bill:
1. As per the Bill, national and regional DNA data bankswill be set up for
maintaining a national database for identification of victims, suspects in
cases, undertrials, missing persons and unidentified human remains.
2. Punishment: According to it, those leaking the DNA profile information to
people or entities who are not entitled to have it, will be punished with a jail
term of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh. Similar, punishment
has also been provided for those who seek the information on DNA profiles
illegally.
3. Usage: As per the bill, all DNA data, including DNA profiles, DNA samples and
records, will only be used for identification of the person and not for “any
other purpose”.
4. The bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons who
have been reported missing on the one hand and unidentified dead bodies
found in various parts of the country on the other, and also for establishing
the identity of victims in mass disasters.
5. The Bill establishes a DNA Regulatory Boardto accredit the DNA laboratories
that analyse DNA samples to establish the identity of an individual.

Benefits of the Bill:
 By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA

laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure that with the proposed expanded use of
this technology in the country.
 There is also the assurance that the DNA test results are reliable and the data
remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our
citizens.

DNA technology- significance:
 DNA analysis is an extremely useful and accurate technology in ascertaining

the identity of a person from his/her DNA sample, or establishing biological
relationships between individuals.
 A hair sample, or even bloodstains from clothes, from a scene of crime, for
example, can be matched with that of a suspect, and it can, in most cases, be
conclusively established whether the DNA in the sample belongs to the
suspected individual. As a result, DNA technology is being increasingly relied
upon in investigations of crime, identification of unidentified bodies, or in
determining parentage.
 It is expected that the expanded use of DNA technology would result not
only in speedier justice delivery but also in increased conviction rates, which
at present is only around 30% (NCRB Statistics for 2016).

Concerns:
Prone to misuse: Information from DNA samples can reveal not just how a person
looks, or what their eye colour or skin colour is, but also more intrusive information
like their allergies, or susceptibility to diseases. As a result, there is a greater risk of
information from DNA analysis getting misused.
Mains Question: The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill is right
in intent but bereft of safeguards, can be misutilized. Critically analyze.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Space Activities Bill, 2017
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Key provisions and significance of the bill, the need for
legislation on outer space.
Context: The government is likely to introduce the Space Activities Bill which

will allow commercial use of space.

Features of Space activities bill:
 It is a proposed Bill to promote and regulate the space activities of India.

 The new Bill encourages the participation of non-governmental/private
sector agencies in space activities in India under the guidance and
authorisation of the government through the Department of Space.
 The provisions of this Act shall apply to every citizen of India and to all
sectors engaged in any space activity in India or outside India.
 A non-transferable licenceshall be provided by the Central Government to
any person carrying out commercial space activity.
 The Central Government will formulate the appropriate mechanism for
licensing, eligibility criteria, and fees for licence.
 The government will maintain a register of all space objects(any object
launched or intended to be launched around the earth) and develop more
space activity plans for the country.
 It will provide professional and technical support for commercial space
activity and regulate the procedures for conduct and operation of space
activity.
 It will ensure safety requirements and supervise the conduct of every space
activity of India and investigate any incident or accident in connection with
the operation of a space activity.
 It will share details about the pricing of products created by space activity
and technology with any person or any agency in a prescribed manner.
 If any person undertakes any commercial space activity without
authorisation they shall be punished with imprisonment up to 3 years or
fined more than ₹1 crore or both.

Need for a legislation on outer space:
There is a need for national space legislation for supporting the overall growth of
the space activities in India. This would encourage enhanced participation of non-
governmental/private sector agencies in space activities in India, in compliance with
international treaty obligations, which is becoming very relevant today.

Paper 2:
Topics covered:

mandate.

G20 Summit 2019
What to study?
For prelims: All about G20, composition, objectives and significance.
For mains: Significance, composition, issues associated and need for revamping the
grouping.
Context: World leaders from 19 countries – and the European Union – are meeting
in Osaka, Japan for latest edition of G20 summit.
What is the G20?
The G20 is an annual meeting of leaders from the countries with the largest and
fastest-growing economies. Its members account for 85% of the world’s GDP, and
two-thirds of its population.
The G20 Summit is formally known as the “Summit on Financial Markets and the
World Economy”.
Establishment:
After the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997-1998, it was acknowledged that the
participation of major emerging market countries is needed on discussions on the
international financial system, and G7 finance ministers agreed to establish the
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in 1999.
Presidency:
The group has no permanent staff of its own, so every year in December, a G20
country from a rotating region takes on the presidency.
That country is then responsible for organising the next summit, as well as smaller
meetings for the coming year.
They can also choose to invite non-member countries along as guests. The first
G20 meeting took place in Berlin in 1999, after a financial crisis in East Asia affected
many countries around the world.
Who attends these meetings?

At first, the G20 was mostly attended by finance ministers and central bank
governors.
That changed after the global financial crisis in 2008. With banks collapsing,
unemployment rising and wages stagnating, the organisation turned into an
emergency council for presidents and prime ministers.
Full membership of the G20: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France,
Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa,
South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European
Union.
Its relevance in changing times:
As globalization progresses and various issues become more intricately

intertwined, the recent G20 summits have focused not only on macroeconomy and
trade, but also on a wide range of global issues which have an immense impact on
the global economy, such as development, climate change and energy, health,
counter-terrorism, as well as migration and refugees.
The G20 has sought to realize an inclusive and sustainable world through its
contributions towards resolving these global issues.
Facts for prelims:
A Sherpa is a personal representative of the leader of a member country at an

international Summit meeting such as the G8, G20 or the Nuclear Security Summit
and are responsible for thrashing out the details before the meeting of the leaders.

Mains Question: Do you think the G20 and its summits are just talking shops for
powerful world leaders? Discuss its role in the time of economic crises.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:


National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
What to study?
For prelims: key features, objectives and coverage of the act.
For mains: significance, issues present with the legislation and ways to address them.
Context: The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri
Ram Vilas Paswan met State Food Secretaries and State government officials along
with officials of Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehousing Corporation
(CWC) and State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs)in New Delhi. Shri Paswan
discussed various issues pertaining to efficient implementation of national food
security act.

National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013:
As passed by the Parliament, Government has notified the National Food Security

Act, 2013 on 10th September, 2013.
The objective is to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle
approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable
prices to people to live a life with dignity.
Key features:
 The Act provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population and upto
50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized
foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), thus covering
about two-thirds of the population.
 The eligible persons will be entitled to receive 5 Kgs of foodgrains per
person per month at subsidised prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for
rice/wheat/coarse grains.
 The existing Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, which constitute the
poorest of the poor, will continue to receive 35 Kgs of foodgrains per
household per month.
 The Act also has a special focus on the nutritional support to women and
children. Besides meal to pregnant women and lactating mothers during
pregnancy and six months after the child birth, such women will also be
entitled to receive maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000.
 Children upto 14 years of age will be entitled to nutritious meals as per the
prescribed nutritional standards.
 In case of non-supply of entitled foodgrains or meals, the beneficiaries will
receive food security allowance.
 The Act also contains provisions for setting up of grievance redressal
mechanism at the District and State levels.
 Separate provisions have also been made in the Act for ensuring
transparency and accountability.

Ways to increase the efficiency:
 Use of Information Technology right from the time of purchase of food

grains till its distribution will help in increasing the overall efficiency of the
entire process, while maintaining transparency and curbing corruption.
 It is imperative that there is a seamless flow of information online between
the FCI and States and therefore they need to be integrated so that exact
information about how much food grain has been procured from which
mandi, which warehouse it is stored in and for how long and when it has
been released for distribution can be available.
 There should also be information about the quality of food grains at the
time of purchase, storage conditions in the warehouse, when it is given to
PDS shops and when the shops have distributed it to the beneficiaries.
 Move towards One Nation One Ration Card (RC) which will ensure all
beneficiaries especially migrants can access PDS across the nation from any
PDS shop of their own choice. This will provide freedom to the beneficiaries
as they will not be tied to any one PDS shop and reduce their dependence on
shop owners and curtail instances of corruption.
 Expand the coverage of Integrated Management of PDS (IMPDS) to all the
states.

Why ensure food security?
The basic concept of food security globally is to ensure that all people, at all times,
should get access to the basic food for their active and healthy life and is
characterized by availability, access, utilization and stability of food. Though the
Indian Constitution does not have any explicit provision regarding right to food, the
fundamental right to life enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution may be
interpreted to include right to live with human dignity, which may include the right
to food and other basic necessities.

Mains Question: Is there any improvement in public distribution system since the
implementation of reforms enacted by the National Food Security Act 2013?
Critically discuss.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:


Electoral Bond Scheme
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of Electoral Bonds and highlights of the scheme.
For Mains: Significance of the scheme, benefits and concerns associated.
Context: State Bank of India (SBI) has been authorized to issue and encash
Electoral Bonds through its 29 Authorized Branches.
About Electoral bonds:

What are electoral bonds? Electoral bonds will allow donors to pay political parties
using banks as an intermediary.
Key features: Although called a bond, the

banking instrument resembling promissory notes will not carry any interest. The
electoral bond, which will be a bearer instrument, will not carry the name of the
payee and can be bought for any value, in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1
lakh, Rs 10 lakh or Rs 1 crore.
Eligibility: As per provisions of the Scheme, electoral bonds may be purchased by a

citizen of India, or entities incorporated or established in India. A person being an
individual can buy electoral bonds, either singly or jointly with other
individuals. Only the registered Political Parties which have secured not less than
one per cent of the votes polled in the last Lok Sabha elections or the State
Legislative Assembly are eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.
Need: The electoral bonds are aimed at rooting out the current system of largely
anonymous cash donations made to political parties which lead to the generation
of black money in the economy.
How will the Bonds help?
 The previous system of cash donations from anonymous sources is wholly

non-transparent. The donor, the donee, the quantum of donations and the
nature of expenditure are all undisclosed.
 According to government the system of Bonds will encourage political
donations of clean money from individuals, companies, HUF, religious
groups, charities, etc. After purchasing the bonds, these entities can hand
them to political parties of their choice, which must redeem them within the
prescribed time.
 Some element of transparency would be introduced in as much as all donors
declare in their accounts the amount of bonds that they have purchased and
all parties declare the quantum of bonds that they have received.
Mains Question: Critically examine the effectiveness of electoral bonds in ensuring
transparent political funding and suggest alternatives?
Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Atal Tinkering Labs
What to study?
For Prelims: AIM, ATL and their important features.
For Mains: Various initiatives to promote innovation and their significance.
Context: 8878 schools have been selected for establishing Atal Tinkering Lab (ATLs)
to promote research and innovation in schools.

What are ATLs?
With a vision to ‘Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators’, Atal
Innovation Mission is establishing Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools
across India.
Objective: The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity and

imagination in young minds; and inculcate skills such as design mindset,
computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc.
Financial Support: AIM will provide grant-in-aid that includes a one-time

establishment cost of Rs. 10 lakh and operational expenses of Rs. 10 lakh for a
maximum period of 5 years to each ATL.
Eligibility: Schools (minimum Grade VI – X) managed by Government, local body or

private trusts/society can set up ATL.
Significance of ATLs:
Atal Tinkering Labs have evolved as epicenters for imparting these ‘skills of the
future’ through practical applications based on self-learning.
Bridging a crucial social divide, Atal Tinkering Labs provide equal opportunity to all
children across the spectrum by working at the grassroot level, introducing children
to the world of innovation and tinkering.
About AIM:
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to
promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
AIM is mandated to create an umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem

of the country and revolutionizing the innovation eco-system – touching upon the
entire innovation life cycle through various programs.
Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Biotechnology related issues.

Fortified rice
What to study?
For Prelims: What is food fortification, FSSAI.
For Mains: Food fortification and food security.
Context: Department of Food & Public

Distribution has approved the “Centrally Sponsored Pilot Scheme on Fortification
of Rice & its distribution through Public Distribution System”. Financial
Assistance up to 90% in case of North-Eastern, Hilly and Island States and up to
75% in case of rest of the States has been extended.
What is Rice Fortification?
Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of an essential

micronutrient, i.e. vitamins and minerals (including trace elements) in a food, so as
to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health
benefit with minimal risk to health. Rice fortification is the practice of increasing the
content of essential micronutrients in rice and to improve the nutritional quality of
the rice.
Why Rice Fortification?
Rice is the world’s most important staple food. An estimated 2 billion people eat
rice every day, forming the mainstay of diets across large of Asia and Africa.
Regular milled rice is low in micronutrients and serves primarily as a source of

carbohydrate only. The fortification of rice is a major opportunity to improve
nutrition.
Fortified rice are contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Iron and
Zinc.
Food fortification in India:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has formulated a

comprehensive regulation on fortification of foods namely ‘Food Safety and
Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2016’. These regulations set the
standards for food fortification and encourage the production, manufacture,
distribution, sale and consumption of fortified foods. The regulations also provide
for specific role of FSSAI in promotion for food fortification and to make fortification
mandatory. This sets the premise for the national summit on fortification of food.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs,

SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and
other stakeholders.

One Stop Centre Scheme
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features, need for and significance of the scheme.
Context: The Government of India is implementing One Stop Centre (OSC)

scheme for setting up One Stop Centre since 1st April 2015 to support women
affected by violence.
About the scheme:
 Popularly known as Sakhi, Ministry of Women and Child Development

(MWCD) has formulated this Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
 It is a sub – scheme of Umbrella Scheme for National Mission for
Empowerment of women including Indira Gandhi Mattritav Sahyaog Yojana.
 Under the scheme, One Stop Centres are being established across the
country to provide integrated support and assistance under one roof to
women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces in phased
manner.
 Target group: The OSC will support all women including girls below 18 years
of age affected by violence, irrespective of caste, class, religion, region, sexual
orientation or marital status.

The Centres will be integrated with a Women Helpline to facilitate access to

following services:
1. Emergency response and rescue services.

2. Medical assistance.
3. Assistance to women in lodging the FIR.
4. Psycho- social support and counselling.
5. Legal aid and counselling.
6. Shelter
7. Video conferencing facility.

Funds:
The Scheme will be funded through Nirbhaya Fund. The Central Government will
provide 100% financial assistance to the State Government /UT Administrations
under the Scheme.
Need for protection:

 Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a global health, human rights and
development issue that transcends geography, class, culture, age, race and
religion to affect every community and country in every corner of the world.
 The Article 1 of UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence 1993 provides
a definition of gender – based abuse, calling it “any act of gender – based
violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or
psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts,
coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in
private life”.
 In India, gender based violence has many manifestations; from the more
universally prevalent forms of domestic and sexual violence including rape,
to harmful practices such as, dowry, honour killings, acid attacks, witch –
hunting, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, trafficking for commercial
sexual exploitation, child marriage, sex selective abortion, sati etc.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Van Dhan Yojana
What to study?
For Prelims: Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
For Mains: MFP and its significance.

Context: Training Workshop for implementing teams of Van Dhan

Yojana Organized.
About Van Dhan Vikas Kendras initiative:
 The initiative aims to promote MFPs-centric livelihood development of tribal

gatherers and artisans.
 It mainstreams the tribal community by promoting primary level value
addition to MFP at grassroots level.
 Significance: Through this initiative, the share of tribals in the value chain of
Non-Timber Forest Produce is expected to rise from the present 20% to
around 60%.

Implementation:
 The scheme will be implemented through Ministry of Tribal Affairs as Nodal

Department at the Central Level and TRIFED as Nodal Agency at the
National Level.
 At State level, the State Nodal Agency for MFPs and the District collectors are
envisaged to play a pivot role in scheme implementation at grassroot level.
 Locally the Kendras are proposed to be managed by a Managing Committee
(an SHG)consisting of representatives of Van Dhan SHGs in the cluster.
 Composition: As per the plan, TRIFED will facilitate establishment of MFP-led
multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, a cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of
30 tribal MFP gatherers each, in the tribal areas.

Significance of MFP:
 Minor Forest Produce (MFP) is a major source of livelihood for tribals living in
forest areas. The importance of MFPs for this section of the society can be
gauged from the fact that around 100 million forest dwellers depend on
MFPs for food, shelter, medicines and cash income.
 It provides them critical subsistence during the lean seasons, particularly for
primitive tribal groups such as hunter gatherers, and the landless. Tribals
derive 20-40% of their annual income from MFP on which they spend major
portion of their time.
 This activity has strong linkage to women’s financial empowerment as most
of the MFPs are collected and used/sold by women. MFP sector has the
potential to create about 10 million workdays annually in the country.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban
What to study?
For Prelims: PMAY- Urban- key features.
For Mains: Significance of the scheme, challenges ahead and measures needed to
achieve the target.

Context: Houses Sanctioned Under PMAY(U) now Stands at 83.62 Lakhs.
Uttar Pradesh tops list for Sanctioned Houses at 13 Lakhs.
About PMAY- Urban:
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Programme launched by the Ministry of

Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA), in Mission
mode envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when the Nation completes 75
years of its Independence.
The Mission seeks to address the housing requirement of urban poor including
slum dwellers through following programme verticals:
 Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers

using land as a resource.
 Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked
subsidy.
 Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors.
 Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction /enhancement.

Key facts:
 The beneficiaries are poor and people living under EWS and LIG categories in
the country.
 The scheme is divided into three phases. In the first phase, a total of 100
cities will be covered from April 2015 to March 2017. In phase two, 200 cities
will be covered from April 2017 to March 2019. In the third phase, the
leftover cities will be covered from April 2019 to March 2022.
 The government is providing an interest subsidy of 6.5% on housing loans
which can be availed by beneficiaries for 15 years from start of loan date.
 The government will grant Rs 1 lakh to all the beneficiaries of the scheme. In
addition, Rs 1.5 lakh will be given to all eligible urban poor who want to
construct their houses in urban areas or plan to go for renovation in their
existing houses. One can also avail loans under this scheme to build toilets in
existing houses.

Challenges ahead:
The central government has to mobilise Rs 1 lakh crore in the next three years for
achieving its target of building 1 crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U).
This is going to be a tall task given the current fiscal arithmetic. The scheme
also faces headwinds such as unavailability of land in prime areas, low
participation of private developers on account of brand dilution, bidding
mechanism, stringent cost and time schedules resulting in low yields, increasing
construction costs due to absence of bulk sourcing of materials, and lack of new
technology that impacts productivity, cost efficiency and quality.
Significance of the scheme:
PMAY-U does offer a huge opportunity for several sectors by setting off a virtuous
cycle.
One crore houses would mean an opportunity for over Rs 2 lakh crore of home
loans, and incremental consumption of 80-100 million tonne of cement and 10-15
million tonne of steel.
The construction opportunity is of about four billion square feet over the life of
PMAY-U and all that would translate into 9-10 crore incremental jobs over the
execution period.
Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Disaster and disaster management.

First Resilient Kerala Program
What to study?
For prelims: key features and partnerships.
For mains: Vulnerability of Kerala, challenges present and need for coordination among
various stakeholders.
Context: The Government of India, the Government of Kerala and the World Bank
have signed a Loan Agreement of USD 250 million for the First Resilient Kerala
Program to enhance the State’s resilience against the impacts of natural disasters
and climate change.
Key features of the programme:

 The Program will focus on strengthening the State’s institutional and
financial capacity to protect the assets and livelihoods of poor and
vulnerable groups through an inclusive and participatory approach.
 The Program, which represents the First ‘State Partnership’ of the World
Bank in India, is the First of two Development Policy Operations aiming to
mainstream disaster and climate resilience into critical infrastructure and
services.

Need for and significance of the programme:
The 2018 floods and landslides in Kerala led to severe impact on property,
infrastructure, and lives and livelihoods of people. One sixth of the State’s
population – about 5.4 million people – were affected while 1.4 million were
displaced from their homes, especially the poor and vulnerable segments of the
population.
Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping;

issues of buffer stocks and food security.
One nation-one ration card
What to study?
For prelims: key features of the proposed scheme, PDS.
For mains: Need for, significance of the scheme and challenges in its implementation.
Context: Government all set to implement “One nation-one ration card” scheme
throughout India by 30th June, 2020.

About the scheme:
One Nation One Ration Card (RC) will ensure all beneficiaries especially migrants
can access PDS across the nation from any PDS shop of their own choice.
Benefits: no poor person is deprived of getting subsidised foodgrains under the

food security scheme when they shift from one place to another. It also aims to
remove the chance of anyone holding more than one ration card to avail benefits
from different states.
Significance: This will provide freedom to the beneficiaries as they will not be tied
to any one PDS shop and reduce their dependence on shop owners and curtail
instances of corruption.
Challenges:
Prone to corruption: Every state has its own rules for Public Distribution System
(PDS). If ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ is implemented, it will further boost
corruption in an already corrupted Public Distribution System.
The scheme will increase the woes of the common man and, the middlemen and
corrupt PDS shop owners will exploit them.
Tamil Nadu has opposed the proposal of the Centre, saying it would result in
undesirable consequences and is against federalism.
Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Welfare schemes for the protection of vulnerable sections of the society.

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of RVY and about ALIMCO.
For Mains: Significance of the programme and similar policies for the aid of old aged.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana:
 The Scheme aims at providing Senior Citizens, belonging to BPL category

and suffering from any of the age-related disability/infirmity Low vision,
Hearing impairment, Loss of teeth and Locomotor disability, with
such assisted-living deviceswhich can restore near normalcy in their bodily
functions, overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested.
 Funding: This is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central
Government. The expenditure for implementation of the scheme will be met
from the “Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund “.
 Under the scheme, free of cost distribution of the devices, commensurate
with the extent of disability/infirmity that is manifested among the eligible
senior citizens will take place.
 In case of multiple disabilities/infirmitiesmanifested in the same person,
the assistive devices will be given in respect of each disability/impairment.
 Beneficiaries in each district will be identified by the State Governments/UT
Administrations through a Committee chaired by the Deputy
Commissioner/District Collector.
 As far as possible, 30% of the beneficiaries in each district shall be women.

Need of hour:
With more than 70% of the 104 million elderly living in the rural hinterland, any
serious initiative to improve the lot of senior citizens must incorporate adequate
budgetary support for social welfare spending on the relevant programmes.
With the number of the elderly in India set to surge by 2050 to almost 300 million,
or about a fifth of the population, governments need to make more comprehensive
efforts to address the problems of elderly.
Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of

technology and developing new technology.

Statistics Day
What to study?
For Prelims: Statistics day, ISI.
For Mains: Important contributions of PC Mahalanobis.
National Statistics Day:

In recognition of the notable contributions made by Late Professor Prasanta
Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics, statistical system and economic
planning, Government of India in 2007, has designated 29th June as the “Statistics
Day” in the category of Special Days to be celebrated every year at the National
level.
The objective of celebration of this Day is to create public awareness about the

importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation, to
acknowledge the contribution of Prof. Mahalanobis, and to pay homage to him.
Theme: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) keeping in view India’s commitment

towards achieving these goals.
Other contributions:
PC Mahalanobis became 1st Indian statistician to receive world recognition and is

called as Father of Indian Statistics.
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) at Kolkata, set up by Prof. Mahalanobis in 1931,

and was declared an autonomous “Institute of National Importance” through an
act of Parliament in 1959.
ISI celebrates 29th June as the “Worker Day”.
In 1936 he introduced statistical measure called Mahalanobis distance, widely

used in cluster analysis and classification techniques for which he is widely known.
Paper 3:
Topics covered:

Jal Shakti Abhiyan

What to study?
For prelims and mains: features, need for and significance of the campaign.
Context: Jal Shakti Abhiyan for Water Conservation Launched.
Key facts:
 It is a time-bound, mission-mode campaign that would focus on 1,592

“water-stressed” blocks in 257 districts.
 The campaign will run through citizen participation during the monsoon
season, from 1st July, 2019 to 15th September, 2019.
 The 1,592 blocks, identified as “water-stressed” as per the Central Ground
Water Board’s 2017 data, include 313 critical blocks, 1,000-odd over-exploited
blocks and 94 blocks with least water availability (for states without water-
stressed blocks).
 Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a collaborative effort of various Ministries of the
Government of India and State Governments, being coordinated by the
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
 Under the campaign, teams of officers from the central government will visit
and work with district administration in water stressed blocks, to ensure five
important water conservation interventions.
 These will be water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of
traditional and other water bodies/tanks, reuse, bore well recharge
structures, watershed development and intensive afforestation.
 Other measures: These water conservation efforts will also be supplemented
with special interventions including the development of Block and District
Water Conservation Plans, promotion of efficient water use for irrigation and
better choice of crops through Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
 A large-scale communications campaign has also been planned alongside
the JSA involving mass mobilisation of different groups including school
students, college students, swachhagrahis, Self Help Groups, Panchayati Raj
Institution members, youth groups (NSS/NYKS/NCC), defence personnel, ex-
servicemen and pensioners, among various others.

Paper 2:
Topics Covered:


Swadesh Darshan scheme
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Features and significance of the scheme, Important circuits and
overview of their locations and geographical significance.
Context: Recognizing the potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry has
identified Rural Circuit as one of the thematic circuits identified for development
under this scheme and is aimed at leveraging tourism as a force multiplier for
revitalizing the rural economy and for giving both domestic and international
tourists a glimpse of the rural aspect of the country.

About Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
Tourism Ministry launched the scheme.
Objective: to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist

circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness
and sustainability in an integrated manner.
Features of Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
 100% centrally fundedfor the project components undertaken for public

funding.
 To leverage the voluntary funding available for Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR)initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and
corporate sector.
 Funding of individual project will varyfrom state to state and will be finalised
on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by PMC (Programme
Management Consultant).
 PMC will be a national level consultant to be appointed by the Mission
Directorate.
 A National Steering Committee (NSC)will be constituted with Minister in
charge of M/O Tourism as Chairman, to steer the mission objectives and
vision of the scheme.
 A Mission Directorateheaded by the Member Secretary, NSC as a nodal
officer will help in identification of projects in consultation with the States/
UTs governments and other stake holders.
Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Issues related to education.

STRIDE scheme
What to study.

Context: UGC announces new Initiative – Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research

for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE) to boost research culture in India.
Key features:
 STRIDE will provide support to research projects that are socially relevant,

locally need-based, nationally important and globally significant.
 STRIDE shall support research capacity building as well as basic, applied
and transformational action research that can contribute to national
prioritiers with focus on inclusive human development.
 STRIDE shall support creation, development and integration of new ideas,
concepts and practices for public good and strengthening civil society.

STRIDE Objectives:
1. To identify young talent, strengthen research culture, build capacity, promote

innovation and support trans-disciplinary research for India’s developing
economy and national development.
2. To fund multi institutional network high-impact research projects in
humanities and human sciences.

Significance:
STRIDE scheme will strengthen research culture and innovation in colleges and
Universities and help students and faculty to contribute towards India’s developing
economy with help of collaborative research. Focus on Humanities and Human
Sciences will boost quality research on Indian languages and knowledge systems.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:

other stakeholders

North East Venture Fund (NEVF)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Objectives, funding and significance of NEVF.
About North East Venture Fund (NEVF):
 Set up by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited

(NEDFi) in association with Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
(M-DoNER).
 It is the first dedicated venture capital fund for the North Eastern Region.
 Objective: to contribute to the entrepreneurship development of the NER
and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns through long term capital
appreciation by way of investments in privately negotiated equity/ equity
related investments.
 The investment under this schemer ranges from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs.10 crore
per venture, which is long term in nature with investment horizon of 4-5
years.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:


Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: TIES- key features, challenges faced by exporters and significance
and the need for support.
Context: The Department of Commerce has approved financial assistance for three
trade promotion centres under the ‘Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)’.
These centres are located in Manipur, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.
About TIES:
 The scheme replaces a centrally sponsored scheme — Assistance to States

for creating Infrastructure for the Development and growth of Exports
(ASIDE).
 The objective of the TIES is to enhance export competitiveness by bridging
gaps in export infrastructure, creating focused export infrastructure and
first-mile and last-mile connectivity.
 Eligibility: The Central and State Agencies, including Export Promotion
Councils, Commodities Boards, SEZ Authorities and Apex Trade Bodies
recognised under the EXIM policy of Government of India; are eligible for
financial support under this scheme.
 The scheme would provide assistance for setting up and up-gradation of
infrastructure projects with overwhelming export linkages like the Border
Haats, Land customs stations, quality testing and certification labs, cold
chains, trade promotion centres, dry ports, export warehousing and
packaging, SEZs and ports/airports cargo terminuses.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out
of their design and implementation.
Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Bill, 2019:
Context: Parliament passes the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in

Teachers’ Cadre) Bill, 2019.
Key features:
 The Bill provides for reservation of teaching positions in central educational

institutions for persons belonging to: (i) Scheduled Castes, (ii) Scheduled
Tribes, (iii) socially and educationally backward classes, and (iv) economically
weaker sections.
 Reservation of posts:The Bill provides for reservation of posts in direct
recruitment of teachers (out of the sanctioned strength) in central
educational institutions. For the purpose of such reservation, a central
educational institution will be regarded as one unit. This implies that the
allocation of teaching posts for reserved categories would be done on the
basis of all positions of the same level (such as assistant professor) across
departments.
 Coverage and exceptions: The Bill will apply to ‘central educational
institutions’ which include universities set up by Acts of Parliament,
institutions deemed to be a university, institutions of national importance,
and institutions receiving aid from the central government.
 However, it excludes certain institutions of excellence, research institutions,
and institutions of national and strategic importance which have been
specified in the Schedule to the Bill. It also excludes minority education
institutions.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:

Surrogacy regulation bill
What to study?
For prelims: key features of the bill.
For mains: need for regulation, concerns and issues associated with surrogacy.
Context: The Cabinet has approved the introduction of Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill,
2019 that aims to prohibit commercial surrogacy in India.

Key features of the bill:
 The Bill proposes to regulate surrogacy in India by establishing a National

Surrogacy Board at the central level and state surrogacy boards and
appropriate authorities in the state and Union Territories.
 The purpose of the Bill is to ensure effective regulation of surrogacy,
prohibit commercial surrogacy, and allow ethical surrogacy.
 While commercial surrogacy will be prohibited, including sale and purchase
of human embryos and gametes, ethical surrogacy for needy couples will be
allowed on fulfilment of stipulated conditions.
 It will also prevent exploitation of surrogate mothers and children born
through surrogacy.
 There will not be any financial implications, except for the meetings of the
National and State Surrogacy Boards and appropriate authorities, which will
be met out of the administrative budgets of respective departments.

Need for regulation:
India has emerged as a surrogacy hub for couples from other countries and there
have been reports concerning unethical practices, exploitation of surrogate
mothers, abandonment of children born out of surrogacy, and rackets involving
intermediaries importing human embryos and gametes. The 228th report of the
Law Commission of India has recommended prohibiting commercial surrogacy
and allowing altruistic surrogacy by enacting suitable legislation.
What is an altruistic surrogacy arrangement?
The Bill includes contracting a ‘close relative’ as a surrogate by a heterosexual

married couple who have been childless for five years of their marriage.

Mains Question: Analyse the ethical and economic implications of latest surrogacy
bill.
GS Paper 2 and 3:
Topic covered:

Minimum Support Prices (MSPs)
What to study?
For Prelims: MSP- crops covered, how is it decided.
For Mains: MSP- need, significance, concerns and rectifying measures.
Context: Union Cabinet has announced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of 14

Kharif crops.

About MSP:
What is it?
In theory, an MSP is the minimum price set by the Government at which farmers
can expect to sell their produce for the season. When market prices fall below the
announced MSPs, procurement agencies step in to procure the crop and ‘support’
the prices.
Who announces?
The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs announces MSP for various crops at
the beginning of each sowing season based on the recommendations of the
Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The CACP takes into account
demand and supply, the cost of production and price trends in the market among
other things when fixing MSPs.
Why is it important?
Price volatility makes life difficult for farmers. Though prices of agri commodities
may soar while in short supply, during years of bumper production, prices of the
very same commodities plummet. MSPs ensure that farmers get a minimum price
for their produce in adverse markets. MSPs have also been used as a tool by the
Government to incentivise farmers to grow crops that are in short supply.
‘PAHAL’ scheme
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features and significance of the scheme.
Context: Estimated savings/benefits of Rs. 59,599 crore upto March, 2019 under
‘PAHAL’ scheme.
Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh (PaHaL) scheme:
 Aims to reduce diversion and eliminate duplicate or bogus LPG connections.

 Under PaHaL, LPG cylinders are sold at market rates and entitled
consumers get the subsidy directly into their bank accounts.

Topics Covered:

mandate.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
What to study?
For Prelims: UNESCO WHS- important sites.
For Mains: Significance and the need for conservation of WHS.

Context: India gets its 38th UNESCO World HERITAGE SITE as Pink City Jaipur.
With Successful inscription of Jaipur City, India has 38 world heritage sites, that
include 30 Cultural properties, 7 Natural properties and 1 mixed site.
UNESCO world heritage site:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of special cultural
or physical significance.
The list is maintained by the international World Heritage

Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed
of 21 UNESCO member states which are elected by the General Assembly.
Each World Heritage Site remains part of the legal territory of the state wherein
the site is located and UNESCO considers it in the interest of the international
community to preserve each site.
Selection of a site:
To be selected, a World Heritage Site must be an already classified landmark,

unique in some respect as a geographically and historically identifiable place
having special cultural or physical significance (such as an ancient ruin or historical
structure, building, city, complex, desert, forest, island, lake, monument, mountain,
or wilderness area). It may signify a remarkable accomplishment of humanity, and
serve as evidence of our intellectual history on the planet.
Legal status of designated sites:

UNESCO designation as a World Heritage Site provides prima facie evidence that
such culturally sensitive sites are legally protected pursuant to the Law of War,
under the Geneva Convention, its articles, protocols and customs, together with
other treaties including the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural
Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and international law.
What are endangered sites?
 A site may be added to the List of World Heritage in Danger if there are
conditions that threaten the characteristics for which the landmark or area
was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Such problems may involve armed
conflict and war, natural disasters, pollution, poaching, or uncontrolled
urbanization or human development.
 This danger list is intended to increase international awareness of the
threats and to encourage counteractive measures.
 Review: The state of conservation for each site on the danger list is reviewed
on a yearly basis, after which the committee may request additional
measures, delete the property from the list if the threats have ceased or
consider deletion from both the List of World Heritage in Danger and the
World Heritage List.
Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards:
SRISTI (Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and
Institutions) celebrates the creativity and innovation of young technological
students by recognising their outstanding projects with Gandhian Young
Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards.
These Awards celebrate the spirit of student innovation in all the fields of
engineering, science, technology and design through extremely affordable/frugal
solution or the ones pushing the technological edge.
Lal Bahadur Shastri
Context: PM visits Varanasi Unveils Lal Bahadur Shastri statue at Varanasi airport.
Lal Bahadur Shastri- related facts:
1. Pre- independence:
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd October, 1904 at Mughalsarai, Varanasi,
Uttar Pradesh.
He was given the title “Shastri” meaning “Scholar” by Vidya Peeth as a part of his
bachelor’s degree award.
He introduced a slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” and played a pivotal role in shaping
India’s future.
He became a life member of the Servants of the People Society (Lok Sevak
Mandal), founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. There he started to work for the upliftment of
backward classes, and later he became the President of that Society.
He participated in the non-cooperation movement and the Salt Satyagraha.

2. Post- independence:
He was the second Prime Minister of Independent India.
In 1961, he was appointed as Home Minister, and he appointed the Committee on

Prevention of Corruption. He created the famous “Shastri Formula” which
consisted of the language agitations in Assam and Punjab.
He promoted the White Revolution, a national campaign to increase milk

production. He also promoted the Green Revolution, to increase the food
production in India.
In 1964, he signed an agreement with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo
Bandaranaike, in concern with the status of Indian Tamils in Ceylon. This agreement
is known as Srimavo-Shastri Pact.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna the India’s highest civilian award posthumously

in 1966.
He signed Tashkent Declaration on 10 January, 1966 with the paksitan President,

Muhammad Ayub Khan to end the 1965 war.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues,

urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
other stakeholders

Aspirational districts programme

What to study?
For Prelims: About Aspirational Districts Programme, key performers.
For Mains: Significance and the need for such programmes.
Context: DoNER Secretary chairs meeting of Nodal officers of Aspirational districts

of North Eastern region.
About Aspirational Districts Programme:
Launched in January 2018, the ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’

programme aims to quickly and effectively transform some of the most
underdeveloped districts of the country.
The broad contours of the programme are Convergence (of Central & State
Schemes), Collaboration (of Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District
Collectors), and Competition among districts driven by a Mass Movement or a Jan
Andolan.
With States as the main drivers, this program will focus on the strength of each
district, identify low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement, measure progress,
and rank districts.
Focus of the programme:

To enable optimum utilization of their potential, this program focuses closely
on improving people’s ability to participate fully in the burgeoning economy.
Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion &
Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure are this programme’s core areas of
focus.
If these districts are transformed, there would be tremendous improvement in the

internal security environment of the country.
If Prabhari officers can bring convergence in the development efforts of different

Ministries and state Governments and the schemes specially launched by Home
Ministry in these districts, it would serve as a great opportunity to ensure rapid
development in the country.
Mains Question: The aspirational districts programme will play a key role in
bridging the development gap vital to social and political stability. Examine.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

mandate.

World Food Programme

What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Key facts on WFP and its programmes.
Context: Coffee Table Book commemorating 50 years of partnership with

UNWFP towards food and nutrition security in India has been launched.
The book showcases key milestones achieved by the Government of India in its

efforts to make the nation free from hunger and malnutrition and WFP’s role in
this endeavour.
About WFP:
 The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food assistance branch of the

United Nations and the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing
hunger and promoting food security.
 The WFP strives to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, with the ultimate
goal in mind of eliminating the need for food aid itself.
 It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and part of its
Executive Committee.
 Born in 1961, WFP pursues a vision of the world in which every man, woman
and child has access at all times to the food needed for an active and
healthy life.
 The WFP is governed by an Executive Board which consists of
representatives from member states.
 The WFP operations are funded by voluntary donations from world
governments, corporations and private donors.
 WFP food aid is also directed to fight micronutrient deficiencies, reduce
child mortality, improve maternal health, and combat disease, including
HIV and AIDS.

The objectives of the World Food Programme are:
1. Save lives and protect livelihoods in emergencies.

2. Support food security and nutrition and (re)build livelihoods in fragile
settings and following emergencies.
3. Reduce risk and enable people, communities and countries to meet their
own food and nutrition needs.
4. Reduce under-nutrition and break the inter-generational cycle of hunger.
5. Zero Hunger in 2030.

“World Hunger Map”:
Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba will work with WFP to develop
digital “World Hunger Map”. The map will help to monitor global hunger and
operations to end scourge by 2030 which is one of UN’s key Sustainable
Development goals. It also aims to boost efficiency of interventions and shorten
emergency response times.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
1. Infrastructure and related issues.

NIIF
What to study?
For Prelims: Particulars of NIIF and funds under NIIF.
For Mains: Significance of NIIF and the need for Infrastructure funding.
Context: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Signs MoU with National

Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) for funding highway projects.
About NIIF:
The government had set up the ₹40,000 crore NIIF in 2015 as an investment
vehicle for funding commercially viable greenfield, brownfield and stalled
infrastructure projects.
The Indian government is investing 49% and the rest of the corpus is to be raised
from third-party investors such as sovereign wealth funds, insurance and pension
funds, endowments, etc.
NIIF’s mandate includes investing in areas such as energy, transportation, housing,

water, waste management and other infrastructure-related sectors in India.
NIIF currently manages three funds each with its distinctive investment mandate.

The funds are registered as Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with the Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
The three funds are:

Master Fund: The Master Fund is an infrastructure fund with the objective of
primarily investing in operating assets in the core infrastructure sectors such as
roads, ports, airports, power etc.
Fund of Funds: Fund of Funds anchor and/or invest in funds managed by fund

managers who have good track records in infrastructure and associated sectors in
India. Some of the sectors of focus include Green Infrastructure, Mid-Income &
Affordable Housing, Infrastructure services and allied sectors.
Strategic Investment Fund: Strategic Investment Fund is registered as an

Alternative Investment Fund II under SEBI in India. The objective of “Strategic Fund”
is to invest largely in equity and equity-linked instruments. The Strategic Fund will
focus on green field and brown field investments in the core infrastructure sectors.
Mains Question: Discuss the significance of National Investment and Infrastructure

Fund (NIIF) and the need for Infrastructure funding in India.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
Infrastructure- Roadways.

Bharatmala Pariyojana
What to study?
For Prelims: Bharatmala, NHAI.
For Mains: Infrastructure development- need, challenges and solutions.
Context: The Government of India has approved Phase-I of Bharatmala

Pariyojana with financial outlay of Rs 5,35,000 crore to develop 24,800 km
Highways along with 10,000 km residual NHDP stretches over a period of five years.
What is Bharatmala project?
Bharatmala Project is the second largest highways construction project in the

country since NHDP, under which almost 50,000 km of highway roads were
targeted across the country. Bharatmala will look to improve connectivity
particularly on economic corridors, border areas and far flung areas with an aim
of quicker movement of cargo and boosting exports.
About NHAI:
The National Highways Authority of India was constituted by an act of Parliament,

the National Highways Authority of India Act,1988. It is responsible for the
development, maintenance and management of National Highways entrusted to it
and for matters connected or incidental thereto. The Authority was operationalised
in Feb, 1995.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
What to study?
About Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is an elaborated component of Soil Health

Management (SHM) of major project National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture
(NMSA).
Implementation:
 Under PKVY Organic farming is promoted through the adoption of

the organic village by cluster approach and PGS certification.
 Fifty or more farmers will form a cluster having 50-acre land to take up the
organic farming under the scheme.
 The produce will be pesticide residue free and will contribute to improving
the health of the consumer.

Organic farming and its significance:
Organic cultivation doesn’t involve the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and
thus helps to maintain a harmonious balance among the various complex
ecosystems. Also it improves the quality of the soil which further improves the
standards of the crops produced there. In the long term, organic farming leads in
subsistence of agriculture, bio-diversity conservation and environmental protection.
It will also help in building the soil health resulting in sustainable increased crop
production.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

other stakeholders.
2. e-technology in the aid of farmers.

Kisan Credit Card Scheme
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: KCC scheme- features and significance.

Context: The Government of India has extended the facility of Kisan Credit Card
(KCC) to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to help them meet their working
capital needs.
Kisan Credit Card Scheme:
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was announced in the Budget speech of 1998-
99 to fulfil the financial requirements of the farmers at various stages of farming
through institutional credit.
The model scheme was prepared by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) on the recommendation of V Gupta committee.
The KCC scheme is being implemented by the all Co-operative banks, Regional

Rural Banks and Public Sector Banks throughout the country.
Scheme covers risk of KCC holders against death or permanent disability resulting

from accidents.
Objectives:
 To provide adequate and timely credit support from the banking system to
the farmers at the cheap rate of interest.
 To provide credit at the time of requirement.
 To support post-harvest expenses.
 To provide Working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities
allied to agriculture.
 Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities (land
development, pump sets, plantation, drip irrigation etc.)
 Consumption requirements of farmers.

Other Salient features of the Scheme:
 Revolving cash credit facility involving any number of drawals and

repayments within the limit.
 Limit to be fixed on the basis of operational land holding, cropping pattern
and scale of finance.
 Entire production credit needs for full year plus ancillary activities related to
crop production to be considered while fixing limit.
 Card valid for 5 years subject to annual review. As incentive for good
performance, credit limits could be enhanced to take care of increase in
costs, change in cropping pattern, etc.
 Conversion/reschedulement of loans also permissible in case of damage to
crops due to natural calamities.
 Operations may be through issuing branch (and also PACS in the case of
Cooperative Banks) through other designated branches at the discretion of
bank.
 Crop loans disbursed under KCC Scheme for notified crops are covered
under Crop Insurance Scheme, to protect the interest of the farmer against
loss of crop yield caused by natural calamities, pest attacks etc.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

and hunger.

Non-communicable diseases
What to study?
For Prelims: What are NCDs?
For Mains: NCDs- concerns, challenges posed and need for international cooperation in
fighting NCDs.
Context: According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report entitled

“India: Health of the Nation’s States”, Contribution of Non-Communicable Diseases
(NCDs) to total death in the Country was 61.8% in 2016, as compared to 37.9% in
1990.
 In the States of Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu, due to epidemiological

transition, fewer deaths are recorded for Communicable, maternal, neonatal
and nutritional diseases, thereby raising share of NCDs in total deaths.
 Risk factors for NCDs inter alia include ageing, unhealthy diet, lack of
physical activity, high blood pressure, , high blood sugar, high cholesterol and
overweight.

What are NCDs?
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of

long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological,
environmental and behaviours factors.
The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke),
cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease and asthma) and diabetes.
What are the socioeconomic impacts of NCDs?
NCDs threaten progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,

which includes a target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by
2030.
Poverty is closely linked with NCDs. The rapid rise in NCDs is predicted to impede
poverty reduction initiatives in low-income countries, particularly by increasing
household costs associated with health care. Vulnerable and socially disadvantaged
people get sicker and die sooner than people of higher social positions, especially
because they are at greater risk of being exposed to harmful products, such as
tobacco, or unhealthy dietary practices, and have limited access to health services.
In low-resource settings, health-care costs for NCDs quickly drain household

resources. The exorbitant costs of NCDs, including often lengthy and expensive
treatment and loss of breadwinners, force millions of people into poverty annually
and stifle development.
mKisan:
mKisan SMS Portal for farmers enables all Central and State government
organizations in agriculture and allied sectors to give
information/services/advisories to farmers by SMS in their language, preference
of agricultural practices and location.

GS Paper 3:
Topic covered:
National Dairy Plan
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Government support for increasing milk production in the
country through various schemes and key features of such schemes.
Context: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing World

Bank assisted National Dairy Plan – I in 18 States to support milk cooperatives and
milk producer companies along with breeding improvement initiative.
Key features of the scheme:
 National Dairy Plan Phase I (NDP I) is a Central Sector Scheme.

 Funding will be through a line of credit from the International Development
Association (IDA), which along with the share of the Government of India will
flow from DADF to NDDB and in turn to eligible End Implementing Agencies
(EIAs).
 NDP I will focus on 18 major milk producing states namely Andhra Pradesh,
Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal,
Telangana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh which
together account for over 90% of the country’s milk production.

Objectives:
1. To help increase productivity of milch animals and thereby increase milk

production to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk.
2. To help provide rural milk producers with greater access to the organised
milk-processing sector.

End Implementation Agencies (EIAs) would be State Cooperative Dairy Federations;

District Cooperative Milk Producers Unions; Cooperative form of enterprises such
as Producer Companies; State Livestock Development Boards; Central Cattle
Breeding Farms (CCBF), Central Frozen Semen Production and Training Institute
(CFSP&TI), Regional Stations for Forage Production and Demonstration (RSFP&D);
Registered Societies/ Trusts (NGOs); Section 25 Companies, subsidiaries of statutory
bodies, ICAR Institutes and Veterinary/ Dairy Institutes/Universities that meet the
eligibility criteria for each activity as may be decided by the National Steering
Committee (NSC).
Background:
India’s milk production increased from 165.40 MMT in 2016-17 to 176.35 MMT in

2017-18, a growth rate of 6.62 per cent.
The country ranks first in global milk production.
The per capita availability of milk in India during 2017-18 was 375 gm/day and by
2023-24, it is estimated to increase to 592 gm/day.

Mains Question: During the past three years, India has outpaced the global milk
production with an annual growth rate of 5.53% compared with the 2.09% achieved
globally. Examine how is it made possible.
GS Paper 1:
Topic covered:
1. Issues related to women.

Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features, objectives and significance of the programme,
issues related to feminization of agriculture.
Context: In line with the provisions of National Policy for Farmers (NPF) (2007), the
Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development is implementing
a programme exclusively for women farmers namely, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran
Pariyojana (MKSP).
Funding support to the tune of up to 60% (90% for North Eastern States) for such
projects is provided by the Government of India.
About Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana:

 The “Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana” (MKSP), a sub component of the
Deendayal Antodaya Yojana-NRLM (DAY-NRLM) seeks to improve the
present status of women in Agriculture, and to enhance the opportunities
available to empower her.
 MKSP recognizes the identity of “Mahila” as “Kisan” and strives to build the
capacity of women in the domain of agro-ecologically sustainable practices.
 It has a clear vision to reach out to the poorest of poor households and
expand the portfolio of activities currently handled by the Mahila Kisan.
 The focus of MKSP is on capacitating smallholders to adopt sustainable
climate resilient agro-ecology and eventually create a pool of skilled
community professionals. Its objective is to strengthen smallholder
agriculture through promotion of sustainable agriculture practices such as
Community Managed Sustainable Agriculture (CMSA), Non Pesticide
Management (NPM), Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), Pashu-Sakhi
model for doorstep animal care services, Sustainable regeneration and
harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Produce.

Need for feminization of agriculture:
Rural women form the most productive work force in the economy of majority of
the developing nations including India. More than 80% of rural women are engaged
in agriculture activities for their livelihoods. About 20 per cent of farm livelihoods
are female headed due to widowhood, desertion, or male emigration. Agriculture
support system in India strengthens the exclusion of women from their
entitlements as agriculture workers and cultivators. Most of the women-headed
households are not able to access extension services, farmers support institutions
and production assets like seed, water, credit, subsidy etc. As agricultural workers,
women are paid lower wage than men.
Mains Question: Discuss the problems faced by women farmers in India. Also
discuss how those problems could be solved.
GS Paper 1:
Topics covered:
1. Women and related issues.

POCSO Act
What to study?
For Prelims: POCSO Act provisions.
For Mains: Sexual abuse of children- prevention and need for stringent provisions.
Context: Union Cabinet has approved the Amendments in the Protection of

Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Key changes proposed:
 It will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes

against children including death penalty.
 It includes provision of death penalty in cases of sexual offences against
children.
 The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb
child pornography.
 Amendments are also proposed to protect children from sexual offences in
times of natural calamities and in other situations where children are
administered, in any way, any hormone or any chemical substance, to attain
early sexual maturity for the purpose of penetrative sexual assault.

Impact:
 The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by

acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act.
 It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress
and ensures their safety and dignity.
 The amendment is aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child
abuse and punishment thereof.

POCSO Act:
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 was
formulated in order to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of
children.
Role of police: The Act casts the police in the role of child protectors during the
investigative process. Thus, the police personnel receiving a report of sexual abuse
of a child are given the responsibility of making urgent arrangements for the care
and protection of the child, such as obtaining emergency medical treatment for the
child and placing the child in a shelter home, and bringing the matter in front of
the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), should the need arise.
Safeguards: The Act further makes provisions for avoiding the re-victimisation of

the child at the hands of the judicial system. It provides for special courts that
conduct the trial in-camera and without revealing the identity of the child, in a
manner that is as child-friendly as possible. Hence, the child may have a parent or
other trusted person present at the time of testifying and can call for assistance
from an interpreter, special educator, or other professional while giving evidence.
Above all, the Act stipulates that a case of child sexual abuse must be disposed of
within one year from the date the offence is reported.
Mandatory reporting: The Act also provides for mandatory reporting of sexual

offences. This casts a legal duty upon a person who has knowledge that a child has
been sexually abused to report the offence; if he fails to do so, he may be punished
with six months’ imprisonment and/ or a fine.
Definitions: The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age. It
defines different forms of sexual abuse, including penetrative and non-penetrative
assault, as well as sexual harassment and pornography. It deems a sexual assault
to be “aggravated” under certain circumstances, such as when the abused child is
mentally ill or when the abuse is committed by a person in a position of trust or
authority like a family member, police officer, teacher, or doctor.
Mains Question: Discuss the merits and demerits of the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Transgender Rights Bill
What to study?
For Prelims: Definitions included and key features of the bill.
For Mains: Significance of the bill, criticisms and the need for a comprehensive review.
Context: Cabinet approves The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill

2019.
Impact:
The Bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma,
discrimination and abuse against this marginalized section and bring them into the
mainstream of society. This will lead to inclusiveness and will make the transgender
persons productive members of the society.
Background:
Transgender community is among one of the most marginalized communities in

the country because they don’t fit into the stereotypical categories of gender of
‘men’ or ‘women’. Consequently, they face problems ranging from social exclusion
to discrimination, lack of education facilities, unemployment, lack of medical
facilities and so on. The Bill shall empower the transgender community socially,
educationally and economically.
New definition:
According to the new definition, a transgender person is somebody “whose gender

does not match the gender assigned to that person at birth and includes trans-
men or trans-women, persons with intersex variations, gender-queers, and
persons having socio-cultural identities such as kinnar, hijras, aravani, and jogta”.
Highlights of the Bill:
1. The Bill aims to stop discrimination against a transgender person in various

sectors such as education, employment, and healthcare. It also directs the
central and state governments to provide welfare schemes for them.
2. The Bill states that a person will be recognised as transgender on the basis
of a certificate of identity issued through the district screening committee.
This certificate will be a proof of identity as transgender and confer rights
under this Bill.
3. Going by the bill, a person would have the right to choose to be identified as
a man, woman or transgender, irrespective of sex reassignment surgery
and hormonal therapy.
4. It also requires transgender persons to go through a district magistrate and
“district screening committee” to get certified as a transperson.
5. The committee would comprise a medical officer, a psychologist or
psychiatrist, a district welfare officer, a government official, and a
transgender person.

Criticisms:
The Bill is silent on granting reservations to transgender persons.
The bill has prescribed punishments for organised begging. However, the
Bill doesn’t provide anything to better to condition in those areas, it doesn’t
provide for reservation.
The Transgender Bill does not mention any punishments for rape or sexual assault
of transgender persons as according to Sections 375 and 376 of the Indian Penal
Code, rape is only when a man forcefully enters a woman.
Need of the hour:
The Bill must recognise that gender identity must go beyond biological; gender
identity is an individual’s deep and personal experience. It need not correspond to
the sex assigned at birth. It includes the personal sense of the body and other
expressions such as one’s own personal inducing proceeds.
Mains Question: The new law on rights of transgender fail to take into account the
lived realities of the lives of transgenders. Discuss.
GS Paper 3:
Topic covered:
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

Inter-state River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill

What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features, need for and significance of the bill.
Context: Cabinet approves Inter-State River Water disputes (Amendment) Bill,

2019.
The Bill seeks to amend the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 with a view
to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes and make the
present institutional architecture robust.
Features of the bill:
1. Disputes Resolution Committee: The Bill requires the central government to

set up a Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC), for resolving any inter-state
water dispute amicably. The DRC will get a period of one year, extendable by
six months, to submit its report to the central government.
2. Members of DRC: Members of the DRC will be from relevant fields, as
deemed fit by the central government.
3. Tribunal: The Bill proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes
Tribunal, for adjudication of water disputes, if a dispute is not resolved
through the DRC. This tribunal can have multiple benches. All existing
tribunals will be dissolved and the water disputes pending adjudication
before such existing tribunals will be transferred to this newly formed
tribunal.
4. Composition of the Tribunal: The tribunal shall consist of a Chairperson,
Vice-Chairperson, and not more than six nominated members (judges of the
Supreme Court or of a High Court), nominated by the Chief Justice of India.

Drawbacks of interstate Water Dispute Act, 1956:
 The Inter State Water Dispute Act, 1956 which provides the legal framework
to address such disputes suffers from many drawbacks as it does not fix
any time limit for resolving river water disputes.
 Delays are on account of no time limit for adjudication by a Tribunal, no
upper age limit for the Chairman or the Members, work getting stalled due to
occurrence of any vacancy and no time limit for publishing the report of the
Tribunal.
 The River Boards Act 1956, which is supposed to facilitate inter-state
collaboration over water resource development, remained a ‘dead letter’
since its enactment.
 Surface water is controlled by Central Water Commission (CWC) and ground
water by Central Ground Water Board of India (CGWB). Both bodies work
independently and there is no common forum for common discussion with
state governments on water management.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

2. Transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2019
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features and significance of the Bill.

For Mains: Need for a legislation on this, recent issues and concerns associated with
such schemes.
Context: Cabinet approves the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2019.
Significance and impact:
 The Bill will immediately tackle the menace of illicit deposit-taking activities

in the country launched by rapacious operators, which at present are
exploiting regulatory gaps and lack of strict administrative measures to dupe
poor and gullible people of their hard-earned savings, an official statement
said.
 It will altogether ban unregulated deposit taking schemes, and the law has
adequate provisions for punishment and disgorgement or repayment of
deposits in cases where such schemes nonetheless manage to raise deposits
illegally.

Substantive banning clause which bans Deposit Takers from promoting, operating,

issuing advertisements or accepting deposits in any Unregulated Deposit Scheme.
The Bill bans unregulated deposit taking activities altogether, by making them an
offence ex-ante rather than the existing legislative-cum-regulatory framework
which only comes into effect ex-post with considerable time lags.
Creation of three different types of offences, namely, running of Unregulated

Deposit Schemes, fraudulent default in Regulated Deposit Schemes, and wrongful
inducement in relation to Unregulated Deposit Schemes.
Severe punishment and heavy pecuniary fines to act as deterrent.

Provisions for disgorgement or repayment of deposits in cases where such
schemes nonetheless manage to raise deposits illegally.
Attachment of properties / assets by the Competent Authority, and subsequent

realization of assets for repayment to depositors.
Clear-cut time lines have been provided for attachment of property and restitution
to depositors.
Creation of an online central database, for collection and sharing of information on

deposit-taking activities in the country.
The Bill defines “Deposit Taker” and “Deposit” comprehensively:
“Deposit Takers” include all possible entities (including individuals) receiving or

soliciting deposits, except specific entities such as those incorporated by legislation.
“Deposit” is defined in such a manner that deposit-takers are restricted from

camouflaging public deposits as receipts, and at the same time, not to curb or
hinder acceptance of money by an establishment in the ordinary course of its
business.
Why do we need a comprehensive law on this?
 To deal with the menace of illicit deposit taking schemes, as in the recent
past, there have been rising instances of people in various parts of the
country being defrauded by illicit deposit taking schemes.
 The worst victims of these schemes are the poor and the financially illiterate,
and the operations of such schemes are often spread over many States.
GS Paper 2 and 3:
Topics Covered:

2. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-lll (PMGSY-III)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: features and significance of PMGSY, need for enhanced rural
connectivity.
Context: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for

the launch of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-lll (PMGSY-III).
Key facts:
 Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to consolidate 1,25,000 Km road

length in the States.
 It involves consolidation of Through Routes and Major Rural Links
connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher
Secondary Schools and Hospitals.
 The funds would be shared in the ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and
State for all States except for 8 North Eastern and 3 Himalayan States
(Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand) for which it is 90:10.

Progress under PMGSY:
A total of 5,99,090 Km road length has been constructed under the scheme since
inception till April, 2019 (inclusive of PMGSY-I, PMGSY-II and RCPLWEA Scheme.
PMGSY-I:
PMGSY was launched in December, 2000 with an objective to provide single all-
weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected habitation of designated
population size (500+ in plain areas and 250+ in North-East, hill, tribal and desert
areas as per Census, 2001) for overall socio-economic development of the areas.
Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Area (RCPLWEA):
Government launched Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism affected
Areas in the year 2016 as a separate vertical under PMGSY to provide all-weather
road connectivity with necessary culverts and cross-drainage structures in 44
districts (35 are worst LWE affected districts and 09 are adjoining districts), which
are critical from security and communication point of view. Under the Scheme,
5,066 Km road length has been sanctioned.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in

everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization
of technology and developing new technology.

Neutrino project
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Neutrino project, significance and what are neutrinos?
Context: Setting up of Neutrino Observatory.
About the project:
 The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Project is a multi-institutional

effort aimed at building a world-class underground laboratory with a rock
cover of approx.1200 m for non-accelerator based high energy and nuclear
physics research in India. The initial goal of INO is to study neutrinos.
 It is a mega-science project jointly funded by the Department of Atomic
Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The project includes:

1. Construction of an underground laboratory and associated surface facilities
at Pottipuram in Bodi West hills of Theni District of Tamil Nadu.
2. Construction of an Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector for studying neutrinos.
3. Setting up of National Centre for High Energy Physics at Madurai, for the
operation and maintenance of the underground laboratory, human resource
development and detector R&D along with its applications.

What are neutrinos?
Neutrinos, first proposed by Swiss scientist Wolfgang Pauli in 1930, are the second
most widely occurring particle in the universe, only second to photons, the particle
which makes up light. In fact, neutrinos are so abundant among us that every
second, there are more than 100 trillion of them passing right through each of us —
we never even notice them.
Neutrinos occur in three different types, or flavours. These are separated in terms
of different masses. From experiments so far, we know that neutrinos have a tiny
mass, but the ordering of the neutrino mass states is not known and is one of the
key questions that remain unanswered till today. This is a major challenge INO will
set to resolve, thus completing our picture of the neutrino.
Why detect them?
Neutrinos hold the key to several important and fundamental questions on the
origin of the Universe and the energy production in stars. Another important
possible application of neutrinos is in the area of neutrino tomograph of the earth,
that is detailed investigation of the structure of the Earth from core on wards. This
is possible with neutrinos since they are the only particles which can probe the
deep interiors of the Earth.

Why should the laboratory be situated underground?
Neutrinos are notoriously difficult to detect in a laboratory because of their

extremely weak interaction with matter. The background from cosmic rays (which
interact much more readily than neutrinos) and natural radioactivity will make it
almost impossible to detect them on the surface of the Earth. This is the reason
most neutrino observatories are located deep inside the Earth’s surface. The
overburden provided by the Earth matter is transparent to neutrinos whereas
most background from cosmic rays is substantially reduced depending on the
depth at which the detector is located.
Mains Question: Critically examine the uses of understanding of neutrinos, and

significance of its research for India.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’
What to study?
For Prelims: BBBP.
For Mains: Declining CSR- concerns, challenges and solutions.
Context: All States and UTs except West Bengal have constituted the State Task
Force headed by Chief Secretary/ UT Administration as per the Beti Bachao, Beti
Padhao Scheme guidelines.
About BBBP:
 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme was launched in January, 2015.

 The scheme is aimed at promoting gender equality and the significance of
educating girls.
 The Scheme is targeted at improving the Child Sex Ratiothrough multi
sectoral interventions including prevention of gender biased sex selection
and promoting girls’ education and her holistic empowerment.
 It is a tri-ministerial effort of Ministries of Women and Child Development,
Health & Family Welfare and Human Resource Development.

Significance and the need for scheme:
 The trend of decline in the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) has been unabated since
1961. The decline from 945 in 1991 to 927 in 2001 and further to 918 in 2011
is alarming. The social construct discrimination against girls on one hand,
easy availability, affordability and subsequent misuse of diagnostic tools on
the other hand, have been critical in increasing Sex Selective Elimination of
girls leading to low Child Sex Ratio.
 Child Sex Ratiois defined as number of girls per 1000 of boys between 0-6
years of age. Hence, a decline in the CSR is a major indicator of women
disempowerment. The ratio reflects both, pre-birth discrimination
manifested through gender biased sex selection and post birth
discrimination against girls.

In news- About Swadhar Greh Scheme:
 The Swadhar scheme was launched by the Union Ministry of Women and

Child Development in 2002 for rehabilitation of women in difficult
circumstances.
 The scheme provides shelter, food, clothing and care to the marginalized
women/girls who are in need.
 The beneficiaries include widows deserted by their families and relatives,
women prisoners released from jail and without family support, women
survivors of natural disasters, women victims of terrorist/extremist violence
etc.
 The implementing agencies are mainly NGOs.

In news- International Cooperation Scheme:

 The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is
implementing International Cooperation (IC) Scheme.
 Objective: enhance competency of MSMEs, capturing new markets for their
products, exploring new technologies for improving manufacturing capacity,
etc.
 Financial assistance is provided under the Scheme on reimbursement basis
to the eligible State /Central Government Organisations, Registered Industry
Associations and Societies/Trusts associated with the promotion and
development of MSME sector to visit/participate in international
exhibitions /trade fairs/buyer-seller meet etc. abroad and also for holding
International conferences/seminars/workshops in India which are in the
interest of MSME sector.

In news- About NLCPR:
 The broad objective of the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources scheme is

to ensure speedy development of infrastructure in the North Eastern
Region by increasing the flow of budgetary financing for new infrastructure
projects/schemes in the Region.
 Both physical and social infrastructure sectors such as Irrigation and Flood
Control, Power, Roads and Bridges, Education, Health, Water Supply and
Sanitation – are considered for providing support under the Central Pool,
with projects in physical infrastructure sector receiving priority.
 Funds from the Central Pool can be released for State sector as well as
Central sector projects/schemes. However, the funds available under the
Central Pool are not meant to supplement the normal Plan
programmes either of the State Governments or Union Ministries/
Departments/ Agencies.
 The Ministry for Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER) allocates
funds from NLCPR to various Northeast states for infrastructure projects.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:
Draft tenancy law
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features of the draft and need for a law in this regard.
Context: Centre has proposed a Model Tenancy Law to regulate renting of

premises.
Highlights of the draft:
 It mandates the landowner to give a notice in writing three months before

revising rent.
 It advocates appointing district collector as rent authority and heavy
penalty on tenants for overstaying.
 According to it, tenants overstaying will have to pay double the rent for two
times and four times thereafter.
 The security deposit to be paid by the tenant in advance will be a maximum
of two months’ rent.
 Both landlord and tenant will have to submit a copy of rent agreement to
the district Rent Authority which will also have the power to revise or fix rent
following a request either by landlord or tenant.
 States will be free to adopt the law owing to land being state subject.
 States will be required to constitute rent courts and rent tribunal.
 If the landowner refuses to carry out the required repairs, the tenant can get
the work done and deduct the same from periodic rent.
 A landowner cannot enter the rented premises without 24-hour prior
notice to carry out repairs or replacement.
 Landowner cannot cut power and water supply in case of a dispute with the
tenant.
 Rent Authority may direct for compensation on the person responsible for
cutting off or withholding the essential supply.
 The Rent Authority may levy a penalty be paid to the landowner or tenant if
it finds that the application was made frivolously or vexatiously.

Significance:
It is an important piece of legislation that promises to ease the burden on civil

courts, unlock rental properties stuck in legal disputes, and prevent future
tangles by balancing the interests of tenants and landlords.
Need for a law in this regard:
Young, educated job seekers migrating to large metropolises often complain of

onerous tenancy conditions and obscene sums of money as security deposits that
they are asked to fork out to lease accommodation. In some cities, tenants are
asked to pay security deposits amounting to 11 months of rent. Also, some house
owners routinely breach tenants’ right to privacy by visiting the premises
unannounced for sundry repair works. Whimsical rent raises are another problem
for tenants, many of whom complain of being squeezed as “captive customers“.
Besides, Tenants are often accused of “squatting” on the rented premises, or

trying to grab the property.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:
LaQshya
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features, objectives and significance of the programme.
Context: Government of India has launched “LaQshya” (Labour room Quality

improvement Initiative) to improve quality of care in labour room and maternity
operation theatres in public health facilities.
About LaQshya:
It’s a multipronged approach focused at Intrapartum and immediate postpartum

period.
Aim: To reduce preventable maternal and newborn mortality, morbidity and

stillbirths associated with the care around delivery in Labour room and Maternity
Operation Theatre and ensure respectful maternity care.
Objectives:
1. To reduce maternal and newborn mortality & morbidity due to hemorrhage,
retained placenta, preterm, preeclampsia and eclampsia, obstructed labour,
puerperal sepsis, newborn asphyxia, and newborn sepsis, etc.
2. To improve Quality of care during the delivery and immediate post-partum
care, stabilization of complications and ensure timely referrals, and enable
an effective two-way follow-up system.
3. To enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries visiting the health facilities and
provide Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to all pregnant women attending
the public health facilities.

Following types of healthcare facilities have been identified for implementation

of LaQshya program:
1. Government medical college hospitals.

2. District Hospitals & equivalent health facilities.
3. Designated FRUs and high case load CHCs with over 100 deliveries/month (60
in hills and desert areas)
GS Paper 1:
Topic covered:
1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Kartarpur Sahib pilgrim corridor
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Location and significance of the corridor, issues involved in its
construction.

Context: The second round of talks with Pakistan on the modalities for
operationalisation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was recently held at Wagah,
Pakistan.
Pakistan has agreed in principle to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Sikh
shrine.
Concerns raised by India:
India conveyed its concerns to Pakistan on the possible attempts by individuals

and groups to disrupt the Kartarpur Sahib pilgrimage and the possible flooding of
the Dera Baba Nanak due to earth-filled embankment road or a causeway
proposed by Islamabad.
What is the “Kartarpur Corridor” project?
The corridor – often dubbed as the “Road to Peace” – will connect Gurdwara Darbar
Sahib in Pakistan’s Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Gurdaspur
district. The construction of the corridor will allow visa-free access to pilgrims from
India. The proposal for the corridor has been on the table since 1988, but tense
relations between the two countries led to the delay.
Background:
The Union Cabinet has already approved the building and development of
the Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the
international border, in order to facilitate pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara
Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river, in Pakistan, where
Shri Guru Nanak Devji spent eighteen years.
Implementation:
The Kartarpur corridor will be implemented as an integrated development

project with Government of India funding, to provide smooth and easy passage,
with all the modern amenities.
The shrine:
 The gurdwara in Kartarpur stands on the bank of the Ravi, about 120 km
northeast of Lahore.
 It was here that Guru Nanak assembled a Sikh community and lived for 18
years until his death in 1539.
 The shrine is visible from the Indian side, as Pakistani authorities generally
trim the elephant grass that would otherwise obstruct the view.
 Indian Sikhs gather in large numbers for darshan from the Indian side, and
binoculars are installed at Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Infrastructure- waterways.

Sagarmala
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features, need for and significance of the programme.
Context: Government on Monday said it has created about 10,000 jobs under its
ambitious ‘Sagarmala’ initiative during the last three years.
About Sagarmala:
What is it?
 The Sagarmala project seeks to develop a string of ports around India’s

coast.
 The objective of this initiative is to promote “Port-led development” along
India’s 7500 km long coastline.
 It aims to develop access to new development regions with intermodal
solutions and promotion of the optimum modal split, enhanced
connectivity with main economic centres and beyond through expansion of
rail, inland water, coastal and road services.
 Nodal ministry:The Union Ministry of Shipping has been appointed as the
nodal ministry for this initiative.
 To implement this, State governments would set up State Sagarmala
committees, headed by the chief minister or the minister in charge of ports.
 At the central level, a Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) will be setup
to provide equity support to assist various special purpose vehicles (SPVs)
setup for various projects.

The Sagarmala initiative will address challenges by focusing on three pillars of

development, namely:
1. Supporting and enabling Port-led Development through appropriate policy

and institutional interventions and providing for an institutional framework
for ensuring inter-agency and ministries/departments/states’ collaboration
for integrated development.
2. Port Infrastructure Enhancement, including modernization and setting up of
new ports.
3. Efficient Evacuation to and from hinterland.

Why is it important?
India is located along key international trade routes in the Indian Ocean and has a
long coastline of over 7,500 km. Yet, capacity constraints and lack of modern
facilities at Indian ports tremendously elongates the time taken to ship goods in
and out of the country and has held back India’s share in world trade.
Developing rivers as inland waterways can also help save domestic logistics costs
too.
Sagarmala could boost India’s merchandise exports to $110 billion by 2025 and

create an estimated 10 million new jobs (four million in direct employment).
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
1. Infrastructure- energy and conservation related issues.

Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) Initiative
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: SATAT initiative- key objectives, significance and brief overview
on CNG and CBG.
Context: The government has said that the SATAT initiative has the potential of
addressing environmental problems arising from landfill emissions, farm stubble
burning, etc. and also bring down dependency on oil/gas import. Till June, 2019, Oil
Marketing Companies and Gas Marketing Companies have awarded Letter of Intent
(LoI) for 344 plants for production and supply of CBG.
About the initiative:

The initiative is aimed at providing a Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable
Transportation (SATAT) as a developmental effort that would benefit both vehicle-
users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs.
Compressed Bio-Gas plants are proposed to be set up mainly through independent

entrepreneurs.
CBG produced at these plants will be transported through cascades of cylinders to

the fuel station networks of OMCs for marketing as a green transport fuel
alternative.
The entrepreneurs would be able to separately market the other by-products from
these plants, including bio-manure, carbon-dioxide, etc., to enhance returns on
investment.
This initiative is expected to generate direct employment for 75,000 people and
produce 50 million tonnes of bio-manure for crops.
There are multiple benefits from converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and
municipal solid waste into CBG on a commercial scale:
1. Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and

pollution.
2. Additional revenue source for farmers.
3. Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment.
4. Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals.
5. Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil.
6. Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations.

Background:
Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from
waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press
mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc. After purification, it
is compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 95%.
What is CBG?
Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in

its composition and energy potential. With calorific value (~52,000 KJ/kg) and other
properties similar to CNG, Compressed Bio-Gas can be used as an alternative,
renewable automotive fuel.
Way ahead:
The potential for Compressed Bio-Gas production from various sources in India is
estimated at about 62 million tonnes per annum. Going forward, Compressed Bio-
Gas networks can be integrated with city gas distribution (CGD) networks to boost
supplies to domestic and retail users in existing and upcoming markets. Besides
retailing from OMC fuel stations, Compressed Bio-Gas can at a later date be
injected into CGD pipelines too for efficient distribution and optimised access of a
cleaner and more affordable fuel.
GS Paper 1 and 2:
Topics covered:


Guidelines for crèches at workplaces
What to study?
For Prelims: Maternity Benefit Act- key features, Guidelines on crèches at workplaces.
For Mains: Significance of the act and challenges in its implementation, what needs to be
done?
Context: Data on provision of mandatory crèche services at establishments is not

maintained centrally. The complaints received for violation of provision of the Act
by respective Governments are dealt with as per the provisions of the Act.
Legal provisions:
In March 2017, Parliament passed the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017,

enhancing paid maternity leave from a period of 12 weeks to 26 weeks. The law is
applicable to all institutions with 10 or more employees. It also makes
it mandatory for every organisation with 50 or more employees to have a crèche.
The guidelines include:

 A crèche be either at the workplace or within 500 metres of it. Alternatively,
it could also be in the beneficiaries’ neighbourhood.
 The facility should be open for eight to 10 hours and if the employees have a
shift system, then the crèche should also be run accordingly.
 A crèche must have a minimum space of 10 to 12 square feet per child to
ensure that she or he can play, rest and learn. There should be no unsafe
places such as open drains, pits, garbage bins near the centre.
 The crèches should have at least one guard, who should have undergone
police verification. There should also be at least one supervisor per crèche
and a trained worker for every 10 children under three years of age or for
every 20 children above the age of three, along with a helper.
 No outsiderssuch as plumbers, drivers, electricians be allowed inside the
crèche when children are present.
 A crèche monitoring committeewith representations from among crèche
workers, parents and administration should be formed.
 There should also be a grievance redressal committeefor inquiring into
instances of sexual abuse.

The Maternity Benefit Act:
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, applies to establishments employing 10 or more

than 10 persons in factories, mines, plantation, shops & establishments and other
entities.
The main purpose of this Act is to regulate the employment of women in certain
establishments for certain period before and after child birth and to provide
maternity benefit and certain other benefits.
The Act was amended through the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.

The amendment has brought in major changes to the law relating to maternity
benefits. These are:
 It extends the period of maternity benefit from 12 weeks to 26 weeksof

which not more than eight weeks can precede the date of the expected
delivery. This exceeds the International Labour Organisation’s minimum
standard of 14 weeks and is a positive development. However, a woman who
has two or more surviving children will be entitled to 12 weeks of which not
more than six weeks can precede the date of the expected delivery.
 Women who legally adopt a child below the age of three months or a
“commissioning mother” will be entitled to maternity benefit for 12
weeks from the date on which the child is handed over to her. A
commissioning mother is defined as a biological mother who uses her egg to
create an embryo implanted in another woman.
 It gives discretion to employers to allow women to work from home after
the period of maternity benefit on mutually agreeable conditions.
 It introduces a provision which requires every establishment to intimate a
woman at the time of her appointment of the maternity benefits available
to her.

Mains Question: Maternity benefit Act has increased the entry barrier for women in
Labour Force. Discuss.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana

What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: The scheme- features, significance, need and potential.
Context: 30,85,205 Persons Enrolled in PM-SYM as on July 10, 2019.
About Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana:
Launched by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment. The scheme

was announced in the Interim Budget 2019.
PM-SYM is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme that will engage as many
as 42 crore workers in the unorganised sector.
Eligibility:
The unorganised sector workers, with income of less than Rs 15,000 per month
and who belong to the entry age group of 18-40 years, will be eligible for the
scheme.
Those workers should not be covered under New Pension Scheme (NPS),

Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme or Employees’ Provident
Fund Organisation (EPFO).
He or she should not be an income tax payer.

Benefits:
Minimum Assured Pension: Each subscriber under the scheme will receive

minimum assured pension of Rs 3000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
In case of death during receipt of pension: If the subscriber dies during the receipt
of pension, his or her spouse will be entitled to receive 50 percent of the pension as
family pension. This family pension is applicable only to spouse.
In case of death before the age of 60 years: If a beneficiary has given regular
contribution and dies before attaining the age of 60 years, his or her spouse will be
entitled to continue the scheme subsequently by payment of regular contribution
or may even exit the scheme.
Contribution to the scheme:
Contribution by the Subscriber: The subscriber is required to contribute the

prescribed contribution amount from the age of joining the scheme till the age of
60 years.
Medium of contribution: The subscriber can contribute to the PM-SYM through

‘auto-debit’ facility from his or her savings bank account or from his or her Jan-
Dhan account.
Equal contribution by the Central Government: Under the PM-SYM, the prescribed

age-specific contribution by the beneficiary and the matching contribution by the
Central Government will be made on a ‘50:50 basis’.
Need of the hour:

 Along with the social security, Government should ramp up skilling of the
workforce, take steps to generate more jobs in the formal sector, change
labour laws to include informal workers.
 It will in effect provide wage protection, job security, social security to the
workers and ultimately alleviate the hardships they face.
 Eventually it will boost the overall economic growth of the country.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


In News- ‘Seva Bhoj Yojna’
What to study?
For Prelims: ‘Seva Bhoj Yojna’- features.
For Mains: GST and its implications, issues associated and reforms to resolve them.
About Seva Bhoj Yojana:
Union Ministry of Culture has launched- ‘Seva Bhoj Yojna’– a scheme to reimburse

central share of CGST and IGST on food, prasad, langar or bhandara offered by
religious and charitable institutions.
The scheme seeks to reimburse the central government’s share of Central Goods
and Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) on purchase
of raw items such as ghee, edible oil, atta, maida, rava, flour, rice pulses, sugar
and jaggery, which go into preparation of food/prasad/langar/bhandara offered
free of cost by religious institutions.
The main objective of the scheme is to lessen the financial burden of such
charitable religious institutions, which provide free of cost without any
discrimination to the general public and devotees.
Eligibility:
The charitable religious institutions including temples, gurudwara, mosque,

church, dharmik ashram, dargah, monasteries, which fulfill the following criteria
are eligible for the grant:
1. The institutions that have been in existence for at least five years before
applying for financial assistance/grant.
2. The institutions that serve free food to at least 5000 people in a month.
3. The institutions covered under Section 10(23BBA) of the Income Tax Act or
those registered as Society under Societies Registration Act (XXI of 1860) or
as a Public Trust under any law for the time being in force of statuary
religious bodies constituted under any Act or institutions registered under
Section 12AA of Income Tax Act.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill 2019
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features of the Bill, about NIA and the need for enhanced
powers.
Context: The Lok Sabha has passed the National Investigation Agency

(Amendment) Bill 2019.
Key features of the Bill:
 The Bill amends the NIA Act, 2008 and provides for a national-level agency
to investigate and prosecute offences listed in a schedule (scheduled
offences).
 It allows for the creation of Special Courts for the trial of scheduled
offences which include offences under Acts such as the Atomic Energy Act,
1962, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.
 As per the Bill, the NIA will now have the power to investigate the
following offences, in addition: (i) human trafficking, (ii) offences related to
counterfeit currency or bank notes, (iii) manufacture or sale of prohibited
arms, (iv) cyber-terrorism, and (v) offences under the Explosive Substances
Act, 1908.
 Jurisdiction: The officers of the NIA have the same powers as other police
officers in relation to the investigation of such offences, across India. In
addition, officers of the NIA will have the power to investigate scheduled
offences committed outside India, subject to international treaties and
domestic laws of other countries.
 The central government may direct the NIA to investigate such cases, as if
the offence has been committed in India. The Special Court in New Delhi
will have jurisdiction over these cases.
The Bill states that the central government may designate Sessions Courts
as Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offences. The central government
will need to consult the Chief Justice of the High Court under which the
Sessions Court is functioning, before designating it as a Special Court. When
more than one Special Court has been designated for any area, the cases will
be distributed among the courts by senior-most judge.
 The state governments may also designate Sessions Courts as Special
Courts for the trial of scheduled offences.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and

responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

President appoints Governors
What to study?
For Prelims: Constitutional provisions related to the office of governor.
For Mains: Significance and issues associated with the office of governor- is he merely a
rubber stamp, comparison of powers with the President and frequent removals.

Context: By exercising his authority under Article 156 of the constitution, President
Ram Nath Kovind has appointed new Governors for Chhattisgarh and Andhra
Pradesh.
Governors of States in India:
 Governor is the nominal head of a state, unlike the Chief Minister who is the
real head of a state in India.
 According to an amendment in the Constitution of India (7th Constitutional
Amendment Act), brought about in 1956, the same person can be the
Governor of two or more states.

Appointment and removal:
 The governors and lieutenant-governors are appointed by the president for

a term of 5 years.
 The term of governor’s office is normally 5 years but it can be terminated
earlier by: Dismissal by the president on the advice of the prime minister of
the country, at whose pleasure the governor holds office or Resignation by
the governor. Thus, the term is subject to pleasure of the president.
 There is no provision of impeachment, as it happens for the president.
 Article 157 and Article 158of the Constitution of India specify eligibility
requirements for the post of governor.

Powers:
 Like the President of India, the Governor of any state in India is vested
with certain executive, legislative and judicial powers.
 He or she also possesses certain discretionary or emergency powers.
 But one major difference in the powers enjoyed by the President and those
enjoyed by the Governor is, the Governor does not have any diplomatic or
military powers.

Some discretionary powers are as follows:
1. Governor can dissolve the legislative assemblyif the chief minister advices

him to do following a vote of no confidence. Following which, it is up to the
Governor what he/ she would like to do.
2. Governor, on his/ her discretion can recommend the president about the
failure of the constitutional machinery in the state.
3. On his/ her discretion, the Governor can reserve a bill passed by the state
legislature for president’s assent.
4. If there is no political party with a clear-cut majority in the
assembly, Governor on his/ her discretion can appoint anybody as chief
minister.
5. Governor determines the amount payable by the Government of Assam,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram to an autonomous Tribal District
Council as royalty accruing from licenses for mineral exploration.
6. Governor can seek information from the chief minister with regard to the
administrative and legislative matters of the state.
7. Governor has discretion to refuse to sign to an ordinary bill passed by the state
legislature.

Problem with constitutional design:
The governor is merely appointed by the president on the advice of the Central
government.
Unlike the president, a governor does not have a fixed term. He/she holds office at
the pleasure of the ruling party in the centre. Both the manner of the appointment
and the uncertainty of tenure conspire to make the incumbent an object of the
Central government in politically charged circumstances.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features, significance and the need for the bill.
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 seeks to amend the Motor Vehicles Act,
1988 to provide for road safety.
Key highlights:
1. Compensation for road accident victims: The central government will

develop a scheme for cashless treatment of road accident victims during
golden hour. The central government may also make a scheme for
providing interim relief to claimants seeking compensation under third party
insurance.
2. Compulsory insurance: The Bill requires the central government to
constitute a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, to provide compulsory insurance
cover to all road users in India.
3. The fund will be utilised for: (i) treatment of persons injured in road
accidents as per the golden hour scheme, (ii) compensation to
representatives of a person who died in a hit and run accident, (iii)
compensation to a person grievously hurt in a hit and run accident, and (iv)
compensation to any other persons as prescribed by the central
government.
4. This Fund will be credited through: (i) payment of a nature notified by the
central government, (ii) a grant or loan made by the central government, (iii)
balance of the Solatium Fund (existing fund under the Act to provide
compensation for hit and run accidents), or (iv) any other source as
prescribed the central government.
5. Good samaritans: The Bill defines a good samaritan as a person who
renders emergency medical or non-medical assistance to a victim at the
scene of an accident. The assistance must have been (i) in good faith, (ii)
voluntary, and (iii) without the expectation of any reward. Such a person will
not be liable for any civil or criminal action for any injury to or death of an
accident victim, caused due to their negligence in providing assistance to
the victim.
6. Recall of vehicles:The Bill allows the central government to order for recall of
motor vehicles if a defect in the vehicle may cause damage to the
environment, or the driver, or other road users.
7. The manufacturer of the recalled vehicle will be required to: (i) reimburse
the buyers for the full cost of the vehicle, or (ii) replace the defective vehicle
with another vehicle with similar or better specifications.
8. National Transportation Policy:The central government may develop a
National Transportation Policy, in consultation with state governments. The
Policy will: (i) establish a planning framework for road transport, (ii) develop a
framework for grant of permits, and (iii) specify priorities for the transport
system, among other things.
9. Road Safety Board:The Bill provides for a National Road Safety Board, to be
created by the central government through a notification. The Board will
advise the central and state governments on all aspects of road safety and
traffic management including.
10.Offences and penalties:The Bill increases penalties for several offences
under the Act.
11.Taxi aggregators:The Bill defines aggregators as digital intermediaries or
market places which can be used by passengers to connect with a driver for
transportation purposes (taxi services). These aggregators will be issued
licenses by state. Further, they must comply with the Information Technology
Act, 2000.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Swadesh Darshan Scheme
What to study?
For Prelims: First tribal circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Key features of Swadesh
Darshan Scheme.
For Mains: Significance of the scheme.
Context: The Ministry of Tourism, under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, has

identified tribal circuit as one of the fifteen thematic circuits for development of
tourism infrastructure in the country with the objective of showcasing tribal
culture, art, handicrafts and providing livelihood and enhance employment
opportunities for tribal populations in the country.


1. The scheme is 100% centrally funded for the project components

undertaken for public funding.
2. To leverage the voluntary funding available for Corporate Social
corporate sector.
3. Funding of individual project will vary from state to state and will be
finalised on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by PMC
(Programme Management Consultant).
4. A National Steering Committee (NSC)will be constituted with Minister in
5. A Mission Directorate headed by the Member Secretary, NSC as a nodal
6. PMC will be a national level consultant to be appointed by the Mission
Directorate.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Cyber security related issues.

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS)
What to study?
For Prelims: CCTNS, difference between CCTNS and NATGRID.
For Mains: CCTNS- need and benefits, smart policing, police reforms.
Context: Against a target of covering 14306 police stations, a total of 14874 police
stations (excluding police stations in Bihar) have been covered under the Crime
and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), which includes new police
stations.
What is CCTNS project?
Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is a project initiated in
June 2009 which aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated system for
enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of policing at the Police Station level.
This will be done through adoption of principles of e-Governance, and creation of a
nationwide networked infrastructure for evolution of IT-enabled state-of-the-art
tracking system around “investigation of crime and detection of criminals”. CCTNS
is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under the National e-Governance Plan of Govt. of
India.
What it does?
 The Project will interconnect about 15000 Police Stations and additional

5000 offices of supervisory police officers across the country and digitize
data related to FIR registration, investigation and charge sheets in all Police
Stations.
 It will not only automate Police functions at Police station and higher
levels but will also create facilities and mechanism to provide public
services like registration of online complaints, ascertaining the status of case
registered at the police station, verification of persons etc.
 In 2015, an additional objective of establishing a basic platform for an Inter-
operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) was added to the Project.

Benefits:
 The Full implementation of the Project with all the new components would
lead to a Central citizen portal having linkages with State level citizen portals
that will provide a number of citizen friendly services like Police Verification
for various purposes including passport verification, reporting a crime
including cyber-crime and online tracking of the case progress etc.
 The project will enable National level crime analytics to be published at
increased frequency, which will help the policy makers as well as lawmakers
in taking appropriate and timely action, it will also enable Pan-India
criminal/accused name search in the regional language for improved inter-
state tracking of criminal movement. This would lead to development of a
national database of crimes and criminals.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology,

bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Broadband Readiness Index for states
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features, need for and significance of the index.
Context: DoT and Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations

(ICRIER) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a
Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) for Indian states and Union Territories (UT).
The index will include indicators such as percentage of households using
computers/ laptops with internet connection, percentage of households with fixed
broadband connection, internet users as a percentage of the population,
smartphones density, percentage of households with at least one digitally literate
member, etc.
Objectives:
1. Appraise the condition of the underlying digital infrastructure and related

factors at state/UT levels.
2. Provide useful insights into strategic choices made by states for investment
allocations in ICT programmes, the statement said.
3. Encourage states to cross learn and jointly participate in achieving the overall
objective of digital inclusion and development in India.

Significance:
The framework will not only evaluate a state’s relative development but also allow
for better understanding of a state’s strengths and weaknesses that can feed into
evidence-based policy making.

Background:
The National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP) 2018 acknowledged the need for
building a robust digital communications infrastructure leveraging existing assets of
the broadcasting and power sectors including collaborative models involving state,
local bodies and the private sector. The policy recommended that an index for
states and UTs be developed to attract investments and address Right of Way (RoW)
challenges across India.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Urja Ganga Gas Pipeline Project- PIB news
What to study?
For Prelims: About Urja Ganga Project- key features.
For Mains: Significance and the need for such projects for India, especially for NE region
India.
About the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project:
The gas pipeline project aims to provide piped cooking gas to residents of Varanasi
and later to millions of people in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and
Odisha.
Significance: According to GAIL, with the Urja Ganga project, 20 lakh households
will get PNG connections.
Background: GAIL has built a network of trunk pipelines covering the length of
around 11,000 km. With Urja Ganga project, this number will further increase by
2540 km.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Features, performance and significance of NSAP.
About National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):
 The NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Rural
Development. It came into effect from 15th August,1995.
 It represents a significant step towards the fulfillment of the DPSP in Article
41 of the Constitution. In particular, Article 41 of the Constitution of India
directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of
unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of
undeserved want within the limit of its economic capacity and development.
 It aims to provide financial assistance to the elderly, widows and persons
with disabilities in the form of social pensions.
 Coverage: It currently covers more than three crore people who are below
the poverty line (BPL), including about 80 lakh widows, 10 lakh disabled and
2.2 crore elderly.

Presently NSAP comprises of five schemes, namely:
1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).

2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS).
3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS).
4. National Family Benefit Scheme NFBS).
5. Annapurna
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act, 1976

What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the law, measures needed for
their relocation.
Context: Low conviction rate under the Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act, 1976.
Possible reasons for low conviction:
1. General social bias.

2. Nature of bonded labour being migrants, absentism of Witnesses due to
their migratory Nature.
3. DM/SDM Courts not as proficient in trial as judicial Courts.

About the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976:
The Act is being implemented by the concerned State Govts./UTs.
The Act provides for an institutional mechanism at the district level in the form of
Vigilance Committees.
For the purpose of implementing the provisions of this Act, the State

Governments/UTs may confer, on an Executive Magistrate, the powers of a
Judicial Magistrate of the first class or second class for trial of offences under this
Act.
Government of India has introduced a revamped Central Sector Scheme for

Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers- 2016, under which financial assistance to the
tune of Rs.1.00 (one) lakh, Rs.2.00 (two) lakhs & Rs. 3.00 (three) lakhs are provided
to released bonded labourers based on their category and level of exploitation
along with other non-cash assistance for their livelihood.
Background:
Bonded Labour or bandhua mazdoori was historically associated with rural

economies where peasants from economically disadvantaged communities were
bound to work for the landlords. In the present times, however, bonded labour is
found to exist in both rural and urban pockets in unorganised industries such as
brick kilns, stone quarries, coal mining, agricultural labour, domestic servitude,
circus and sexual slavery.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna- PIB news
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Key features and significance of the programme.
About Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna:

The Employee’s State Insurance (ESI) has approved this scheme for Insured
Persons (IP) covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.
Aim: It aims to financially support those who lost their jobs or rendered jobless for
whatsoever reasons due to changing employment pattern.
Its beneficiaries will be insured persons covered under Employees’ State Insurance

Act, 1948 for period of two years continuously.
Key features:
Cash assistance: Under the scheme, relief will be payable in cash directly to bank
account of insured persons in case of unemployment. This financial assistance will
be given to insured persons even while they search for new engagement.
Beneficiary insured workers will be paid money, from their own contribution
towards ESI scheme, in cash through bank account transfer.
Under this scheme, workers will be able to draw 47% of their total contributions
towards ESIC after remaining unemployed for at least three months from date of
leaving their previous jobs. They can choose to receive the cash at one go or in
instalments. It will be applicable to all factories and establishments employing at
least 10 workers.
The eligibility conditions and other features of the scheme are as under:
1. The Insured Person should have been rendered unemployed during the

period the relief is claimed.
2. The Insured Person should have been in insurable employment for a
minimum period of two years.
3. The Insured Person should have contributed not less than 78 days during
each of the preceding four contribution periods.
4. The contribution in respect of him should have been paid or payable by
the employer.
5. The contingency of the unemployment should not have been as a result of
any punishment for misconduct or superannuation or voluntary retirement.
6. In case the IP is working for more than one employers and is covered under
the ESI scheme he will be considered unemployed only in case he is
rendered unemployed with all employers.

About ESI:
ESI is self-financing social security and health insurance scheme for Indian
workers.
It is autonomous corporation by statutory creation under Ministry of Labour and

Employment, Government of India.
It is managed by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) according to rules

and regulations stipulated there in the ESI Act 1948.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Government policies and their performance.

3. Employment and issues related to inclusive growth.

Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)

What to study?
For Prelims: Features of the scheme, beneficiaries.
For Mains: Significance and performance of the scheme.
Context: The total number of employees benefited under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar

Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) from 01.04.2016 to 31.03.2019 is 1.18 crore.
About Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana:
The scheme “Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana” (PMRPY) was announced in

the Budget for 2016-17.
The objective of the scheme is to promote employment generation.
The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Under the scheme employers would be provided an incentive for enhancing

employment by reimbursement of the 8.33% EPS contribution made by the
employer in respect of new employment.
The PMRPY scheme is targeted for workers earning wages upto Rs. 15,000/- per
month.
PMRPY has a dual benefit –

1. The employer is incentivised for increasing the employee base in the
establishment through payment of EPF contribution of 12% of wage, which
otherwise would have been borne by the employer.
2. A large number of workers find jobs in such establishments.

A direct benefit of the scheme is that these workers have access to social security
benefit through Provident Fund, Pension and Death Linked Insurance.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:


Finance Commission of India
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: About FC- roles, objectives, functions, criteria used and need for
reforms.
Context: Cabinet approves extension of the term of the Fifteenth Finance

Commission up to 30th November, 2019.

What is the Finance Commission?
The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the
Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on distribution of tax revenues
between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves.
Two distinctive features of the Commission’s work involve redressing the vertical

imbalances between the taxation powers and expenditure responsibilities of the
centre and the States respectively and equalization of all public services across the
States.
What are the functions of the Finance Commission?
 It is the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President

as to:
 the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of
taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them and the allocation
between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds;
 the principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the
States out of the Consolidated Fund of India;
 the measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to
supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the State
on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of
the State;
 any other matter referred to the Commission by the President in the
interests of sound finance.
 The Commission determines its procedure and have such powers in the
performance of their functions as Parliament may by law confer on them.

Who appoints the Finance Commission and what are the qualifications for
Members?
The Finance Commission is appointed by the President under Article 280 of the
Constitution. As per the provisions contained in the Finance Commission
[Miscellaneous Provisions] Act, 1951 and The Finance Commission (Salaries &
Allowances) Rules, 1951, the Chairman of the Commission is selected from among
persons who have had experience in public affairs, and the four other members are
selected from among persons who:
1. are, or have been, or are qualified to be appointed as Judges of a High Court;

or
2. have special knowledge of the finances and accounts of Government; or
3. have had wide experience in financial matters and in administration; or
4. have special knowledge of economics.

The recommendations of the Finance Commission are implemented as under:
Those to be implemented by an order of the President: The recommendations

relating to distribution of Union Taxes and Duties and Grants-in-aid fall in this
category.
Those to be implemented by executive orders: Other recommendations to be made

by the Finance Commission, as per its Terms of Reference
When was the first Commission Constituted and how many Commissions have
been Constituted so far?
The First Finance Commission was constituted vide Presidential Order dated
22.11.1951 under the chairmanship of Shri K.C. Neogy on 6th April, 1952. Fifteenth
Finance Commissions have been Constituted so far at intervals of every five years.

Why is there a need for a Finance Commission?
The Indian federal system allows for the division of power and responsibilities
between the centre and states. Correspondingly, the taxation powers are also
broadly divided between the centre and states. State legislatures may devolve
some of their taxation powers to local bodies.
Formula used for distribution:
The share in central taxes is distributed among states based on a formula. Previous
Finance Commissions have considered various factors to determine the criteria
such as the population and income needs of states, their area and infrastructure,
etc. Further, the weightage assigned to each criterion has varied with each Finance
Commission.
The criteria used by the 11th to 14thFinance Commissions are:
1. Population is an indicator of the expenditure needs of a state. Over the

years, Finance Commissions have used population data of the 1971 Census.
The 14th Finance Commission used the 2011 population data, in addition to
the 1971 data. The 15th Finance Commission has been mandated to use
data from the 2011 Census.
2. Area is used as a criterion as a state with larger area has to incur additional
administrative costs to deliver services.
3. Income distance is the difference between the per capita income of a state
with the average per capita income of all states. States with lower per capita
income may be given a higher share to maintain equity among states.
Forest cover indicates that states with large forest covers bear the cost of not
having area available for other economic activities. Therefore, the rationale is that
these states may be given a higher share.
Grants-in-Aid:
Besides the taxes devolved to states, another source of transfers from the centre to
states is grants-in-aid. As per the recommendations of the 14th Finance
Commission, grants-in-aid constitute 12% of the central transfers to states. The
14th Finance Commission had recommended grants to states for three purposes: (i)
disaster relief, (ii) local bodies, and (iii) revenue deficit.
Need for permanent status:
1. Finance commissions have over the past several decades adopted different
approaches with regard to principles of tax devolution, grants to be given to
states and fiscal consolidation issues. In other words, there has to be
continuity and change between finance commissions.
2. There is a need to ensure broad consistency between Finance Commissions
so that there is some degree of certainty in the flow of funds, especially to
the states. This has become even more critical in the post GST scenario.
3. If it is given permanent status, the Commission can function as a leaner
entity in the intervening period till the next Finance Commission is set up in a
full-fledged manner. During the intervening period, it can also address issues
arising from implementation of the recommendations of the finance
commission.

Mains Question: Discuss the role that Finance Commission play in improving centre
state administrative relations?
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

other stakeholders.

One Stop Centre Scheme
What to study?
Context: The Government of India is implementing One Stop Centre

(OSC) scheme for setting up One Stop Centre since 1st April 2015 to support
women affected by violence.

About the scheme:
Popularly known as Sakhi, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has

formulated this Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
It is a sub – scheme of Umbrella Scheme for National Mission for Empowerment of
women including Indira Gandhi Mattritav Sahyaog Yojana.
Under the scheme, One Stop Centres are being established across the country to
provide integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by
violence, both in private and public spaces in phased manner.
Target group: The OSC will support all women including girls below 18 years of
ageaffected by violence, irrespective of caste, class, religion, region, sexual
orientation or marital status.
The Centres will be integrated with a Women Helpline to facilitate access to

following services:
1. Emergency response and rescue services.

2. Medical assistance.
3. Assistance to women in lodging the FIR.
4. Psycho- social support and counselling.
5. Legal aid and counselling.
6. Shelter
7. Video conferencing facility.

Funds:
The Scheme will be funded through Nirbhaya Fund. The Central Government will
provide 100% financial assistance to the State Government /UT Administrations
under the Scheme.
Need for protection:
Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a global health, human rights and development
issue that transcends geography, class, culture, age, race and religion to affect
every community and country in every corner of the world.
The Article 1 of UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence 1993 provides a

definition of gender – based abuse, calling it “any act of gender – based violence
that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or
suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation
of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.
In India, gender based violence has many manifestations; from the more

universally prevalent forms of domestic and sexual violence including rape, to
harmful practices such as, dowry, honour killings, acid attacks, witch – hunting,
sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, trafficking for commercial sexual
exploitation, child marriage, sex selective abortion, sati etc.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

PMUY

What to study?
For Prelims: PMU- key features.
For Mains: PMUY- objectives, features, significance and measures needed to sustain the
momentum.
Context: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has been a huge success since
its launch on May 1, 2016 and is set to meet the next big milestone of achieving 80
million household connections within the first hundred days of the government.
Till date, the scheme has garnered 72 million connections, with the government
fueling the process of achieving the original target in the next 100 days. In other
words, about 93 to 94 per cent households now have access to cooking gas.
About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)

connections to poor households.
Who is eligible? Under the scheme, an adult woman member of a below poverty

line family identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) is given a
deposit-free LPG connection with financial assistance of Rs 1,600 per connection by
the Centre.
Identification of households: Eligible households will be identified in consultation

with state governments and Union territories. The scheme is being implemented by
the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Key objectives of the scheme are:
 Empowering women and protecting their health.

 Reducing the serious health hazards associated with cooking based on fossil
fuel.
 Reducing the number of deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel.
 Preventing young children from significant number of acute respiratory
illnesses caused due to indoor air pollution by burning the fossil fuel.

What makes LPG adoption necessary?
1. A large section of Indians, especially women and girls, are exposed to severe
household air pollution (HAP) from the use of solid fuels such as biomass,
dung cakes and coal for cooking. A report from the Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare places HAP as the second leading risk factor contributing to
India’s disease burden.
2. According to the World Health Organization, solid fuel use is responsible for
about 13% of all mortality and morbidity in India (measured as Disability-
Adjusted Life Years), and causes about 40% of all pulmonary disorders,
nearly 30% of cataract incidences, and over 20% each of ischemic heart
disease, lung cancer and lower respiratory infection.

Need of the hour:
The PMUY is a bold and much-needed initiative, but it should be recognised that
this is just a first step. The real test of the PMUY and its successor programmes will
be in how they translate the provision of connections to sustained use of LPG or
other clean fuels such as electricity or biogas.
Truly smokeless kitchens can be realized only if the government follows up with
measures that go beyond connections to actual usage of LPG. This may require
concerted efforts cutting across Ministries beyond petroleum and natural gas and
including those of health, rural development and women and child welfare.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:
1. Issues related to education.

Paramarsh scheme
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the scheme.
Context: The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development has

launched ‘Paramarsh’ – a University Grants Commission (UGC) scheme.
About Paramarsh:
The scheme is for Mentoring National Accreditation and Assessment Council

(NAAC) Accreditation Aspirant Institutions to promote Quality Assurance in Higher
Education.
The scheme will be a paradigm shift in the concept of mentoring of institution by

another well performing institution to upgrade their academic performance and
enable them to get accredited by focusing in the area of curricular aspects,
teaching-learning & evaluation, research, innovation, institutional values & practices
etc.
Implementation:
The Scheme will be operationalized through a “Hub & Spoke” model wherein the
Mentor Institution, called the “Hub” is centralized and will have the responsibility of
guiding the Mentee institution through the secondary branches the “Spoke”
through the services provided to the mentee for self improvement.
Significance and impact of the scheme:
1. The scheme is expected to have a major impact in addressing a national

challenge of improving the quality of Higher Education in India.
2. This allows a centralized control over operational efficiency, resource
utilization to attain overall development of the mentee institution.
3. The scheme will lead to enhancement of overall quality of the Mentee
Institutions and enhance its profile as a result of improved quality of
research, teaching and learning methodologies.
4. Mentee Institution will also have increased exposure and speedier
adaptation to best practices.
5. The scheme will also facilitate sharing of knowledge, information and
opportunities for research collaboration and faculty development in Mentee
Institutions.
6. Mentor-Mentee relationship will not only benefit both the institutions but
also provide quality education to the 3.6 crore students who are enrolling to
Indian Higher Education system at present.
Relevant articles from PIB:
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types
of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of
agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the
aid of farmers.

Schemes to support organic farming in the country
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Organic farming in the country, significance, challenges and
schemes in this regard.
Context: Government of India has been encouraging/ promoting organic farming

under two dedicated Schemes, namely, Mission Organic Value Chain Development
for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) and Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana
(PKVY) since 2015.
 Organic Farming has also been supported under other Schemes

viz Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Mission for Integrated
Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Network Project on Organic Farming
under ICAR. Third party certification of organic farming is promoted by
Agriculture Processed Food and Export Development Authority (APEDA),
Ministry of Commerce.

About MOVCDNER:
1. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched this Central

Sector Scheme named “Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North
Eastern Region” (MOVCDNER) for implementation in the States of Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and
Tripura.
2. The scheme aims at development of certified organic production in a value
chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development
of entire value chain starting from inputs, seeds, certification and creation of
facilities for collection, aggregation, processing, marketing and brand
building initiative.
3. The assistance is provided for cluster development, on/off farm input
production, supply of seeds/planting materials, setting up of functional
infrastructure, establishment of integrated processing unit, refrigerated
transportation, pre-cooling/ cold stores chamber, branding, labelling and
packaging, hiring of space, hand holdings, organic certification through third
party, mobilization of farmers/processors etc.

Background:
Total farm area currently under Organic Certification is taken up in an area of 27.70
lakh hectares in the country including 5.98 lakh hectares under Paramparagat
Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) , 0.639 lakh hectares under Mission Organic Value Chain
Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) , 19.38 lakh hectares under
National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) of APEDA and 1.70 lakh hectares
under other initiatives.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance, e-applications,
models, successes, limitations and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and
institutional and other measures.

Government e Marketplace (GeM)
What to study?
For Prelims: About GeM and it’s features.
For Mains: Significance and the need for GeM.
Context: A government meeting was recently held to review and formulate an

action plan for Government e Marketplace (GeM) to achieve a target for Rs. lakh
crore Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) on GeM in FY 2019-20.
About GeM:
What is it? GeM is a state-of-the-art national public procurement platform of

Ministry of Commerce and Industries, that has used technology to remove entry
barriers for bonafide sellers and has created a vibrant e-marketplace with a wide
range of goods and services.
Aim: GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public

procurement.
Features: It facilitates online procurement of common use Goods & Services
required by various Government Departments / Organisations / PSUs. It provides
the tools of e-bidding, reverse e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate the
government users, achieve the best value for their money.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:


Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019
What to study?
For prelims: key features of RTI, amendments proposed and the need.
For main: significance of RTI, issues present and measures to address these
issues.
Context: The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 that amends the Right to

Information Act, 2005 has been introduced in Lok Sabha.
What does the RTI Act do?

Under the RTI Act, 2005, Public Authorities are required to make disclosures on
various aspects of their structure and functioning.
This includes: (i) disclosure on their organisation, functions, and structure, (ii)

powers and duties of its officers and employees, and (iii) financial information.
Need:
The intent of such suo moto disclosures is that the public should need minimum
recourse through the Act to obtain such information. The intent behind the
enactment of the Act is to promote transparency and accountability in the
working of Public Authorities.
Who is included in the ambit of ‘Public Authorities’?
‘Public Authorities’ include bodies of self-government established under the

Constitution, or under any law or government notification. For instance, these
include Ministries, public sector undertakings, and regulators. It also includes any
entities owned, controlled or substantially financed and non-government
organizations substantially financed directly or indirectly by funds provided by the
government.
How is the right to information enforced under the Act?
The Act has established a three tier structure for enforcing the right to
information guaranteed under the Act.
Public Authorities designate some of their officers as Public Information Officers.

The first request for information goes to Central/State Assistant Public
Information Officer and Central/State Public Information Officer, designated by
the Public Authorities. These Officers are required to provide information to
an RTI applicant within 30 days of the request.
Appeals from their decisions go to an Appellate Authority.
Information Commissions:
Appeals against the order of the Appellate Authority go to the State Information
Commission or the Central Information Commission.
These Information Commissions consists of a Chief Information Commissioner, and

up to 10 Information Commissioners.

What does the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 propose?
The Bill changes the terms and conditions of service of the CIC and Information
Commissioners at the centre and in states.
The Bill states that the central government will notify the term of office for the CIC
and the ICs.
The Bill states that the salaries, allowances, and other terms and conditions of
service of the central and state CIC and ICs will be determined by the central
government.

Mains Question: The Right to Information (RTI) has emerged as an effective tool for
citizen’s dispute resolution. Should the ambit of RTI be expanded to politicians and
Judiciary too? Give your opinion with substantial justification.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019
What to study?
For prelims and mains: AERA- key features, composition, functions and recent
amendments proposed.
Context: Rajya Sabha recently passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority

of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The Bill amends the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008.
Background:
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008 established
the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA).
Functions: AERA regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services
provided at civilian airports with annual traffic above 15 lakh passengers. It also
monitors the performance standard of services across these airports.
Why was AERA created, and what is its role?
To ensure that private airport operators do not misuse their monopoly, the need
for an independent tariff regulator in the airport sector was felt. Consequently, the
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008 (AERA Act) was passed
which set up AERA.
What changes are being proposed in the Bill?
The Bill seeks to do two things:
1. Definition of major airports: Currently, the AERA Act defines a major airport

as one with annual passenger traffic over 15 lakh, or any other airports as
notified by the central government. The Bill increases the threshold of
annual passenger traffic for major airports to over 35 lakh.
2. Tariff determination by AERA: Under the Act, AERA is responsible for
determining the: (i) tariff for aeronautical services every five years, (ii)
development fees, and (iii) passengers service fee. It can also amend the
tariffs in the interim period. The Bill adds that AERA will not determine: (i)
tariff, (ii) tariff structures, or (iii) development fees, in certain cases. These
cases include those where such tariff amounts were a part of the bid
document on the basis of which the airport operations were awarded. AERA
will be consulted (by the concessioning authority, the Ministry of Civil
Aviation) before incorporating such tariffs in the bid document, and such
tariffs must be notified.

Why is the Act getting amended?
The exponential growth of the sector has put tremendous pressure on AERA, while
its resources are limited. Therefore, if too many airports come under the purview
of AERA, it will not be able to perform its functions efficiently.
How would the Bill affect the regulatory regime?
Currently, there are 32 major airports (annual traffic above 15 lakh), and AERA
regulates tariffs at 27 of these. As per the Bill, AERA will regulate 16 major airports
(annual traffic above 35 lakh). The remaining 16 airports will be regulated by AAI.
Till 2030-31, air traffic in the country is expected to grow at an average annual rate
of 10-11%. This implies that in a few years, the traffic at the other 16 airports will
increase to over 35 lakh and they will again fall under the purview of AERA. This
may lead to constant changes in the regulatory regime at these airports. The table
below provides the current list of major airports:
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Electronically transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Who is a Service Voter, how can he cast vote, significance and
challenges associated, Key features of ETPBS.
Context: In the seven phases Lok Sabha polls, a record 18,02,646 eligible personnel
were enrolled and 10,84,266 voted through the Electronically Transmitted Postal
Ballot System (ETPBS) or e-postal ballots.
Electronically transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS):
 ETPBS is developed by Election Commission of India with the help of Centre

for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), for the use of the Service
Voters.
 It is a fully secured system, having two layers of security. Secrecy is
maintained through the use of OTP and PIN and no duplication of casted
Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot (ETPB) is possible due to the
unique QR Code.
 Persons working in paramilitary forces and the military and government
officials deployed in diplomatic missions outside India are classified
as Service Voters.

Significance and benefits:
 This system enables the entitled service voters to cast their vote using an
electronically received postal ballot from anywhere outside their
constituency.
 The voters who make such a choice will be entitled for Postal Ballot delivered
through Electronic Media for a particular election.
 The developed System is implemented inline with the existing Postal Ballot
System. Postal Ballot will be transmitted through Electronic Means to the
voters.
 It enables the voters to cast their vote on an electronically received postal
ballot from their preferred location, which is outside their originally assigned
voting constituency.
 This system would be an easier option of facilitating voting by the electors as
the time constraint for dispatch of postal ballot has been addressed using
this system.

Class of Electors who are eligible for ETPBS:
1. Service Voters, other than those who opt for proxy voting (Classified Service
Voters).
2. The wife of a Service Voter who ordinarily resides with him.
3. Overseas Voters.

Features:
 Service voters can avail this service from anywhere outside their
constituency.
 System facilitates creation of service voter electoral roll data.
 Easy, Efficient and Hassle free.
 It is a secure system, having two layer security.
 OTP is required to download encrypted Electronically Transmitted Postal
Ballot file.
 Secrecy is maintained and no duplicate of casted ETPB is possible due to QR
code.
 PIN is required to decrypt, print and deliver ETPB.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:


Regional Air Connectivity- UDAN
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of RCS.
For Mains: Significance, challenges and potential of RCS.
Context: Giving further fillip to Regional Connectivity in the country, 8 more routes
(including 2 DoNER Routes) became functional Under Regional Connectivity
Scheme/UdeDeshKaAamNagrik- UDAN scheme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
About UDAN:
UDAN, launched in April 2017, is a flagship scheme of the Union Government to

enable air operations on unserved routes, connecting regional areas, to promote
balanced regional growth and to make flying affordable for masses.
The UDAN Scheme is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy
(NCAP)which was launched in June 2016.

Objectives of the scheme:
 The primary objective of RCS is to facilitate / stimulate regional air

connectivity by making it cheap and affordable.
 Promoting affordability of regional air connectivity is envisioned under RCS
by supporting airline operators through: Concessions and Financial (viability
gap funding or VGF) support.

Significance:
The scheme gives India’s aviation sector a boost by giving a chance to small and
first-time operators to be a part of the rapid growth in passenger traffic.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:


Swadesh Darshan scheme
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Features and significance of the scheme, Important circuits and
overview of their locations and geographical significance.

Context: Ministry of Tourism under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme has identified
Tirthankar Circuit as one of the fifteen thematic circuits for development in the
country. All the sites associated with Jainism are covered under this circuit.
Ministry has sanctioned the project “Development of Tirthankar Circuit: Vaishali-

Arrah-Masad-Patna-Rajgir-Pawapuri-Champapuri in Bihar”.

1. 100% centrally fundedfor the project components undertaken for public

funding.
2. To leverage the voluntary funding available for Corporate Social
corporate sector.
3. Funding of individual project will vary from state to state and will be
finalised on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by PMC
(Programme Management Consultant).
4. PMC will be a national level consultant to be appointed by the Mission
Directorate.
5. A National Steering Committee (NSC)will be constituted with Minister in
6. A Mission Directorateheaded by the Member Secretary, NSC as a nodal
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Biofuels
What to study?
For Prelims: National Biofuel Policy- key features, classification of biofuels.
For Mains: Biofuels- significance, policies for their promotion and challenges therein.
Context: The Government has allowed the direct sale of biodiesel (B100) for
blending with high speed diesel to all consumers, in accordance with the specified
blending limits and the standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, with
effect from 29th June, 2017.
Background:
The National Policy on Biofuels-2018 approved by the Government envisages an
indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of bio-diesel
in diesel by 2030.
National Policy on biofuels- salient features:
1. Categorization: The Policy categorises biofuels as “Basic Biofuels” viz. First

Generation (1G) bioethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” – Second
Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third
Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc. to enable extension of appropriate
financial and fiscal incentives under each category.
2. Scope of raw materials:The Policy expands the scope of raw material for
ethanol production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar containing
materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, Starch containing materials like
Corn, Cassava, Damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten
Potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production.
3. Protection to farmers:Farmers are at a risk of not getting appropriate price
for their produce during the surplus production phase. Taking this into
account, the Policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of
ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of National Biofuel
Coordination Committee.
4. Viability gap funding: With a thrust on Advanced Biofuels, the Policy
indicates a viability gap funding scheme for 2G ethanol Bio refineries of
Rs.5000 crore in 6 years in addition to additional tax incentives, higher
purchase price as compared to 1G biofuels.
5. Boost to biodiesel production:The Policy encourages setting up of supply
chain mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, Used
Cooking Oil, short gestation crops.

Expected benefits:
Import dependency: The policy aims at reducing import dependency.

Cleaner environment: By reducing crop burning & conversion of agricultural
residues/wastes to biofuels there will be further reduction in Green House Gas
emissions.
Health benefits: Prolonged reuse of Cooking Oil for preparing food, particularly in

deep-frying is a potential health hazard and can lead to many diseases. Used
Cooking Oil is a potential feedstock for biodiesel and its use for making biodiesel
will prevent diversion of used cooking oil in the food industry.
Employment Generation: One 100klpd 2G bio refinery can contribute 1200 jobs in
Plant Operations, Village Level Entrepreneurs and Supply Chain Management.
Additional Income to Farmers: By adopting 2G technologies, agricultural

residues/waste which otherwise are burnt by the farmers can be converted to
ethanol and can fetch a price for these waste if a market is developed for the same.
Significance of Biofuels:
Globally, biofuels have caught the attention in last decade and it is imperative to
keep up with the pace of developments in the field of biofuels. Biofuels in India are
of strategic importance as it augers well with the ongoing initiatives of the
Government such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill Development and
offers great opportunity to integrate with the ambitious targets of doubling of
Farmers Income, Import Reduction, Employment Generation, Waste to Wealth
Creation.
Classification of Biofuels:
1st generation biofuels are also called conventional biofuels. They are made from
things like sugar, starch, or vegetable oil. Note that these are all food products. Any
biofuel made from a feedstock that can also be consumed as a human food is
considered a first-generation biofuel.
2nd generation biofuels are produced from sustainable feedstock. The
sustainability of a feedstock is defined by its availability, its impact on greenhouse
gas emissions, its impact on land use, and by its potential to threaten the food
supply. No second generation biofuel is also a food crop, though certain food
products can become second generation fuels when they are no longer useful for
consumption. Second generation biofuels are often called “advanced biofuels.”
3rd generation biofuels are biofuel derived from algae. These biofuels are given
their own separate class because of their unique production mechanism and their
potential to mitigate most of the drawbacks of 1st and 2nd generation biofuels.
Mains Question: Discuss the importance of biofuels for India? Critically examine
whether the national policy on biofuels will help India unlock it’s biofuel potential?
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:


Inter-ministerial group suggests banning of private cryptocurrencies in India
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Cryptocurrency- meaning, features, need for regulation and key
recommendations.

Context: Inter-Ministerial Committee on Virtual Currencies headed by finance
secretary Subhash Chandra Garg has submitted its report to the government. The
committee set up by Centre has also proposed a draft bill ‘Banning of
Cryptocurrency & Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2019’.
Key recommendations:
1. Ban on all forms of private cryptocurrencies.

2. Impose a fine of up to Rs 25 crore and imprisonment of as much as 10 years
for anyone dealing in them.
3. RBI and the government may look at the introduction of an official digital
currency in the country.
4. Establish a specific group by the department of economic affairs with
participation by the RBI, department of financial services and the ministry of
electronics and information technology (MeitY) for examining and developing
an appropriate model of digital currency in India.
5. The panel backed use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) or blockchain
for selected areas. It has asked the department of economic affairs to take
the necessary measures to facilitate the use of DLT in the financial field after
identifying its uses.
6. It has also suggested the use of DLT to reduce compliance costs for know-
your-customer (KYC) requirements.
7. Data localisation requirements proposed in the draft Data Protection Bill
may need to be applied carefully, including with respect to the storage of
critical personal data so as to ensure that there is no adverse impact on
Indian firms and Indian consumers who may stand to benefit from DLT-
based services.

Implications:
The recommendations, if accepted by the government, will be a blow to digital

currency aspirants in India such as Facebook as well as exchanges currently
operating in the country by circumventing Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms by
undertaking peer-to-peer trading.
Definition:
Cryptocurrency has been defined as “any information or code or number or token

not being part of any official digital currency, generated through cryptographic
means or otherwise, providing a digital representation of value which is exchange
with or without consideration, with the promise or representation of having
inherent value in any business activity which may involve risk of loss or an
expectation of profits or income, or functions as a store of value or a unit of
account and includes its use in any financial transaction or investment, but not
limited to, investment schemes.”
Why IMC proposed Ban on Cryptocurrency?
1. All the cryptocurrencies have been created by non- sovereigns and are in this
sense entirely private enterprises.
2. There is no underlying intrinsic value of these cryptocurrencies back they lack
all the attributes of a currency.
3. There is no fixed nominal value of these private cryptocurrencies i.e. neither
act as any store of value nor they are a medium of exchange.
4. Since their inceptions, cryptocurrencies have demonstrated extreme
fluctuations in their prices.
5. These crytocurrencies cannot serve the purpose of a currency. The private
cryptocurrencies are inconsistent with the essential functions of
money/currency, hence private cryptocurrencies cannot replace fiat
currencies.
6. A review of global practices show that they have not been recognised as a
LEGAL tender in any jurisdiction.
7. Committee also recommends that all exchanges, people, traders and other
financial system participants should be prohibited from dealing with
cryptocurrencies.

Mains Question: What do you understand by cryptocurrency? Do you think

legalising the crypto market can help beneficiaries emerge from the shadows and
make productive investments in an economy witnessing a digital transformation?
Critically analyse.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019
What to study?
For prelims: Key features of the bill.
For mains: Need for amendments, concerns associated and other associations issues.
Context: Lok Sabha passes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill,
2019.

1. The Bill amends the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

2. Who may commit terrorism: Under the Act, the central government may
designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it: (i) commits or
participates in acts of terrorism, (ii) prepares for terrorism, (iii) promotes
terrorism, or (iv) is otherwise involved in terrorism. The Bill additionally
empowers the government to designate individuals as terrorists on the same
grounds.
3. Approval for seizure of property by NIA: If the investigation is conducted by
an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the approval of the
Director General of NIA would be required for seizure of properties that may
be connected with terrorism.
4. Investigation by NIA: Under the Act, investigation of cases may be conducted
by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner
of Police or above. The Bill additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of
the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.
5. Insertion to schedule of treaties: The Act defines terrorist acts to include
acts committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to
the Act. The Schedule lists nine treaties, including the Convention for the
Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking
of Hostages (1979). The Bill adds another treaty to the list. This is
the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism
(2005).

Background:
The UAPA – an upgrade on the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act
TADA, which was allowed to lapse in 1995 and the Prevention of Terrorism Act
(POTA) was repealed in 2004 — was originally passed in 1967 under the then
Congress government led by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Eventually
amendments were brought in under the successive United Progressive Alliance
(UPA) governments in 2004, 2008 and 2013.

Mains Question: Discuss how Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) impinges on
the personal liberty of citizens of India.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

PRASAD scheme
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key Objectives and significance of the scheme.
Context: To implement the PRASAD scheme a Mission Directorate has been set up
in the Ministry of Tourism.
PRASAD Scheme:
 Introduced in 2015, the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual

Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) is a government scheme that focuses on
identifying and developing the pilgrim sites across the country to enrich the
religious tourism experience.
 It was launched by Union Ministry of Tourism.
 It aims at integrated development of pilgrimage destinations in planned,
prioritised and sustainable manner to provide complete religious tourism
experience.

Objectives:
1. Harness pilgrimage tourism for its direct and multiplier effect upon
employment generation and economic development.
2. Enhance tourist attractiveness in sustainable manner by developing world
class infrastructure in the religious destinations.
3. It also seeks to promote local art, culture, handicraft, cuisine, etc.

Funding:
Under it, Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State
Governments for promoting tourism at identified destinations. For components
within public funding under this scheme, Central Government will provide 100%
fund. For improved sustainability of project, it also seeks to involve Public Private
Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana or DDU-GKY
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features, need for and significance of the scheme.
About Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana or DDU-GKY:
The Vision of DDU-GKY is to “Transform rural poor youth into an economically

independent and globally relevant workforce”.
It aims to target youth, in the age group of 15–35 years.
DDU-GKY is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), tasked with
the dual objectives of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor families and
cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.
Objectives:
 Enable Poor and Marginalized to Access Benefits.

 Mandatory coverage of socially disadvantaged groups (SC/ST 50%; Minority
15%; Women 33%).
 Shifting Emphasis from Training to Career Progression.
 Post-placement support, migration support and alumni network.
 Proactive Approach to Build Placement Partnerships.
 Guaranteed Placement for at least 75% trained candidates.
 Enhancing the Capacity of Implementation Partners
 Nurturing new training service providers and developing their skills.
 Greater emphasis on projects for poor rural youth in Jammu and Kashmir
(HIMAYAT).
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:

New Code on Wages
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features of the new code, need, significance, need for
uniform wage across the country.
Context: The Code on Wages Bill, 2019 Introduced in Lok Sabha.
The bill will amalgamate the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages
Act, 1948, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
Key highlights:
1. Coverage: The Code will apply to all employees. The central government will
make wage-related decisions for employments such as railways, mines, and
oil fields, among others. State governments will make decisions for all
other employments.
2. Wages include salary, allowance, or any other component expressed in
monetary terms. This does not include bonus payable to employees or any
travelling allowance, among others.
3. Floor wage:According to the Code, the central government will fix a floor
wage, taking into account living standards of workers. Further, it may set
different floor wages for different geographical areas. Before fixing the floor
wage, the central government may obtain the advice of the Central Advisory
Board and may consult with state governments.
4. The minimum wages decided by the central or state governments must be
higher than the floor wage. In case the existing minimum wages fixed by the
central or state governments are higher than the floor wage, they cannot
reduce the minimum wages.
5. Fixing the minimum wage: The Code prohibits employers from paying wages
less than the minimum wages. Minimum wages will be notified by the
central or state governments. This will be based on time, or number of
pieces produced. The minimum wages will be revised and reviewed by the
central or state governments at an interval of not more than five years.
While fixing minimum wages, the central or state governments may take into
account factors such as: (i) skill of workers, and (ii) difficulty of work.
6. Overtime: The central or state government may fix the number of hours that
constitute a normal working day. In case employees work in excess of a
normal working day, they will be entitled to overtime wage, which must be at
least twice the normal rate of wages.
7. Payment of wages:Wages will be paid in (i) coins, (ii) currency notes, (iii) by
cheque, (iv) by crediting to the bank account, or (v) through electronic mode.
The wage period will be fixed by the employer as either: (i) daily, (ii) weekly,
(iii) fortnightly, or (iv) monthly.
8. Deductions: Under the Code, an employee’s wages may be deducted on
certain grounds including: (i) fines, (ii) absence from duty, (iii)
accommodation given by the employer, or (iv) recovery of advances given to
the employee, among others. These deductions should not exceed 50% of
the employee’s total wage.
9. Determination of bonus:All employees whose wages do not exceed a specific
monthly amount, notified by the central or state government, will be entitled
to an annual bonus. The bonus will be at least: (i) 8.33% of his wages, or (ii)
Rs 100, whichever is higher. In addition, the employer will distribute a part of
the gross profits amongst the employees. This will be distributed in
proportion to the annual wages of an employee. An employee can receive a
maximum bonus of 20% of his annual wages.
10.Gender discrimination: The Code prohibits gender discrimination in matters
related to wages and recruitment of employees for the same work or work of
similar nature. Work of similar nature is defined as work for which the skill,
effort, experience, and responsibility required are the same.
11.Advisory boards: The central and state governments will constitute advisory
boards. The Central Advisory Board will consist of: (i) employers, (ii)
employees (in equal number as employers), (iii) independent persons, and
(iv) five representatives of state governments. State Advisory Boards will
consist of employers, employees, and independent persons. Further, one-
third of the total members on both the central and state Boards will be
women. The Boards will advise the respective governments on various
issues including: (i) fixation of minimum wages, and (ii) increasing
employment opportunities for women.

Significance:
This is expected to effectively reduce the number of minimum wage rates across
the country to 300 from about 2,500 minimum wage rates at present.
Key Issues and Analysis:
1. Central government may set a national minimum wage. Further, it may set
separate national minimum wages for different states or regions. In this
context, two questions arise: (i) the rationale for a national minimum wage,
and (ii) whether the central government should set one or multiple national
minimum wages.
2. States have to ensure that minimum wages set by them are not lower than
the national minimum wage. If existing minimum wages set by states are
higher than the national minimum wage, they cannot reduce the minimum
wages. This may affect the ability of states to reduce their minimum wages
if the national minimum wage is lowered.
3. The time period for revising minimum wages will be set at five years.
Currently, state governments have flexibility in revising minimum wages, as
long as it is not more than five years. It is unclear why this flexibility has
been removed, and five years has been set for revision.
4. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, prohibits employers from discriminating
in wage payments as well as recruitment of employees based on gender.
While the Code prohibits gender discrimination on wage-related matters, it
does not include provisions regarding discrimination during recruitment.

Need for a national minimum wage:
One argument for a national minimum wage is to ensure a uniform standard of
living across the country. At present, there are differences in minimum wages
across states and regions. Such differences are attributed to the fact that both the
central and state governments set, revise and enforce minimum wages for the
employments covered by them. The introduction of a national minimum wage
may help reduce these differences and provide a basic standard of living for all
employees across the country.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

What to study?
For Prelims: Features of PMBJP and Janaushadhi Suvidha.
For Mains: Health facilities for the underprivileged- need and efforts by the government,
generic medicines and their increasing popularity worldwide.
Context: Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a total of

5440 dedicated retail outlets selling affordable generic medicines are functional in
the country as on 15.07.2019.
About PMBJP:
‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’ is a campaign launched by the

Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. Of India, to provide quality medicines at
affordable prices to the masses through special kendra’s known as Pradhan Mantri
Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) have been set up to

provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in
quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementing agency of PMBJP.

BPPI (Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India) has been established
under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the
CPSUs.

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SCHEME:
 Ensure access to quality medicines.

 Extend coverage of quality generic medicines so as to reduce the out of
pocket expenditure on medicines and thereby redefine the unit cost of
treatment per person.
 Create awareness about generic medicines through education and publicity
so that quality is not synonymous with only high price.
 A public programme involving Government, PSUs, Private Sector, NGO,
Societies, Co-operative Bodies and other Institutions.
 Create demand for generic medicines by improving access to better
healthcare through low treatment cost and easy availability wherever needed
in all therapeutic categories.

What is a generic medicine?
There is no definition of generic or branded medicines under the Drugs &
Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 made thereunder. However, generic medicines
are generally those which contain same amount of same active ingredient(s) in
same dosage form and are intended to be administered by the same route of
administration as that of branded medicine.
The price of an unbranded generic version of a medicine is generally lower than

the price of a corresponding branded medicine because in case of generic version,
the pharmaceutical company does not have to spend money on promotion of its
brand.
How are they regulated in India?
Drugs manufactured in the country, irrespective of whether they are generic or

branded, are required to comply with the same standards as prescribed in the
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 made thereunder for their quality.
Kargil Vijay Diwas:
 Context: Indian Army declared the Kargil mission successful on July 26, 1999;
since then the day has been celebrated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas.
 India launched ‘Operation Vijay’ to clear the Kargil sector of infiltration by
Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants on the Indian side of the Line of
Control.
 Background: The war took place between May and July of 1999 in Jammu and
Kashmir’s Kargil district. It began with the infiltration of both Pakistani troops
and terrorists into Indian territory. The infiltrators positioned themselves in
key locations that gave them a strategic advantage during the start of the
conflict.
 Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force’s operation, was a major part of the Kargil
war. It used air power at the height of 32,000 feet for the first time.

About the territorial army:
 India’s first Governor General Shri C Rajagopalachari formally inaugurated

the Indian Territorial Army on October 9 in 1949.
 It is an organization where volunteers apply for a short period of training
every year, so as to be ready to tackle any emergent situation or to serve for
the defence of India.
 The Territorial Army, also known as the ‘Terriers’, is considered the second
line of national defence after the regular Army.
 The Territorial Army is part of a Regular Army and its present role is to
relieve the Regular Army from static duties and assist civil administration in
dealing with natural calamities and maintenance of essential services in
situations where life of the communities is affected or the security of the
country is threatened and to provide units for Regulars Army as and when
required.
 Territorial Army comes under the Defence Ministry.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:

everyday life.

Global Innovation Index
What to study?
For Prelims: GII- performance of India and other countries.
For Mains: Need for innovation and government efforts to promote innovation.
Context: Global Innovation Index 2019 has been released.
 GII rankings are based on 80 indicators, from traditional measurements like

research and development investments and international patent and
trademark applications.
 Theme for the year 2019 is – Creating Healthy Lives – The Future of Medical
Innovation, which aims to explore the role of medical innovation as it shapes
the future of healthcare.
 It is published by a specialized agency of the United Nations – the World
Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in association with Cornell
University and graduate business school INSEAD.

India’s performance:
1. India’s rank has been improved as it has reached at 52nd position in 2019.
India was at 57th position in 2018.
2. In terms of innovation and newly-emerging technologies India has been
performing well and has improved its position by 29 places in the global
index since 2015.
3. India had ranked 81 in 2015, which rose to 66 in 2016, 60 in 2017 and 57 in
2018.
India continues to be the most innovative economy in central and southern
Asia.

Key Findings:
1. Public R&D expenditures, particularly in some high-income countries, are

growing slowly or not at all.
2. Global landscape of science, innovation, and technology has undergone
important shifts over the last decades.
Asian economies especially middle-income one, are rapidly contributing to
global research and development (R&D) and international patenting rates via
WIPO’s International Patent System.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Van Dhan Yojana

What to study?
For Prelims: Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
For Mains: MFP and its significance.
Context: Training Workshop for implementing teams of Van Dhan

Yojana Organized.
About Van Dhan Vikas Kendras initiative:
 The initiative aims to promote MFPs-centric livelihood development of tribal

gatherers and artisans.
 It mainstreams the tribal community by promoting primary level value
addition to MFP at grassroots level.
 Significance: Through this initiative, the share of tribals in the value chain of
Non-Timber Forest Produce is expected to rise from the present 20% to
around 60%.

Implementation:
 The scheme will be implemented through Ministry of Tribal Affairs as Nodal

Department at the Central Level and TRIFED as Nodal Agency at the National
Level.
 At State level, the State Nodal Agency for MFPs and the District collectors are
envisaged to play a pivot role in scheme implementation at grassroot level.
 Locally the Kendras are proposed to be managed by a Managing Committee
(an SHG) consisting of representatives of Van Dhan SHGs in the cluster.
 Composition: As per the plan, TRIFED will facilitate establishment of MFP-led
multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, a cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of
30 tribal MFP gatherers each, in the tribal areas.

Significance of MFP:
 Minor Forest Produce (MFP) is a major source of livelihood for tribals living in
forest areas. The importance of MFPs for this section of the society can be
gauged from the fact that around 100 million forest dwellers depend on
MFPs for food, shelter, medicines and cash income.
 It provides them critical subsistence during the lean seasons, particularly for
primitive tribal groups such as hunter gatherers, and the landless. Tribals
derive 20-40% of their annual income from MFP on which they spend major
portion of their time.
 This activity has strong linkage to women’s financial empowerment as most
of the MFPs are collected and used/sold by women. MFP sector has the
potential to create about 10 million workdays annually in the country.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

What to study?
For Prelims: PMFBY- key features.
For Mains: PMFBY performance analysis, shortcomings and ways to address them.
Context: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) envisages use of improved

technology to reduce time gap for settlement of claims of farmers.
Accordingly, the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare,

through Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC), has involved 8
agencies/ organizations to carry out pilot studies for Optimization of Crop Cutting
Experiments (CCEs) in various States under PMFBY.
About PMFBY:
Launched in April, 2016, after rolling back the earlier insurance schemes
viz. National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS), Weather-based Crop Insurance
scheme and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS).
Premium: It envisages a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for

Kharif crops, and 1.5% for Rabi crops. The premium for annual commercial and
horticultural crops will be 5%.
The scheme is mandatory for farmers who have taken institutional loans from
banks. It’s optional for farmers who have not taken institutional credit.
Objectives:
1. Providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out
of unforeseen events.
2. Stabilizing the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.
3. Encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
4. Ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector which contributes to food
security, crop diversification and enhancing growth and competitiveness of
agriculture sector besides protecting farmers from production risks.

Challenges at present:
Insufficient reach and the issue of penetration.
Data constraints: With just around 45% of the claims made by farmers over the last
three crop seasons data for the last rabi season is not available paid by the
insurance companies.
Low payout of claims: The reason for the very low payout of claims is that only few
state governments are paying their share of the premiums on time and till they do,
the central government doesn’t pay its share either. Till they get the premium,
insurance companies simply sit on the claims.
Gaps in assessment of crop loss: There is hardly any use of modern technology in
assessing crop damages. There is lack of trained outsourced agencies, scope of
corruption during implementation and the non-utilisation of technologies like
smart phones and drones to improve reliability of such sampling
Less number of notified crops than can avail insurance, Inadequate and delayed
claim payment.
High actuarial premium rates: Insurance companies charged high actuarial

premium rates. If states delay notifications, or payment of premiums, or crop
cutting data, companies cannot pay compensation to the farmers in time.
Poor capacity to deliver: There has been no concerted effort by the state
government and insurance companies to build awareness of farmers on PMFBY.
Insurance companies have failed to set-up infrastructure for proper
Implementation of PMFBY. PMBY is not beneficial for farmers in vulnerable regions
as factors like low indemnity levels, low threshold yields, low sum insured and
default on loans make it a poor scheme to safeguard against extreme weather
events.
Mains Question: Discuss technology’s benefits for crop insurance in India.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:

Rashtriya Gokul Mission
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Rashtriya Gokul Mission – features and significance, significance
of the dairy sector.
Context: In order to complement and supplement the efforts made by the States
and Union Territories for enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines,
Government has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission throughout the
country for development and conservation of bovine population thereby enhancing
their production and productivity.
About Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
To conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds, government has launched

‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’ under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and
Dairy Development (NPBBD).
The Mission is being implemented with the objectives to:
1. a) development and conservation of indigenous breeds.

2. b) undertake breed improvement programme for indigenous cattle breeds
so as to improve the genetic makeup and increase the stock.
3. c) enhance milk production and productivity.
4. d) upgrade nondescript cattle using elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal,
Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi.
5. e) distribute disease free high genetic merit bulls for natural service.

Implementation:
Rashtriya Gokul Mission will be implemented through the “State Implementing

Agency (SIA viz Livestock Development Boards). State Gauseva Ayogs will be given
the mandate to sponsor proposals to the SIA’s (LDB’s) and monitor implementation
of the sponsored proposal. All Agencies having a role in indigenous cattle
development will be the “Participating Agencies” like CFSPTI, CCBFs, ICAR,
Universities, Colleges, NGO’s, Cooperative Societies and Gaushalas with best
germplasm.

Gokul Gram:
1. Funds under the scheme will be allocated for the establishment of Integrated
Indigenous Cattle Centres viz “Gokul Gram”.
2. Gokul Grams will be established in: i) the native breeding tracts and ii) near
metropolitan cities for housing the urban cattle.
3. Gokul Gram will act as Centres for development of Indigenous Breeds and a
dependable source for supply of high genetic breeding stock to the farmers
in the breeding tract.
4. The Gokul Gram will be self sustaining and will generate economic
resources from sale of A2 milk (A2 milkis cow’s milk that mostly lacks a
form of β-casein proteins called A1 and instead has mostly the A2 form),
organic manure, vermi-composting, urine distillates, and production of
electricity from bio gas for in house consumption and sale of animal
products.
5. The Gokul Gram will also function as state of the art in situ training
centrefor Farmers, Breeders and MAITRI’s.
6. The Gokul Gram will maintain milch and unproductive animals in the ratio
of 60:40and will have the capacity to maintain about 1000 animals.
Nutritional requirements of the animals will be provided in the Gokul Gram
through in house fodder production.
7. Gokul Gram will also be set up near to metropolitan cities for managing
urban cattle. Metropolitan Gokul Gram will focus on genetic upgradation of
urban cattle.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
Amendments to The Companies Act
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features of the companies act, need for amendments and
significance.
Context: Govt introduces bill to amend companies law in Lok Sabha. It amends the
Companies Act, 2013.
Need:
The amendments aim to ensure more accountability and better enforcement to

strengthen the corporate governance norms and compliance management in
corporate sector.
Key features of the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019:
1. Allows companies to transfer their unspent CSR funds to a separate

account and the same has to be spent within three financial years. In case,
the money remains unspent, then it should be transferred to any fund
specified in Schedule VII of the Act.
2. Provides more teeth to the central government to deal with violators
and reducing burden on special courts.
3. Seeks to enable the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) to
perform its functions through divisions and executive body.
4. Seeks to empower Registrar of Companies (RoC) to initiate action for
removal of a company’s name if the latter is not carrying out business
activities as per the Act.
5. Proposes to transfer some functions from NCLT to the Central
government such as dealing with applications for change of financial year
and conversion from public to private companies.
6. In order to curb the menace of shell companies, the Bill proposes
making non-maintenance of registered office and non-reporting of
commencement of business grounds for striking off the name of the
company from the register of companies.
GS Paper 1 and 2:
Topics covered:

2. Schemes for the protection of vulnerable sections of the society.

In news- Nirbhaya fund
What to study?
For Prelims: About the fund, its objectives and its administration.
For Mains: Significance of the fund and issues related to its utilization.

Context: A total of 59 proposals/schemes have been received from various
Ministries and State Governments and UT Administrations under Nirbhaya Fund
during the last three years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 onwards.
 Till date, 30 projects/ schemes have been appraised and recommended by

the Empowered Committee of officers for funding under Nirbhaya Fund.

About Nirbhaya fund:
 The Rs 1,000 crore Nirbhaya Fund was announced in Union Budget 2013.

 The corpus was to be utilised for upholding safety and dignity of women.
 Ministry of Women and Child Development apart from several other
concerned ministries were authorised to work out details of structure, scope
and application of this fund.
 The Fund is administered by Department of Economic Affairs of the finance
ministry.

Issues with Nirbhaya Fund:
The government has been accused of keeping Nirbhaya Fund unutilised. With rise
in cases of sexual harassment and crimes against women there is a crying need for
implementation of such funds.
Way ahead:
Government should improve coordination between the ministries for speedier

implementation of projects under the schemes of this nature. Delay caused by
lengthy inert-ministerial coordination must not be allowed to compromise women’s
safety. The Government and legislators must act proactively on delivering equality
and security to women.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

National Creche Scheme
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the scheme.
Context: National Crèche Scheme is being implemented as a Centrally Sponsored

Scheme through States/UTs with effect from 01.01.2017.
About National Creche Scheme:
The Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child

Development.
It is a centrally sponsored scheme.

It aims at providing a safe place for mothers to leave their children while they are
at work, and thus, is a measure for empowering women as it enables them to take
up employment.
Coverage: It is an intervention towards protection and development of children in

the age group of 6 months to 6 years.
Features:
1. Provides for day care facilities to the children of working mothers.

2. Provides supplementary nutrition, health care inputs like immunization, polio
drops, basic health monitoring, sleeping facilities, early stimulation (for
children below 3 years), pre-school education for children aged between 3-6
yrs.

Significance:
1. This scheme facility enables the parents to leave their children while they are
at work and where the children are provided with a stimulating environment
for their holistic development.
2. This scheme ensures to improve the health and nutrition status
of the children.
3. It promotes physical, social, cognitive and emotional/holistic development of
the children.
4. It also educates and empowers parents/caretakers for the better childcare.
5. The scheme is being structurally revised with the enhanced financial norms,
stringent monitoring and sharing pattern between the Government of India
and the implementing agencies and NGOs.

Eligibility Criteria:
The State Government, Voluntary Institutions, Mahila Mandals with the know report
of service in the field of child welfare department and registered under the
Societies Registration Act, 1860 or registered as a Public Trust at least for the period
for last 2 years are eligible for applying for the financial assistance from the fund.
Fund sharing:
The fund sharing pattern under National Creche Scheme amongst Centre,
States/UTs & Non Governmental Organisations/Voluntary Organisations for all
recurring components of the scheme is in the ratio of 60:30:10 for States, 80:10:10
for North Eastern States and Himalayan States and 90:0:10 for UTs.
Why the Centre must invest more in the National Creche Scheme?
The physical and cognitive development of a child begins in the womb, and 90% of
it happens before she is three. It is in this time period that good nutrition is critical.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types
of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of
agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the
aid of farmers.

Silk Samagra

What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features of the scheme and overview of silk industry in India.
Context: Tamil Nadu, which has been ranked among the leading silk producing
States in the country, will receive about Rs 6.22 crore under the Silk Samagra — an
Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry (ISDSI).
About Silk Samagra:
1. It is initiated by the Central Silk Board.

2. The scheme comprises four major components viz. (i) Research &
Development, Training, Transfer of Technology and Information Technology
Initiatives, (ii) Seed Organizations, (iii) Coordination and Market Development
and (iv) Quality Certification Systems (QCS) / Export Brand Promotion and
Technology Up-gradation.
3. The main objective of the scheme is to maintain Breeders stock, Breed
improvement through R&D Projects, Development of mechanized practices,
Technology translation through Sericulture Information Linkages and
Knowledge System (SILKS) Portal, Mobile Application for Stakeholders and for
seed quality monitoring etc.
4. The main aim of “Silk Samagra” Scheme is to empower downtrodden, poor
& backward tribal families through various activities of sericulture in the
country including women.

Sericulture in India:
 Sericulture is an agro-based cottage industry having huge employment and

income generating potential in rural and semi-urban areas.
 It is estimated that sericulture industry provides employment to
approximately 91.20 lakh persons (including 3.40 lakh persons in the State of
Tamil Nadu) in rural and semi-urban areas in the country as of March-2019.
 Of these, a sizeable number of workers belong to the economically weaker
sections of society, including women. This is mainly due to implementation of
Government schemes and efforts made by State/ Central Government.

Key facts:
1. India is the 2nd largest producer of silk in the world after China.

2. It is largest consumer of silk in the world.
3. It is the only country in the world that produces all 5 varieties of silk on a
commercial scale– Mulberry, Oak Tasar & Tropical Tasar, Muga and Eri.
4. Holds the global monopoly for production of the famed golden ‘Muga’ silk.
Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana:
The Government launched the Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY) in the

year 2001-2002.
The scheme was launched with a view to mobilize the artisans into Self Help
Groups and training the groups on various aspects of forming and running the
community business enterprises for self sustainability of artisans.
The objective of this scheme is to:
1. Mobilise and generate awareness of typical handicraft arts for their overall
development and progress.
2. Provide training to artisans and expose them to greater market to sell their
handicraft products.
3. Provide proper education and market knowledge to artisans so that they
learn the market techniques to get better results.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. Statutory bodies.

Central Wakf Council
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Objectives, composition, functions and significance of the
Central Wakf Council.
Context: A national conference of Central Waqf Council (CWC) was recently held.
What is it?
1. Central Wakf Council is a statutory body established in 1964 by the

Government of India under Wakf Act, 1954 (now a sub section the Wakf Act,
1995).
2. It has been established for the purpose of advising Centre on matters
pertaining to working of the State Wakf Boards and proper administration
of the Wakfs in the country.
3. It is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for
religious, pious or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim Law, given
by philanthropists.

Composition and appointments:
The Council is headed by a Chairperson, who is the Union Minister in charge of

Wakfs and there are maximum 20 other members, appointed by Government of
India as stipulated in the Wakf Act.
GS Paper 1 and 2:
Topics covered:


What to Study?
Context: Parliament has passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on

Marriage) Bill, 2019 criminalising triple talaq. After President Kovind signs the bill, it
will become the law and will replace the 1986 Muslim Women (Protection of Rights
on Divorce) Act.
Background:
The Supreme Court’s judgment in the Shayara Bano case held that the practice
of talaq-e-biddat (or triple talaq) unconstitutional. After the judgement,
government passed Muslim protection Bill also known as, Triple Talaq Bill in Lok
Sabha but there have been criticism about the legal and procedural aspects of the
bill.
Significance of the bill:
husbands.
It provides the rights of subsistence allowance, custody of minor children to

victims of triple talaq i.e. talaq-e-biddat.
1. The Bill makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic

form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.
2. Definition: It defines talaq as talaq-e-biddat or any other similar form of talaq
pronounced by a Muslim man resulting in instant and irrevocable divorce.
Talaq-e-biddat refers to the practice under Muslim personal laws where
pronouncement of the word ‘talaq’ thrice in one sitting by a Muslim man to
his wife results in an instant and irrevocable divorce.
3. Offence and penalty: The Bill makes declaration of talaq a cognizable
offence, attracting up to three years’ imprisonment with a fine. (A cognizable
offence is one for which a police officer may arrest an accused person
without warrant.)
4. The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is
given by:(i) the married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or
(ii) any person related to her by blood or marriage.
5. The Bill provides that the Magistrate may grant bail to the accused. The bail
may be granted only after hearing the woman (against whom talaq has been
pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable
grounds for granting bail.
6. The offence may be compounded by the Magistrate upon the request of the
woman (against whom talaq has been declared). Compounding refers to the
procedure where the two sides agree to stop legal proceedings, and settle
the dispute. The terms and conditions of the compounding of the offence
will be determined by the Magistrate.
7. Allowance: A Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared, is
entitled to seek subsistence allowance from her husband for herself and for
her dependent children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by
the Magistrate.
8. Custody: A Muslim woman against whom such talaq has been declared, is
entitled to seek custody of her minor children. The manner of custody will be

Issues with the bill:
1. The bill introduced in Parliament proposes a three-year jail term for a man
divorcing his wife through triple talaq. Although most Muslim women feel it
is time to end the practice, they are wary of the slipshod manner in which
the government has passed the bill in the Lok Sabha.
2. If the aim of the law is to protect the rights of women, how is that possible
with their husbands in prison? If they have children under the age of 18, who
will take care of their education, health, financial and other needs? The
woman will not be protected but instead be vulnerable to more abuse.
3. The Bill does not provide the victimised woman any additional benefits in
terms of her rights in marriage and divorce.
4. Since the Bill says that triple talaq is cognizable and non-bailable, married
Muslim man become vulnerable target as policemen can arrest and
investigate the accused with or without the complaint from wife or any other
person.

Way ahead:
The legislation brings India at par with other Muslim majority states including
Pakistan and Bangladesh. This was long overdue for a country that has taken pride
in its adherence to the principles of secularism, democracy, and equality. Personal
laws of other religious communities, Hindus and Christians, have gone through
renditions to address some concerns relating to gender equality in matters of
inheritance and polygamy. Despite the gains, gender equality does not permeate all
aspects of civil law. This legislation presents an opportunity to put in place a civil
code that steeped in equality—across faiths and gender.
Mains Question: Do you agree that Abolition of Triple Talaq by the parliament has
corrected a historical wrong done to Muslim women and that it is a victory of
gender justice and will further equality in society? Discuss.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:

New Code on Wages

What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features of the new code, need, significance, need for
uniform wage across the country.
Context: The Code on Wages Bill, 2019 has been passed in Lok Sabha.
The bill will amalgamate the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages
Act, 1948, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
Key highlights:
1. Coverage: The Code will apply to all employees. The central government will

make wage-related decisions for employments such as railways, mines, and
oil fields, among others. State governments will make decisions for all other
employments.
2. Wages includesalary, allowance, or any other component expressed in
monetary terms. This does not include bonus payable to employees or any
travelling allowance, among others.
3. Floor wage: According to the Code, the central government will fix a floor
wage, taking into account living standards of workers. Further, it may set
different floor wages for different geographical areas. Before fixing the floor
wage, the central government may obtain the advice of the Central Advisory
Board and may consult with state governments.
4. The minimum wages decided by the central or state governments must be
higher than the floor wage. In case the existing minimum wages fixed by the
central or state governments are higher than the floor wage, they cannot
reduce the minimum wages.
5. Fixing the minimum wage:The Code prohibits employers from paying wages
less than the minimum wages. Minimum wages will be notified by the
central or state governments. This will be based on time, or number of
pieces produced. The minimum wages will be revised and reviewed by the
central or state governments at an interval of not more than five years.
While fixing minimum wages, the central or state governments may take into
account factors such as: (i) skill of workers, and (ii) difficulty of work.
6. Overtime: The central or state government may fix the number of hours that
constitute a normal working day. In case employees work in excess of a
normal working day, they will be entitled to overtime wage, which must be at
least twice the normal rate of wages.
7. Payment of wages: Wages will be paid in (i) coins, (ii) currency notes, (iii) by
cheque, (iv) by crediting to the bank account, or (v) through electronic mode.
The wage period will be fixed by the employer as either: (i) daily, (ii) weekly,
(iii) fortnightly, or (iv) monthly.
8. Deductions: Under the Code, an employee’s wages may be deducted on
certain grounds including: (i) fines, (ii) absence from duty, (iii)
accommodation given by the employer, or (iv) recovery of advances given to
the employee, among others. These deductions should not exceed 50% of
the employee’s total wage.
9. Determination of bonus: All employees whose wages do not exceed a
specific monthly amount, notified by the central or state government, will be
entitled to an annual bonus. The bonus will be at least: (i) 8.33% of his
wages, or (ii) Rs 100, whichever is higher. In addition, the employer will
distribute a part of the gross profits amongst the employees. This will be
distributed in proportion to the annual wages of an employee. An employee
can receive a maximum bonus of 20% of his annual wages.
10.Gender discrimination:The Code prohibits gender discrimination in matters
related to wages and recruitment of employees for the same work or work of
similar nature. Work of similar nature is defined as work for which the skill,
effort, experience, and responsibility required are the same.
11.Advisory boards: The central and state governments will constitute advisory
boards. The Central Advisory Board will consist of: (i) employers, (ii)
employees (in equal number as employers), (iii) independent persons, and
(iv) five representatives of state governments. State Advisory Boards will
consist of employers, employees, and independent persons. Further, one-
third of the total members on both the central and state Boards will be
women. The Boards will advise the respective governments on various
issues including: (i) fixation of minimum wages, and (ii) increasing
employment opportunities for women.

Significance:
 This is expected to effectively reduce the number of minimum wage rates

across the country to 300 from about 2,500 minimum wage rates at present.
 Codification of labour laws will remove the multiplicity of definitions and
authorities, leading to ease of compliance without compromising wage
security and social security to workers.
 It is expected to provide for an appellate authority between the claim
authority and the judicial forum which will lead to speedy, cheaper and
efficient redressal of grievances and settlement of claims as that of earlier.

Need for a national minimum wage:
One argument for a national minimum wage is to ensure a uniform standard of
living across the country. At present, there are differences in minimum wages
across states and regions. Such differences are attributed to the fact that both the
central and state governments set, revise and enforce minimum wages for the
employments covered by them. The introduction of a national minimum wage may
help reduce these differences and provide a basic standard of living for all
employees across the country.
Relevant articles from PIB:
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential;
measures.

PRAGATI
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the platform.
Context: The Prime Minister recently chaired his thirtieth interaction through

PRAGATI – the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and
Timely Implementation.
About PRAGATI:
What is it?
PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) is a unique

integrating and interactive platform.
 The platform is aimed at addressing common man’s grievances, and

simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and
projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged by State
Governments.

Unique features:
1. The PRAGATI platform uniquely bundles three latest technologies: Digital
data management, video-conferencing and geo-spatial technology.
2. It also offers a unique combination in the direction of cooperative federalism
since it brings on one stage the Secretaries of Government of India and the
Chief Secretaries of the States.
3. With this, the Prime Minister is able to discuss the issues with the concerned
Central and State officials with full information and latest visuals of the
ground level situation. It is also an innovative project in e-governance
and good governance.
4. It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief
Secretaries of the States).
5. Issues to be flagged before the PM are picked up from the available database
regarding Public Grievances, on-going Programmes and pending Projects.
GS Paper 1:
Topics covered:
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Commission to Examine Sub Categorization of other Backward Classes
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Need for Sub Categorization, significance, issues involved and
what can be done?

Context: Cabinet approves Extension of term of the commission constituted
under Article 340 of the constitution to examine the issue of Sub-categorization
within other Backward Classes in the Central List.
Background:
Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law. That means un-
equals cannot be treated equally. Measures are required to be taken for the
upliftment of un-equals to bring them on par with the advanced classes.
In view of this, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) proposed the
sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) back in 2015. In October
2017, President Ram Nath Kovind, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article
340 of the Constitution, appointed a commission to examine the issue of sub-
categorisation of OBCs, chaired by retired Justice G. Rohini, to ensure social justice
in an efficient manner by prioritising the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).
Need:
The decision to appoint the commission follows the Cabinet decision to

examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among
caste and communities included in the broad list of OBCs. At present, there is no
sub-categorisation and 27% reservation is a monolithic entity.
Need for subcategorization:
Sub categorization of the OBCs will ensure that the more backward among the
OBC communities can also access the benefits of reservation for educational
institutions and government jobs.

The terms of reference of the Commission are as under:
1. To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation

among the castes or communities included in the broad category of Other
Backward Classes with reference to such classes included in the Central List.
2. To work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters in a scientific
approach for sub-categorisation within such Other Backward Classes.
3. To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or
sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of Other Backward Classes and
classifying them into their respective sub-categories.

Significance of this move:
This decision, taken on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, reinforces, in the
spirit of his teachings, the Government’s efforts to achieve greater social justice and
inclusion for all, and specifically members of the Other Backward Classes.
Analysis:
 The Union Cabinet’s decision to set up a commission to examine the issue

of sub-categorisation of the Other Backward Classes speaks to the long years
of failure in effectively preventing large sections of the creamy layer from
taking advantage of the quota system to the detriment of the poorer sections
among their own caste groups.
 In effect, the Union government is now seeking to ensure a more equitable
distribution of reservation benefits by further differentiating caste groups
coming under backward classes on the basis of their levels of social and
economic backwardness.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,

Education, Human Resources.

Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) Program
What to study?
For Prelims: Features of Atal Innovation Mission, ACIC.
For Mains: Promotion of innovation at global level and efforts by India in this regard.
Context: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launches Atal Community Innovation

Centre (ACIC) Program.
About ACIC Program:
Aim: The programme aims at spurring community Innovation in underserved and

unserved areas of the country.
Significance: ACIC can serve as the bridge between the knowledge base existing in
communities and the advanced technical ecosystem prevalent in the market base,
addressing the needs of society.

Features of the program:
1. ACIC is a new initiative of Atal Innovation Mission to support community

innovation drive in the country.
2. The program is directed to encourage the spirit of innovation through
solution driven design thinking to serve the society.
3. It will focus on underserved/ unserved regions of the country which at
present lack a vibrant start-up and innovation ecosystem.
4. ACIC will be established either in PPP mode or with support of PSUs and
other agencies.
5. The maximum grant-in-aid support form AIM will be up to 2.5 crores subject
following compliance to ACIC guidelines and contributing matching form the
host institutions and their funding partner(s).

About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) including Self-Employment and Talent Utilization

(SETU) is Government of India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and
entrepreneurship.
Its objective is to serve as a platform for promotion of world-class Innovation Hubs,

Grand Challenges, Start-up businesses and other self-employment activities,
particularly in technology driven areas.
The Atal Innovation Mission shall have two core functions:
1. Entrepreneurship promotion through Self-Employment and Talent

Utilization, wherein innovators would be supported and mentored to
become successful entrepreneurs.
2. Innovation promotion: to provide a platform where innovative ideas are
generated.

Impact:
1. The Mission has undertaken many bold and forward-looking initiatives such
as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Atal Incubation Centres (AIC), which have
received great traction;
2. Many Ministries/Departments of Government of India have initiated
innovation related activities with the help and technical support of AIM.
3. Under the ATL program, more than 10,000 schools are expected to establish
these labs by 2020.
4. More than 100 Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) are likely to established around
the country, supporting at least 50-60 startups each over the first five years.
5. More than 100 innovators/startups are expected to receive some support for
productizing their innovations.
6. Each incubator is expected to foster 50-60 technology driven innovative
Startups every four years.
7. The potential for employment generation from these innovations driven
Startups is quite high.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019

What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features, significance and the need for the bill.
Context: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which seeks to amend the
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, has been passed by the Rajya Sabha.
Key highlights:
Compensation for road accident victims: The central government will develop a

scheme for cashless treatment of road accident victims during golden hour. The
central government may also make a scheme for providing interim relief to
claimants seeking compensation under third party insurance.
Motor Vehicle Accident Fund: The Bill requires the central government to
constitute a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, to provide compulsory insurance cover
to all road users in India.
The fund will be utilised for: (i) treatment of persons injured in road accidents as
per the golden hour scheme, (ii) compensation to representatives of a person who
died in a hit and run accident, (iii) compensation to a person grievously hurt in a hit
and run accident, and (iv) compensation to any other persons as prescribed by the
central government.
This Fund will be credited through: (i) payment of a nature notified by the central
government, (ii) a grant or loan made by the central government, (iii) balance of the
Solatium Fund (existing fund under the Act to provide compensation for hit and run
accidents), or (iv) any other source as prescribed the central government.
Good samaritans: The Bill defines a good samaritan as a person who renders
emergency medical or non-medical assistance to a victim at the scene of an
accident. The assistance must have been (i) in good faith, (ii) voluntary, and (iii)
without the expectation of any reward. Such a person will not be liable for any civil
or criminal action for any injury to or death of an accident victim, caused due to
their negligence in providing assistance to the victim.
Recall of vehicles: The Bill allows the central government to order for recall of
motor vehicles if a defect in the vehicle may cause damage to the environment, or
the driver, or other road users.
The manufacturer of the recalled vehicle will be required to: (i) reimburse the
buyers for the full cost of the vehicle, or (ii) replace the defective vehicle with
another vehicle with similar or better specifications.
National Transportation Policy: The central government may develop a National

Transportation Policy, in consultation with state governments. The Policy will: (i)
establish a planning framework for road transport, (ii) develop a framework for
grant of permits, and (iii) specify priorities for the transport system, among other
things.
Road Safety Board: The Bill provides for a National Road Safety Board, to be
created by the central government through a notification. The Board will advise the
central and state governments on all aspects of road safety and traffic
management including.
Offences and penalties: The Bill increases penalties for several offences under the
Act.
Taxi aggregators: The Bill defines aggregators as digital intermediaries or market

places which can be used by passengers to connect with a driver for transportation
purposes (taxi services). These aggregators will be issued licenses by state. Further,
they must comply with the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Issues with the bill:
1. With a Fund already existing to provide compensation for hit and run
accidents, the purpose of the new Accident Fund is unclear.
2. State governments will issue licenses to taxi aggregators as per central
government guidelines. Currently, state governments determine guidelines
for plying of taxis. There could be cases where state taxi guidelines are at
variance with the central guidelines on aggregators.
3. While the penalties for contravening provisions of the proposed scheme on
interim relief to accident victims are specified in the Bill, the offences that
would warrant such penalties have not been specified. It may be argued
that imposing penalties without knowing the nature of the offences is
unreasonable.
4. States also have concerns about their powers being curtailed in the Motor
Vehicle (Amendment) Bill.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:
1. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India

and/or affecting India’s interests.

UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the convention.

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the United Nations
Convention on International Settlement Agreements (UNISA) resulting from
mediation by the Republic of India scheduled to be held at Singapore on 7th
August, 2019.
About UNISA:
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention on
International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (“the Convention”)
on 20th December 2018.
The convention is also known as the “Singapore Convention on Mediation” (the

Convention).
Key features:
1. The Convention provides a uniform and efficient framework for the

enforcement of international settlement agreements resulting from
mediation and for allowing parties to invoke such agreements, akin to the
framework that the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of
Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York, 1958) (the “New York Convention”)
provides for arbitral awards.
2. The Convention defines two additional grounds upon which a court may, on
its own motion, refuse to grant relief. Those grounds relate to the fact that a
dispute would not be capable of settlement by mediation or would be
contrary to public policy.

Benefit:
Signing of the Convention will boost the confidence of the investors and shall
provide a positive signal to foreign investors about India’s commitment to adhere
to international practice on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Initiatives to promote ADR Mechanisms:
1. In order to encourage international commercial arbitration in India, to evolve

a comprehensive ecosystem of arbitration the Government is
establishing the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) as a
statutory body.
2. The Commercial Courts Act, 2015, has been further amended and legislative
exercise to further amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is
currently underway.
3. A new Chapter (IIIA) has been inserted in the Commercial Courts Act, 2015,
for mandatory pre-institution mediation and settlement in certain category
of cases.

Significance of ADR:
It is felt that a reliable and responsive alternative dispute resolution system is

essential for rapidly developing countries like India. While business disputes need
speedy resolution, litigation is the least favoured method for that. The Indian
judicial system is marred by delays because of which businesses suffer as disputes
are not resolved in a reasonable time period. Therefore, need for alternative
dispute resolution processes like negotiation, mediation conciliation and arbitration
is felt from time to time.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:

National Education Policy (NEP)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: key features and significance of the policy, issues associated and
concerns expressed by various states.
Context: Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah
Naidu has said that the New Educational Policy will make India a global educational
hub. He urged the public to give their views and suggestions on the draft NEP by
the stipulated time of 15th of this month.
The Draft Policy is built on foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality,
Affordability and Accountability.
Background:
In May this year, the draft National Education Policy (NEP) developed by a

committee chaired by K. Kasturirangan was shared by the ministry of human
resource development (MHRD) for public comment. A comprehensive education
policy for India is on the anvil for the first time since 1986.

Key highlights of the draft:
1. Early childhood care and education:
 High-quality early childhood care and education will be provided for all

children between the ages of 3 and 6 by 2025.
 This will be done within institutions such as schools and anganwadis, which
would have a mandate to take care of the overall well-being of the child—
nutritional, health, and education.
 These institutions will also provide similar support to families for children
younger than three years of age—within their homes. The criticality of brain
development in the early years has become clear in the past few decades;
this policy will result in a massive positive multiplier effect on society.

2. Ensuring foundational literacy and numeracy:

Every student will start achieving age-appropriate foundational literacy and
numeracy by 2025. A slew of programmes and measures are articulated for this
purpose. This is aimed at the basic issue facing our education system today—of
students not being able to read, write and do elementary math.
3. Transformed curricular and pedagogical structure for school education:

The curriculum and pedagogical structures will be designed anew to be appropriate
and effective, based on children’s cognitive and socio-emotional development.
The curriculum will be integrated and flexible with equal emphasis on all subjects
and fields. There will be no separation of curricular, co-curricular or extra-curricular
areas—with all in a single category of equal importance.
Vocational and academic streams will be integrated and offered to all students.
Examination systems will be radically changed to assess real learning, make them
stress-free, and aim for improvement instead of the passing of judgements.

4. Universal access and retention in schools:

All Indians between ages 3 and 18 to be in school by 2030. The Right to Education
Act will be extended from pre-school to class XII.
5. Teachers at the centre:

The profession of teaching, and so teachers, will be at the centre of the education
system, focused on the student and educational aims. All schools will be fully
resourced with teachers—with working conditions for an energetic work
culture. No “temporary” teachers will be allowed; all positions will be filled with
competent and qualified teachers. A development-oriented performance
management system will be put in place. The teacher education system will be
transformed, with rigorous teacher preparation through a four-year integrated
stage and subject-specific programmes offered only in multi-disciplinary
institutions.
6. New institutional architecture for higher education:

India’s current 800 universities and over 40,000 colleges will be consolidated into
about 10,000-15,000 institutions of excellence to drive improvement in quality and
expansion of capacity. This architecture will have only large multi-disciplinary
institutions, with significant investment.
Three types of higher education institutions will be there: Type 1 universities

focused on research but also teaching all programmes, undergrad to doctoral; Type
2 universities focused on teaching all programmes while also conducting research
and; Type 3 colleges focused on teaching undergrad programmes. All types will
grant their own degrees. There will be no system of university affiliations.

7. High-quality liberal education:
All undergraduate education will be broad-based liberal education that integrates
the rigorous study of sciences, arts, humanities, mathematics and vocational and
professional fields with choices offered to students. Imaginative and flexible
curricula will develop critical thinking, creative abilities and other fundamental
capacities. Multiple exit and entry points will be offered, with appropriate
certification after one, two, three and four years of study. There will be a four-year
undergraduate programme available in addition to three-year programmes.
8. Increase in public investment:

There will be a substantial increase in public investment to expand and vitalize
public education at all levels.
What is left out?
1. While the policy talks about the need to bring “unrepresented groups” into
school and focus on educationally lagging “special education zones”, it
misses a critical opportunity of addressing inequalities within the
education system.
2. It misses to provide solutions to close the gap of access to quality education
between India’s rich and poor children.
3. Not specifying a common minimum standard below which schools cannot
fall, creates conditions where quality of facilities in some schools will only
sink lower, widening this gap.
4. It proposes a roll back of existing mechanisms of enforcement of private
schools making parents “de-facto regulators” of private schools. Parents, and
particularly poor and neo-literate parents, cannot hold the onus of ensuring
that much more powerful and resourced schools comply with quality, safety
and equity norms.

Challenges in implementation:
1. What is recommended is a doubling of public funding to 6% of the GDP and

increasing overall public expenditure on education to 20% from the current
10%. This is desirable but does not appear to be feasible in the near future
given that most of the additional funding has to come from the States.
2. While establishing new institutions for Pali, Prakrit and Persian appears to be
a novel idea, shouldn’t the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru
be strengthened and perhaps even upgraded to a university with an
extended mandate to take care of these languages?
3. Expanding coverage under the RTE Act to include pre-school children is
extremely important, but should perhaps be introduced gradually, keeping
in mind the quality of infrastructure and teacher vacancies. Amendment of
the Act can perhaps wait for a while.
4. The idea of setting up the Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog under the Prime Minister
and having it serviced by the MHRD is crucial in order to integrate the
approaches and programmes of multiple departments. However, it is fraught
with many administrative problems and possible turf battles. Bringing
medical or agricultural or legal education under one umbrella is likely to be
met with stiff opposition. What is going to happen, for example, to the
National Medical Commission Bill, 2017?
5. The idea of regulation being brought under the National Higher Education
Regulatory Authority, standard setting under the General Education Council
and funding under the Higher Education Grants Council may require a revisit
so that there is synchronisation with the current Bill for the Higher Education
Commission of India.
6. The draft policy is silent on the Institutions of Eminence and agencies like
the Higher Education Funding Agency.
7. Language issues have to be handled sensitively in view of their emotional
overtones, as witnessed recently. Protests are often made without
understanding the spirit of the text.

Mains Question: Discuss the unique features of draft NEP 2019. What are the
challenges and roadblocks in front of it and how should the government in power
overcome the same?
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Time Release Study (TRS)
What to study?
For prelims and mains: TRS- features, uses, need and significance.
Context: The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, will conduct 1st National

Time Release Study to enable faster movement of cargo across borders to benefit
traders.
The exercise will be institutionalized on an annual basis, during the same period
every year hereafter.
What is Time Release Study?
The World Customs Organization (WCO) Time Release Study is a strategic and

internationally recognized tool to measure the actual time required for the release
and/or clearance of goods, from the time of arrival until the physical release of
cargo.
Aim: To find bottlenecks in the trade flow process and taking necessary measures
to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of border procedures.
The WCO TRS is specifically referenced in Article 7.6 of the WTO Trade Facilitation
Agreement (TFA) as a tool for Members to measure and publish the average
release time of goods.
Uses:
1. The TRS is being increasingly used by Members with respect to strategic

planning and the proper sequencing of TFA measures in accordance with
their National Committees on Trade Facilitation (NCTF).
2. In recent years, the tool has been capturing a lot of attention worldwide; the
international donor community and the WCO development partners are
recommending it as a key performance measure to assess, evaluate, and
enhance the implementation of the WTO TFA.

Significance and the need for it:

1. Measuring the time taken for the release of goods meets the concerns of
trade circles regarding long delays in Customs clearance.
2. It helps Customs to respond to trade requirements where the operators
need to plan ahead for the movement of goods across borders in order to
meet tight production schedules and just-in-time inventory systems that
require forward planning.
3. The time required to release goods has also increasingly become the
measure by which the international trading community assesses the
effectiveness of a Customs administration.
4. The Time Release Study provides guidance to Customs administrations on
the best way to apply this method of internal review.

Way ahead:
This initiative will help India maintain the upward trajectory on Ease of Doing
Business, particularly on the Trading Across Borders indicator which measures the
efficiency of the cross-border trade ecosystem. Last year India’s ranking on the
indicator improved from 146 to 80.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
Issues related to health.

National Digital Health Blueprint
What to study?
For prelims: NDHB- highlights.
For mains: Need for, significance of NDHB, challenges in health sector and ways to
address them.
Context: The government has released National Digital Health Blueprint

(NDHB) which aims to create National Digital Health Eco-System, in public domain.
Health Ministry has sought inputs from various stakeholders on its vision.
Highlights of the National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB):
1. It lays out the ‘building blocks’ for the implementation of the National Health
Stack (NHS), which aims to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in leveraging
health records.
2. Keeping true to the government’s larger agenda, of ‘data as a public good’,
the blueprint proposes the linking of multiple databases to generate
greater and granular data that can be leveraged by the public as well as
private sector – including insurance companies, hospitals, apps and
researchers.
3. The blueprint proposes a National Digital Health Mission “as a purely
government organisation with complete functional autonomy adopting some
features of some of the existing National Information Utilities like UIDAI and
GSTN.”

The policy document essentially lays the implementation plan and defines the
‘building blocks’ of the NHS. In doing so, it lays down the following objectives:
1. To establish national and regional registries to create single source of

truthin respect of Clinical Establishments, Healthcare Professionals, Health
Workers and Pharmacies.
2. Creating a system of Personal Health Recordsaccessible to the citizens and
to the service providers based on citizen-consent.
3. Promoting the adoption of open standards by all the actors in the National
Digital Health Ecosystem.
4. Promoting Health Data Analyticsand Medical Research.

Concerns:
1. This National Blueprint illustrates yet another example of the Centre moving
forward with a major digitisation program involving the data of millions of
citizens without a data protection law in place.
2. Data security is a prerequisite for any data movement. Currently, data
privacy in health is a gray area.
3. Data researchers and activists have expressed concerns about the
development of this policy, which proposes a health data set-up on a
foundation of India Stack – a bouquet of privately-owned proprietary
software applications.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

World Breastfeeding Week 1st – 7th August
Context: World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is being observed from 1st to

7th August 2019.
The focus this year is on protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding.
The objectives of World Breastfeeding Week are:
1. To create awareness among the parents about breastfeeding.

2. Encourage parents to adopt breastfeeding.
3. Creating awareness about the importance of initiation and exclusive
breastfeeding, and adequate and appropriate complementary feeding.
4. Providing advocacy material about the importance of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is important because:
 It promotes better health for mothers and children alike.

 It prevents infections like diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections in early
infancy and thus reduce infant mortality.
 It decreases the risk of mothers developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
 It protects infants from obesity-related illnesses, diabetes and increases the
IQ.

The correct norms of infant and young child feeding are:
1. Initiation of Breastfeeding within an hour of birth.

2. Exclusive breastfeeding for first six months of life i.e. only breast Milk ‘NO’
other milk, food, drink or water.
3. Appropriate and adequate complementary feeding from six months of age
while continuing breastfeeding.
4. Continued breastfeeding up to the age of two years or beyond.

World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA):
Annually, WABA coordinates and organises the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW).
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is a global network of individuals

and organisations dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of
breastfeeding worldwide based on the Innocenti Declarations, the Ten Links for
Nurturing the Future and the WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy for Infant and Young
Child Feeding. WABA is in consultative status with UNICEF and an NGO in Special
Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
(ECOSOC).
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

other stakeholders.

Pashmina Products Receive BIS Certification

What to study?
For prelims and mains: About BIS, Pashmina- Need for conservation, issues associated.
Context: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published an Indian Standard for

identification, marking and labelling of Pashmina products to certify its purity.
Significance and the need for certification:
1. The certification will help curb the adulteration of Pashmina.

2. Protect the interests of local artisans and nomads who are the producers of
Pashmina raw material.
3. Assure the purity of Pashmina for customers.
4. Discourage counterfeit or substandard products presently mislabeled and
sold as genuine Pashmina in the market.
5. Motivate the younger generation to continue in this profession as well as
encourage more families to take up this occupation.

Background:
The nomadic Pashmina herders live in the hostile and tough terrain of Changthang
and are solely dependent on Pashmina for their livelihood. At present, there are
2400 families rearing 2.5 lakh goats.

About Changthangi or Pashmina goat:
1. It is a special breed of goat indigenous to the high altitude regions of

Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. They are raised for ultra-fine cashmere wool, known as Pashmina once
woven.
3. These goats are generally domesticated and reared by nomadic
communities called the Changpa in the Changthang region of Greater
Ladakh.
4. The Changthangi goats have revitalized the economy of Changthang, Leh and
Ladakh region.

About BIS:
1. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national Standards Body of India

working under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public
Distribution.
2. It is established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
3. The Minister in charge of the Ministry or Department having administrative
control of the BIS is the ex-officio President of the BIS.
4. Composition: As a corporate body, it has 25 members drawn from Central or
State Governments, industry, scientific and research institutions, and
consumer organisations.
5. It also works as WTO-TBT enquiry point for India.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


SANKALP Project
What to study?
For prelims: key features of the project.
For mains: Need for skills upgradation, challenges and measures necessary.
Context: Review meeting of World Bank loan assisted “Skills Acquisition and
Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP)” programme was
recently held.
About SANKALP scheme:
What is it? SANKALP is a Centrally sponsored scheme of Ministry of Skill

Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It is an outcome focused
scheme marking shift in government’s implementation strategy in vocational
education and training from inputs to results. SANKALP aims to implement the
mandate of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).
SANKALP will provide market relevant training to 3.5 crore youth.
Objective: The Objective of the project is to enhance institutional mechanisms for

skills development and increase access to quality and market-relevant training for
the work force.
What it does? The scheme provides the required impetus to the National Skill
Development Mission, 2015 and its various sub missions. It is aligned to flagship
Government of India programs such as Make in India and Swachhta Abhiyan and
aims at developing globally competitive workforce for domestic and overseas
requirements.
The Key result areas for the project include Institutional Strengthening at the
National and State Levels for Planning, Delivering, and Monitoring High-Quality
Market-Relevant Training; Improved Quality and Market Relevance of Skills
Development Programs; Improved access to and completion of skills training for
female trainees and other disadvantaged groups; and Expanding skills training
through private-public partnerships (PPPs).
Under SANKALP four key result areas have been identified viz: (i) Institutional
Strengthening (at National, State & District level); (ii) Quality Assurance Quality
Assurance of skill development programs; (iii) Inclusion of marginalised population
in skill development; and (iv) Expanding Skills through Public Private Partnerships
(PPPs).
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


BS – VI norms
What to study?
For prelims: what are BS Norms, components and comparison between BS – IV norms
and the BS- VI?
For mains: Need for upgradation, role of new norms in reducing pollution.
Context: Armoured and Specialised Vehicles of Armed/ Paramilitary Forces

Exempted from BS-VI Emission Norms that will Come into Force in April 2020.
Need:
1. The exemption has been granted because these vehicles operate in remote
and inhospitable terrains with most challenging operational and
environmental conditions.
2. Due to security challenges and requirements of specialized operations, the
development of suitable engine compliant with the above norms would
require considerable time.
3. It is difficult to maintain ideal transportation and storage conditions of fuel in
these conditions.

Background:
Bharat Stage norms are the automotive emission norms which the automotive

manufacturers have to comply to sell their vehicles in India.
These norms are applicable to all two wheelers, three wheelers, fourwheelers and

construction equipment vehicles.
To curb growing menace of air pollution through the vehicles emission, the
Government of India has decided to leapfrog from the exiting BS – IV norms to the
BS- VI, thereby skipping the BS – V norms, and to implement the BS – VI norms with
effect from 1st April 2020.
Only those vehicles will be sold and registered in India from 1st April 2020
onwards, which comply to these norms. The norms are stringent and at par with
global standards.
Difference between BS-IV and the new BS-VI:
The major difference in standards between the existing BS-IV and the new BS-VI
auto fuel norms is the presence of sulphur.
The newly introduced fuel is estimated to reduce the amount of sulphur released
by 80%, from 50 parts per million to 10 ppm.
As per the analysts, the emission of NOx (nitrogen oxides) from diesel cars is also
expected to reduce by nearly 70% and 25% from cars with petrol engines.
Why is it important to upgrade these norms?
1. Upgrading to stricter fuel standards helps tackle air pollution.

2. Global automakers are betting big on India as vehicle penetration is still low
here, when compared to developed countries.
3. At the same time, cities such as Delhi are already being listed among those
with the poorest air quality in the world.
4. With other developing countries such as China having already upgraded to
the equivalent of Euro V emission norms a while ago, India has been lagging
behind.
5. The experience of countries such as China and Malaysia shows that poor air
quality can be bad for business. Therefore, these reforms can put India
ahead in the race for investments too.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

other stakeholders.

Institutes of Eminence Scheme
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Institutes of Eminence Scheme- features and significance.
Context: The UGC, in its Recent meeting, has considered the reports of the
Empowered Expert Committee (EEC) appointed by Government under the
Chairmanship of Shri N Gopalaswami recommending (15) Public institutions and
(15) Private institutions for considering to give status of Institutions of Eminence.
Background:
Since the scheme has only provided for (10) Public and (10) Private Institutions, the
UGC has examined the list of (15) Public and (15) Private Institutions using
transparent and verifiable criteria.
What is Institutions of Eminence scheme?
1. The institutes of eminence scheme under the Union human resource

development (HRD) ministryaims to project Indian institutes to global
recognition.
2. The selected institutes will enjoy complete academic and administrative
autonomy.
3. The government will run 10 of these and they will receive special funding.
4. The selection shall be made through challenge method mode by the
Empowered Expert Committee constituted for the purpose.
5. Eligibility: Only higher education institutions currently placed in the top 500
of global rankings or top 50 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework
(NIRF) are eligible to apply for the eminence tag.
6. The private Institutions of Eminence can also come up as greenfield
ventures-provided the sponsoring organisation submits a convincing
perspective plan for 15 years.

Implications:
Institutions with the eminence tag would be allowed greater autonomy without
having to report to the University Grants Commission (UGC); they would be able to
admit foreign students and recruit faculty from abroad, and follow a flexible course
and fee structure to enable them to vault to the ranks of the top global institutions.
Need for world-class institutes:

India lacks world-class universities according to international rankings, and Indian
academics, compared internationally, are rather poorly paid. Students also suffer
an immense shortage of places in top academic institutions and throughout the
higher education system. India today educates only half as many young people
from the university age group as China and ranks well behind most Latin American
and other middle-income countries.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019
What to study?
For mains: Need for amendments, concerns associated and other associations issues.
Context: Parliament passes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill,

2019.

The Bill amends the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Who may commit terrorism: Under the Act, the central government may designate
an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it: (i) commits or participates in acts of
terrorism, (ii) prepares for terrorism, (iii) promotes terrorism, or (iv) is otherwise
involved in terrorism. The Bill additionally empowers the government to designate
individuals as terrorists on the same grounds.
Approval for seizure of property by NIA: If the investigation is conducted by an

officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the approval of the Director
General of NIA would be required for seizure of properties that may be connected
with terrorism.
Investigation by NIA: Under the Act, investigation of cases may be conducted by

officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police
or above. The Bill additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of
Inspector or above, to investigate cases.
Insertion to schedule of treaties: The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts

committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act.
The Schedule lists nine treaties, including the Convention for the Suppression of
Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979).
The Bill adds another treaty to the list. This is the International Convention for
Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005).
Why is it being opposed?
1. This is a potentially dangerous amendment which will empower officials of

Union Ministry to brand any person ‘a terrorist‘, without following due
process. The name of such a person will be included in the ‘Fourth Schedule’
proposed to be added in the parent Act. The only statutory remedy
available to such a person is to make an application before the Central
Government for de-notification, which will be considered by a Review
Committee constituted by the Government itself.
2. The amendment does not provide any legal consequence in case an
individual is designated a terrorist. The inclusion of one’s name in the
Fourth Schedule as a terrorist per se will not lead to any conviction,
imprisonment, fine, disqualifications or any sort of civil penalties. So this is
simply a power for the government to brand any one as a terrorist.
3. An official designation as a terrorist will be akin to ‘civil death’ for a person,
with social boycott, expulsion from job, hounding by media, and perhaps
attack from self-proclaimed vigilante groups following.

Background:
The UAPA – an upgrade on the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act
TADA, which was allowed to lapse in 1995 and the Prevention of Terrorism Act
(POTA) was repealed in 2004 — was originally passed in 1967 under the then
Congress government led by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Eventually
amendments were brought in under the successive United Progressive Alliance
(UPA) governments in 2004, 2008 and 2013.
Mains Question: Discuss how Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) impinges on
the personal liberty of citizens of India.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:


IMPRINT

What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Key features and significance of IMPRINT.
Context: TechEx – technology exhibition at IIT Delhi, was recently organized to

demonstrate products and prototypes developed under the two flagship schemes
of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) namely IMPacting
Research, INnovation and Technology (IMPRINT) and UchhatarAvishkar
Yojana (UAY).
About TechEx:
TechEx is a unique effort, which offers an excellent platform to the researchers to

showcase their work and inspire them to do their best in their respective domains.
About IMPRINT India:
1. The initiative, ‘IMPRINT India’, is a pan-IIT and IISc joint collaboration to

develop a blueprint for research of immediate relevance to
society requiring innovation, direct scientific research into identified areas,
ensure higher funding support for research into these areas and measure
outcomes of the research efforts with reference to the impact on the
standard of living in rural/urban areas.
2. IMPRINT scheme was launched in November, 2015 with a view to providing
solutions to the most relevant engineering challenges by translating
knowledge into viable technology (products or processes) in 10 selected
technology domains, namely health care, energy, sustainable habitat, nano-
technology hardware, water resources and river systems, advanced
materials, Information and Communication Technology, manufacturing,
security and defence, and environmental science and climate change.

UchhatarAvishkar Yojana (UAY):
1. It was announced on October 6, 2015 with a view to promoting innovation of

a higher order that directly impacts the needs of the Industry and thereby
improves the competitive edge of Indian manufacturing.
2. UAY projects are funded jointly by MHRD, participating Ministries and the
Industry in the ratio of 50:25:25.
3. The scheme focusses on a viable industry-academic collaboration where
industry shares a part of the cost of research.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
1. Indigenization of technology.

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air missiles (QRSAM)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: QRSAM- key features, significance and potential.

Context: DRDO has successfully test-fired indigenously developed Quick Reaction
Surface-to-Air missiles (QRSAM) from a test range off the Odisha coast.
About QRSAM:
1. It has been developed to replace the ‘Akash’ missile defence system, and has
360-degree coverage.
2. It uses solid fuel propellant and has a strike range of 25-30 km with
capability of hitting multiple targets.
3. It is capable of hitting the low flying objects.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:


Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019
What to study?
For prelims: key features of the bill.
For mains: need for regulation, concerns and issues associated with surrogacy.

Context: The Lok Sabha has passed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 by a voice
vote.
Key features of the bill:
Regulation of surrogacy: The Bill prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows

altruistic surrogacy.
Purposes for which surrogacy is permitted: Surrogacy is permitted when it is: (i) for
intending couples who suffer from proven infertility; (ii) altruistic; (iii) not for
commercial purposes; (iv) not for producing children for sale, prostitution or other
forms of exploitation; and (v) for any condition or disease specified through
regulations.
Eligibility criteria for intending couple: The intending couple should have a

‘certificate of essentiality’ and a ‘certificate of eligibility’ issued by the appropriate
authority.
A certificate of essentiality will be issued upon fulfilment of the following

conditions: (i) a certificate of proven infertility of one or both members of the
intending couple from a District Medical Board; (ii) an order of parentage and
custody of the surrogate child passed by a Magistrate’s court; and (iii) insurance
coverage for a period of 16 months covering postpartum delivery complications for
the surrogate.
The certificate of eligibility to the intending couple is issued upon fulfilment of

the following conditions: (i) the couple being Indian citizens and married for at least
five years; (ii) between 23 to 50 years old (wife) and 26 to 55 years old (husband);
(iii) they do not have any surviving child (biological, adopted or surrogate); this
would not include a child who is mentally or physically challenged or suffers from
life threatening disorder or fatal illness; and (iv) other conditions that may be
specified by regulations.
Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother: To obtain a certificate of eligibility from the
appropriate authority, the surrogate mother has to be: (i) a close relative of the
intending couple; (ii) a married woman having a child of her own; (iii) 25 to 35 years
old; (iv) a surrogate only once in her lifetime; and (v) possess a certificate of medical
and psychological fitness for surrogacy. Further, the surrogate mother cannot
provide her own gametes for surrogacy.
Appropriate authority: The central and state governments shall appoint one or

more appropriate authorities within 90 days of the Bill becoming an Act. The
functions of the appropriate authority include; (i) granting, suspending or cancelling
registration of surrogacy clinics; (ii) enforcing standards for surrogacy clinics; (iii)
investigating and taking action against breach of the provisions of the Bill; (iv)
recommending modifications to the rules and regulations.
Registration of surrogacy clinics: Surrogacy clinics cannot undertake surrogacy

related procedures unless they are registered by the appropriate authority. Clinics
must apply for registration within a period of 60 days from the date of appointment
of the appropriate authority.
National and State Surrogacy Boards: The central and the state governments shall
constitute the National Surrogacy Board (NSB) and the State Surrogacy Boards
(SSB), respectively.
Functions of the NSB include, (i) advising the central government on policy matters
relating to surrogacy; (ii) laying down the code of conduct of surrogacy clinics; and
(iii) supervising the functioning of SSBs.
Parentage and abortion of surrogate child: A child born out of a surrogacy

procedure will be deemed to be the biological child of the intending couple. An
abortion of the surrogate child requires the written consent of the surrogate
mother and the authorisation of the appropriate authority. This authorisation must
be compliant with the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. Further, the
surrogate mother will have an option to withdraw from surrogacy before the
embryo is implanted in her womb.
Offences and penalties: The offences under the Bill include: (i) undertaking or
advertising commercial surrogacy; (ii) exploiting the surrogate mother; (iii)
abandoning, exploiting or disowning a surrogate child; and (iv) selling or importing
human embryo or gametes for surrogacy. The penalty for such offences is
imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine up to 10 lakh rupees. The Bill specifies a
range of offences and penalties for other contraventions of the provisions of the
Bill.
Need for regulation:
India has emerged as a surrogacy hub for couples from other countries and there
have been reports concerning unethical practices, exploitation of surrogate
mothers, abandonment of children born out of surrogacy, and rackets involving
intermediaries importing human embryos and gametes. The 228th report of the
Law Commission of India has recommended prohibiting commercial surrogacy
and allowing altruistic surrogacy by enacting suitable legislation.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:

Kosi-Mechi Interlinking project
What to study?
For prelims: Key features and geographical position of the project.
For mains: Interlinking of rivers- need, challenges, significance and potential.

Context: Union Government has approved Rs 4,900 crore Kosi-Mechi Interlinking

project for interlinking of Kosi and Mechi rivers of Bihar. This is the second major
river interlinking project in the country to be approved by Central
Government after the Ken-Betwa project in Madhya Pradesh.
Need and significance:
 The river Kosi is an international river originating from Tibet and flowing

through Nepal in Himalayan Mountains and the lower portion through plains
of North Bihar.
 To overcome the acute problem of shifting of course of Kosi river, heavy
sediment load, flooding etc. and to alleviate the severe suffering of the
people of Bihar, the then His Majesty’s Government of Nepal and The
Government of India signed an agreement on 25th April 1954 for
implementation of Kosi project. The present proposal is an extension
of Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) system upto river Mechi, a tributary of
river Mahananda.
 The aim of extension of EKMC upto Mechi river is mainly to provide
irrigation benefits to the water scarce Mahananda basin command in the
districts of Araria, Kishanganj, Purnea and Katihar during kharif season
depending upon the pondage available in Hanuman Nagar barrage.
 This intrastate link scheme will thus transfer part of surplus water of Kosi
basin to Mahananda basin. In view of irrigation benefit from the link canal,
the project is fully justified.
Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Bill-2019

Context: Ending Jammu & Kashmir’s special status in the Indian Union, the
government has extended all provisions of the Constitution to the State in one go,
downsized the State into two Union Territories and allowed all citizens to buy
property and vote in the State.
In this regard, Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah, introduced two bills
and two resolutions regarding Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). These are as follows:
1. Constitution (Application to Jammu & Kashmir) Order, 2019 {Ref. Article

370(1) of Constitution of India} – issued by President of India to supersede
the 1954 order related to Article 370.
2. Resolution for Repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution of India {Ref. Article
370 (3)}.
3. Jammu & Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019 {Ref. Article 3 of Constitution of
India}.
4. Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Background:
So far, the Parliament had only residuary powers of legislation in J&K. This included
enacted of laws to prevent terror and secessionist activities, for taxation on foreign
and inland travel and on communication.
Key changes:
1. The President had used his powers under Article 370 to fundamentally alter
the provision, extending all Central laws, instruments and treaties to
Kashmir. However, the drastically altered Article 370 will remain on the
statute books.
2. While the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a legislature, the
one in Ladakh will not.
3. The notification by the president has effectively allowed the entire
provisions of the Constitution, with all its amendments, exceptions and
modifications, to apply to the area of Jammu and Kashmir.
4. The Bill proposes wide powers to the Lieutenant Governor of the proposed
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and makes it the “duty” of the Chief
Minister of the Union Territory to “communicate” all administrative decisions
and proposals of legislation with the LG.
5. All Central laws and State laws of J&K would apply to the new Union
Territories of J&K and Ladakh.
6. Assets and liabilities of J&K and Ladakh would be apportioned on the
recommendation of a Central Committee within a year.
7. Employees of State public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies
would continue in their posts for another year until their allocations are
determined.
8. The police and public order is to be with the Centre.
9. The notification amends the expression “Constituent Assembly”, contained in
the proviso to clause (3) of Article 370, to mean “Legislative Assembly”.

Legislative powers of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir:
1. The Legislative Assembly may make laws for the whole or any part of the
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with respect to any of the matters
enumerated in the state list except on subjects “public order” and “police”
which will remain in the domain of the Centre vis-a-vis the LG.
2. In case of inconsistencies between laws made by Parliament and laws made
by the Legislative Assembly, earlier law shall prevail and law made by the
Legislative Assembly shall be void.
3. The role of the Chief Minister will be to communicate to the L-G all decisions
of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of affairs of the
Union Territory and proposals for legislation and to furnish such information
relating to the administration of affairs as the L-G may call for.

Role and powers of the Lieutenant Governor:
1. The Bill specifies that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the
Union Territory of Ladakh will have a common Lieutenant Governor.
2. Appointment of L-G in Ladakh: The President shall appoint the L-G under
article 239. The L-G will be assisted by advisors appointed by the Centre since
the Union Territory will not have a Legislative Assembly.
3. In the case of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the L-G shall “act in his
discretion” on issues which fall outside the purview of powers conferred on
the Legislative Assembly, in which he is required to exercise any judicial
functions, and/or matters related to All India services and the Anti-
Corruption Bureau
4. The Chief Minister shall be appointed by the L-G who will also appoint other
ministers with the aid of the CM. The L-G shall also administer the oath of
office and of secrecy to ministers and the CM.
5. The L-G will have the power to promulgate ordinances which shall have the
same force and effect as an act of the Legislative Assembly assented by the L-
G.

Impact:
1. The tabling of the proposed Reorganisation Bill is also proof that the long
reign of the 1954 Order has ended. The 1954 Order had introduced a proviso
to Article 3, namely that “no Bill providing for increasing or diminishing the
area of the State of Jammu and Kashmir or altering the name or boundary
of that State shall be introduced in Parliament without the consent of the
Legislature of that State“. That power of the State Legislature to give prior
consent does not exist anymore. This has provided a free hand to the Centre
to table the Reorganisation Bill.
2. With the removal of the 1954 Order, the power of the State Legislature
ceases to exist and Parliamentary laws, including that of reservation,
would apply to Jammu and Kashmir as it does in other parts of the country.
3. The government called this the end of “positive discrimination” and the
closing of the “chasm” between residents of J&K and citizens of other parts
of the country.
4. The removal of the 1954 Order further also negates a clause which was
added to Article 352. The Order had mandated that no proclamation of
Emergency on grounds “only of internal disturbance or imminent danger
shall have effect” in the State unless with the concurrence of the State
government.

Rationale behind this move:
1. Article 370 has prevented J&K to merge with India rather than being a basis
of its merger.
2. Article 370 was seen as discriminatory on the basis of gender, class, caste
and place of origin.
3. Post the repeal of the Article 370, doors to private investment in J&K would
be opened, which would in turn increase the potential for development
there.
4. Increased investments would lead to increased job creation and further
betterment of socio-economic infrastructure in the state.
5. Opening of buying of lands would bring in investments from private
individuals and multinational companies and give a boost to the local
economy.

Criticism:
1. The mechanism that the government used to railroad its rigid ideological

position on Jammu and Kashmir through the Rajya Sabha was both hasty
and stealthy. This move will strain India’s social fabric not only in its impact
on Jammu and Kashmir but also in the portents it holds for federalism,
parliamentary democracy and diversity.
2. The passing of legislation as far-reaching as dismembering a State without
prior consultations has set a new low.
3. The entire exercise of getting Article 370 of the
Constitution effectively abrogated has been marked by executive excess.
4. A purported process to change the constitutional status of a sensitive
border State has been achieved without any legislative input or
representative contribution from its people.

Challenges ahead:
1. The move will be legally challenged on grounds of procedural infirmities and,

more substantively, that it undermines the basic feature of the compact
between Delhi and Srinagar that was agreed upon in 1947.
2. The President’s power under Article 370 has been used both to create an
enabling provision and to exercise it immediately to modify the Order,
thereby dispensing with the role envisaged for the State Assembly.
3. While it is true that in 1961 the Supreme Court upheld the President’s power
to ‘modify’ the constitutional provisions in applying them to J&K, it is a moot
question whether this can be invoked to make such a radical change: a
functioning State has now been downgraded and bifurcated into two Union
Territories.
4. But beyond the legality, the real test will be on the streets of Srinagar, Jammu
and Delhi once the security cordon is lifted from the State.
5. What was unbecoming is the unwillingness to enter into consultation with
the mainstream political leaders; in no other State would former Chief
Ministers have been dealt with so cavalierly.

Conclusion:
The special status of J&K was meant to end, but only with the concurrence of its
people. The Centre’s abrupt move disenfranchised them on a matter that directly
affected their life and sentiments. Moreover, that this was done after a massive
military build-up and the house arrest of senior political leaders, and the
communications shutdown reveals a cynical disregard of democratic norms.
Whatever its intent in enabling the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with
India, this decision to alter the State’s status could have unintended and dangerous
consequences.
Difference between states and UTs:
1. States have their own elected government, but in Union Territory (UT) is
administered by the Central Government.
2. The state is administered by Cheif minister, whereas UT is administered by
Administrator appointed by President.
3. The states have the Governor as its executive head, in UTs, President is its
executive head.
4. A state mandatorily has its own Legislative Assembly and make law for the
state, for UT, it is not mandatory to have a Legislative Assembly.
5. Powers in states are distributed through Federal mode that is powers divided
between states and center. Whereas, in case of UTs, powers are Unitary in
nature that is power is in the hands of the Center.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Consumer Protection Bill
What to study?
For mains: issues present with the Act, need for reforms and significance.
Context: Landmark Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 gets Parliamentary approval.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
(Note: For details of the bill, please

refer https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/07/31/consumer-protection-bill/. )

1. Definition of consumer:
A consumer is defined as a person who buys any good or avails a service for a
consideration.
What it covers?
It covers transactions through all modes including offline, and online through
electronic means, teleshopping, multi-level marketing or direct selling.
What it doesn’t?
It does not include a person who obtains a good for resale or a good or service for
commercial purpose.
2. Six consumer rights have been defined in the Bill, including the right to:
(i) be protected against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life
and property; (ii) be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and
price of goods or services; (iii) be assured of access to a variety of goods or services
at competitive prices; and (iv) seek redressal against unfair or restrictive trade
practices.
3. Proposes to set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority:

It will be set up by the central government.
4. Functions of CCPA:
CCPA shall promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers.
It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade
practices, and misleading advertisements.
5. Penalties for misleading advertisement:

The CCPA may impose a penalty on a manufacturer or an endorser of up to Rs 10
lakh and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or misleading
advertisement. In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to Rs 50 lakh
and imprisonment of up to five years.
6. Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:

CDRCs will be set up at the district, state, and national levels. A consumer can
directly file a complaint with CDRCs.
7. Jurisdiction of CDRCs:
The District CDRC will entertain complaints where value of goods and services does
not exceed Rs one crore.
The State CDRC will entertain complaints when the value is more than Rs one crore
but does not exceed Rs 10 crore.
Complaints with value of goods and services over Rs 10 crore will be entertained by
the National CDRC.
8. Product liability:
Product liability means the liability of a product manufacturer, service provider or
seller to compensate a consumer for any harm or injury caused by a defective good
or deficient service. To claim compensation, a consumer has to prove any one of
the conditions for defect or deficiency, as given in the Bill.
Why is this Bill significant?
1. Swift remedies: Presently Consumer only have a single point of access to

justice, which is time consuming. Additional swift executive remedies are
proposed in the bill through Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
2. Deterrent punishmentto check misleading advertisements and adulteration
of products.
3. Product liability provision to deter manufacturers and service providers
from delivering defective products or deficient services.
4. Ease of approaching Consumer Commission and Simplification of
Adjudication process.
5. Scope for early disposal of cases through mediation.

What’s missing?
1. Does not address the fundamental problem of protracted and complicated

litigation, the bane of consumer forums constituted under the Consumer
Protection Act of 1986.
2. Does provide for a regulator, but there is no proper focus on the duties of
the regulator.
3. The definition of ‘consumer rights’ in the Bill is not simple and straight
forward, so that consumers at least know what their entitlements are.
4. By not imposing judicial qualifications like in the Act of 1986 for members of
the redressal body, the Bill indirectly allows appointment of non-judicial
members to the district/state and national commissions. Conflict of interest
could arise when government nominees hear cases involving a government
entity.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the
protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

What to study?
achieve the target.
Context: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has instituted PMAY(U) Awards for
Beneficiaries for the first time to recognise the contribution of States/UTs, Urban
Local Bodies and Beneficiaries.
Significance:
This special award for beneficiaries is likely to enthuse the States / UTs to fulfil the
dream of house for millions, a reality, and also encourage beneficiaries to build
their house aesthetically using sustainable methods.
About PMAY- Urban:
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Programme launched by the Ministry of

Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA), in Mission mode
envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when the Nation completes 75 years
of its Independence.
1. Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers

2. Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked
subsidy.
3. Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors.
4. Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction /enhancement.

Key facts:
1. The beneficiaries are poor and people living under EWS and LIG categories in
the country.
2. The scheme is divided into three phases. In the first phase, a total of 100
cities will be covered from April 2015 to March 2017. In phase two, 200 cities
will be covered from April 2017 to March 2019. In the third phase, the
leftover cities will be covered from April 2019 to March 2022.
3. The government is providing an interest subsidy of 6.5% on housing loans
4. The government will grant Rs 1 lakh to all the beneficiaries of the scheme. In
existing houses. One can also avail loans under this scheme to build toilets in
existing houses.

Challenges ahead:
1. According to the findings by ratings agency Crisil, the central government has

to mobilise Rs 1 lakh crore in the next three years for achieving its target of
building 1 crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban
(PMAY-U).
2. This is going to be a tall task given the current fiscal arithmetic. The scheme
also faces headwinds such as unavailability of land in prime areas, low
participation of private developers on account of brand dilution, bidding
mechanism, stringent cost and time schedules resulting in low yields,
increasing construction costs due to absence of bulk sourcing of materials,
and lack of new technology that impacts productivity, cost efficiency and
quality.

PMAY-U does offer a huge opportunity for several sectors by setting off a virtuous
cycle.
One crore houses would mean an opportunity for over Rs 2 lakh crore of home
loans, and incremental consumption of 80-100 million tonne of cement and 10-15
million tonne of steel.
The construction opportunity is of about four billion square feet over the life of
PMAY-U and all that would translate into 9-10 crore incremental jobs over the
execution period.
GS Paper 3:
Topic covered:
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing
new technology.

Vikram Sarabhai Journalism Award in Space Science, Technology and Research
What to study?
For prelims: About the award and key contributions of Vikram Sarabhai.
For mains: Contributions of India and Indians to the development of space technology.
Context: As part of centenary year celebrations of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, father of

Indian space programme, ISRO has announced its “Vikram Sarabhai Journalism
Award in Space Science, Technology and Research”.
The award recognizes and rewards journalists who have actively contributed

towards the field of space science, applications, and research.
Eligibility: The nominations are open to all Indians who have a good experience in
journalism.
The names of the selected candidates will be announced on August 1st, 2020.
About Vikram Sarabhai and his contributions:
Vikram Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919. Sarabhai was instrumental in
forming India’s future in astronomy and setting up the country’s space research
facilities.
Key contributions:
1. Based on his persuasion, the Indian government agreed to set up the Indian

National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962.
2. Sarabhai was the first chairman of the committee.
3. The INCOSPAR was restructured and renamed as Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) in 1969.
4. Sarabhai founded the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad in the
year 1947. The laboratory started its operation from RETREAT, Sarabhai’s
residence in Ahmedabad. Its first topic of research was cosmic rays.
5. He also set up India’s first rocket launch site in Thumba, a small village
near the Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala.
6. Vikram Sarabhai was also responsible for bringing cable television to India.
His constant contact with NASA paved a way for the establishment
of Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975.
7. Sarabhai was the mastermind behind building India’s first satellite,
Aryabhata.
8. He was one of the founding members of the Indian Institute of
Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA).
9. Vikram Sarabhai received the Padma Bhushan in 1966 for his contribution to
India’s progress. He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972,
posthumously.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:

UNIDO
What to study?
For prelims and mains: UNIDO- composition, Objectives, functions and significance.
Context: UNIDO and National Institute of Solar Energy to initiate a skill

development programme for different levels of beneficiaries in the solar thermal
energy sector.
NISE and UNIDO will engage national and international experts to bring the best
practices by developing specialized training material.
Background:
The agreement is part of the ongoing MNRE-GEF-UNIDO project implemented
jointly by UNIDO and to support capacity building and skill development of
technical manpower in the Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies
(CST) which are being used to replace conventional fossil fuels e.g. coal, diesel,
furnace oil etc. and save costs and emissions in the industrial process heat
applications.
About UNIDO:
1. UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes

industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and
environmental sustainability.
2. It is also a member of UNDP.
3. As of 1 April 2019, 170 States are Members of UNIDO.
4. Members regularly discuss and decide UNIDO’s guiding principles and
policies in the sessions of the Policymaking Organs.
5. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declarationadopted at the
fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013, is to promote
and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID)
in Member States.
6. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient
infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster
innovation”.

UNIDO’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities:
1. Creating shared prosperity.

2. Advancing economic competitiveness.
3. Safeguarding the environment.
4. Strengthening knowledge and institutions.
GS Paper 2:
Topic covered:

National Medical Commission Bill
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of the National Medical Commission bill.
For Mains: MCI- issues, performance, concerns and need for superseding.
Context: The National Medical Commission Act 2019 has been passed by both

Houses of Parliament is historic and path-breaking.
What is the NMC Bill?
The National Medical Commission Bill seeks to improve the medical education
system in the country by ensuring availability of adequate and high-quality medical
professionals, periodic assessment of medical institutions, adoption of the latest
medical research by medical professionals and an effective grievance redressal
mechanism.

The Bill has the following key features:
1. The Bill proposes to set up a medical commission, both at the national and
state level, within three years of the passage of the legislation.
2. The Bill also has a provision for setting up a Medical Advisory Council by the
Centre. The council will act as a channel through which the states/Union
Territories can convey their views and concerns to the NMC.
3. The legislation also talks of conducting a uniform National Eligibility-cum-
Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to under-graduate medical education in
all medical institutions regulated under the Bill.
4. The Bill proposes to hold the National Exit Test for the students graduating
from medical institutions to obtain the licence for the practice. The test will
also allow students to take admission into post-graduate courses at medical
institutions under this legislation.
5. The Bill says that the NMC will have the authority to grant a limited licence
to certain mid-level practitioners connected with the modern medical
profession to practice medicine.

NMC:
1. The Bill aims to set up a National Medical Commission with 25 members.

2. These members will be appointed by the central government on the
recommendation of a committee.
3. The members will include a chairperson, who must be a senior medical
practitioner and academic with at least 20 years of experience, 10 ex officio
members and 14 part-time members.
4. The ex officio members will include the presidents of the undergraduate and
postgraduate medical education boards, the director general of Indian
Council of Medical Research, and a director of one of the AIIMS, among
others.
5. Part-time members, on the other hand, will include experts from the field of
management, law, medical ethics, etc. and nominees of states and union
territories.

Functions of NMC:
 The NMC will frame policies for regulating medical institutions and medical
professionals, assessing the requirements of healthcare-related human
resources and infrastructure, and ensuring compliance by the State Medical
Councils of the regulations made under the Bill.
 Besides this, the NMC will frame guidelines for determination of fees for up
to 50 per cent of the seats in private medical institutions and deemed
universities which are regulated under the Bill.

Why doctors are so much against it?
1. Section 32 of the bill authorises the government to allow non-medical degree
holders to practice medicine as community health providers. This provision
has been vehemently opposed by Indian Medical Association that says it will
legalise quacks in the country.
2. This will allow anyone with limited exposure to modern medical system to
recommend medicines.
3. Compared to the present 70 per cent figure of elected representatives in the
Medical Council of India (MCI), only 20 per cent members of the NMC will be
elected representatives.
4. Unlike MCI, whose decisions were not binding on state medical councils, the
NMC Bill allows the commission’s ethics board to exercise jurisdiction over
state medical councils on compliance related to ethical issues.
5. Also, while action can be taken against the MCI president only on the
direction of a court, the NMC Bill enables the central government to
remove the chairperson or any other member of the commission.
6. National Exit Test (NEXT) has been conceptualised as a single test, which will
act as a common final-year undergraduate medical exam and be used for
granting medical licence as well as admission to postgraduate courses. It has
been argued that a single exam is being accorded too much weightage, and
it can have an adverse impact on the career of medical aspirants.
7. The Bill allows the commission to “frame guidelines for determination of
fees and all other charges in respect of fifty per cent of seats in private
medical institutions and deemed to be universities”. This increases the
number of seats for which private institutes will have the discretion to
determine fees. At present, in such institutes, state governments decide fees
for 85 per cent of the seats.

Positive aspects of the bill:
Unlike MCI, the members of NMC will have to declare their assets at the time of
assuming office and when they leave. They will also have to submit a conflict of
interest declaration.
Need of the hour:
If the government wanted to improve the health services in the rural areas then it
should strengthen the existing paramedics. Nurses and midwives are trained for
administering injections and similar functions and the government should try to tap
this trained manpower. Primary care can be taken by these paramedics and only
complex medical problems should be referred to a doctor with specialised
knowledge. This kind of model has worked in other countries where doctors only
treat complex problems.
Challenges ahead:
1. The primary issue in Indian healthcare is availability of doctors. Bulk of

78,000-odd doctors that pass out of medical colleges seem to find greater
attraction in metros, not remote locations where trained, qualified and
specialist clinicians are most needed.
2. The second challenge involves addressing the issue of standardisation and
high quality with uniformity across the country. While the bill seeks to
address some of these issues, there remain unanswered questions on the
design, definition and the transparent execution of the bill and some of its
provisions.
3. The fact that elected members to NMC itself and to its three principal bodies
– committees on syllabus and curriculum, accreditation and medical ethics –
can be inefficient, if not bad, there is still no guarantee that nominated
persons will be any better.

Background:
India has a doctor-population ratio of 1:1456 as compared with the WHO standards
of 1:1000. In addition, there is a huge skew in the distribution of doctors working in
the Urban and Rural areas with the urban to rural doctor density ratio being 3.8:1.
Consequently, most of our rural and poor population is denied good quality care
leaving them in the clutches of quacks. It is worth noting that at present 57.3% of
personnel currently practicing allopathic medicine does not have a medical
qualification.
Mains Question: India has suffered from the problem of inappropriately trained
doctors of varying quality since a very long time. Discuss in what way the newly
passed National Medical Commission Act, 2019 can address the issues associated
with the regulating medical education and practice.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
Infrastructure
FAME-II Scheme.
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: FAME- India scheme- features, significance and potential.
Context: The Department of Heavy Industry has approved the sanction of 5595
electric buses to 64 Cities, State Government Entities, State Transport Undertakings
(STUs) for intra-city and intercity operation under FAME India scheme phase II in
order to give a further push to clean mobility in public transportation.
What are the salient features of FAME 2 scheme?
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, or FAME 2

scheme aims to boost electric mobility and increase the number of electric
vehicles in commercial fleets.
Target: The outlay of ₹10,000 crore has been made for three years till 2022 for
FAME 2 scheme.
The government will offer the incentives for electric buses, three-wheelers and

four-wheelers to be used for commercial purposes.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles and those with a sizeable lithium-ion battery and electric
motor will also be included in the scheme and fiscal support offered depending on
the size of the battery.

How will FAME 2 scheme help improve charging infrastructure?
 The centre will invest in setting up charging stations, with the active
participation of public sector units and private players.
 It has also been proposed to provide one slow-charging unit for every electric
bus and one fast-charging station for 10 electric buses.
 Projects for charging infrastructure will include those needed to extend
electrification for running vehicles such as pantograph charging and flash
charging.
 FAME 2 will also encourage interlinking of renewable energy sources with
charging infrastructure.

Background:
FAME India is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. Main thrust of
FAME is to encourage electric vehicles by providing subsidies. FAME focuses on 4
areas i.e. Technology development, Demand Creation, Pilot Projects and Charging
Infrastructure.
Way ahead:
 India needs auto industry’s active participation to ease electric mobility

transition. The auto and battery industries could collaborate to enhance
customer awareness, promote domestic manufacturing, promote new
business models, conduct R&D for EVs and components, consider new
business models to promote EVs.
 Government should focus on a phased manufacturing plan to promote EVs,
provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for phased manufacturing of EVs and
batteries. Different government departments can consider a bouquet of
potential policies, such as congestion pricing, ZEV credits, low
emission/exclusion zones, parking policies, etc. to drive adoption of EVs.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Code of Conduct for MPs and MLAs
What to study?
For prelims and mains: COC for Politicians- Need, previous efforts in this regard,
challenges and significance.
Context: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has sought a consensus on a Code of

Conduct for MPs and MLAs. This has been a longstanding concern — progress has
been slow and uneven, however.
A Code of Conduct for members of Rajya Sabha has been in force since 2005; there
is no such code for Lok Sabha.
Background:
1. Code of conduct for high constitutional functionaries and representatives of

the people have been discussed for long. A code for Union ministers was
adopted in 1964, and state governments were advised to adopt it as well.
2. A conference of Chief Justices in 1999 resolved to adopt a code of conduct for
judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts — this 15-point ‘Re-
instatement of Values in Judicial Life’ recommended that serving judges
should maintain an air of “aloofness” in their official and personal lives.
3. In the case of MPs, the first step was the constitution of Parliamentary
Standing Committees on Ethics in both Houses. The Committee in Rajya
Sabha was inaugurated by Chairman K R Narayanan on May 30, 1997 “to
oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the Members and to examine the
cases referred to it with reference to ethical and other misconduct of
Members”.

Why do We Need a Code of Conduct For Politicians?
Elections in India are often remembered for personal attacks, snide remarks and
hate speeches made at the expense of taking political discourse to its nadir.
In a bid to assert their superiority over the rest, some political leaders go
overboard and blur the line between public and private lives. Some even threaten
voters with dire consequences if they are not voted to power.
Therefore, to ensure civility in political speeches and expressions, establishing

code of conduct for politicians is mandatory.
In short, Code of Conduct for Politicians is needed mainly because of the following
reasons:
1. The politicians representing their constituencies in the Parliament have time

and again brought ill-repute to the institution with their incivility.
2. Creating ruckus in the Parliament; making unacceptable remarks and
disrupting the House proceedings are some of the major allegations they
face.
3. Tenure of some of the politicians is also fraught with severe charges of
impropriety.
4. It has been long since a parliamentary panel had recommended a 14-point
code of conduct that somewhat outlines what’s expected from the
politicians.

Key recommendations:
1. Prohibit MPs from misusing the power and immunities they get.
2. An MP should avoid conflict between a private and a public interest.
3. No parliamentarian should be allowed to vote on those questions in the
House, in which he/she has a vested interest.
4. Amend the Constitution to ensure a minimum of 110 days of sitting in a
legislature having more than 100 members, and 90-50 days of sitting in
Houses with less than 100 members depending on the size of the State
involved.
5. The filing by legislators of a statement of income, assets and liabilities, and
an indication of changes in these figures over time.
6. Punishment of members by admonition, reprimand, censure or withdrawal
from the House in case of violations or breach of the code of conduct.
7. Automatic suspension from the House of any member involved in offences
of grave misconduct.

Need of the hour:
There’s a lot more that the Election Commission ought to do to make it difficult for
the errant politicians. Its responsibility doesn’t ends with the filing of an FIR against
a candidate who is violating code of conduct. It should direct political parties to
withdraw such candidates.
Stronger actions such as derecognizing political parties and other powers need to

be exercised for the larger interest of the democracy.

Conclusion:
A code of conduct for legislators is absolutely essential at this point of time, when
coalition Governments mean increasing and more intense activity within the walls
of the legislatures.
Elsewhere:
1. In the UK, a code of conduct for MPs was “prepared pursuant to the
Resolution of the House of 19 July 1995”.
2. The Canadian House of Commons has a Conflict of Interest and Ethics
Commissioner with powers to examine violations of the Conflict of Interest
Code at the request of another Member or by Resolution of the House or on
his own initiative.
3. Germany has had a Code of Conduct for members of the Bundestag since
1972.
4. The US has had a Code since 1968.
5. Pakistan has a Code of Conduct for members of the Senate.

Mains Question: “Political parties must evolve a consensus on the code of conduct
for their members both inside the Parliament and out of it, otherwise, people might
soon lose faith in our political processes and institutions.” Comment.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
performance of these schemes.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: The scheme- features, significance, need and potential?
Context: Registration opens for PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana.
Aim: To improve the life of small and marginal farmers of the country.
Salient features of the scheme:
(Note: The list is comprehensive, but important from exam point of view).
1. The scheme is voluntary and contributory for farmers in the entry age
group of 18 to 40 years.
2. A monthly pension of Rs. 3000/– will be provided to them on attaining the
age of 60 years.
3. The farmers will have to make a monthly contribution of Rs.55 to Rs.200,
depending on their age of entry, in the Pension Fund till they reach the
retirement date i.e. the age of 60 years.
4. The Central Government will also make an equal contribution of the same
amount in the pension fund.
5. The spouse is also eligible to get a separate pension of Rs.3000/- upon
making separate contributions to the Fund.
6. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) shall be the Pension Fund
Manager and responsible for Pension pay out.
7. In case of death of the farmer before retirement date, the spouse may
continue in the scheme by paying the remaining contributions till the
remaining age of the deceased farmer.
8. If the spouse does not wish to continue, the total contribution made by the
farmer along with interest will be paid to the spouse.
9. If there is no spouse, then total contribution along with interest will be paid
to the nominee.
10.If the farmer dies after the retirement date, the spouse will receive 50% of
the pension as Family Pension.
11.After the death of both the farmer and the spouse, the accumulated corpus
shall be credited back to the Pension Fund.
12.The beneficiaries may opt voluntarily to exit the Scheme after a minimum
period of 5 years of regular contributions.
13.On exit, their entire contribution shall be returned by LIC with an interest
equivalent to prevailing saving bank rates.
14.The farmers, who are also beneficiaries of PM-Kisan Scheme, will have the
option to allow their contribution debited from the benefit of that Scheme
directly.
15.In case of default in making regular contributions, the beneficiaries are
allowed to regularize the contributions by paying the outstanding dues
along with prescribed interest.

Need for and Significance of the scheme:
It is expected that at least 10 crore labourers and workers in the unorganised

sector will avail the benefit of the scheme within next five years making it one of the
largest pension schemes of the world.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Rotavirus
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Rotavirus- symptoms, transmission and vaccines.
Context: The Health Ministry has drawn an ambitious plan under the 100 days
agenda of the newly elected government, wherein it has been decided to provide
Rotavirus vaccine to every child across all States and Union Territories by
September, 2019.
The vaccine has been developed indigenously under a public-private partnership

by the ministries of science and technology and health and family welfare.
About Rotavirus:
Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhoea and death among children less
than five years of age.
It is responsible for around 10% of total child mortality every year.
Rotavirus-Signs and Symptoms:

1. Kids with a rotavirus infection have fever, nausea, and vomiting, often
followed by abdominal cramps and frequent, watery diarrhea.
2. Kids may also have a cough and runny nose.
3. Sometimes the diarrhea that accompanies a rotavirus infection is so severe
that it can quickly lead to dehydration.
4. As with all viruses, though, some rotavirus infections cause few or no
symptoms, especially in adults.

Transmission:
Rotavirus is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, via contact with contaminated

hands, surfaces and objects, and possibly by the respiratory route. Viral diarrhea is
highly contagious.
Background:
Out of all the causes of diarrhoea, rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrhoea in

children less than 5 years of age. Rotavirus diarrhoea presents in similar manner
like any other diarrhoea but can mainly be prevented through rotavirus
vaccination. Other diarrhoea can be prevented through general measures like
good hygiene, frequent hand washing, safe water and safe food consumption,
exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

ICAT – A World Class Automotive Testing Centre
What to study?
For prelims and mains: About ICAT and NATRiP.
Why in news? 3rd International Electric Vehicle (EV) Conclave was recently held at
the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, Gurugram.
The Conclave was held to create a knowledge-sharing platform to ensure flow of

information at all levels in the automotive sector.
About ICAT Manesar:
International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) Manesar is a division

of NATRIP Implementation Society (NATIS) under the Department of Heavy
Industries, India.
Functions:
1. It provides services for testing, validation, design and homologation of all

categories of vehicles.
2. It assists the automotive industry in adopting cutting edge technologies in
vehicle evaluation and component development to ensure reliability,
durability and compliance to the current and future regulations.

National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP):
The Project aims at creating core global competencies in Automotive sector in India
and facilitate seamless integration of Indian Automotive industry with the world as
also to position the country prominently on the global automotive map.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

National Youth Awards
What to study?
For prelims and mains: About the awards- criteria and other related key facts.
Context: National Youth Awards for excellent work and contribution in different

fields of development and social service were recently conferred.
About the National Youth Award:
 The awards are conferred on individuals (aged between 15-29 years) and

organizations for excellent work and contribution in different fields of
development and social service, such as health, promotion of human rights,
active citizenship, community service etc.
 The awards are given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,
Department of Youth Affairs.
 The Objective is to motivate young persons to achieve excellence in the field
of national development and social service, to encourage young people to
develop a sense of responsibility to the community and thus to improve their
own personal potential as good citizens and to give recognition to the
outstanding work done by voluntary organizations working with the youth
for national development including social service.
 The individual award comprises of a medal, a certificate and a cash prize of
Rs. 50,000/-. The award to a youth organisation includes a medal, a certificate
and a cash prize of Rs. 2,00,000/-.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: KVIC and its important functions, world tribal day, various tribal
moments.

Context: Khadi and Village Industry Commission (KVIC) distributed as many as 50
leather kits and 350 Bee-Boxes with live bee colonies in tribal-dominated village in
Sirohi district of Rajasthan, one of the aspirational districts in India identified by the
NITI Aayog, on World Tribal Day.
World Tribal Day:
1. Observed on August 9 every year, World Tribal Day or the International Day

of the World’s Indigenous People is aimed at protecting the rights of the
world’s tribal population.
2. The day also recognises the achievements and contributions that indigenous
people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
3. It was first declared by the United Nations in December 1994 marking the
day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous
Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of
Human Rights, in 1982.

About Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC):
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body established
by an Act of Parliament (Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956). In
April 1957, it took over the work of former All India Khadi and Village Industries
Board.
Functions: It is an apex organization under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises, with regard to khadi and village industries within India, which seeks to
– “plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and
development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with
other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.”

The Commission has three main objectives which guide its functioning. These are:
1. The Social Objective – Providing employment in rural areas.

2. The Economic Objective – Providing salable articles.
3. The Wider Objective – Creating self-reliance amongst people and building up
a strong rural community spirit.

Few tribal movements that have sprouted across India over the years:
The Santhal rebellion (June 30, 1855 to January 3, 1856): Also known as the Santhal
Hool, it was a native rebellion in eastern India against both the British colonial
authority and zamindari system by the Santhal people.
The Munda Rebellion: Birsa Munda led the movement in the region south of Ranchi
in 1899-1900, seeking the establishment of Munda Raj and independence after the
system of khuntkattidar was corroded by the jagirdars and thikadars who came as
moneylenders and as traders.
The Bodo Movement: The official movement of the Bodos for an independent state
of Bodoland started under the leadership of Upendranath Brahma of All Bodo
Students’ Union (ABSU) on March 2, 1987. While the movement was suppressed by
the then government, the ABSU created a political organization called the Bodo
People’s Action Committee (BPAC). After the Bodo Accord, the Bodoland
Autonomous Council (BAC) was constituted, which was later replaced by the BTQ
which was established in accordance with the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS)
on February 10 2003.
Other tribal revolutions that have risen in India between the 18th century and the
20th century include:
1. 1784-1785: Uprising of the Mahadev Koli tribes in Maharashtra.

2. 1812 Kurichya Rebellion organised by the tribal people Kurichyas against the
Wayanad invasion of British in 1812.
3. 1857-1858 The Bhil revolted against under the leadership of Bhagoji Naik and
Kajar Singh.
4. 1862 The Koya tribal community revolted in Andhra against tribal landlords
called ‘Muttader’ in tribal dialect.
5. 1891 The tribals of North-East India revolted against the British under
leadership of Tikendraji Singh.
6. The Bastar Revolution in central India
7. 1917-1919 Kuki Uprising in Manipur against British colonialism under the
leadership of their chieftains called haosa
8. 1941 The Gond and the Kolam revolted in collaboration against British
Government in the Adilabad district of the state of Telangana.
9. 1942 Tribal revolt under leadership of Lakshmana Naik at Koraput in Orissa.
GS paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential;

measures.

National Conference on e-Governance adopts ‘Shillong Declaration’
What to study?
For prelims: Overview of Shillong declaration.

For mains: e- governance- potential, challenges in implementation and government
efforts to promote.
Context: 22nd National Conference on e-Governance adopts ‘Shillong Declaration’

with focus on Northeast.
The declaration has outlined the future trajectory that would be taken in terms
of e-governance with a focus on improving connectivity in Northeast.
Background:
The Conference on e-Governance was organised by the Department of

Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances & Pensions and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology in
collaboration with the Meghalaya Government.
The conference was an attempt to streamline e-governance services for effective

policy implementation while helping to bridge the technological divide.
The 10-point declaration includes:
1. The central government and state governments would collaborate to

improve the citizens’ experience with government services.
2. In order to do so, they would promote the timely implementation of India
Enterprise Architecture (IndEA).
3. They would also implement a single sign-on for interoperability and
integration among e-Government applications throughout the country.
4. It also resolved to consolidate the plethora of successful state-level e-
Governance projects and domain-based projects with a focus to replicate
them as common application software with configurable features.
5. The declaration also stressed the need to ensure improvement in ease of
living and ease of doing business by making a big shift in the role of
government from Service Provider to Service Enabler.
6. It also stressed on the need to take steps to further improve connectivity in
the Northeast.
7. Issues and challenges of telecommunication connectivity at the grassroots
and formulate and implement a comprehensive telecom development plan
were also addressed in the declaration.
8. It was also resolved to improve the quality of delivery of e-Services in
the Northeast to fulfil the vision of improved citizen experience.
9. It was also resolved to develop India as a global cloud hub and facilitate the
development of Government applications and databases on Cloud by
default.
10.To adopt emerging technologies for finding e-Governance solutions and to
promote the Digital India Projects with focus on Smart Cities and Smart
Villages through Startups and Smart Entrepreneurship were also resolved in
the declaration.
73rd Independence Day- Why India celebrates Independence Day on 15 August
The call for Poorna Swaraj:
In 1929, when Jawaharlal Nehru as Congress President gave the call for ‘Poorna
Swaraj’ or total independence from British colonial rule, January 26 was chosen as
the Independence Day.
Congress party continued to celebrate it 1930 onwards, till India attained

independence and January 26, 1950, was chosen as the Republic Day – the day
India formally became a sovereign country and was no longer a British Dominion.

How did August 15 become India’s independence day?
Lord Mountbatten had been given a mandate by the British parliament to transfer

the power by June 30, 1948. If he had waited till June 1948, in C Rajagopalachari’s
memorable words, there would have been no power left to transfer. Mountbatten
thus advanced the date to August 1947. By advancing the date, he said he was
ensuring that there will be no bloodshed or riot.
Based on Mountbatten’s inputs the Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the

British House of Commons on July 4, 1947, and passed within a fortnight. It
provided for the end of the British rule in India, on August 15, 1947, and the
establishment of the Dominions of India and Pakistan, which were allowed to
secede from the British Commonwealth.
Why Mountbatten chose August 15, 1947?
Because it was the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


Report of the Competition Law Review Committee submitted
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Competition law- features, issues and the need for review.
Context: Report of the Competition Law Review Committee submitted to Union

Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister.
The key recommendations of the Competition Law Review Committee are:
1. Introduction of a ‘Green Channel’ for combination notifications to enable

fast-paced regulatory approvals for vast majority of mergers and acquisitions
that may have no major concerns regarding appreciable adverse effects on
competition. Combinations arising out of the insolvency resolution process
under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code will also be eligible for “Green
Channel” approvals.
2. Introducing a dedicated bench in NCLATfor hearing appeals under the
Competition Act.
3. Introduction of express provisions to identify ‘hub and spoke’ agreements as
well as agreements that do not fit within typical horizontal or vertical anti-
competitive structures to cover agreements related to business structures
and models synonymous with new age markets.
4. Additional enforcement mechanism of ‘Settlement & Commitments” in the
interests of speedier resolution of cases of anti-competitive conduct.
5. Enabling provisions to prescribe necessary thresholds, inter alia, deal-
value threshold for merger notifications.
6. CCI to issue guidelines on imposition of penaltyto ensure more transparency
and faster decision making which will encourage compliance by businesses.
7. Strengthening the governance structure of CCI with the introduction of a
Governing Board to oversee advocacy and quasi-legislative functions, leaving
adjudicatory functions to the Whole-time Members.
8. Merging DG’s Office with CCI as an ‘Investigation Division’ as it aids CCI in
discharging an inquisitorial rather than adversarial mandate. However,
functional autonomy must be protected.
9. Opening of CCI offices at regional levelto carry out non-adjudicatory
functions such as research, advocacy etc. and interaction with State
Governments and State regulators.

Background:
The Government constituted a Competition Law Review Committee on 1st October,

2018 to review the existing Competition law framework and make
recommendations to further strengthen the framework to inter alia meet new
economy challenges.
The Competition Act:
The Competition Act, 2002, as amended by the Competition (Amendment) Act,

2007, prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position by
enterprises and regulates combinations (acquisition, acquiring of control and M&A),
which causes or likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within
India.
Need for review:
During the past nine years the size of the Indian Economy has grown immensely
and India is today amongst the top five Economies in the World and poised to
forge ahead further. In this context, it is essential that Competition Law is
strengthened, and re-calibrated to promote best practices which result in the
citizens of this country achieving their aspirations and value for money.
GS Paper 1:
Topics Covered:
1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman’ Awards
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: About Maharshi Badrayan, contributions and awards, what is
Vedanta philosophy?
Context: President Awards the Certificate of Honour and Maharshi Badrayan Vyas

Samman for the Year 2019.
About ‘Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman’ Awards:
The Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman distinction is conferred on persons in

recognition of their substantial contribution in the field of Sanskrit, Persian,
Arabic, Pali, Prakrit, Classical Oriya, Classical Kannada, Classical Telugu and
Classical Malayalam.
Introduced in the year 2002.
Eligibility: Given to selected young scholars in the age group of 30 to 45 years.
Carries a certificate of honour, a memento and a one-time cash prize of Rs.1 lakh.

Who was Maharshi Badrayan?
1. He was an Indian philosopher about whom almost no personal details are

reliably known.
2. Badarayana is regarded as having written the basic text of the Vedanta
system, the Vedāntasūtrak.a. Brahmasūtra.
3. He is thus considered the founder of the Vedānta system of philosophy.
4. The date of Badarayana and his Brahma Sutras is uncertain. Different
scholars have dated the Brahma Sutras variously from 500 BCE to 450 BCE.

Brahma Sutras:
The text systematizes and summarizes the philosophical and spiritual ideas in
the Upanishads. It is one of the foundational texts of the Vedānta school of Hindu
philosophy.
What is contains?
The Brahma sutras consists of 555 aphoristic verses (sutras) in four chapters. These
verses are primarily about the nature of human existence and universe, and ideas
about the metaphysical concept of Ultimate Reality called Brahman.
1. The first chapter discusses the metaphysics of Absolute Reality.

2. The second chapter reviews and addresses the objections raised by the ideas
of competing orthodox schools of Hindu philosophies as well as heterodox
schools such as Buddhism and Jainism.
3. The third chapter discusses epistemology and path to gaining spiritually
liberating knowledge.
4. The last chapter states why such a knowledge is an important human need.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Single-use plastics
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Ban on single- use plastics- significance.
Context: In response to Prime Minister’s call on India’s 73rdIndependence day,

to make India free of single use plastics, a massive public campaign will be
launched engaging all stakeholders.
What are single use plastics?
There is no central and comprehensive definition for single-use plastic, crucial for
any ban to be successful. Governments currently use various definitions.
Some states like Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh banned

plastic bottles and Tetra packs, single-use straws, plastic/styrofoam tea
cups/containers, etc. But many like Bihar banned only polythene bags.

India’s efforts to beat plastic pollution:
More than 20 States and Union Territories have joined the fight to beat the plastic
pollution, announcing a ban on single-use plastics such as carry bags, cups, plates,
cutlery, straws and thermocol products.
India has also won global acclaim for its “Beat Plastic Pollution” resolve declared on
World Environment Day last year, under which it pledged to eliminate single-use
plastic by 2022.
All such efforts have yielded positive results: Voluntary initiatives are having an
impact in many States, as citizens reduce, reuse and sort their waste. A Bengaluru
waste collective estimates that the volume of plastic waste that they collect
dropped from about two tonnes a day to less than 100 kg.
Gaps existing:
Waste plastic from packaging of everything from food, cosmetics and groceries to
goods delivered by online platforms remains unaddressed.
Collect-back system: The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 are clear that
producers, importers and brand owners must adopt a collect-back system for the
plastic they introduce into the environment. However, not much has been done to
take the process forward.
Extended Producer Responsibility clause: Small producers of plastics are facing the

ban, while more organised entities covered by the Extended Producer
Responsibility clause continue with business as usual.
What is needed?
Governments must start charging the producers for their waste, and collect it
diligently, which will lead to recovery and recycling.
State and local governments should upgrade their waste management systems,
which is necessary to even measure the true scale of packaging waste.
Role of local bodies: Local bodies should consult manufacturers or importers to

assess the problem. Cities and towns need competent municipal systems to
achieve this.
A central legislation with a clear definition of what constitutes single-use plastic is

also necessary.
Mains Question: India has made a lot of progress in reducing plastic waste but a lot
more still needs to be done. Comment.
Navroz festival:
 It is a Parsi New Year festival celebrated to mark the beginning of the new Iranian
calendar.
 While the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle Easterns celebrate the festival
on March 21, the first day of the Zoroastrian calendar, in India there is another
version of the festival that is followed according to the Shahanshahi calendar and
falls during the later months of the year. The dates change every year since the
calendar doesn’t account for leap years.
 Also known as Pateti, Navroz will be celebrated on August 17th this year in India.
 Navroz is also known as Jamshed-i-Navroz after the Persian King, Jamshed, who is
credited to have created the Persian Calendar known as the Shahenshahi Calendar.
 The time of the festival is decided in Iran and then it is passed on to the entire
Zoroastrian population in the world.

Aadi Mahotsav:
 It is a joint initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India & Tribal
Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
 The theme of the festival is : “A celebration of the spirit of Tribal Craft, Culture and
Commerce”. TRIFED essentially is to play the role of a ‘Service provider’ & ‘Market
Developer.’
 The Mahotsav will comprise of display and sale of items of tribal art and craft, tribal
medicine & healers, tribal cuisine and display of tribal folk performance, in which
tribal artisans, chefs, folk dancers/musicians from 23 States of the country shall
participate and provide glimpse of their rich traditional culture.
 Significance of the event: As the name of this event Aadi Mahotsav suggests, it is it’s
‘Adi’ factor that is important about them. The Adivasi way of life is guided by primal
truths, eternal values and a natural simplicity. The greatness of the tribes lies in this
that they have managed to retain the primal skills and natural simplicity. This quality
gives their arts and crafts a timeless appeal. The crudest tribal handicraft instantly
touches a primal instinct in all of us. This is particularly true in tribal music and
dance.
Know India Programme:
What is it? Know India Programme is a flagship programme of Ministry of External

Affairs for engagement with Indian origin youth (between 18-30 years) to enhance
their awareness about India, its cultural heritage, art and to familiarise them with
various aspects of contemporary India.
Eligibility: Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation

from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation and ability to
speak in English. The applicant should not have visited India through any previous
Programme of Government of India. Those who have not visited India before will be
given preference.
Four New Products get GI Tag:
The Geographical Indication (GI) under the Department for Promotion of Industry

and Internal Trade has registered 4 new GIs.
They are:
 PalaniPanchamirtham from Palani Town in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu State.

 Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puanchei from the state of Mizoram.
 Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala.
Shyamoli:
What is it? It is the heritage house of Rabindranath Tagore. It was recently

inaugurated.
Shyamoli is an experimental mud-house built at Santiniketan in 1935. The house

has been recently renovated by the Archaeological Survey of India as a deposit
work and is a property of Visva-Bharati at present.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian
diaspora.

BASIC countries
What to study?
For prelims: BASIC Nations.
For mains: Need for, significance and challenges before the grouping.
Context: The BASIC countries recently held their 28th Ministerial meeting on

Climate Change in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Who are the BASIC?
The BASIC group was formed as the result of an agreement signed by the four
countries on November 28, 2009.
They are a bloc of four large newly industrialized countries – Brazil, South

Africa, India and China.
Significance of the grouping:

1. The signatory nations have a broadly common position on reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and raising the massive funds that are needed to
fight climate change.
2. The BASIC countries constituted one of the parties in the Copenhagen
Accord reached with the US-led grouping; the Accord, was, however, not
legally binding.
3. The BASIC group wields considerable heft purely because of the size of the
economies and populations of the member countries.
4. Brazil, South Africa, India and China put together has one-third of the world’s
geographical area and nearly 40% of the world’s population, and when they
unitedly speak in one voice this shows their determination.
5. BASIC is one of several groups of nations working together to fight climate
change and carry out negotiations within the UNFCCC.

Need for this grouping:
In light of the IPCC Special Report on 1.5°C released in October last year, the
group took note of its findings that highlight the “high vulnerability of developing
countries to climate change effects and high resultant costs of adaptation”.
 The findings of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming make it incredibly
clear that the impacts of an already warming world are significant, and that
impacts at 2°C are catastrophic compared to those of 1.5°C. Yet, the BASIC
ministers recalled the Paris goal of limiting the temperature rise to well
under 2°C, and aspiring to limit it to 1.5°C, suggesting their continued
pursuit of 2°C as the target temperature limit.
 The BASIC countries also contend that their nationally determined
contributions (NDCs)— voluntary pledges of national efforts to reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—have demonstrated “a high level of
ambition in the context of poverty and sustainable development”.

Way ahead:
While developed countries must take the lead to reduce GHG emissions and enable
developing countries to scale climate action. It is critical that all countries actively
step-up to rapidly reduce global GHG emissions within their own jurisdictions and
collectively work with each other to limit warming to 1.5°C.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

mandate.

UN Security Council
What to study?
For Prelims: About UNSC- composition, objectives and functions.
For Mains: Role and significance of UNSC, need for UNSC reforms, why India should be
given permanent membership?
Context: Vice President calls for renewed efforts for India to gain permanent
membership of the UN Security Council.
About UNSC:
What is it?
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the organs of the United
Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.
Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the

establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action
through Security Council resolutions; it is the only UN body with the authority to
issue binding resolutions to member states.
Members: The Security Council consists of fifteen members. Russia, the United
Kingdom, France, China, and the United States—serve as the body’s five permanent
members. These permanent members can veto any substantive Security Council
resolution, including those on the admission of new member states or candidates
for Secretary-General.
The Security Council also has 10 non-permanent members, elected on a regional

basis to serve two-year terms. The body’s presidency rotates monthly among its
members.
Role and Significance of UNSC:
1. The Security Council is the United Nations’ most powerful body, with
“primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and
security.
2. Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the
establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military
action through Security Council resolutions.
3. It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to
member states.
4. Under the UN Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with
Council s decisions.

Proposed reforms:
Reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) encompasses five key
issues: categories of membership, the question of the veto held by the five
permanent members, regional representation, the size of an enlarged Council and
its working methods, and the Security Council-General Assembly relationship. There
is also a proposal to admit more permanent members.
India’s demands:
India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil,
Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN
high table as a permanent member.
Why India should be given a permanent seat in the council?
1. India was among the founding members of United Nations.

2. It is the second largest and a one of the largest constant contributor of
troops to United Nations Peacekeeping missions.
3. Today, India has over 8,500 peacekeepers in the field, more than twice as
many as the UN’s five big powers combined.
4. India, since long time, has been demanding expansion of UNSC and its
inclusion as permanent member in it. It has been a member of UNSC for 7
terms and a member of G-77 and G-4, so permanent membership is a logical
extension.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:

DRAFT NATIONAL RESOURCE EFFICIENCY POLICY
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of the policy.
For Mains: Resource efficiency- need, significance, challenges and means to achieve
it, NITI Aayog’s strategy on resource efficiency.
Context: Driven by serious sustainability concern, the Ministry of Environment,

Forests and Climate Change had proposed a draft National Resource Efficiency
Policy 2019.
It aims to streamline the efficient use of these resources with minimum negative
impact on environment.
Key features of the policy:
1. It seeks to set up a National Resource Efficiency Authority (NREA) with a core

working group housed in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change and a members group with representations from different
ministries, state/union territory, and other stakeholders.
2. The authority would be supported by an Inter-Ministerial National Resource
Efficiency Board to guide on the aspects critical to its implementation.
3. It also plans to offer tax benefits on recycled materials, green loans to small
and medium Enterprises (SMEs) and soft loans to construct waste disposal
facilities, apart from setting up Material Recovery Facilities (MRF).
4. Manufacturers and service providers would also be required to use more
recycled or renewable materials and awareness would be created among
consumers to indicate the shift.
5. Idea of the national policy is to drive the country towards circular
economy through efficient use of available material resources, based on
principle of 6R and ‘green public procurement’.
6. The 6R stands for reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, re-manufacture and
refurbish while the very premise of ‘green public procurement’ is to procure
products with lower environmental footprints such as secondary raw
materials and locally sourced materials.
7. It also pitches for moving towards ‘zero landfill’ approach in the country,
hinting at possibility of imposing ‘landfill taxes’ and ‘high tipping fees’ for bulk
generators of waste so that they can move towards optimal use of materials
and better waste management.

Functions of NERA:
1. Develop and implement resource efficient strategies for material recycling,

reuse and land-filling targets for various sectors.
2. Set standards for reuse of secondary raw materials to ensure quality.
3. Maintain a database of material use and waste generated, recycled and land
filled, across various sectors and different regions and monitor the
implementation.

What is Resource Efficiency?
Resource efficiency very simply put is making more with fewer materials. In
practice, through a life-cycle approach, it leads to minimizing impact on
environment & the associated societal burdens, transforming ‘waste’ into
‘resources’ fostering circular economy, and strengthening resource security.
Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy are important goals and central
principles for achieving sustainable development. Sustainability is a global priority
and SDGs commitment and 11th Five year plan also clearly enunciate importance of
Resource efficiency (RE).
Why ensure resource efficiency?
India’s large population, rapid urbanization and expanding industrial production

have led to exploitation of available limited natural resources with concerns
regarding resource depletion and future availability becoming more pronounced.
Therefore, Enhancing resource efficiency (RE) and promoting the use of secondary

raw materials (SRM) is a pertinent strategy to address these challenges and
reduce dependence on primary resource.
Challenges before India:
1. According to data available, India’s resource extraction of 1580 tonnes/acre

is much higher than the world average of 450 tonnes/acre, while material
productivity remains low.
2. Water is fast becoming scarce while deteriorating air quality has emerged
as a major threat to human life.
3. There has been massive soil degradation, with 147 million hectares (Mha) of
a total of 329 Mha land area hit.
4. Import dependency is nearly 100% for the majority of the ‘most critical’
materials -cobalt, copper and lithium that find extensive application in high-
end technology industry.
5. Over 80% of crude oil that is processed in the economy is imported,
alongwith 85% of its coking coal demand. Extraction of non-metallic minerals
is crippled with challenges.
6. To add to the problems, the country’s recycling rate is just about 20-25%
compared with 70% in developing countries in Europe. The situation will only
aggravate as India is likely to double its material consumption by 2030.

Strategy on Resource Efficiency:
1. NITI Aayog in collaboration with the European Union delegation to India

have released the Strategy on Resource Efficiency. The strategy aims to
promote resource efficiency in India.
2. This strategy is the first policy document to emphasize resource
productivity in the country. The Strategy emphasizes on Sustainable Public
Procurement (SSP) as an action agenda which will be the market
transformation tool to transform to a resource efficient economy.
3. It is developed with the recommendations from the Indian Resource
Efficiency Programme (IREP), launched by the Indian Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Indian Resource
Panel (InRP) in April 2017.
GS Paper 2 and 3:
Topics Covered:

mandate.
2. Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of
organized crime with terrorism.

Information Fusion Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

What to study?
For Prelims: Key facts on IOR.
For Mains: IOR- significance, potential, challenges to its security and the need for
international collaboration.
Context: The capabilities of Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-
IOR) are being enhanced under the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA)
Project.
The NMDA project was launched in accordance with the vision of PM on SAGAR
(Security and Growth for All in the Region).
About IFC- IOR:
The IFC-IOR was established with the vision of strengthening maritime security in
the region and beyond, by building a common coherent maritime situation picture
and acting as a maritime information hub for the region.
The IFC has been established at the Navy’s Information Management and Analysis
Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram, which is the single point centre linking all the coastal
radar chains to generate a seamless real-time picture of the nearly 7,500-km
coastline.
Through this Centre, information on “white shipping”, or commercial shipping, will

be exchanged with countries in the region to improve maritime domain awareness
in the Indian Ocean.

S
ignificance and the need:
1. The IOR has a diverse set of littorals and island nations, each with their
unique needs, aspirations, interest and values.
2. It is necessary to counter the Rise in maritime piracy in the region.
3. IFR-IRO would also ensure that the entire region is benefited by mutual
collaboration and exchange of information and understanding the concerns
and threats which are prevalent in the region.

Why is the Indian Ocean is important?
1. It enjoys a privileged location at the crossroads of global trade, connecting

the major engines of the international economy in the Northern Atlantic and
Asia-Pacific. This is particularly important in an era in which global shipping
has burgeoned.
2. Indian Ocean is also rich in natural resources. 40% of the world’s offshore oil
production takes place in the Indian Ocean basin.
3. Fishing in the Indian Ocean now accounts for almost 15% of the world’s total.
4. Mineral resources are equally important, with nodules containing nickel,
cobalt, and iron, and massive sulphide deposits of manganese, copper, iron,
zinc, silver, and gold present in sizeable quantities on the sea bed.
5. Indian Ocean coastal sediments are also important sources of titanium,
zirconium, tin, zinc, and copper. Additionally, various rare earth elements are
present, even if their extraction is not always commercially feasible.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Awareness in space.
Chandrayaan-2
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Key objectives, significance, payloads of the mission.
Context: The second moon mission of India, the Chandrayaan-2 has been precisely

inserted in defined orbit.
Next in line is the landing mission. The soft landing will be near lunar South Pole.
WHAT IS CHANDRAYAAN-2?
It was launched from Sriharikota on 22nd July this year.
It was launched on-board the powerful Geostationary satellite launch vehicle

(GSLV)-Mk-111 M-1.
While the orbiter would revolve around the moon for an year, Lander Vikram and
Rover Pragyan have a lifespan of 14 days, after starting operations on the lunar
surface.
WHAT MAKES CHANDRAYAAN-2 SO SPECIAL?
With Chandryaan-2, India will become only the fourth country in the world to land
a rover on the Moon. Previously, the United States, Russia and China have landed
rovers on the Moon.
However, none have landed near the south pole of the Moon.
Israel attempted a ‘soft landing’ near the south pole this year, but the mission
failed and the Israeli probe crashed instead.
Goals and objectives of the mission:
The primary objective of Chandrayaan 2 is to demonstrate the ability to soft-land

on the lunar surface and operate a robotic rover on the surface.
Scientific goals include studies of lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental

abundance, the lunar exosphere, and signatures of hydroxyl and water ice.
Other objectives of the mission:
1. To identify or to find out the minerals and indicators of hydroxyl and water
molecules.
2. To study the surface of the moon.
3. To study the density of the electrons in the Moon’s ionosphere that is the
uppermost part of the atmosphere that is ionised by radiation.
4. The Orbiter will observe the lunar surface and relay communication between
Earth and Chandrayaan 2’s Lander

Why is the study of the Moon important?
The Moon is the closest celestial body at which space discovery can be attempted
and documented. It is also a promising testbed to illustrate technologies required
for deep-space missions. Chandrayaan-2 attempts to foster a new age of discovery,
increase our understanding of space, stimulate the advancement of technology,
promote global alliances, and inspire a future generation of explorers and
scientists.
Extensive mapping of lunar surface to study variations in lunar surface composition

is essential to trace back the origin and evolution of the Moon. Evidence for water
molecules discovered by Chandrayaan-1, requires further studies on the extent of
water molecule distribution on the surface, below the surface and in the tenuous
lunar exosphere to address the origin of water on the Moon.
WHAT MAKES CHANDRAYAAN-2 SPECIAL?
1. 1st space mission to conduct a soft landing on the Moon’s south polar
region.
2. 1st Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface with
home-grown technology.
3. 1st Indian mission to explore the lunar terrain with home-grown technology.
4. 4th country ever to soft land on the lunar surface.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating
to Health, Education, Human Resources.
NISHTHA– National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement
What to study?
For prelims: Key features of the initiative.
For mains: Need for and significance.
Context: Union HRD Minister launches NISHTHA to build capacities of 42 Lakh

government teachers across the country.
About NISHTHA:
1. NISHTHA is the world’s largest teachers’ training programme of its kind in the
world.
2. It has been launched to improve Learning Outcomes at the Elementary level.
3. The basic objective of this massive training programme is to motivate and equip
teachers to encourage and foster critical thinking in students.
4. The initiative is first of its kind wherein standardized training modules are
developed at national level for all States and UTs. However, States and UTs can
contextualize the training modules and use their own material and resource
persons also, keeping in view the core topics and expected outcomes of NISHTHA.
5. The prominent features of this integrated programme are activity based modules
including educational games and quizzes, Social-emotional learning, motivational
interactions, team building, preparation for school based assessment, in-built
continuous feedback mechanism, online monitoring and support system, training
need and impact analysis (Pre and Post training).
Expected outcomes:
1. Teachers will get awareness and develop their skills on various aspects related to
Learning Outcomes, Competency Based Learning and Testing, Learner-centered
Pedagogy, School Safety and Security etc.
2. This integrated programme aims to build the capacities of around 42 lakh
participants covering all teachers and Heads of Schools at the elementary level in all
Government schools, faculty members of State Councils of Educational Research
and Training (SCERTs), District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) as well as
Block Resource Coordinators and Cluster Resource Coordinators in all States and
UTs.
Need and necessity for such programmes:
1. Teachers today are also expected to be aware of the provisions regarding Gender,
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
2. The integrated programme therefore seeks to train all heads and teachers as first
level counsellors to be alert and responsive to the needs of the students, in addition
to promoting joyful learning and taking special care of the requirements of special
children.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
1. Infrastructure- energy.
SARAL – ‘State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index’

What to Study?
For Prelims and Mains: Meaning, significance and potential of roofto solar energy,
challenges therein.
Context: SARAL – ‘State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index’ was recently launched.
The Index evaluates Indian states based on their attractiveness for rooftop

development.
SARAL is the first of its kind index to provide a comprehensive overview of state-
level measures adopted to facilitate rooftop solar deployment.
About the index:
SARAL has been designed collaboratively by the Ministry of New and Renewable

Energy (MNRE), Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF), Associated
Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Ernst & Young (EY).
SARAL currently captures five key aspects:
1. robustness of policy framework

2. implementation environment
3. investment climate
4. consumer experience
5. business ecosystem

Significance of the index:
1. It encourages each state to assess the initiatives taken so far, and what it can do to
improve its solar rooftop ecosystem.
2. This will help states to channelize investments that can eventually help the sector
grow.
3. In addition, such an exercise is likely to create a more conducive environment for
solar rooftop installations, encourage investment and lead to accelerated growth of
the sector.
Key findings:
 Karnataka has been placed at the first rank.

 Telangana, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have got 2nd, 3rd and 4th rank
respectively.
What is rooftop solar?
Rooftop solar installations — as opposed to large-scale solar power generation

plants — can be installed on the roofs of buildings. As such, they fall under two
brackets: commercial and residential. This simply has to do with whether the solar
panels are being installed on top of commercial buildings or residential complexes.
What are the benefits?
 Rooftop solar provides companies and residential areas the option of an alternative
source of electricity to that provided by the grid.
 While the main benefit of this is to the environment, since it reduces the
dependence on fossil-fuel generated electricity, solar power can also augment the
grid supply in places where it is erratic.
 Rooftop solar also has the great benefit of being able to provide electricity to those
areas that are not yet connected to the grid — remote locations and areas where
the terrain makes it difficult to set up power stations and lay power lines.
What is the potential for rooftop solar in India?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has pegged the market potential for
rooftop solar at 124 GW. However, only 1,247 MW of capacity had been installed as
of December 31, 2016. That is a little more than 3% of the target for 2022, and 1%
of the potential.
Way ahead:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set a target of 175 GW of
renewable energy capacity by 2022, of which 100 GW solar power is to be
operational by March 2022, of which 40 GW is expected to come from grid
connected solar rooftops.
To achieve our rooftop solar targets, it is important to develop an ecosystem that

ensures information symmetry, access to financing and clear market signals.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

mandate.

WTO reforms
What to study?
For prelims: WTO- establishment, functions, associated bodies.
For mains: Need for reforms and suggested reforms.
Context: WTO reforms must be taken up by all member countries: Piyush Goyal.
Need of the hour:
The World Trade Organization remains an indispensable organisation but

it requires urgent modernisation. Members have to face the reality that the
organisation requires non-cosmetic, serious root-and-branch reform for a WTO
adapted to 21st century economic and political realities.
Problems facing the WTO are:
1. Dispute settlement cases continue to be filed for the time being and are
being litigated. A civil dialogue over trade issues persists.
2. Technical functioning is now wholly inadequate to meet the major
challenges to the strategic relevance of the WTO in the 21st century. In
critical areas, the organisation has neither responded, nor adapted, nor
delivered.
3. Dimensions of its structures and functions are fragile, creaking, and failing
in parts.
4. Functioning of state enterprises engaging in commercial activities is
interfering with and distorting the operative assumption of the General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)/WTO that international trade is to be
conducted, principally, by private sector operators in response to conditions
of supply and demand through price in a market economy.
5. Many WTO members bear responsibility for the use of trade-distorting
domestic subsidies. Agricultural and industrial subsidies have caused
blockages in the system and prompted protectionist reactions in a number of
WTO members.
6. Blockage and deadlock in the Appellate Body stage of the WTO dispute
settlement system triggered the present crisis.
7. The WTO lost the critical balance between the organisation as an
institution established to support, consolidate, and bind economic
reform to counter damaging protectionism, on the one hand, and the
organisation as an institution for litigation-based dispute settlement, on the
other hand.
8. For years now, the multilateral system for the settlement of trade dispute
has been under intense scrutiny and constant criticism. The U.S. has
systematically blocked the appointment of new Appellate Body members
(“judges”) and de facto impeded the work of the WTO appeal mechanism.

1. A vibrant WTO cannot accommodate conflicting economic models of market

versus state. All WTO members will have to accept the operative assumption
of a rules-based order steered by a market economy, the private sector, and
competition.
2. Launch negotiations to address the intertwined issues of agricultural
subsidies and market access, while recognising that food security concerns
will not disappear.
3. A credible trading system requires a dispute settlement system that is
accepted by all.
4. Launch serious negotiations to restore the balance, and we must do so in an
open-ended plurilateral manner that cannot be blocked by those who do not
want to move ahead.
5. GATT/WTO rules in a number of areas are outdated. New rules are
required to keep pace with changes in the market and technology. Rules and
disciplines on topics ranging from trade-distorting industrial subsidies to
digital trade require updates.

Way ahead:
A reformed WTO will have to be constructed on the foundation of liberal

multilateralism, resting on open, non-discriminatory plurilateral pillars, an
improved Appellate Body, explicit accommodation of regional trade agreements,
and appropriate safety valves for rules-based sovereign action. A reaffirmed
commitment to the rules-based liberal market order with a development dimension
must be the foundational starting point.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s
interests.

South-South and Triangular Cooperation

What to study?
For prelims and mains: South- South and triangular cooperation- meaning, need and
significance.
Context: An international dialogue on South-South and Triangular Cooperation was

recently held in New Delhi.
About South-South and Triangular Cooperation:
South-South cooperation is a broad framework of collaboration among countries

of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and
technical domains.
Involving two or more developing countries, it can take place on a bilateral,

regional, intraregional or interregional basis.
Developing countries share knowledge, skills, expertise and resources to meet their
development goals through concerted efforts.
Triangular cooperation:
It is collaboration in which traditional donor countries and multilateral

organizations facilitate South-South initiatives through the provision of funding,
training, management and technological systems as well as other forms of support.

Objectives of South-South Cooperation are to:
1. foster the self-reliance of developing countries by enhancing their creative

capacity to find solutions to their development problems in keeping with
their own aspirations, values and specific needs;
2. create and strengthen existing technological capacities in the developing
countries in order to improve the effectiveness with which such capacities
are used;
3. increase and improve communications among developing countries, leading
to a greater awareness of common problems and wider access to available
knowledge and experience as well as the creation of new knowledge in
tackling development problems;
4. recognize and respond to the problems and requirements of the least
developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island
developing States and the countries most seriously affected by, for example,
natural disasters and other crises; and
5. enable developing countries to achieve a greater degree of participation in
international economic activities and to expand international cooperation for
development.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
Infrastructure- energy.

Ocean energy declared as Renewable Energy
What to study?
For prelims and mains: Types of ocean energy, potential and significance of the Recent
decision.
Context: The government has approved a proposal to declare ocean energy as

Renewable Energy.
Accordingly, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has clarified to all the
stakeholders that energy produced using various forms of ocean energy such as
tidal, wave, ocean thermal energy conversion etc. shall be considered as
Renewable Energy and shall be eligible for meeting the non-solar Renewable
Purchase Obligations (RPO).
Potential of oceans as a renewable energy source:
Oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, making them the world’s largest
solar collectors.
The ocean can produce two types of energy: thermal energy from the sun’s heat,
and mechanical energy from the tides and waves. These energies are non-
polluting, reliable, and very predictable.
1. Tidal energy: Tidal Energy, also known as Tidal Power is classified as an

alternate energy or better known as the renewable source of energy. It is one
of the forms of hydropower energy that exercises energy of the oceanic tides
to generate electricity.
2. Ocean wave energy: It uses the power of the waves to generate electricity.
Unlike tidal energy which uses the ebb and flow of the tides, wave
energy uses the vertical movement of the surface water that produce tidal
waves.
3. Ocean thermal energy: The sun’s heat warms the surface water a lot more
than the deep ocean water, and this temperature difference creates thermal
energy.
4. Ocean current energy: The energy of ocean currents under the surface is
comparable to the wind above it. Underwater turbines — large propellers
tethered to the seabed — are used to derive power from this source.
5. Osmotic energy: This technique — the most surprising — produces energy
from the movement of water across a membrane between a saltwater
reservoir and freshwater reservoir.

Potential:
Total identified potential of Tidal Energy is about 12455 MW, with potential
locations identified at Khambat & Kutch regions, and large backwaters, where
barrage technology could be used.
The total theoretical potential of wave energy in India along the country’s coast is
estimated to be about 40,000 MW – these are preliminary estimates. This energy is
however less intensive than what is available in more northern and southern
latitudes.
World Youth Conference on Kindness
The first World Youth Conference on Kindness is being organised in New Delhi.
It is organised by the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace

and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development.
 The aim is to impart critical competencies (i.e. empathy, compassion, mindfulness

and critical inquiry) in global youth to inspire, empower and enable them to
transform themselves and build long-lasting peace in their communities. Youth
leaders, representing over 27 countries, are participating in this Conference.
Theme: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Gandhi for the Contemporary World:
Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’.
Objectives:
1. Intensive youth-led capacity building workshops to enhance the capacities of youth

on social and emotional learning skills and competencies such as empathy,
mindfulness, compassion, kindness and critical inquiry through the prism of identity
and global issues.
2. a generative space consisting of experts panels and TAGe plenary for youth and
experts to share and critically engage with the concept of peace through kindness
and nonviolence.
3. a platform to celebrate inspiring acts of kindness that are effecting change in the
world and action programming for youth agency.
In News- National Agricultural Cooperative Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) :
Context: Government to substantially increase the daily supply of onions from its
buffer stock held with NAFED.
About NAFED:
 National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.(NAFED),

established in 1958, is registered under the Multi State Co-operative Societies Act.
 Nafed was setup with the object to promote Co-operative marketing of Agricultural
Produce to benefit the farmers.
 Composition: Agricultural farmers are the main members of Nafed, who have the
authority to say in the form of members of the General Body in the working of
Nafed.
 The objectives of the NAFED shall be to organize, promote and develop marketing,
processing and storage of agricultural, horticultural and forest produce, distribution
of agricultural machinery, implements and other inputs, undertake inter-state,
import and export trade etc.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
Biotechnology related issues.

Fortified rice
What to study?
For Prelims: What is food fortification, FSSAI.
For Mains: Food fortification and food security.
Context: To tackle the menace of Malnutrition, NITI Aayog seeks creation of

roadmap by Department of Food and Public Distribution for taking the Rice
Fortification Pilot Scheme Pan India.
What is Rice Fortification?
Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of an essential

micronutrient, i.e. vitamins and minerals (including trace elements) in a food, so as
to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health
benefit with minimal risk to health. Rice fortification is the practice of increasing the
content of essential micronutrients in rice and to improve the nutritional quality of
the rice.
Why Rice Fortification?
1. Rice is the world’s most important staple food. An estimated 2 billion people eat rice
every day, forming the mainstay of diets across large of Asia and Africa.
2. Regular milled rice is low in micronutrients and serves primarily as a source of
carbohydrate only. The fortification of rice is a major opportunity to improve
nutrition.
3. Fortified rice are contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Iron and
Zinc.

Food fortification in India:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has formulated a

comprehensive regulation on fortification of foods namely ‘Food Safety and
Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2016’. These regulations set the
standards for food fortification and encourage the production, manufacture,
distribution, sale and consumption of fortified foods. The regulations also provide
for specific role of FSSAI in promotion for food fortification and to make fortification
mandatory. This sets the premise for the national summit on fortification of food.
Benefits of fortification:
1. If consumed on a regular and frequent basis, fortified foods will maintain body
stores of nutrients more efficiently and more effectively than will intermittent
supplements.
2. Fortified foods are also better at lowering the risk of the multiple deficiencies that
can result from seasonal deficits in the food supply or a poor quality diet.
3. Fortification can be an excellent way of increasing the content of vitamins in breast
milk and thus reducing the need for supplementation in postpartum women and
infants.
4. Fortification of widely distributed and widely consumed foods has the potential to
improve the nutritional status of a large proportion of the population, both poor
and wealthy.
5. Fortification is often more cost-effective than other strategies, especially if the
technology already exists and if an appropriate food distribution system is in place.
GS Paper 3:
Topic:
Conservation related topics.

Composite Water Management Index (CWMI)
What to study?
For Prelims: CWMI- key features, best and worst performing states.
For Mains: Water crisis- concerns, challenges and solutions.
Context: NITI Aayog has released its report on Composite Water Management

Index (CWMI).
About CWMI:
1. The Composite Water Management Index report is a step in a direction that aims to
create awareness among people and governments about the realities of water
crisis in the country.
2. CWMI aims to enable effective water management in Indian states in the face of
this growing crisis.
3. The index would provide useful information for the states and concerned Central
ministries and departments enabling them to formulate and implement suitable
strategies for better management of water resources.
4. NITI Aayog has ranked all states in the index on the composite water management,
comprising 9 broad sectors with 28 different indicators covering various aspects of
ground water, restoration of water bodies, irrigation, farm practices, drinking water,
policy and governance.
Key performers:
1. Gujarat is ranked one in the reference year (2017-18).

2. It is followed byAndhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
3. In North Eastern and Himalayan States, Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged
number 1 in 2017-18 followed by Uttarakhand, Tripura and Assam.
4. The Union Territories have first time submitted their data and Puducherry has been
declared as the top ranker.
5. In terms of incremental change in index (over 2016-17 level), Haryana holds number
one position in general States and Uttarakhand ranks at first position amongst
North Eastern and Himalayan States.
6. On an average, 80% of the states assessed on the Index over the last three years
have improved their water management scores, with an average improvement of
+5.2 points.
Key findings and concerns:
1. Even as states are making progress in water management, the overall performance
remains well below what is required to adequately tackle India’s water challenges.
2. Of the 25 states and two union territories, assessed in the CWMI, 80 per cent have
improved their water management scores, with an average improvement of more
than 5.2 points. But, 16 states still score less than 50 points on the index (out of 100)
and fall in the low-performing category.
3. The low-performing states, which include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha,
Delhi, Rajasthan, Nagaland and Meghalaya, collectively account for around 48 per
cent of the population, 40 per cent of agricultural produce and 35 per cent of
economic output of India.
4. The report cautioned that urban hubs are likely to witness severe water shortages in
the future. This which could risk growth and reduce quality of life for citizens in
urban areas.
Need of the hour:
The states must improve water management practices so that the country can

provide its citizens with better quality of life, support economic growth and sustain
its ecosystem.
Way ahead:
 Water scarcity is one of the biggest problems the country is facing today and that
more than the scarcity of water, it is an issue of management of water resources.
 Water management is often currently viewed as a zero-sum game by states due to
limited frameworks for inter-state and national management. However, Centre-state
and inter-state cooperation can help address the issue.
 There is a need to reward those states which are doing well in managing their water
resources and also to bring in the public domain the names of those states which
are not managing their resources properly.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

WorldSkills Kazan 2019

What to study?
For prelims: Key features and objectives of the conference, About Worldskills and it’s
associates.
For mains: Need for and significance of competition in encouraging skill development.
Context: The 45th WorldSkills Competition is being held at the KAZAN EXPO

International Exhibition Centre in Kazan, Russia.
What is it?
It is a flagship event of the WorldSkills International, organised every two years.
It is the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in the world that
truly reflects global industry.
The aims of the competition include demonstrating the advantages of learning a

vocational skill, and encouraging ‘parity of esteem’ between vocational and
academic qualifications.
About Worldskills:
WorldSkills currently has 79 Member countries and regions, most of which organise
national skills competitions that help to prepare the workforce and talent of today
for the jobs of the future.
WorldSkills International was formerly known as the International Vocation
Training Organisation (IVTO).
It was founded in the 1940s and emerged from a desire to create new employment
opportunities for young people in some of the economies that were devastated by
the Second World War.
What Is WorldSkills India?
WorldSkills India is an initiative of the National Skill Development Corporation

(NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. NSDC,
through its WorldSkills India initiative, has been leading the country’s participation
at WorldSkills International competitions since 2011.
The key objectives of WorldSkills India are to:
1. Promulgate skills in the society and motivate the youth to pursue vocational
education.
2. Champion skills and learning for work through local, regional, national and
international skills competition and contribute to the society.
3. Invite sponsorships to organize the local, regional, national and international
skills competitions and also host international competitions.
4. Establish links and a long-term association with the WSI secretariat along
with development of cooperation with the Government of India, state
Governments, registered vocational skills training and awarding bodies.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
1. India and its neighbourhood- relations.
and/or affecting India’s interests

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
What to study?
For prelims: RCEP- Key facts and Geographical location of member countries.
For mains: Why is India concerned, gains and losses from this, what India needs to do?
Context: Stakeholders’ Consultations by Department of Commerce on RCEP.
What you need to know about RCEP?
1. RCEP is proposed between the ten member states of the Association of

Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia,
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam)
and the six states with which ASEAN has existing FTAs (Australia, China,
India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand).
2. RCEP negotiations were formally launched in November 2012 at the ASEAN
Summit in Cambodia.
3. Aim: RCEP aims to boost goods trade by eliminating most tariff and non-tariff
barriers — a move that is expected to provide the region’s consumers
greater choice of quality products at affordable rates. It also seeks to
liberalise investment norms and do away with services trade restrictions.

Why has it assumed so much significance in recent times?
When inked, it would become the world’s biggest free trade pact. This is because
the 16 nations account for a total GDP of about $50 trillion and house close to 3.5
billion people. India (GDP-PPP worth $9.5 trillion and population of 1.3 billion) and
China (GDP-PPP of $23.2 trillion and population of 1.4 billion) together comprise the
RCEP’s biggest component in terms of market size.
Why is India concerned?
Greater access to Chinese goods may have impact on the Indian manufacturing
sector. India has got massive trade deficit with China. Under these circumstances,
India proposed differential market access strategy for China.
There are demands by other RCEP countries for lowering customs duties on a
number of products and greater access to the market than India has been willing to
provide.

Why India should not miss RCEP?
If India is out of the RCEP, it would make its exports price uncompetitive with other
RCEP members’ exports in each RCEP market, and the ensuing export-losses
contributing to foreign exchange shortages and the subsequent extent of
depreciation of the rupee can only be left to imagination. Some of the sectors that
have been identified as potential sources of India’s export growth impulses under
RCEP to the tune of approximately $200 billion.
There are more compelling trade and economic reasons for RCEP to become India-
led in future, than otherwise. India would get greater market access in other
countries not only in terms of goods, but in services and investments also.
However, there are views that in present form the RCEP agreement is not good for
India. Why?
1. The current account deficit (CAD) touched 8 per cent of GDP, and the
agreement in the present state of negotiations would mean forgoing a
substantial part of the revenues.
2. Greater access to Chinese goods may have impact on the Indian
manufacturing sector. India has got massive trade deficit with China. In fiscal
year 2017-18, the trade deficit with China was $63 billion.
3. Under these circumstances, India proposed differential market access
strategy for China.
4. Exports from ASEAN into India have grown far quicker than Indian exports to
the bloc, which they attribute to the fact that India is a “services economy.”
5. There are demands by other RCEP countries for lowering customs duties on
a number of products and greater access to the market than India has been
willing to provide.
6. Apart from China, India is also losing out to financial and technological hub of
Singapore, agriculture and dairy majors Australia and New Zealand,
plantations of South East Asian countries, and pharmaceutical trade with
China and the US.
7. With e-commerce as part of the discussion, the Indian resistance at WTO of
not letting the discussion on digital trade will weaken.
8. The free movement of investments will benefit investors in the US,
Singapore, Japan and China, but very few Indians will be taking advantage of
this.
9. New Delhi is also worried that the RCEP will open backdoor negotiations and
may lead to the country losing out on TRIPS agreements. This may result in
giving way to global majors in agriculture seed and pharmaceutical
manufacturing.

Way ahead:
Bilateral talks between India and China are crucial for an early conclusion of RCEP
negotaiations as agreed by other members. Indian policymakers need to be
mindful of domestic sectors’ concerns before agreeing on terms of deal.
Simultaneously, there is a necessity to improve our competitiveness in the
economy. India must play its due role to get its due place in the regional economic
configurations.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

2. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.

Open Acreage Licensing Policy
What to study?
For Prelims: OALP, HELP.
For Mains: Need for HELP and its significance.
Context: Govt offers seven oil and natural gas blocks for bidding under OALP-IV.
What is Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)?
The OALP, a critical part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy,

provides uniform licences for exploration and production of all forms of
hydrocarbons, enabling contractors to explore conventional as well as
unconventional oil and gas resources.
Fields are offered under a revenue-sharing model and throw up marketing and
pricing freedom for crude oil and natural gas produced.
 Under the OALP, once an explorer selects areas after evaluating the National

Data Repository (NDR) and submits the EoI, it is to be put up for competitive
bidding and the entity offering the maximum share of oil and gas to the
government is awarded the block.
 NDR has been created to provide explorers’ data on the country’s
repositories, allowing them to choose fields according to their capabilities.
Data received through the National Seismic Programme, an in-depth study of
26 sedimentary basins, are continuously being added to the NDR.

Background:
The Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) replacing the erstwhile

New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) was approved in March 2016 and the Open
Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) along with the National Data Repository
(NDR) were launched in June 2017 as the key drivers to accelerate the Exploration
and Production (E&P) activities in India.
The main features of HELP are Revenue Sharing Contract, single Licence for
exploration and production of conventional as well as unconventional Hydrocarbon
resources, marketing & pricing freedom, etc.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:


What to study?
For Mains: Resource efficiency- need, significance, challenges and means to achieve it,
NITI Aayog’s strategy on resource efficiency.
Context: Acknowledging the progress that has been made to implement Draft

National Resource Efficiency Policy (NREP), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change have extended the timeline to invite comments on it by another
month.







GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential;
measures.
Project SURE
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Key features and significance of the programme.
Context: Project SURE has been launched. It is a move towards sustainable

fashion.
About Project SURE:
1. The SURE project is a commitment by India’s apparel industry to set a

sustainable pathway for the Indian fashion industry.
2. SURE stands for ‘Sustainable Resolution’ – a firm commitment from the
industry to move towards fashion that contributes to a clean environment.
3. The project has been launched by the union Textiles Ministry, along
with Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI); United Nations in
India; and IMG Reliance.
4. Significance: It will be the first holistic effort by the apparel industry towards
gradually introducing a broader framework for establishing critical
sustainability goals for the industry.
5. This framework would help the industry reduce its carbon emissions,
increase resource efficiency, tackle waste and water management, and
create positive social impact to achieve long-term sustainability targets.

Five-point Sustainable Resolution:
1. Develop a complete understanding of the environmental impact of the

garments being currently produced by our brand.
2. Develop a sustainable sourcing policy for consistently prioritizing and
utilizing certified raw materials that have a positive impact on the
environment.
3. Make the right decisions about how, where, and what we source across the
value chain by selecting sustainable and renewable materials and processes
and ensuring their traceability.
4. Communicate our sustainability initiatives effectively to consumers and
media through our online and physical stores, product tags/labeling, social
media, advertising campaigns and events.
5. Through these actions, shift a significant percentage of our supply chain to a
sustainable chain by the year 2025, addressing critical global issues such as
climate change, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and
building a world that is safe for the future generations, as an acceptance of a
responsibility we all share.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:

Janaushadhi Sugam
What to study?
For Prelims: Features of PMBJP and Janaushadhi Suvidha.
For Mains: Health facilities for the underprivileged- need and efforts by the government,
generic medicines and their increasing popularity worldwide.
Context: Union Ministry for Chemicals and Fertilizers has launched a mobile

application “Janaushadhi Sugam”.
 The application aims to enable people to search Janaushadhi generic

medicines and the stores at the tip of their fingers.
 It will also help analyse product comparison of Generic vs Branded medicine
in form of MRP & overall Savings.

About PMBJP:
‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’ is a campaign launched by the

Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. Of India, to provide quality medicines at
affordable prices to the masses through special kendra’s known as Pradhan Mantri
Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) have been set up to provide

generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and
efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementing agency of PMBJP. BPPI
(Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India) has been established under
the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the
CPSUs.
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SCHEME:
1. Ensure access to quality medicines.

2. Extend coverage of quality generic medicines so as to reduce the out of
pocket expenditure on medicines and thereby redefine the unit cost of
treatment per person.
3. Create awareness about generic medicines through education and publicity
so that quality is not synonymous with only high price.
4. A public programme involving Government, PSUs, Private Sector, NGO,
Societies, Co-operative Bodies and other Institutions.
5. Create demand for generic medicines by improving access to better
healthcare through low treatment cost and easy availability wherever needed
in all therapeutic categories.

What is a Generic Medicine?
Generic medicines are unbranded medicines which are equally safe and having the
same efficacy as that of branded medicines in terms of their therapeutic value. The
prices of generic medicines are much cheaper than their branded equivalent.
Outreach of generic medicines:
 With developments like more and more doctors prescribing generic

medicines and opening of over 5050 Janaushadhi stores across 652 districts,
awareness and availability of high quality affordable generic medicines has
increased in the country. About 10-15 lakh people benefit from Janaushadhi
medicines per day and the market share of generic medicines has grown
over three fold from 2% to 7%in last 3 years.
 The Janaushadhi medicines have played a big role in bringing down the out
of pocket expenditure of patients suffering from life threatening diseases in
India. The PMBJP scheme has led to total savings of approximately Rs.1000
crores for common citizens, as these medicines are cheaper by 50% to 90%
of average market price.
 The PMBJP is also providing a good source of self-employment with self-
sustainable and regular earnings.

GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
1. e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential;

measures.

National Digital Library of India
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: NMEICT and NDLI- key features and significance.
Context: Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has

launched National Digital Library of India project.

What is it?
National Digital Library of India (NDLI) is a project of the Ministry of Human
Resource Development under the aegis of National Mission on Education through
Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT).
It is developed by IIT Kharagpur.
Objective: The objective of NDL is to make digital educational resources available to

all citizens of the country to empower, inspire and encourage learning.
Key facts:
1. NDL is the Single Window Platform that collects and collates metadata from
premier learning institutions in India and abroad, as well as other relevant
sources.
2. It is a digital repository containing textbooks, articles, videos, audio books,
lectures, simulations, fiction and all other kinds of learning media.
3. It makes quality learning resources available to all learners and has 1.7 Crore
content from more than 160 sources, in over 200 languages.

About NMEICT:
 The National Mission on Education through Information and Communication

Technology (ICT) has been envisaged as a Centrally Sponsored Schemeto
leverage the potential of ICT, in teaching and learning process for the benefit
of all the learners in Higher Education Institutions in any time anywhere
mode.
 The Mission has two major components – providing connectivity, along with
provision for access devices, to institutions and learners; and content
generation.

Aims:
1. The Mission aims to extend computer infrastructure and connectivity to over

25000 colleges and 2000 polytechnics in the country including each of the
departments of 419 universities/deemed universities and institutions of
national importance as a part of its motto to provide connectivity up to last
mile.
2. LAN of up to 400 nodes on average has also been envisaged to be provided
to the universities under the NMEICT scheme. The Mission, in addition to
utilize the connectivity network of service providers, shall explore the
possibility to provide connectivity utilizing Very Small Aperture Terminal
(VSAT), Virtual Private Network (VPN) and EduSat channels.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources.
Fit India Movement
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of the movement, About NSD and the awards.
For Mains: Significance and the need for maintaining fitness.
Context: Prime Minister launches nation-wide Fit India Movement on the

occasion of National Sports Day.
What is Fit India Movement?
Envisioned by the Prime Minister, the nation-wide Fit India Movement aims to
motivate every Indian to incorporate simple, easy ways of staying fit in their
everyday life.
Significance: The initiative is the need of the hour and it will lead the country
towards a healthy future.
National Sports Day:
It is celebrated on 29 August, on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major

Dhyan Chand.
On this Day, President confers the National Sports Awards, National Adventure
Awards, Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award and Dhyanchand
Award to recognise the exceptional achievements of Indian sportspersons.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups
and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP)
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of NERLP.
For Mains: Need for special attention of NE region, challenges involved and ways to
address them.
Context: A study finds that North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP) improves

livelihoods of 300,000 households in 11 districts of Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and
Sikkim.
Under this project, the Skills development and placement has trained 10462 boys
and girls in various job skills and a total of 5494 of them are employed today.

About NERLP:
It is a World Bank aided, multi-state livelihood project under the Ministry of

Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), launched in 2012.
Implemented in 11 districts of Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.
Aim: to improve rural livelihoods especially that of women, unemployed youth and
the most disadvantaged, in four North Eastern States.
The project has focussed on five development strategies, namely, social

empowerment, economic empowerment, partnership development, project
management and livelihood & value chain developments.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development
and employment.

National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of the mission.
For Mains: Significance of the mission and challenges in its implementation.

Context: National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Conferred The

Prestigious SKOCH Governance Gold Award.
The award has been conferred for its Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest
Subvention Access (PAiSA).
What is PaiSA portal?
Launched in November 2018, it is a centralized IT platform which simplifies and

streamlines release of interest subvention under the Mission.
It offers end to end online solution for processing, payment, monitoring and

tracking of interest subvention claims from banks on a monthly basis.
It is designed and developed by Allahabad Bank (Nodal bank).
About DAY- NULM:
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) is renamed as Deen Dayal Antyodaya

Yojana-(DAY-NULM) and in Hindi as – Rashtriya Shahri Aajeevika Mission.
Coverage: Under the scheme urban areas extends the coverage to all the 4041
statutory cities and towns, there by covering almost the entire urban population.
Aims:
1. To reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by
enabling them to access gainful self employment and skilled wage
employment opportunities, resulting in an appreciable improvement in their
livelihoods on a sustainable basis, through building strong grassroots level.
2. To provide the shelter equipped with essential services to the urban
homeless in a phased manner.
3. To address the livelihood concern of the urban street vendors by facilitating
with suitable space, institutional credit, and social security and skills to the
urban street vendor for accessing emerging market opportunities.

The scheme has two component one for urban India and other for rural India:
1. The Urban component named as Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana will be

implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
2. The rural component named as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya
Yojana will be implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:

Campaign Angikaar
What to study?
For Prelims Key features.:
For Mains: Need for and significance of the campaign.

Context: The government has launched “angikaar” a campaign for change

management.
The campaign will be initiated in all target cities on 2nd October

2019 commemorating 150th Gandhi Jayanti after preparatory phase and culminate
on the occasion of Human Rights Day, 10th December, 2019.
What is angikaar?
Angikaar has been launched for social behaviour change, focusing on issues such

as water & energy conservation, waste management, health, tree plantation,
sanitation and hygiene.
Target group: It has been launched for beneficiaries of completed houses under

PMAY (U), through community mobilisation and IEC activities.
Implementation: The campaign will converge with schemes and Missions of other
Ministries dealing with these subjects. The convergence would especially focus
on Ujjwala for gas connection and Ayushman Bharat for health insurance to the
beneficiaries of PMAY (U).
The campaign will include door to door activities, ward and city level events.
About PMAY- Urban:
Launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA), in

Mission mode envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when the Nation
completes 75 years of its Independence.


subsidy.

GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:

CAMPA
What to study?
For Prelims: Features of CAF Act.
For Mains: Significance and the need for afforestation, significance of CAF Act.

Context: Centre releases Rs. 47,436 crores for afforestation to various states
from CAMPA funds.
What is CAMPA?
Supreme Court of India ordered for establishment of Compensatory Afforestation

Fund and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority
(CAMPA) in 2001.
In 2006, adhoc CAMPA was established for the management of Compensatory

afforestation fund.
CAMPA Act:
1. To compensate the loss of forest area and to maintain the sustainability, the
Government of India came up with a well-defined Act, known as CAMPA
(Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
2. The law establishes the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund under
the Public Account of India, and a State Compensatory Afforestation Fund
under the Public Account of each state.
3. These Funds will receive payments for: (i) compensatory afforestation, (ii) net
present value of forest (NPV), and (iii) other project specific payments.
4. The National Fund will receive 10% of these funds, and the State Funds will
receive the remaining 90%.
5. According to the Act’s provision, a company diverting forest land must
provide alternative land to take up compensatory afforestation.
6. For afforestation, the company should pay to plant new trees in the
alternative land provided to the state.

Issues with CAMPA:
 In 2002, the Supreme Court had observed that collected funds for

afforestation were under-utilised by the states and it ordered for centrally
pooling of funds under ad hoc Compensatory Afforestation Fund.
 The law says that land selected for afforestation should preferably be
contiguous to the forest being diverted so that it is easier for forest officials
to manage it. But if no suitable non-forest land is found, degraded forests
can be chosen for afforestation. In several states like Chattisgarh, Odisha and
Jharkhand where the intensity of mining is very high, to find the non-forest
land for afforestation to compensate the loss of forest is a big task.
 Utilisation of CAMPA fund: Several state governments are not utilising it
properly. An amount of Rs 86 lakh from CAMPA funds meant for
afforestation was reportedly spent on litigation work in Punjab.
 Moreover, at several places, the loss of natural species is compensated with
plantation of non-native species in the name of the artificial plantation. It
serves as a threat to even the existing ecosystem.

Way ahead:
1. The proposed objective of the Act must be fulfilled by utilising the CAMPA
funds only for the purpose it is meant for. It should efficiently be used only
for afforestation and wildlife conservation activities.
2. A closer look at the state government activities using CAMPA funding is
needed. The central government should adopt the concept of outcome
budgeting for allocation of funds to the state government in which funding
will be done on installment basis by checking the outcome of previous funds.
3. State governments should restore the existing forests rather than creating
new ones.
GS Paper 3:
Topic covered:
Disaster and disaster management.

International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
What to study?
For Prelims: composition, objectives and significance of CRDI.
For Mains: Disaster preparedness and the need for information sharing and
collaboration between various agencies.
Context: Cabinet approves Establishment of an International Coalition for Disaster

Resilient Infrastructure. It will be officially launched by PM during UN Climate
Summit in New York on 23rd September 2019.
About CDRI:
 It will serve as a platform where knowledge is generated and exchanged on

different aspects of disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure.
 It will create a mechanism to assist countries to upgrade their capacities and
practices, with regard to infrastructure development in accordance with their
risk context and economic needs.
 This initiative will benefit all sections of society. Economically weaker
sections of society, women and children, are the most vulnerable to the
impacts of disasters and hence, will be benefitted from the improvement of
knowledge and practice in creating disaster resilient infrastructure.
 It will also benefit all areas with high disaster risk. In India, the north-
eastern and Himalayan regions are prone to earthquakes, coastal areas to
cyclones and tsunamis and central peninsular region to droughts.

Significance:
A global coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure would address concerns that
are common to developing and developed countries, small and large economies,
countries at early and advanced stages of infrastructure development, and
countries that have moderate or high disaster risk.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:


PRESIDENT APPOINTS GOVERNORS
What to study?
For Prelims: Constitutional provisions related to the office of governor.
For Mains: Significance and issues associated with the office of governor- is he merely a
rubber stamp, comparison of powers with the President and frequent removals.

Context: By exercising his authority under Article 156 of the constitution, President
Ram Nath Kovind has appointed new Governors for five states.
Governors of States in India:
The nominal head of a state, unlike the Chief Minister who is the real head of a
state in India.
According to 7th Constitutional Amendment Act 1956, the same person can be the

Governor of two or more states.
Appointment: The governors and lieutenant-governors are appointed by the

president.
Removal: The term of governor’s office is normally 5 years but it can be terminated

earlier by: Dismissal by the president on the advice of the prime minister of the
country, at whose pleasure the governor holds office or Resignation by the
governor. Thus, the term is subject to pleasure of the president.
There is no provision of impeachment, as it happens for the president.
Some discretionary powers are as follows:
1. Can dissolve the legislative assembly if the chief minister advices him to do
following a vote of no confidence. Following which, it is up to the Governor
what he/ she would like to do.
2. Can recommend the president about the failure of the constitutional
machinery in the state.
3. Can reserve a bill passed by the state legislature for president’s assent.
4. Can appoint anybody as chief minister If there is no political party with a
clear-cut majority in the assembly.
5. Determines the amount payable by the Government of Assam, Meghalaya,
Tripura and Mizoram to an autonomous Tribal District Council as royalty
accruing from licenses for mineral exploration.
6. Can seek information from the chief minister with regard to the
administrative and legislative matters of the state.
7. Can refuse to sign to an ordinary bill passed by the state legislature.

Problem with constitutional design:
The governor is merely appointed by the president on the advice of the Central
government.
Unlike the president, a governor does not have a fixed term. He/she holds office at
the pleasure of the ruling party in the centre.
Both the manner of the appointment and the uncertainty of tenure conspire to

make the incumbent an object of the Central government in politically charged
circumstances.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:


‘Build for Digital India’ programme

What to study?
For Prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the programme.
Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

(MeitY) and Google have signed a statement of intent to roll-out ‘Build for Digital
India’ programme.
Key features of the programme:
1. The programme will give engineering students a platform to develop

market-ready, technology-based solutions that address key social problems.
2. Applicants will take part in online and offline learning opportunities on key
technologies such as machine learning, cloud and android.
3. These will be offered through Google’s Developer Student Club network and
other Google Developer networks.
4. Google will also offer mentorship sessions in product design, strategy and
technology to the most promising products and prototypes.

Significance:
This initiative will motivate college students across India to innovate and produce
some good technology solutions for major social challenges of India.
The programme will provide great exposure to students in dealing with real world
problems and develop deeper understanding of how newer technologies can be
used to solve them.
Advanced new technologies such as machine learning and AI can help address at
scale some of the toughest social challenges that India faces today.
Topics Covered:

Association of World Election Bodies
Context: Election Commission is hosting the 4th General Assembly of Association

of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) at Bengaluru.
India will take over as A-WEB’s Chair for the 2019-21 term.
About The Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB):
It is the largest association of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide.
Established on October 14, 2013 in Song-do, South Korea.
Permanent secretariat is located at Seoul.
Aims to foster efficiency and effectiveness in conducting free, fair, transparent and
participative elections worldwide.
Composition: 115 EMBs as Members & 20 Regional Associations/Organisations as

Associate Members. 24 EMBs from Asia, 37 from Africa, 31 from America, 17 from
Europe & 6 from Oceania presently are members of A WEB.

GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

other stakeholders.

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC)
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features and objectives of NERAMAC.
For Mains: Significance and challenges faced by NE region and ways to address them.
Context: Foundation stone of North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing

Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) Marketing complex was recently laid in Guwahati,
Assam
About NERAMAC:
 The NERAMAC is a pioneer marketing organization in the field of Agri-Horti

sector of the North-eastern region, involved in supporting farmers right
from the fields and up to the markets to the end consumers through
registered FPO/FPCs.
 It was incorporated in the year 1982 as a Government of India Enterprise and
having its registered office at Guwahati and operating under the
administrative control of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern
Region (DoNER).
GS Paper 1:
Topics Covered:
1. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until
the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

Teachers’ Day 2019
What to study?
For Prelims and mains: Teachers Day Significance and about Radhakrishnan and his key
contributions.
Context: Teacher’s Day is observed annually on September 5, as Dr. Radhakrishnan

was born on September 5, 1888.
Key facts:
1. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was India’s first Vice President and second

President.
2. His book, ‘The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore’ attracted global attention
to Indian philosophy.
3. His philosophy was grounded in Advaita Vedanta. He defended Hinduism
against “uninformed Western criticism” and played a major role in the
formation of contemporary Hindu identity.
4. He earned the reputation of being the bridge-builder between India and the
West.
5. He was one of the founders of Helpage India, a renowned NGO for elderly
underprivileged in India.
6. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.
7. He was awarded several other distinguished awards as well such as
a knighthood in 1931 and honorary membership of the British Royal Order
of Merit in 1963.
GS Paper 1:
Topics Covered:
1. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until
the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

Teachers’ Day 2019
What to study?
For Prelims and mains: Teachers Day Significance and about Radhakrishnan and his key
contributions.
Context: Teacher’s Day is observed annually on September 5, as Dr. Radhakrishnan

was born on September 5, 1888.

Key facts:
1. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was India’s first Vice President and second

President.
2. His book, ‘The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore’ attracted global attention
to Indian philosophy.
3. His philosophy was grounded in Advaita Vedanta. He defended Hinduism
against “uninformed Western criticism” and played a major role in the
formation of contemporary Hindu identity.
4. He earned the reputation of being the bridge-builder between India and the
West.
5. He was one of the founders of Helpage India, a renowned NGO for elderly
underprivileged in India.
6. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.
7. He was awarded several other distinguished awards as well such as
a knighthood in 1931 and honorary membership of the British Royal Order
of Merit in 1963.
GS Paper: 3
Topics Covered:
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development
and employment.

Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: APAs- meaning, features and significance.
Context: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 26 Advance

Pricing Agreements (APAs) in the first 5 months of the financial year (April to
August, 2019).
 Out of these 26 APAs, 1 is a BAPA entered into with the United Kingdom and
the remaining 25 are Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (UAPAs).

What are APAs?
An APA is an agreement between a taxpayer and the tax authority determining
the Transfer Pricing methodology for pricing the tax payer’s international
transactions for future years.
An APA provides certainty with respect to the tax outcome of the tax payer’s
international transactions.
An APA can be one of the three types – unilateral, bilateral and multilateral:
1. Unilateral APA is an APA that involves only the taxpayer and the tax authority
of the country where the taxpayer is located.
2. Bilateral APA (BAPA) is an APA that involves the tax payer, associated
enterprise (AE) of the taxpayer in the foreign country, tax authority of the
country where the taxpayer is located and the foreign tax authority.
3. Multilateral APA (MAPA) is an APA that involves the taxpayer, two or more
AEs of the tax payer in different foreign countries, tax authority of the
country where the taxpayer is located and the tax authorities of AEs.

Significance:
The progress of the APA scheme strengthens the government’s resolve of fostering
a non-adversarial tax regime. The Indian APA programme has been appreciated
nationally and internationally for being able to address complex transfer pricing
issues in a fair and transparent manner.
Topics Covered:


Institutes of Eminence Scheme
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Institutes of Eminence Scheme- features and significance.
Context: The Human Resource Development Ministry has awarded the status

of Institute of Eminence to the IIT-Madras, the IIT-Kharagpur, Delhi University,
Benares Hindu University and the University of Hyderabad.
Four private universities — the Vellore Institute of Technology, Amrita Vishwa

Vidyapeetham, Jamia Hamdard University and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial
Technology — were issued Letters of Intent to grant them the status. The new
greenfield Bharti Institute, a project of Airtel’s Satya Bharti Foundation, has also
been issued the letter.

What next?
Each university will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the

Ministry, laying out its plan to achieve the objective of becoming a world-class
institution.
The public institutions on the list will then be eligible for a government grant of
₹1,000 crore.
What is Institutions of Eminence scheme?
The institutes of eminence scheme under the Union human resource development

(HRD) ministry aims to project Indian institutes to global recognition.
The selected institutes will enjoy complete academic and administrative

autonomy.
The selection shall be made through challenge method mode by the Empowered

Expert Committee constituted for the purpose.
Eligibility: Only higher education institutions currently placed in the top 500 of
global rankings or top 50 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) are
eligible to apply for the eminence tag.
The private Institutions of Eminence can also come up as greenfield ventures-

provided the sponsoring organisation submits a convincing perspective plan for 15
years.
Implications:
1. Institutions with the eminence tag would be allowed greater autonomy
without having to report to the University Grants Commission (UGC).
2. They would be able to admit foreign students and recruit faculty from
abroad, and follow a flexible course and fee structure to enable them to vault
to the ranks of the top global institutions.

Need for world-class institutes:
India lacks world-class universities according to international rankings, and Indian

academics, compared internationally, are rather poorly paid. Students also suffer
an immense shortage of places in top academic institutions and throughout the
higher education system. India today educates only half as many young people
from the university age group as China and ranks well behind most Latin American
and other middle-income countries.
Topics covered:


Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’
What to study?
For Prelims: BBBP.
For Mains: Declining CSR- concerns, challenges and solutions.

Context: WCD Minister Felicitates states and Districts Under BBBP Scheme.
Key facts:
1. Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were felicitated

for improvement in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB).
2. Ten districts selected for improvement in SRB were also felicitated during the
programme.

About BBBP:
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme was launched in January, 2015.
The scheme is aimed at promoting gender equality and the significance of

educating girls.
The Scheme is targeted at improving the Child Sex Ratio through multi sectoral
interventions including prevention of gender biased sex selection and promoting
girls’ education and her holistic empowerment.
It is a tri-ministerial effort of Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health

& Family Welfare and Human Resource Development.
Significance and the need for scheme:
1. The trend of decline in the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) has been unabated since
1961. The decline from 945 in 1991 to 927 in 2001 and further to 918 in 2011
is alarming. The social construct discrimination against girls on one hand,
easy availability, affordability and subsequent misuse of diagnostic tools on
the other hand, have been critical in increasing Sex Selective Elimination of
girls leading to low Child Sex Ratio.
2. Child Sex Ratiois defined as number of girls per 1000 of boys between 0-6
years of age. Hence, a decline in the CSR is a major indicator of women
disempowerment. The ratio reflects both, pre-birth discrimination
manifested through gender biased sex selection and post birth
discrimination against girls.

GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:

Foot-and-mouth disease
What to study?
For Prelims: About the disease, it’s spread, symptoms and need for eradication.
Context: PM to launch National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and

Mouth Disease.
 It is a 100% centrally funded programme, with a total outlay of Rs.12,652

crore from 2019 to 2024.
 It aims to control Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by 2025 with
vaccination and eventual eradication by 2030.

About Foot-and-mouth disease:
1. It is an infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease.

2. Affects cloven-hoofed animals, including domestic and wild bovids.
3. Symptoms: The virus causes a high fever for two or three days, followed by
blisters inside the mouth and on the feet that may rupture and cause
lameness.
4. The virus responsible for the disease is a picornavirus, the prototypic
member of the genus Aphthovirus.

Spread of the disease and Concerns associated:
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has severe implications for animal farming, since it

is highly infectious and can be spread by infected animals through aerosols,
through contact with contaminated farming equipment, vehicles, clothing, or feed,
and by domestic and wild predators.
Can Humans be affected?
Humans can be infected with foot-and-mouth disease through contact with

infected animals, but this is extremely rare. Some cases were caused by laboratory
accidents. Because the virus that causes FMD is sensitive to stomach acid, it cannot
spread to humans via consumption of infected meat, except in the mouth before
the meat is swallowed. Symptoms of FMD in humans include malaise, fever,
vomiting, red ulcerative lesions (surface-eroding damaged spots) of the oral tissues,
and sometimes vesicular lesions (small blisters) of the skin.
Topics Covered:
1. Infrastructure related issues.

National Infrastructure Pipeline
What to study?
For Prelims: Features of NIP.
For Mains: Funding, need for and significance.
Context: A task force to draw up a National Infrastructure Pipeline for each of the
financial years from 2019-20 to 2024-25 has been constituted.
The Task Force is chaired by the Secretary, Department of Economic

Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
About the National Infrastructure Pipeline and it’s significance:
1. National Infrastructure Pipeline will ensure that infrastructure projects are

adequately prepared and launched.
2. It would include greenfield and brownfield projectscosting above Rs 100
crore each.
3. Each Ministry/ Department would be responsible for the monitoring of
projects so as to ensure their timely and within-cost implementation.
4. It will help in stepping-up annual infrastructure investmentto achieve the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $5 trillion by 2024-25.
Need for infrastructure funding:
 In the past decade (2008-17), India invested about $1.1 trillion on

infrastructure.
 Availability of quality infrastructure is a pre-requisite to achieve broad-based
and inclusive growth on a sustainable basis.
 Investment in infrastructure is also necessary for sustaining the high growth
rate of India.
 To achieve the GDP of $5 trillion by 2024-25, India needs to spend about $1.4
trillion (Rs. 100 lakh crore) over these years on infrastructure.

GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public
Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and
food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: The scheme- features, significance, need and potential?
Context: PM Modi to launch Kisan Man Dhan Yojana.
Aim: To improve the life of small and marginal farmers of the country.

Salient features of the scheme:
1. The scheme is voluntary and contributory for farmers in the entry age group

of 18 to 40 years.
2. A monthly pension of Rs. 3000/– will be provided to them on attaining the
age of 60 years. The spouse is also eligible to get a separate pension of
Rs.3000/- upon making separate contributions to the Fund.
3. Initial contribution: The farmers will have to make a monthly contribution of
Rs.55 to Rs.200, depending on their age of entry, in the Pension Fund till they
reach the retirement date i.e. the age of 60 years.
4. The Central Government will also make an equal contributionof the same
amount in the pension fund.
5. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) shall be the Pension Fund
Managerand responsible for Pension pay out.
6. If there is no spouse, then total contribution along with interest will be paid
to the nominee.
7. If the farmer dies after the retirement date, the spouse will receive 50% of
the pension as Family Pension.
8. After the death of both the farmer and the spouse, the accumulated corpus
shall be credited back to the Pension Fund.
9. The beneficiaries may opt voluntarily to exit the Scheme after a minimum
period of 5 years of regular contributions.
10.In case of default in making regular contributions, the beneficiaries are
allowed to regularize the contributions by paying the outstanding dues along
with prescribed interest.

Need for and Significance of the scheme:
It is expected that at least 10 crore labourers and workers in the unorganised

sector will avail the benefit of the scheme within next five years making it one of the
largest pension schemes of the world.

Sources: pib.
Topics Covered:
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public
Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and
food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of NADCP, About FMD and Brucellosis.
For Mains: Need for interventions, concerns associated and significance of such
programmes.
Context: The government is all set to launch the National Animal Disease Control
Programme (NADCP).
Aim: To eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis in the livestock.
About National Disease Control Programme:
Objectives of the programme:
 To Vaccinate more than 500 Million Livestock including cattle, buffalo, sheep,
goats and pigs against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
 To Vaccinate 36 Million Female Bovine Calves annually in its fight against
Brucellosis disease.

Targets:
1. Controlling of diseases by 2025.

2. Eradication of by 2030.

Funding:
100% funding from Central Government, of Rs.12,652 Crores for a period of 5

years till 2024.
Need:
The disease of FMD and brucellosis are common among livestock such as- cow,
buffaloes, bulls, pigs, sheep and goats. Both the diseases have a direct negative
impact on trade of milk and other livestock products.
1. If a cow or buffalo gets infected with FMD, the milk loss is up to 100% which
could last for4-6 months.
2. In case of Brucellosis, the milk output reduces by 30% during entire life cycle
of animal and also causes infertility among animals.
3. Also, the infection of brucellosis can also be transmitted to farm workers and
livestock owners.

GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

provisions and basic structure.
6th schedule of the constitution

What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Overview of autonomous councils constituted under

6th schedule of the constitution, measures announced for the strengthening of these
institutions, 125th Amendment Bill, need for inclusion of Ladakh.
Context: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Writes to Union Home

Minister & Union Tribal Affairs Minister Conveying Its recommendation to Include
Union Territory of Ladakh Under 6th Schedule of Constitution Of India.
The total tribal population in Ladakh region is more than 97%. The region is
inhabited by following Scheduled Tribes, namely:
1. Balti
2. Beda
3. Bot, Boto
4. Brokpa, Drokpa, Dard, Shin
5. Changpa
6. Garra
7. Mon
8. Purigpa

6th schedule:
It deals with the administration of the tribal areas in the four northeastern states
of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

Key provisions:
1. The governor is empowered to organise and re-organise the autonomous

districts.
2. If there are different tribes in an autonomous district, the governor can
divide the district into several autonomous regions.
3. Composition: Each autonomous district has a district council consisting of 30
members, of whom four are nominated by the governor and the remaining
26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise.
4. Term: The elected members hold office for a term of five years (unless the
council is dissolved earlier) and nominated members hold office during the
pleasure of the governor.
5. Each autonomous region also has a separate regional council.
6. Powers of councils: The district and regional councils administer the areas
under their jurisdiction. They can make laws on certain specified matters like
land, forests, canal water, shifting cultivation, village administration,
inheritance of property, marriage and divorce, social customs and so on. But
all such laws require the assent of the governor.
7. Village councils:The district and regional councils within their territorial
jurisdictions can constitute village councils or courts for trial of suits and
cases between the tribes. They hear appeals from them. The jurisdiction of
high court over these suits and cases is specified by the governor.
8. Powers and functions:The district council can establish, construct or manage
primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, roads and so on in
the district. It can also make regulations for the control of money lending and
trading by non-tribals. But, such regulations require the assent of the
governor. The district and regional councils are empowered to assess and
collect land revenue and to impose certain specified taxes.
9. Exceptions: The acts of Parliament or the state legislature do not apply to
autonomous districts and autonomous regions or apply with specified
modifications and exceptions.
10.The governor can appoint a commission to examine and report on any
matter relating to the administration of the autonomous districts or
regions. He may dissolve a district or regional council on the
recommendation of the commission.

Related- 125th amendment bill:
It seeks to increase the financial and executive powers of the 10 Autonomous

Councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of the northeastern region.
 The amendments provide for elected village municipal councils, ensuring

democracy at the grassroot level.
 The village councils will be empowered to prepare plans for economic
development and social justice including those related to agriculture, land
improvement, implementation of land reforms, minor irrigation, water
management, animal husbandry, rural electrification, small scale industries
and social forestry.
 The Finance Commissionwill be mandated to recommend devolution of
financial resources to them.
 The Autonomous Councils now depend on grants from Central ministries
and the State government for specific projects. At least one-third of the seats
will be reserved for women in the village and municipal councils in the Sixth
Schedule areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura after the amendment is
approved.

Topics covered:
e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential.

Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Features and significance.
Context: Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) 2020 has

been launched.
About ARIIA:
 ARIIA considers all major indicators which are commonly used globally to
rank most innovative education institutions/ universities in the world.
 More than quantity, ARIIA will focus on quality of innovations and will try to
measure the real impact created by these innovations nationally and
internationally.

ARIIA will primarily focus on 5 main parameters:
1. Budget Expenses and Revenue generated through Innovation and

entrepreneurship development.
2. Facilitating access to advance centres / facilities and entrepreneurial support
system.
3. Idea to Entrepreneurship.
4. Development of Innovation Ecosystems Supported through Teaching &
Learning.
5. Best innovative solutions Developed In-house for Improving Governance of
Your Institution.

Significance of ARIIA:
1. Inspire Indian institutions to reorient their mind-set and build ecosystems to
encourage high quality research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
2. Set tone and direction for institutions for future development for making
them globally competitive and in forefront of innovation.

Need for such a tool:
For India to emerge as a global innovation hub, the youth of our country, especially
in higher education institutions (HEIs) need to play a crucial role to create a
sustainable innovation ecosystem. Hence, ideally all HEIs should have a
comprehensive and functional mechanism to convert research into innovations.
 This ecosystem will encourage, inspire and nurture young students by

exposing them to new ideas and processes resulting in innovative activities in
their formative years.

Topics Covered:
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance, e-applications,

models, successes, limitations and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and
institutional and other measures.

Government e Marketplace (GeM)
What to study?
For Prelims: About GeM and it’s features.

For Mains: Significance and the need for GeM.
Context: GeM and Punjab Government sign MoU for Setting up Project

Management Unit.
About GeM:
What is it? GeM is a state-of-the-art national public procurement platform of

Ministry of Commerce and Industries, that has used technology to remove entry
barriers for bonafide sellers and has created a vibrant e-marketplace with a wide
range of goods and services.
Aim: GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public
procurement.
Features: It facilitates online procurement of common use Goods & Services

required by various Government Departments / Organisations / PSUs. It provides
the tools of e-bidding, reverse e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate the
government users, achieve the best value for their money.
Topics Covered:
performance of these schemes.

National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features, eligibility of the scheme.
For Mains: Need for and significance of the scheme.
Context: Launched recently.
About the scheme:

 It is a pension scheme for the Vyaparis (shopkeepers/retail traders and self-
employed persons) with annual turnover not exceeding Rs 1.5 crore.
 It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme.
 The enrolment under the scheme is free of cost for the beneficiaries.
 The enrolment is based upon self-certification.
 It has a provision for minimum assured pension of Rs 3,000/- monthly on
attaining the age of 60 years.
 The Central Government shall give 50 % share of the monthly contribution
and remaining 50% contribution shall be made by the beneficiary.

Eligibility:
1. Beneficiary is required to have an Aadhaar card and a saving bank/ Jan-dhan

Account passbook only.
2. He/ She should be within 18 to 40 years of age group.
3. GSTIN is required only for those with turnover above Rs. 40 lakhs.
4. The beneficiary should not be income tax payer and also not a member of
EPFO/ESIC/NPS (Govt.)/PM-SYM.

Significance:
This scheme will target enrolling 25 lakh subscribers in 2019-20 and 2 crore
subscribers by 2023-2024. An estimated 3 crore Vyaparis in the country are
expected to be benefitted under the pension scheme.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology;
indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub
What to study?
For Prelims: what is antibiotic resistance and how it occurs?
For Mains: Issues and concerns associated and ways to address them.
Context: India joins the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and

Development Hub as a new member.
About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R&D) Hub:
 Launched in May 2018 in the margins of the 71st session of the World

Health Assembly, following a call from G20 Leaders in 2017.
 Members: 16 countries, the European Commission, two philanthropic
foundations and four international organisations (as observers).
 Functions: Supports global priority setting and evidence-based decision-
making on the allocation of resources for AMR R&D through the
identification of gaps, overlaps and potential for cross-sectoral collaboration
and leveraging in AMR R&D.
 Secretariat: established in Berlin.
 Finance: through grants from the German Federal Ministry of Education and
Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).

Benefits of this partnership for India:
Opportunity to work with all partners to leverage their existing capabilities,

resources and collectively focus on new R&D intervention to address drug resistant
infections.
What is antimicrobial resistance and why is it a cause for concern?
 AMR is the ability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication that once
could successfully treat the microbe.
 Today, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance continues
unabated around the world.

Why is the medical community worried?
 Basically, superbugs are becoming more powerful and widespread than ever.
Medical experts are afraid that we’re one step away from deadly, untreatable
infections, since the mcr-1 E.coli is resistant to that last-resort antibiotic
Colistin. Antibiotic-resistance is passed relatively easily from one bacteria to
the next, since it is transmitted by way of loose genetic material that most
bacteria have in common.
 The World Health Organization (WHO) is afraid of a post-antibiotic world,
where loads of bacteria are superbugs. Already, infections like tuberculosis,
gonorrhea, and pneumonia are becoming harder to treat with typical
antibiotics.

Need of the hour:
1. A multi-stakeholder approach, involving private industry, philanthropic

groups and citizen activists is needed.
2. Private pharmaceutical industries must take it upon themselves to distribute
drugs in a responsible manner.
3. Philanthropic charities must fund the development of new antibiotics, while
citizen activists must drive awareness.
4. These stakeholders must appreciate that the only way to postpone
resistance is through improved hygiene and vaccinations.

Topics Covered:
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Bioterrorism
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: What is it? Concerns and ways to address them.
Context: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh says bio-terrorism among new threats
facing Armed Forces Medical Services of SCO countries.
He called on them to find effective ways to deal with new threats posed by
advancing battle field technologies.

What is bioterrorism?
A form of terrorism where there is the intentional release of biological

agents (bacteria, viruses, or other germs). This is also referred to as germ warfare.
Concerns:
1. In effect, biological warfare is using non-human life to disrupt — or end —

human life. Because living organisms can be unpredictable and incredibly
resilient, biological weapons are difficult to control, potentially devastating on
a global scale, and prohibited globally under numerous treaties.
2. The threat of bioterrorism is increasing as a result of the rise of technical
capabilities, the rapid expansion of the global biotechnology industry, and
the growth of loosely sophisticated networks of transnational terrorist
groups that have expressed interest in bioterrorism.

Impact:
While a biological agent may injure or kill people, animals, or plants, the goal for the
terrorist is to further their social and political goals by making their civilian targets
feel as if their government cannot protect them.
Topics Covered:
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on
industrial growth.
NIRVIK scheme

What to study?
For Prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the scheme.
Context: Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) has introduced

‘NIRVIK’ scheme to ease the lending process and enhance loan availability for
exporters.
Key features of the scheme:
1. Insurance cover guaranteed will cover up to 90 percent of the principal and

interest.
2. The increased cover will ensure that foreign and rupee export credit interest
rates are below 4 percent and 8 percent respectively for the exporters.
3. The insurance cover will include both pre and post-shipment credit.
4. The gems, jewellery and diamond (GJD) sector borrowers with limit of over Rs
80 crore will have a higher premium rate in comparison to the non-GJD
sector borrowers of this category due to the higher loss ratio.
5. For accounts with limits below Rs 80 crore, the premium rates will be
moderated to 0.60 per annum and for those exceeding Rs80 crore, the rates
will be 0.72 per annum for the same enhanced cover.
6. It mandates inspection of bank documents and records by ECGC officials for
losses exceeding Rs.10 crore as against the present Rs 1crore.
7. The banks shall pay a premium to ECGC monthly on the principal and
interest as the cover is offered for both outstandings.

Benefits of the scheme:

1. It will enhance accessibility and affordability of credit for exporters.
2. It will help make Indian exports competitive.
3. It will make ECGC procedures exporter friendly.
4. The insurance cover is expected to bring down the cost of credit due to
capital relief, less provision requirement and liquidity due to quick settlement
of claims.
5. It will ensure timely and adequate working capital to the export sector.

About ECGC:
 The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) is a fully

government-owned company that was established in 1957 to promote
exports by providing credit insurance services.
 The ECGC provides Export Credit Insurance to Banks (ECIB) to protect the
banks from losses on account of export credit at the Pre and Post-Shipment
stage given to exporters due to the risks of insolvency or protracted default
of the exporter borrower.
GS Paper 2:
Topics covered:
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Zonal Councils
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Particulars and significance of Zonal Councils.

Context: 29th Meeting of the Northern Zonal Council Held recently.
Zonal councils:
Statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act 1956 and not
constitutional bodies. They are only deliberative and advisory bodies.
Aim: to promote interstate cooperation and coordination.
There are 5 five Zonal councils namely:
1. The Northern Zonal Council, comprising the States of Haryana, Himachal

Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of
Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh.
2. The Central Zonal Council, comprising the States of Chhattisgarh,
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
3. The Eastern Zonal Council, comprising the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa,
and West Bengal.
4. The Western Zonal Council, comprising the States of Goa, Gujarat,
Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar
Haveli.
5. The Southern Zonal Council, comprising the States of Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of
Puducherry.
The North Eastern States i.e. (i) Assam (ii) Arunachal Pradesh (iii) Manipur (iv)
Tripura (v) Mizoram (vi) Meghalaya (vii) Sikkim and (viii) Nagaland are not included
in the Zonal Councils and their special problems are looked after by the North
Eastern Council, set up under the North Eastern Council Act, 1972.
Composition:

Chairman – The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these Councils.
Vice Chairman – The Chief Ministers of the States included in each zone act as Vice-
Chairman of the Zonal Council for that zone by rotation, each holding office for a
period of one year at a time.
Members– Chief Minister and two other Ministers as nominated by the Governor
from each of the States and two members from Union Territories included in the
zone.
Advisers– One person nominated by the Planning Commission (which has been
replaced by NITI Ayog now) for each of the Zonal Councils, Chief Secretaries and
another officer/Development Commissioner nominated by each of the States
included in the Zone.
Union Ministers are also invited to participate in the meetings of Zonal Councils
depending upon necessity.
The main objectives of setting up of Zonal Councils are:
1. Bringing out national integration.

2. Arresting the growth of acute State consciousness, regionalism, linguism and
particularistic tendencies.
3. Enabling the Centre and the States to co-operate and exchange ideas and
experiences.
4. Establishing a climate of co-operation amongst the States for successful and
speedy execution of development projects.
ELSEWHERE:
US: Has the highest population of smokeless tobacco and vape-product users. Plans
to ban all e-cigarette flavours, except for tobacco.
UK: Sales of ENDS products like vapes are legal. Introduced regulations for e-
cigarette firms in 2016.
China: Announced in July 2019 that it plans to regulate e-cigarettes to strengthen

supervision of these products.
France: Allows sale of e-cigarettes as either medicines or consumer products, but

those making health claims related to these products need marketing authorisation
under standard drug licencing process. Those selling as consumer products are
regulated by the country’s May 2016 decree on vapour products containing
nicotine.
Germany: Classifies nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as tobacco-related products

and regulates it under country’s 2016 law on Implementation of the Tobacco
Products Directive and Related Products.
Sources: pib.
Topics covered:
1. Issues related to health and Government policies and interventions for

development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and
implementation.
Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: e-cigarettes- concerns, effects on health, need for regulation,
challenges associated and measures needed.

Context: Cabinet approves Promulgation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes
(production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage
and advertisement) Ordinance, 2019.
Upon promulgation of the Ordinance:
1. Any production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale (including

online sale), distribution or advertisement (including online advertisement) of
e-cigarettes shall be a cognizable offence.
2. It shall be punishable with an imprisonment of up to one year or fine up to
Rs. 1 lakh or both for the first offence; and imprisonment of up to three years
and fine up to Rs. 5 lakh for a subsequent offence.
3. Storage of electronic-cigarettes shall also be punishable with an
imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs 50,000 or both.
4. The owners of existing stocks of e-cigarettes on the date of commencement
of the Ordinance will have to suomoto declare and deposit these stocks with
the nearest police station.
Implementation:
1. The Sub-Inspector of Police has been designated as the Authorized Officer to

take action under the Ordinance.
2. The Central or State Governments may also designate any other equivalent
officer(s) as Authorized Officer for enforcement of the provisions of the
Ordinance.
What are Electronic-cigarettes?
Battery-operated devices that produce aerosol by heating a solution containing

nicotine, which is the addictive substance in combustible cigarettes.
These include all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heat Not Burn
Products, e-Hookah and the like devices.

Why prohibit?
Their use has increased exponentially and has acquired epidemic proportions in
developed countries, especially among youth and children.
Apart from nicotine, e-cigarettes may also be used for delivery of other
psychoactive substances.
Widespread use and unchecked proliferation of e-cigarettes and the like devices
would seriously undermine and derail Government’s efforts to reduce the
prevalence of tobacco use.
Significance of the decision:
The decision to prohibit e-cigarettes will help protect population, especially the
youth and children, from the risk of addiction through E-cigarettes.
Enforcement of the Ordinance will complement government’s efforts for tobacco

control and will help in reduction of tobacco use and reduction in associated
economic and disease burden.
The WHO has also urged member countries to take appropriate steps including
prohibiting these products.
Challenges ahead:
Drugs Consultative Committee (“DCC”) has recommended a complete ban on the

manufacture and import of ENDS under sections 26A and 10A of the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Interestingly, the Delhi High Court and the Bombay High Court in their orders
dated 18 March 2019 and 25 July 2019 respectively have held that ENDS are not
drugs and therefore cannot be banned under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,
1940 and hence no proceedings can be initiated against the manufacturers, sellers
and importers of ENDS.
There is, therefore, a clear inconsistency and conflict when it comes to the stand
taken by the Central government and the courts.
Conclusion:
If anything is per se harmful it should never be allowed in the interest of public

health. At the same time, in the absence of clear scientific evidence, anything which
is less harmful or not harmful cannot be banned when something else which is far
more harmful is being allowed.
Sources: pib.
Topics Covered:
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating

to Health, Education, Human Resources.
AICTE’s Margadarshan and Margadarshak scheme
What to study?
For Prelims and mains: Key features and significance of the schemes.
Margadarshan:
1. Under this scheme, institutions having good accreditation record / highly

performing institutions are supposed to mentor relatively newer 10 – 12
potential institutions.
2. Best practices in teaching learning process followed in mentor institute are
diffused to mentee institutions.
3. These institutions are also provided funding uptoRs. 50 lakhs (Rupees Fifty
Lakhs Only) per institution over a period of three years in instalments for
carrying out various activities like trainings, workshops, conferences and
travel.
Margdarshak:
 Under this scheme, mentor teachers or Margdarshaks who are either serving

or superannuated but willing and motivated with good knowledge of
accreditation and who can devote adequate time to make required visits to
these Institutions are identified.
 These Margdarshaks will regularly visit to the mentee institutions, stay on
their campus and guide them for their improvement in quality so that
institutions are able to get accreditation by NBA.
Selection of Mentee Institutes:
In the 1st phase, institutes having student enrolment of 70% or more and willing to
get mentoring through AICTE’s Margadarshaks, but are not yet accredited are
provided Margadarshaks. Remaining institutes can be covered in the subsequent
phases. Willingness of mentee institutes is taken. However, response giving
willingness to be a Mentee institute has been received from 400 institutes only to
date.
Criteria for Margadarshaks are:
1. Must be a Ph.D.
2. Should be from Technical Education (Engg.) Domain
3. Min experience 20 years; Not less than 5 years in academicsAnd
4. Designation not less than Professor if from AICTE approved institution Or
5. Not less than Associate Professor if from IIT/NIT And
6. Minimum 10 Research Publications Or
7. Minimum 05 Ph.D. Guidance Or
8. Minimum 2 Patents Or
9. Minimum 2 Books written And
10.Member NBA visit team / NAAC visit team Or
11.Participated in accreditation of his/her own department at least for 2 cycles
12.Persons from industry with passion for education & who are NBA/NAAC
team members
13.Applicants should have time to visit institutes
Sources: pib.
Topics covered:
Accessible India Campaign
What to study?
For Prelims and mains: Key features, need for and significance of the scheme.
Context: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

(DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has developed a
Management Information System (MIS) for stakeholders of Accessible India
Campaign (AIC).
The portal will bring all the nodal ministries, and States/UTs on a single platform for
monitoring the progress being made against each target of AIC.
About Accessible India Campaign:
What is it? Accessible India Campaign (AIC) is the nationwide flagship campaign of

the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment.
Aim: The aim of the Campaign is to make a barrier free and conducive environment
for Divyangjans all over the country. The campaign has the vision to build an
inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and
development of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) so that they can lead productive,
safe and dignified lives.
Implementation: For creating universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities,

the campaign has been divided into three verticals: Built Environment; Transport
and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem.
Targets:
1. Completing accessibility audit of at least 25-50 most important government

buildings in 50 cities and making them fully accessible by the end of this year.
2. Making 50% of all the government buildings of NCT and all the State capitals
fully accessible by December 2018.
3. Completing accessibility audit of 50% of government buildings and making
them fully accessible in 10 most important cities/towns of States not covered
in targets (i) and (ii) by December 2019.
Facts for Prelims:
Accessible India Campaign is in line with the Article 9 of UNCRPD(UN Convention

on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) to which India is a signatory since 2007.

Sources: pib.
Topics covered:

mandate.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: IAEA and safeguards- objectives, significance and their
implementation.
Context: The 63rd General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency

(IAEA) is presently going on at Vienna.
About IAEA:
Set up as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization in 1957 and it is an

autonomous organisation.
Reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
Functions:
1. Works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote
the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
2. Seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use
for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
Board of Governors:
 22 member states (must represent a stipulated geographic diversity) —

elected by the General Conference (11 members every year) – 2 year term.
 At least 10 member states — nominated by the outgoing Board.
 Board members each receive one vote.
 Recommendations to the General Conference on IAEA activities and budget.
 Responsible for publishing IAEA standards.
 Responsible for making most of the policy of the IAEA.
 Appoints the Director General subject to General Conference approval.
General Conference:
 171 member states — one vote per member.

 Forum for debate on current issues and policies.
 Meets once a year.
 Approve the actions and budgets passed on from the Board of Governors.
 Approves the nominee for Director General.
Programs:
1. Program of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT).

2. Human Health Program.
3. Water Availability Enhancement Project.
4. International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles, 2000.
Sources: pib.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
1. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental

impact assessment.
Coal Gasification
What to study?
For Prelims: What is coal gasification? Byproducts.
For Mains: Benefits, concerns and challenges.
Context: Government has awarded Lump Sum Turn Key (LSTK) contract for Coal
Gasification Plant PF Talcher Fertilizers Limited to M/s Wuhuan Engineering Co. Ltd,
China as a part of measures to revival closed units of Fertilizer Corporation of India
Ltd. (FCIL) and Hindustan Fertilizers Corporation Ltd (HFCL).
Benefits of gasification:
 Transporting gas is a lot cheaper than transporting coal.

 Help address local pollution problems.
 Has greater efficiency than conventional coal-burning because it can
effectively use the gases twice: the coal gases are first cleansed of impurities
and fired in a turbine to generate electricity. Then, the exhaust heat from the
gas turbine can be captured and used to generate steam for a steam turbine-
generator.
Concerns and challenges:
1. Coal gasification is one of the more water-intensive forms of energy

production.
2. There are concerns about water contamination, land subsidence and
disposing of waste water safely.
What is Underground coal gasification?
The process involves pumping oxygen and steam through a small borehole into the
coal seam to produce a small and controlled combustion. Unlike coal-bed methane,
therefore, the actual coal is converted from a solid state into gas. The hydrogen,
methane, carbon monoxide and CO2 are then siphoned off through a second
borehole.
Sources: pib.
Topics covered:
1. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues,

poverty and developmental issues.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
What to study?
For prelims: Key Highlights of the PMMVY, funding and beneficiaries.
For mains: Performance of the scheme, how it has helped empower women, has it met
its stated objectives? Why do we need such schemes?
Context: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a flagship scheme of

the Government for pregnant women and lactating mothers has achieved a
significant milestone by crossing one crore beneficiaries. The total amount
disbursed to the beneficiaries under the scheme has crossed Rs. 4,000 crores.
Top five states in implementation: Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal

Pradesh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Rajasthan.
About PMMVY:
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit

rechristened from erstwhile Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY). The
IGMSY was launched in 2010.
1. The scheme is a conditional cash transfer schemefor pregnant and

lactating women.
2. It provides a partial wage compensationto women for wage-loss during
childbirth and childcare and to provide conditions for safe delivery and good
nutrition and feeding practices.
3. They receive a cash benefit of Rs. 5,000 in three installments on fulfilling the
respective conditionality, viz. early registration of pregnancy, ante-natal
check-up and registration of the birth of the child and completion of first
cycle of vaccination for the first living child of the family.
4. The eligible beneficiaries also receive cash incentive under Janani Suraksha
Yojana (JSY). Thus, on an average, a woman gets Rs. 6,000.

Exceptions: The maternity benefits are available to all Pregnant Women & Lactating

Mothers (PW&LM)except those in regular employment with the Central
Government or State Government or Public Sector Undertaking or those who are in
receipt of similar benefits under any law for the time being in force.
Funding: The scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under which cost sharing

ratio between the Centre and the States & UTs with Legislature is 60:40 while for
North-Eastern States & three Himalayan States; it is 90:10. It is 100% Central
assistance for Union Territories without Legislature.
Need for special attention:
Under-nutrition continues to adversely affect majority of women in India. In India,

every third woman is undernourished and every second woman is anaemic.
An undernourished mother almost inevitably gives birth to a low birth weight

baby. When poor nutrition starts in-utero, it extends throughout the life cycle since
the changes are largely irreversible.
Owing to economic and social distress many women continue to work to earn a
living for their family right up to the last days of their pregnancy.
They resume working soon after childbirth, even though their bodies might not
permit it, thus preventing their bodies from fully recovering on one hand, and also
impeding their ability to exclusively breastfeed their young infant in the first six
months.
Sources: pib.
Topics Covered:

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) Scheme
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of the scheme.
For Mains: Need for and significance of the scheme, usage of technology for better
learning outcomes.
Context: Ministry of HRD announces National Educational Alliance for Technology

(NEAT) Scheme for using better technology for better learning outcomes in Higher
Education.
The objective is to use Artificial Intelligence to make learning more personalised

and customised as per the requirements of the learner.
How it works?
1. MHRD would act as a facilitator to ensure that the solutions are freely

available to a large number of economically backward students.
2. MHRD would create and maintain a National NEAT platform that would
provide one-stop access to these technological solutions.
3. EdTech companies would be responsible for developing solutions and
manage registration of learners through the NEAT portal.
4. They would be free to charge fees as per their policy.
5. As their contribution towards the National cause, they would have to offer
free coupons to the extent of 25% of the total registrations for their
solution through NEAT portal.
6. MHRD would distribute the free coupons for learning to the most
socially/economically backward students.
7. AICTE would be the implementing agency for NEAT programme.

GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:

Corporate income tax
What to study?
For Prelims: What is Corporation tax? Key changes announced.
For Mains: Need for and significance of these decisions, challenges ahead and ways to
address them.
Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced major changes in

corporate income tax rates to revive growth in the broader economy. This has
been achieved through an ordinance– the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Ordinance
2019.
What has the government done?
1. Corporate tax rate to be 22 per cent without exemptions.

2. No Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) applicable on such companies.
3. Effective corporate tax rate after surcharge and cess to be 25.17 percent.
4. To attract investment in manufacturing, local companies incorporated after
October 2019 and till March 2023, will pay tax at 15 percent.
5. That effective tax for new companies shall be 17.01 percent, including cess
and surcharge. Companies enjoying tax holidays would be able to avail
concessional rates post the exemption period.
6. Will give MAT relief for those opting to continue paying surcharge and cess.
MAT has been reduced to 15 percent from 18.5 percent for companies who
continue to avail exemptions and incentives.
7. To stabilise flow of funds into the market the enhanced surcharge
announced in Budget 2019 will not apply on capital gains arising on sale of
any security, including derivatives by foreign portfolio investors (FPI).
8. For listed companies which made announcement for public buyback before
July 2019 it is provided that tax on buyback on shares of such companies will
not be charged.
How do
these rates compare globally?
The new corporate income tax rates in India will be lower than USA (27 percent),
Japan (30.62 percent), Brazil (34 percent), Germany (30 percent) and is similar to
China (25 percent) and Korea (25 percent).
New companies in India with an effective tax rate of 17 percent is equivalent what
corporates pay in Singapore (17 percent).
Need for and significance of the latest move:
The goal is to turn India into an investors’ darling, demonstrate the government’s
intent to walk the talk on economic management, restore investors’ confidence and
boost sentiments and demand.
Benefits associated:
1. Alter the profitability dynamic of the Indian corporate ecosystem.

2. Given the substantially lower rates would imply that many corporates will
break even much ahead than what would have been the case with the
earlier rates.
3. Lower taxes should, ideally, result is higher profit margins. This should
bolster their books, and some of these companies should be able to pass on
the higher margins in the form of lower product prices to consumers.
4. Lower corporate income tax rates and the resultant change in profitability
will likely prompt companies to invest more, raising their capital
expenditure (capex).
5. Additional capacities will, eventually, through a secondary round effect,
prompt these companies to hire more employees.
Why has the government brought an ordinance to bring in these changes?

Changes in income tax rates (both corporate and individual) require legislative
amendments. These require Parliamentary ratification. When the Parliament is not
in session, the government can bring these changes through an Ordinance and
later bring a Bill when Parliament convenes.
Concerns over the rate cut?
 The revenue foregone for the government because of the latest corporate
income tax cuts will be to the tune of Rs 1.45 lakh crore a year.
 This has triggered concerns of fiscal slippage, given that tax collections have
been far below the budgeted estimates.
 The government has set a fiscal deficit target of 3.3 percent of GDP for 2019-
20. Lower tax revenues could upset the fiscal math.
How will the corporate tax cuts be funded?
The government may fund part of the revenue foregone because of corporate tax
cuts through the additional transfer of dividends and surplus from the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI).
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

other stakeholders.
Recognition of Prior Learning – RPL
What to study?
For Prelims: What is RPL?
For Mains: Need for and significance of RPL, Skill gaps and ways to address them.
Context: Minister, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship distributes certificates

to RPL trainees under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
More than 2 million candidates across the country have received RPL certification
under the PMKVY.
About Recognition of Prior Learning – RPL:
RPL is a key element under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) scheme
of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
The objectives of RPL are:
1. Align the competencies of the unregulated sectors of the country with the
National Skills Qualification Framework
2. Enhance the chances of employment of individuals and provide them with
more options for higher education.
3. Reduce the inequalities that are present due to the privileges given to some
types of skills and knowledge over others.

Significance and the need for RPL:
 A huge section of India’s unorganized workforce are unskilled and semi-

skilled. Most of them pick up skills and knowledge in an informal set up by
observing people or working under their guidance or through complete self-
learning.
 As a result, even though they manage to get a job and earn a decent wage or
salary, they may not be able to improve their skills.
 This affects their productivity and quality of output.
 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can help them get assessed and
certified on their current competencies as per NSQF levels.
 RPL also shows them a path to bridge their current knowledge and skill
levels to reach a competency level or go for higher skills for professional
growth.
Topics Covered:

and/or affecting India’s interests.
PACEsetter Fund programme
What to study?
For Prelims: What is it? Overview.
For Mains: Significance and the need for this fund, why promote off- grid clean energy?
Context: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy awards grants to four projects in

second round of PACEsetter Fund programme.

PACEsetter fund:
 Constituted by India and the USA in 2015.

 It is a INR 50 crore (USD 7.9 million) fund jointly capitalized by the
Governments of the Republic of India and the United States of America.
 It is a joint fund to provide early-stage grant funding to accelerate the
commercialization of innovative off-grid clean energy products, systems,
and business models.
 The Fund will award grants for direct support of innovative technology,
business models, and programs including but not limited to: rural energy
services companies (full scale integrated operators); rural distribution
companies/franchisees; operations/maintenance companies; technology
implementers/ system integrators; and enterprises.
Eligibility:
To be eligible, projects must be focused on improving the viability of off grid

renewable energy businesses and organizations, under served individuals and
communities in India without access to grid connected power or with limited or
intermittent access less than 8 hours per day using small scale (under 1
megawatt) clean energy systems.
Background:
Energy access is crucial for improving the quality of life for India’s citizens and their
economic conditions, and 24/7 energy availability remains a priority for the Indian
government.
Off-grid, clean energy technologies, combined with innovative financing models,

market-based solutions, and policy alignment, have tremendous potential to
become a transformative agent of economic opportunity and rural development.
Topics Covered:
1. Disaster and disaster management.
Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)
What to study?
For Prelims: PDNA- Features.
For Mains: Need for and significance of PDNA in planning.
Context: The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) recently

organised a one day National workshop on Post Disaster Needs Assessment
(PDNA).
Background:
NIDM recently undertook the study for developing a scientific tool on Post Disaster
Needs Assessment (PDNA), under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project
(NCRMP).
The focus of this workshop is to disseminate the outcome documents of the study
to all the relevant stakeholders so that the same may be utilized by them as a
reference document while preparing the memorandum for submission to the MHA
in post disaster phase.
What are Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)?
 The PDNA tool was developed by the UN Development Group, the World

Bank and the European in
 The aim was to develop and use common assessment and recovery planning
approaches in post-crisis settings.
 The main goal is to assess the full extent of a disaster’s impact, define the
needs for recovery, and, in so doing, serve as the basis for designing a
recovery strategy and guide donors’ funding.
 Objective: A PDNA looks ahead to restoring damaged infrastructure, houses,
livelihoods, services, governance and social systems, and includes an
emphasis on reducing future disaster risks and building resilience.
Significance of PDNA:
In the aftermath of disasters, affected countries need to invest significant

resources to address recovery needs. These should be guided by a comprehensive
assessment that estimates damages and losses, and identifies the needs of the
affected population.
PDNA is the first step towards developing a holistic recovery programme that
promotes equity and inclusion.
Topics Covered:
How PM Modi’s 450 GW power plan can change Indian economy?
Context: At the global climate summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a path-
breaking pledge to more than double India’s non-fossil fuel target to 450
gigawatts.
Climate Action Summit:
The Climate Action Summit aims to boost action to implement the Paris

Agreement, which was signed in 2015.
The Paris deal aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate
change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees
Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature
increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Increasing the share of non-fossil fuels in India’s fuel mix to 450 gigawatts (GW)
can transform country’s economy in three ways:
1. Help to reduce India’s dependence on coal, the fossil fuel which contributes
to 60% of the country’s total carbon emissions.
2. Can make India a global leader in new cost effective solar technologies
provided it can beat China, which leads in manufacturing of cheaper solar
photo-voltaic and other equipment.
3. Can give boost to electric mobility in India, which rightly has been the
Centre’s focus in the recent months.
Need of the hour:

1. For being renewable innovator, India needs to focus on green technology
research in premier institutes such as Indian Institute of Sciences in
Bengaluru and Indian Institutes of Technology, which are working in different
fields of new and renewable energy.
2. India also needs to provide skill training to youth in the area, which according
to New and Renewable Energy ministry can generate around 10 million jobs
by 2022, India’s target year to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy under
the Paris climate agreement.
What should the government do?
1. Integrate energy and environment policy: The various ministries currently

engaged with energy and the environment should be collapsed into one
omnibus Ministry of Energy and Environment.
2. An “Energy and Environment Security Act” should be passed at the earliest
possible opportunity.
3. Decarbonisation, demand management and efficiency should be the
watchwords of the government’s energy policy.
4. Intensify exploration and enhance recovery.
5. Increase Natural Gas usage.
Way ahead:
Such a transition would be a costly affair and will need easy and cost effective
technology transfer from the developed western world. But, it also provides India
an opportunity to innovate in reducing emissions from coal which is possible
through different carbon sequestration technologies.
Topics Covered:
Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs,
various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other
stakeholders.

‘UMMID’ initiative
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features of the initiative.
For Mains: Significance and the need for initiative.
Context: Government launches ‘UMMID’ initiative to tackle inherited genetic

diseases of new born babies.
UMMID (Unique Methods of

Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative:
Department of Biotechnology has started the UMMID Initiative which is designed

on the concept of ‘Prevention is better than Cure’.
UMMID aims to create awareness about genetic disorders amongst clinicians and
establish molecular diagnostics in hospitals so that the fruits of developments in
medical genetics reach the patients in India.

UMMID initiative aims to:
1. Establish NIDAN (National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendras to

provide counselling, prenatal testing and diagnosis, management, and
multidisciplinary care in Government Hospitals wherein the influx of patients
is more.
2. Produce skilled clinicians in Human Genetics.
3. Undertake screening of pregnant women and new born babies for inherited
genetic diseases in hospitals at aspirational districts.
Need for and significance of the initiative:
In India’s urban areas, congenital malformations and genetic disorders are the third
most common cause of mortality in newborns. With a very large population and
high birth rate, and consanguineous marriage favored in many communities,
prevalence of genetic disorders is high in India.
Establishment of patient care services for genetic disorders is the need of the
time.
Topics Covered:
How PM Modi’s 450 GW power plan can change Indian economy?
Context: At the global climate summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a path-
breaking pledge to more than double India’s non-fossil fuel target to 450
gigawatts.

Climate Action Summit:
The Climate Action Summit aims to boost action to implement the Paris

Agreement, which was signed in 2015.
The Paris deal aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate
change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees
Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature
increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Increasing the share of non-fossil fuels in India’s fuel mix to 450 gigawatts (GW)
can transform country’s economy in three ways:
1. Help to reduce India’s dependence on coal, the fossil fuel which contributes
to 60% of the country’s total carbon emissions.
2. Can make India a global leader in new cost effective solar technologies
provided it can beat China, which leads in manufacturing of cheaper solar
photo-voltaic and other equipment.
3. Can give boost to electric mobility in India, which rightly has been the
Centre’s focus in the recent months.
Need of the hour:
1. For being renewable innovator, India needs to focus on green technology

research in premier institutes such as Indian Institute of Sciences in
Bengaluru and Indian Institutes of Technology, which are working in different
fields of new and renewable energy.
2. India also needs to provide skill training to youth in the area, which according
to New and Renewable Energy ministry can generate around 10 million jobs
by 2022, India’s target year to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy under
the Paris climate agreement.

What should the government do?
1. Integrate energy and environment policy: The various ministries currently

engaged with energy and the environment should be collapsed into one
omnibus Ministry of Energy and Environment.
2. An “Energy and Environment Security Act” should be passed at the earliest
possible opportunity.
3. Decarbonisation, demand management and efficiency should be the
watchwords of the government’s energy policy.
4. Intensify exploration and enhance recovery.
5. Increase Natural Gas usage.
Way ahead:
Such a transition would be a costly affair and will need easy and cost effective
technology transfer from the developed western world. But, it also provides India
an opportunity to innovate in reducing emissions from coal which is possible
through different carbon sequestration technologies.
GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered:

other stakeholders.
National Service Scheme
What to study?
For Prelims: What is NSS?

For Mains: Significance and the need for NSS.
Context: President of India presents National Service Scheme Awards.
About National Service Scheme (NSS):
 It is a Central- Sector scheme.

 Conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
 Launched in Gandhiji’s Centenary year in 1969.
 Background: The University Grants Commission (UGC) headed by Dr.
Radhakrishnan recommended introduction of national service in the
academic institutions on a voluntary basis.
 Aim: To develop healthy contacts between the students and teachers on the
one hand and establishing a constructive linkage between the campus and
the community on the other hand.
 Motto of NSS: “Not Me But You”.
The broad objectives of NSS are to:
1. Understand the community in which they work.

2. Understand themselves in relation to their community.
3. Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in
problem solving process.
4. Develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
5. Utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and
community problems.
6. Develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities.
7. Gain skills in mobilizing community participation.
8. Acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
9. Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters.
10.Practice national integration and social harmony.
Nature of Activities under NSS:
Briefly, the NSS volunteers work on issues of social relevance, which keep evolving
in response to the needs of the community, through regular and special camping
activities. Such issues include (i) literacy and education, (ii) health, family welfare
and nutrition, (iii) environment conservation, (iv) social service programmes, (v)
programmes for empowerment of women, (vi) programmes connected with
economic development activities, (vii) rescue and relief during calamities, etc.
GS Paper 3:
Topics covered:
What to study?
For Mains: Resource efficiency- need, significance, challenges and means to achieve it,
NITI Aayog’s strategy on resource efficiency.
Context: Concerns over resource depletion have soared in India because of rising
factory output, urbanization and population putting pressure on existing resources.
Against this backdrop, the Union environment ministry has drafted a National
Resource Efficiency Policy, aiming to double the recycling rate of key materials to
50% in the next five years and enable upcycling of waste.


4. Manufacturers and service providers would also be required to use more
recycled or renewable materials and awareness would be created among
consumers to indicate the shift.
Functions of NERA:
1. Develop and implement resource efficient strategies for material recycling,

reuse and land-filling targets for various sectors.
2. Set standards for reuse of secondary raw materials to ensure quality.
3. Maintain a database of material use and waste generated, recycled and land
filled, across various sectors and different regions and monitor the
implementation.




Topics Covered:
India Water Week-2019
What to study?
For Prelims: Objectives and significance of the event.
For Mains: Water conservation- need, challenges and measures needed.
Context: 6th India Water Week-2019 is being observed.
 It is being organised in New Delhi between 24th and 28th September 2019.

 Organized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
 Theme: ‘Water Cooperation – Coping with 21st Century Challenges’.
Background:
Conceptualized and organized for the ﬁrst time in 2012, the India Water Week is a
regular forum where the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation, Government of lndia discusses, talks, strategizes with eminent
stakeholders through seminars, exhibitions and sessions to build public
awareness, to get support to implement key strategies for conservation,
preservation and optimum use of available water.
Topics covered:
1. Issues related to health and Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the
population by the Centre.
Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month)
What to study?
For Prelims: Poshan Maah and POSHAN Abhiyan – features.
For Mains: Significance of the campaign and government efforts to address malnutrition
in the country.
Context: The Government is celebrating the month of September, 2019 as the

National Nutrition Month under the Poshan Abhiyan.
About Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month):
Objective: To take the messages of POSHAN to the grass root level.
The programme is an initiative of WCD Ministry and NITI Aayog is supported by 18
line Ministries/Departments/Government Organizations.
 It seeks to synergise all efforts by leveraging technology and intends to take

nutrition awareness to the level of Jan Andolan or People’s Movement.
 The programme focuses on 8 themes – Antenatal Care, Optimal
Breastfeeding (Early & Exclusive), Complementary Feeding, Anemia, Growth
Monitoring, Girls-education, diet, right age of Marriage, Hygiene & Sanitation,
Food Fortification.
About POSHAN Abhiyan:
POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) was launched on 8th March, 2018.
Objectives: The programme through use of technology, a targeted approach and

convergence strives to reduce the level of Stunting, Under-nutrition, Anaemia and
Low Birth Weight in Children, as also, focus on Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women &
Lactating Mothers, thus holistically addressing malnutrition.
Aims: POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to ensure service delivery and interventions by use

of technology, behavioural change through convergence and lays-down specific
targets to be achieved across different monitoring parameters over the next few
years.
Coverage: To ensure a holistic approach, all 36 States/UTs and 718 districts will be
covered in a phased manner by the year 2020.
Topics Covered:
1. Issues related to health and Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the
population by the Centre.
‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ campaign
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: TB related facts, concerns for India and what needs to be
done to achieve the proposed target?

Context: ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign’ has been launched with an aim to
eliminate tuberculosis from India.
About ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ Campaign:
 Campaign aims to improve and expand the reach of TB care services across
the country, by 2022.
 Three pillars of the campaign- clinical approach, public health component
and active community participation.
 Supporting aspects of the campaign – patient support, private sector
engagement, political and administrative commitment at all levels.
 The government will ensure that all patients, at private or public hospitals,
receive free-of-cost and high-quality TB care.
Background:
United Nations has marked 2030 as a global target to eliminate TB worldwide but

the Government of India has made 2025 as its target to eliminate tuberculosis
from the country.
Why is Tuberculosis a major cause of concern?
 TB is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the leading cause
from a single infectious agent, ranking above HIV/AIDS.
 TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium
tuberculosis.
 It typically affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other sites.
 The disease is spread when people who are sick with pulmonary TB expel
bacteria into the air, for example by coughing.
 Broader influences on the TB epidemic include levels of poverty, HIV
infection, under nutrition and smoking.
 Diagnostic tests for TB disease include – Rapid molecular test, Sputum smear
microscopy, Culture-based methods
 Without treatment, the mortality rate from TB is high.
SDG:
The consolidated goal on health is SDG 3. One of these targets, (Target 3.3),

explicitly mentions TB.
SDG 3 also includes a target (Target 3.8) related to universal health coverage
(UHC) in which TB is explicitly mentioned. This includes an indicator on the
coverage of essential prevention, treatment and care interventions.
India TB report 2019- key findings:
1. The number of HIV-infected people who go on to develop Tuberculosis (TB) is

increasing in India.
2. TB is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among People Living with
HIV (PLHIV). This group is 21 times more likely to develop TB than persons
without the virus.
3. India is the third-highest HIV burden country in the world, with an adult
prevalence of 0.22 per cent.
4. India ranks second in the world as far as TB-related mortality is concerned.
5. The highest percentage of patients who tested positive for TB and were also
infected with HIV came from Nagaland (15.6 per cent), followed by Karnataka
(10 per cent).
6. The co-morbidity of TB don’t come in form of HIV only. Diabetes and tobacco-
related ailments too play a role.
7. Overall, the TB burden in India is highest in Uttar Pradesh.
8. Percentage of pediatric tuberculosis (TB among the population aged less
than 15 years) cases have also slightly gone up.
Topics Covered:

National Water Mission
What to study?
For Prelims: Key features and targets of the mission, Overview of National Water Policy.
Context: National Water Mission Awards-2019 awarded.
 The awards are given to incentivise an organisation/company through

awards recognising excellence in water conservation, efficient water use
and sustainable water management practices.
 The awards are given in 10 categories defined under five goals of the NWM.
About National Water Mission:
It is one of the eight missions launched under the National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC) for combating the threats of global warming.
Under the mission, the National Water Policy would be revisited in consultation

with States to ensure basin level management strategies to deal with variability in
rainfall and river flows due to climate change.
Goals of the National Water Mission:
1. Comprehensive water data base in public domain and assessment of the

impact of climate change on water resource.
2. Promotion of citizen and state actions for water conservation, augmentation
and preservation.
3. Focused attention to vulnerable areas including over-exploited areas.
4. Increasing water use efficiency by 20%.
5. Promotion of basin level integrated water resources management.
Objective of the National Water Mission:
1. To conserve water.
2. To minimise the wastage of the water.
3. To ensure equitable distribution across the country and within States
through integrated water resources management.
Need of the hour:
1. Using Reverse Osmosis for sea water and brackish water desalinization.
2. Recycle of water and reuse wherever possible.
3. Technologies for water purification.
4. Enhancing storage capacities in multipurpose hydro projects, and integration
of drainage with irrigation infrastructures.
5. Mandating water harvesting.
Major provisions under the National Water policy are:
1. Envisages to establish a standardized national information system with a

network of data banks and data bases.
2. Guidelines for the safety of storage dams and other water-related structures.
3. Regulate exploitation of groundwater.
4. Setting water allocation priorities in the following order: Drinking
water, Irrigation, Hydropower, Navigation, Industrial and other uses.
5. The water rates for surface water and ground water should be rationalized
with due regard to the interests of small and marginal farmers.
6. The policy also deals with participation of farmers and voluntary agencies,
water quality, water zoning, conservation of water, flood and drought
management, erosion etc.
Topics covered:
1. India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Quad countries
What to study?
For Prelims: Members of the Quad grouping, countries in the Indian ocean region,
Chinese military bases.
For Mains: The Quad grouping- features, significance, concerns and potential.
Context: Foreign ministers of the Quad countries – India, US, Australia and

Japan – met recently on the sidelines of the UNGA meeting.
Significance, focus and outcomes of latest meet:
 The Ministers met to discuss cooperation on counter-terrorism, mentoring,

assistance in disaster relief, airtime security, cooperation, development,
finance and cybersecurity efforts etc.
 The Quad countries were “resolute” in their view of the centrality of
the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in South East Asia.
What is Quad grouping?

1. The quadrilateral formation includes Japan, India, United States and
Australia.
2. All four nations find a common ground of being the democratic nations and
common interests of unhindered maritime trade and security.
3. The idea was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007.
However, the idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out of it.
Significance of the grouping:
1. Quad is an opportunity for like-minded countries to share notes and

collaborate on projects of mutual interest.
2. Members share a vision of an open and free Indo-Pacific.
3. It is one of the many avenues for interaction among India, Australia, Japan
and the US and should not be seen in an exclusive context.
Sources: the Hindu.
Mains Question: In its ambition and enthusiasm to actively engage in

“Quadrilateral” grouping, India should not neglect its neighbours. Comment.
Topics Covered:

mandate.
World Tourism Day 2019
What to study?
For Prelims: WTD- theme, objectives and significance, About UNWTO.
For Mains: Tourism industry- Significance, scope, challenges in development and ways to
address them.
Context: This day is commemorated each year on 27 September, with celebrations

led by UNWTO.
The day of September 27 was chosen for World Tourism Day because the
Constitution of the World Tourism Organization was accepted on this day in 1970.
 Objectives: to raise awareness about the role of tourism around the world
and to promote social, cultural, political and economic values.
 2019 theme: “Tourism and jobs: a better future for all”.
 Host: India.
About UNWTO:
What is it?
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations

agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally
accessible tourism.
Members:
UNWTO’s membership includes 158 countries, 6 Associate Members and over 500
Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism
associations and local tourism authorities.
Functions:
1. Promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development
and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the
sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
2. Encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, to
maximize tourism’s socio-economic contribution while minimizing its
possible negative impacts, and is committed to promoting tourism as an
instrument in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), geared
towards reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development worldwide.
3. Generates market knowledge, promotes competitive and sustainable
tourism policies and instruments, fosters tourism education and training,
and works to make tourism an effective tool for development through
technical assistance projects in over 100 countries around the world.
Sources: pib.
GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered:
PM – KISAN scheme
What to study?
For Prelims: Key Features of the scheme.

For Mains: Significance, relevance and need for the scheme, concerns and challenges
over its implementation, is it sufficient?
Context: The government has opened the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
(PM-Kisan) portal for self-registration by farmers.
Significance of this move: Allowing self-enrolment is expected to help farmers in

other States whose names have been missed out. Many States have been slow in
enrolling farmers for various reasons.
About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi:
 Under this programme, vulnerable landholding farmer families, having

cultivable land upto 2 hectares, will be provided direct income support at
the rate of Rs. 6,000 per year. This income support will be transferred
directly into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers, in three equal
installments of Rs. 2,000 each.
 The complete expenditure of Rs 75000 crore for the scheme will borne by
the Union Government in 2019-20.
What is a small and marginal landholder family?
It comprises of husband, wife and minor children up to 18 years of age, who

collectively own cultivable land up to two hectare as per the land records of the
concerned states.
Around 12 crore small and marginal farmer families are expected to benefit from
this. It would not only provide assured supplemental income to the most vulnerable
farmer families, but would also meet their emergent needs especially before the
harvest season. It would pave the way for the farmers to earn and live a
respectable living.
Similar programmes by states:
1. Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana in Madhya Pradeshwas sought to provide relief

to farmers by providing the differential between MSPs and market prices.
2. The Rythu Bandhu scheme of the Telangana provides ₹4,000 per acre for
every season to all the farmers of the state. Similar initiatives have also be
framed in Jharkhand and Odisha.
3. Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income augmentation (KALIA) of
Odisha is more complicated in design and implementation. It commits to give
Rs 5,000 per SMF, twice a year, that is Rs 10,000 a year.
Benefits of direct cash transfers:
1. Immediate impact on reducing hunger and rural poverty.

2. Help households to overcome credit constraints and manage risk. This can
increase productive investment, increase access to markets and stimulate
local economies.
3. Income support can be used to make a repayment or at least activate a bank
account which can then receive a loan.
4. Increase investment in agricultural inputs, including farm implements and
livestock.
5. Serve as an important complement to a broader rural development agenda,
including a pro-poor growth strategy focusing on agriculture.
Challenges with cash transfers- criticisms:
1. Cash transfers are not greatly superior in terms of leakages compared to

other schemes of in-kind transfer such as the public distribution system
(PDS).
2. A targeted cash transfer scheme envisions the role of the state to only
providing cash income to the poor. This kind of approach seeks to absolve
the state of its responsibility in providing basic services such as health,
education, nutrition and livelihood.
3. Cash transfer scheme cannot be substituted for subsidies and other
institutional support systems such as the National Food Security Act-
powered public distribution system. In fact, such cash transfer schemes
could be counterproductive and may lead to more distress.
4. Cash transfer is neither a substitute for the structural reforms needed in
agriculture, nor does it adequately compensate the farmer for the risks
and uncertainty of crop cultivation.
5. In the absence of proper tenancy records, it will benefit the absentee
landlords.
6. It is no substitute for the lack of investment in agriculture, which has
declined at 2.3% per annum in real terms.
Sources: pib.
Mains Question: Discuss the significance of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
(PM-KISAN)? What are the bottlenecks in the scheme? Do you think it can serve as a
path-breaking support incentive for farmers?
Topics Covered:
1. Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) technology
What to study?
For Prelims: About fuel cells and HTPEM technology.
For Mains: Significance and application of the technology.
Context: India’s first indigenously developed high-temperature based Fuel Cell

System was recently introduced. It is a 5.0 kW fuel cell system that generates power
in a green manner.
The developed fuel cells are based on High-Temperature Proton Exchange

Membrane (HTPEM) technology.

Key facts:
 Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Council

of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with Indian
industries.
 Built under India’s flagship programme named ‘New Millennium Indian
Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)’.
How it works?
It takes methanol or bio-methane as the input and produces heat and water as its

bi-products, which can be further used. This helps to attain an efficiency that is
greater than 70%, which is difficult to achieve by other energy sources.
Applications:
1. Suitable for distributed stationary power applications like; for small offices,
commercial units, data centers etc.; where highly reliable power is essential
with simultaneous requirement for air-conditioning.
2. It will also meet the requirement of efficient, clean and reliable backup power
generator for telecom towers, remote locations and strategic applications as
well.
3. Replace Diesel Generating (DG) sets and help reduce India’s dependence on
crude oil.
What is HTPEM technology?
High Temperature Proton-Exchange-Membrane (HTPEM) is the core of the fuel cells

running above 150 °C. As in classical PEM fuel cells technology, Hydrogen is
electrochemically split to proton and electron on anode. Proton is transported
through membrane to cathode while electricity is yielded in external circuit. At
cathode protons recombine with electron and reacts further with Oxygen to water
and heat.
The technology can achieve efficiency approaching 90% calculated as combined

yield of electricity and heat.
Significance of HTPEM technology:
1. HT-PEM Technology enables simple and cost effective fuel cell systems that
can operate on fuel sources available today, such as natural gas, propane,
and methanol.
2. When compared to low temperature PEM fuel cells, subsystems for
membrane humidification and carbon monoxide clean up from reformate
can be eliminated.
The operation of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells at temperatures

above 150°C offers very significant advantages compared to the conventional PEM
fuel cells which are listed below:
1. High CO tolerance
2. No need for humidified gases
3. High power-to-volume ratio
4. Reduced complexity
5. Low cost
What is New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)?
1. It is the largest Public-Private-Partnership effort within the R&D domain in

the country.
2. It seeks to catalyze innovation centred scientific and technological
developments as a vehicle to attain for Indian industry a global leadership
position, in selected niche areas.
3. It synergizes the best competencies of publicly funded R&D institutions,
academia, and private industry.
4. It has so far evolved 60 largely networked projects in diversified areas viz.
Agriculture & Plant Biotechnology, General Biotechnology, Bioinformatics,
Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Materials, Information and
Communication Technology, and Energy.
What to study?
achieve the target.
Context: Cumulative no. of Houses Sanctioned Under PMAY(U) now more than 90

Lakhs.
What you need to know?
About PMAY- Urban:
 Launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation

(MoHUPA) in Mission mode.
 It envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when the Nation completes
75 years of its Independence.
subsidy.
Beneficiaries and benefits:
The beneficiaries are poor and people living under EWS and LIG categories in the
country.
1. The government is providing an interest subsidy of 6.5% on housing loans

2. The government will grant Rs 1 lakh to all the beneficiaries of the scheme. In
existing houses.
3. One can also avail loans under this scheme to build toilets in existing houses.
Ownership of houses:
House is to be allotted in the name of adult female member or in joint name and
all houses to have toilet facility, drinking water and power supply. Preference is
given to persons with disabilities, ST/ SC/ OBCs, minorities and transgender.
Challenges ahead:
1. Government has to mobilise Rs 1 lakh crore in the next three years for
achieving its target of building 1 crore houses.
2. Other headwinds include: unavailability of land in prime areas, low
participation of private developers on account of brand dilution and bidding
mechanism.
3. Also there are issues of stringent cost and time schedules resulting in low
yields, increasing construction costs due to absence of bulk sourcing of
materials, and lack of new technology that impacts productivity, cost
efficiency and quality.
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1. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

Population Research Centres (PRCs)

For prelims and mains: PRCs- roles, objectives and significance.

About Population Research Centres (PRCs):

 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) established a network

 Activities of PRCs are monitored by the Ministry of Health and Family

Pension scheme for small retail traders and shopkeepers

 Under the scheme all small shopkeepers, retail traders and self-employed

1. Issues related to health and Government policies and interventions for

Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended

Why ICMR has recommended a complete ban?

 An electronic cigarette (or e-cig) is a battery-powered vaporizer that mimics

Why its hard to regulate them?

Need for regulation: The current unregulated sale of e-cigarettes is dangerous for

WHO report on e- cigarettes and effects:

 The Centre has created a new Ministry called ‘Jal Shakti’.

National Defence Fund (NDF):

About National Defence Fund (NDF):

1. Schemes for the vulnerable sections of the society.

For Prelims: Key Features of the scheme.

 The revised Scheme is expected to cover around 2 crore more farmers,

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi:

 Under this programme, vulnerable landholding farmer families, having

Similar programmes by states:

 Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana in Madhya Pradesh was sought to provide relief

Benefits of direct cash transfers:

 It has immediate impact on reducing hunger and rural poverty.

Challenges with cash transfers- criticisms:

 Landless labourers are not being covered under PM-KISAN.

1. Conservation related issues.

Context: On the eve of World Environment Day, Union Environment Ministry has

World Environment Day:

1. Issues related to health.

Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Programme

About the Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Programme:

 develop clinical protocols and guidelines;

1. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS)

Context: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has decided to

About Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS):

 Formerly under the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Jan

For prelims and mains: Cabinet committees- establishment, mandate, composition,

Context: The Government reconstituted eight key cabinet committees under

What are they?

Types and Composition of Cabinet Committees:

Standing Cabinet Committee: These are permanent in nature with a specific job.

Ad-hoc Cabinet Committee: These are temporary in nature and are formed time to

Composition: The composition of a Cabinet Committee varies from 3 to 8 people.

Context: The 7th Economic Census -2019 is being conducted by MoSPI to provide

Implementing agency: MoSPI has partnered with Common Service Centres, CSC e-

About Economic Censuses:

Launched in 1976 as a plan scheme.

Objective: It provides detailed information on operational and other characteristics

1. Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure,

2nd Global Disability Summit at Buenos Aires

Context: 2nd Global Disability Summit is being held at Buenos Aires, Argentina.

About the Summit:

The first-ever Global Disability Summit was held at London, United Kingdom (UK)

Mains Question: OUR UNDERSTANDING OF DISABILITY MUST EXPAND TO INCLUDE

1. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

Competition Commission of India (CCI)

For prelims: objectives, composition and functions of CCI.