Max, Fortis effect: IMA for self-regulation for doctors

 What’s the issue?

 At Max Hospital a premature baby was wrongly declared dead by the doctors.
 Medical negligence and overcharging by private hospitals.
Indian Medical Association’s recommendations:
 Urged State governments to subsidise emergencies in the private sector and create a reimbursement
mechanism.
 No hospital can force its consultants to work on targets and the choice of drugs and devices should rest
with the doctors based on the affordability of a patient and not the hospital management.
IMA president Dr. K.K. Aggarwal said:
 It is time for the medical profession to introspect and come out with self-regulation procedures. From
today onwards, all doctors in the country shall choose affordable drugs.
 We also appeal to the State governments to come out with an urgent ordinance for ‘one drug-one
company-one price policy’.
 Doctors should actively participate in ensuring that no hospital sells any item priced higher than the
Market Rate Price. No service charges should be added to procure drugs from outside.
2. Venkaiah for automatic suspension of members disrupting Parliament
 In news:                                                
 Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu said that there should be a specific provision in the Rules of
Business to automatically disqualify members who rush into the well of the House.
 He added that legislatures should start displaying in public domain the names of members who violate
rules and disrupt House proceedings.
Legislative effectiveness
 To say that a legislature has met for 40 or 50 days and passed 30 or 40 bills gives only a brief glimpse
into legislature’s functioning.
 We need a more holistic assessment of efficiency based on different parameters like the number of
sittings, Bills passed, Bills held up, the extent of participation of members, duration of debates on each Bill.
3. SC notice to Kerala on contempt plea by Endosulfan victims
In news:
 The Supreme Court issued notice on a contempt of court petition filed by Endosulfan victims of
Kerala for not complying with a January 2017 order of the court to disburse the entire compensation to all
those who had been affected by the toxic pesticide within three months.
Basic Information:
Contempt of court
 Contempt of court, often referred to simply as “contempt”, is the offence of being disobedient to or
discourteous towards a court of law and its officers in the form of behavior that opposes or defies the
authority, justice and dignity of the court. It manifests itself in willful disregard of or disrespect for the
authority of a court of law, which is often behavior that is illegal because it does not obey or respect the
rules of a law court.
In India contempt of court is of two types:
Civil contempt: Under Section 2(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act of 1971, civil contempt has been defined as
wilful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful breach
of an undertaking given to a court.
Criminal contempt: Under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act of 1971, criminal contempt has been
defined as the publication (whether by words, spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or
otherwise) of any matter or the doing of any other act whatsoever which:
 Scandalises or tends to scandalise, or lowers or tends to lower the authority of, any court, or
 Prejudices, or interferes or tends to interfere with the due course of any judicial proceeding, or
 Interferes or tends to interfere with, or obstructs or tends to obstruct, the administration of justice in any
other manner.
1. No WTO deal without food security: India
 Context:
 
 The ongoing meeting of the World Trade Organisation’s apex decision-making body at Buenos
Aires.
Issue of public stockholding crucial
 India has said it cannot envisage any negotiated outcome, at the ongoing meeting of the World Trade
Organisation’s apex decision-making body, which does not include successful resolution of the food
security right issue
 At the Plenary Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference (MC), India’s commerce and industry
minister said the permanent solution for public stockholding for food security purposes is a matter of
survival for 800 million hungry and undernourished people in the world
Requirements:
 India wants the WTO membership to re-endorse the centrality of development (the agenda to improve
the trading prospects of developing nations) in WTO negotiations without creating new sub-categories of
countries
 This is in the context of attempts by certain rich countries to wreck the broad unity among developing
nations on a host of issues
 Developed countries such as U.S. have suggested that countries such as India and China are currently
emerging economies and reasonably strong in trade — unlike others in the developing world
 Therefore, such powerful nations that are still in the ‘developing’ category do not deserve to gain from
the favorable treatment meant only for developing nations in WTO Agreements
‘No’ to ‘new issues’
 India opposed the endeavor of certain countries to include ‘new issues’ — such as e-commerce,
investment facilitation and matters relating to small firms — in the ongoing Doha Round of negotiations
 The Minister also pushed India’s proposal for a Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement, which,
among other things, aims to liberalize rules on movement of professionals and skilled workers across
borders for temporary work/projects
2. India hardens stand on e-commerce, investment and small firms
 In news:
 India has hardened its position at the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) meeting not only on issues
relating to e-commerce, but also against investment facilitation as well as the proposed norms regarding
participation of small firms in the global marketplace.
Regarding e-commerce:
 The issue pertains to a ‘moratorium’ that was included in the 1998 ‘Declaration on Global E-
commerce,’ adopted by the WTO member nations in May 1998 at the global trade body’s second
Ministerial Conference (MC).
 According to the WTO, the 1998 declaration on the ‘moratorium’ stated that “member countries will
continue their current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmission”. This
‘moratorium’ – which is ‘temporary’ in nature — gets extended at every MC, which is held once in two
years.
India’s contention:
 India has taken a stand that its consent to extension of this ‘moratorium’ depends on the WTO members
agreeing to certain conditions.
 The matter will be subject to the decision of the other WTO members to extend a similar (‘temporary’)
moratorium on Non-Violation Complaints (NVC) under the TRIPS (Trade-Related aspects of Intellectual
Property rights agreement).
 NVC refers to a situation where a “government can go to the WTO Dispute Settlement Body even
when an agreement (of the WTO) has not been violated (by another country).”
Developed countries requirement:
 Developed countries are demanding a ‘permanent moratorium’ on imposing customs duties on
electronic transmissions.
 India feels that such a move could reduce the negotiating leverage for developing countries to seek a
‘permanent moratorium’ on NVC.
 Such a scenario would hurt the generic pharmaceuticals industry in the world, including in India.
 However, for the time being, WTO members have agreed not to use NVC, and this ‘temporary
moratorium’ (agreement not to use NVC) keeps getting extended, like the one on electronic transmissions.
3. Need all-out push on terror: RIC
Context:
 RIC (Russia, India and China) grouping: 15th trilateral meeting of the three Foreign Ministers.
Key Highlights:
 Agreed to uphold the rule of law in international affairs
 Commended the victory of the Moscow-led counterterrorism operation in Syria.
 Urged for “Syrian-led, Syrian-owned” solution to the conflict and highlighted the need for dialogue to
deal with the global “hotspots” such as North Korea and Ukraine.
Joint communiqué issued:
 “We commend Russia-led counterterrorism efforts and achievements in Syria aimed at defeating
international terrorism. We emphasise the achievements in Syria aimed at defeating international terrorism.
We emphasise the need for a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, and in this context resolve to
step up cooperation to prevent and counter terrorism and radicalisation… stop sources of terrorist financing,
prevent travelling of and the supply of arms to terrorists, dismantle terrorist infrastructure…”.
Importance of the communiqué:
 The communiqué is significant as it came in the backdrop of declaration of withdrawal of Russian
troops from Syria by President Vladimir Putin as he declared success in the country.
 The trilateral meeting also came out with a post-conflict plan for Syria.
4. India and China in UNPKF
In news
Last week at least 15 peacekeepers and five soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were
killed and numerous peacekeepers wounded by armed militants in one of the worst attacks on United Nations
personnel. A local Islamist extremist group overran the remote base. Most of the dead and wounded are from
Tanzania.
In the midst of this, one must focus on China as its grip on UN affairs tightens and it starts deciding policy, to
the detriment of India.
China rising
 China has become the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security
Council (UNSC).
 China is now the third-largest contributor to the UN’s regular budget and the second-largest contributor
to the peacekeeping budget.
 China’s participation in UN operations offers a low-cost means of demonstrating their commitment to
global stability and allays fears about its military and economic strength.
Contribution to UN
 In practice, a nation’s voice is in proportion to what it contributes towards the UN, especially funds —
India’s contribution is only 0.737% when compared to China’s 7.92% and the U.S.’s 22%.
 Troop contributions to peacekeeping do not get their due in UN power politics.
Self-serving Acts of China
 In 2015, China committed a standby force of 8,000 peacekeepers and a permanent police squad for UN
operations.
 In addition, there is a 10-year $1 billion China-U.N. peace and development fund and $100 million in
military assistance to the African Union.
 It is no coincidence that Africa is where China has large economic interests. Peacekeeping is said to be a
cover for China to test its strengths in overseas deployments.
 The deployment of a People’s Liberation Army Navy submarine off the Africa coast for anti-piracy
patrolling is to train its seamen in long-distance operations.
India and UNPKF
 Chinese involvement in peacekeeping, along with its higher funding contributions will put Beijing in the
driver’s seat in formulating peacekeeping mandates, thereby affecting India in more ways than one.
 India has provided almost 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions over the
past six decades.
 India has also sent scarce aviation assets including Canberra bombers to a UN Mission in Congo in the
1960s and helicopters to Somalia, Sierra Leone and Sudan.
 The truth is that though our troops have been on the front line of facing danger (168 soldiers lost in UN
operations, till May 2017), the returns in UN power play have been low.
 Chinese opposition to India’s candidature for a UNSC seat and its repeated vetos on the Masood Azhar
issue are unwelcome indicators.
 Peacekeeping missions are the raison d’etre of the UN and India’s generous contributions as far as
peacekeeping troops are concerned should be key in its argument to have a greater say in the affairs of the
UN.
5. India: a responsible nuclear power
 
 India’s admittance into the Wassenaar Arrangement, a multilateral export control regime, as its 42nd
participating member is a big step forward in its quest for formal acceptance as a responsible nuclear power.
 The Wassenaar Arrangement was founded in 1996, and is clubbed with mechanisms such as the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Australia Group.
 India is a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT )
 The Australia Group, which focusses on biological and chemical weapons, may be easier to crack given
that China is not a member. India obtained the membership of MTCR last year.
 Its stated aim is “to contribute to regional and international security and stability, by promoting
transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and
technologies, thus preventing destabilising accumulations.”
 India’s Wassenaar presumes a broad acceptance among its members of the country’s credentials as a
fastidious adherent to export controls.
 India’s efforts at the NSG were stopped by China, which is not a member of the Wassenaar
Arrangement.
 Nonetheless, now that more and more countries are signing on to India’s steadily strengthening
credentials in the nuclear area, there is hope that a fresh momentum will be imparted to a future bid for the
NSG.
 Wassenaar Arrangement will embed India deeper in the global non-proliferation architecture and enable
access to critical technologies in the defence and space sectors.
Category: HEALTH ISSUES
1. Air Pollution: A Public Health Emergency
 Air pollution is one of the biggest public concerns in India.
 A report of the Lancet Commission on pollution and health states that around 19 lakh people die
prematurely every year from diseases caused by outdoor and indoor air pollution.
 A study by the Indian Journal of Pediatrics shows that the lungs of children who grow up in polluted
environments like Delhi are 10% smaller compared to the lungs of children who grow up in the U.S. This is
a public health emergency.
Curbing Air Pollution
 There is a need for a comprehensive policy to curb pollution. At the heart of the problem of pollution
are carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
 About 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions are CO2 emissions produced through burning fossil fuels —
oil, coal and natural gas — to generate energy.
 Since the early 2000s, carbon emissions have increased because of high growth in the Indian economy.
 In 2014, India’s total carbon emissions were more than three times the levels in 1990, as per World
Bank data. This is because of India’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels and a dramatically low level of
energy efficiency.
Energy Mix
 A part of the carbon revenue thus generated can be used for a systemic overhaul of the energy mix
would address the pressing problem of environmental degradation.
 The Indian economy’s energy mix needs to be remodelled through investments in clean renewable
sources of energy like solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and low-emissions bioenergy, and by raising the level
of energy efficiency through investments in building retrofits, grid upgrades, and industrial efficiency.
 According to our estimates, this energy mix overhaul requires an additional 1.5% of GDP (to the current
annual level of 0.6%) annually over the next two decades.
 Assuming that the Indian economy grows at 6% per annum and the population is likely to rise from 1.3
billion to 1.5 billion over the next two decades, the per capita emissions will still fall as a result of this
policy, from the International Energy Agency’s 2035 Current Policy Scenario of 3.1 metric tonnes to 1.5
metric tonnes — a 52% decline.
 Since this expenditure is financed by the carbon tax revenue, it will be a revenue-neutral policy with no
implications on the fiscal deficit.
Problems with carbon tax.
 Carbon tax is regressive in nature — it affects the poor more than the rich.
 Economists in the West have argued for a ‘tax and dividend’ policy according to which the revenue thus
generated is distributed equally across its citizens and as a result, the poor are more than compensated for
the loss, since in absolute amounts the rich pay more carbon tax than the poor.
 Such a policy of cash transfer, which might work in the West, however, has a problem in the Indian
context, which has been discussed in the context of the Right to Food debate.
 Instead of a cash transfer, the other part of the carbon revenue can be used for an in-kind transfer
of free electricity to the population that contributes less carbon than the economy average, and universal
travel passes to compensate for the rise in transport costs and to encourage the use of green public transport.
 As of 2014, more than 20% of India’s population did not have access to electricity. In July 2012, India
experienced a blackout affecting roughly 70 crore people.
 Through this Right to Energy programme, every household in India will have access to electricity, a feat
that almost all the governments since Independence have dreamt of but have failed to deliver.
 The free entitlement of fuel and electricity for a household works out to 189 kWh per month based on
our calculations from the National Sample Survey data.
 Anything above this limit will be charged in full to control misuse of this policy.
 Travel passes with a pre-loaded balance amount of around Rs. 4,600 per household per annum, which
can be used in any mode of public transport — private and government alike — will be available for every
household.
 The level of carbon tax required for this policy to come into effect is Rs. 2,818 per metric tonne of CO2.
It will be levied upstream, namely, at ports, mine-heads, and so on.
 While the prices of almost all the commodities will rise, the highest rise in price will be in fuel and
energy since the carbon content is the highest in this category.
Other benefits of Cash transfer Policy
 This policy curbs emissions and provides more employment since the employment elasticity in greener
forms of energy is higher than those in fossil fuel-based energy.
 Higher prices of commodities according to their carbon content will induce households, including the
rich, to look for greener substitutes.
 They have the effect of enticing even the poor to move away from traditional forms of energy
consumption because the price of energy will be zero for them (provided they consume less than the cut-off
limit) as compared to a shadow positive price in terms of the time used for collection of wood or cow dung
cakes.
 Availability of free energy also addresses the issue of stealing of electricity, since there will be no
incentive left for those who steal.
 In terms of health benefits,3% of India’s GDP currently spent on pollution-induced diseases will surely
come down.
2. Health Care and Renewable Energy
 Around 38 million Indians rely on health facilities without electricity. Without access to regular power
supply, numerous life-saving interventions cannot be undertaken.
 A recent study highlights the role of solar energy in bridging the gaps in electricity access in rural
healthcare facilities.
 In rural India, PHCs provide the last-mile delivery of healthcare services.
 India has around 25,000 PHCs, and of the functional PHCs, 4.6% are not electrified.
 Further, one in every two PHCs in rural India is either un-electrified or suffers from irregular power
supply.
Moving to Renewable sources of Energy
 The use of renewable energy sources such as solar could help PHCs augment or even substitute
traditional grid-based power systems.
 This would also help the transition towards a low-carbon, climate-smart healthcare system.
 Moreover, solar systems can facilitate reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply critical for 24/7
emergency services, deliveries and neonatal care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services.
 In order to augment electricity supply across PHCs in power-surplus Chhattisgarh, the Chhattisgarh
Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) installed off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems of
2kW each in 570 PHCs.
Impact of Solar power
 Districts in Chhattisgarh with a higher share of power-deficit, showed a higher infant mortality rate, a
higher under-five mortality rate, and a lower proportion of fully immunised children.
 The CEEW study found that the solar-powered PHCs in Chhattisgarh admitted over 50% more patients
and conducted almost twice the number of child deliveries in a month compared to the power-deficit PHCs
without a solar system.
 The ability of solar-powered PHCs to maintain cold chains to store vaccines and drugs and operate new-
born care equipment has significantly improved.
 Almost one-fourth of the power-deficit PHCs in Chhattisgarh relied exclusively on solar as a backup to
run cold chain equipment.
 Continuous electricity supply must be ensured to cold chains at PHCs, especially in rural Chhattisgarh,
which has an infant mortality rate that is higher than the average for rural India.
 Further, patients showed more willingness to get admitted for treatment at the solar-powered PHCs due
to facilities like running fans.
 Also, 90% of PHCs with solar systems reported cost savings due to lower electricity bills or reduced
expenditure on diesel.
Scaling of Solar Energy
 Scaling-up solar-powered systems across PHCs in rural India is dependent on three factors.
 The first is to recognise the critical nature of electricity access in the entire health system infrastructure.
 The Indian Public Health Standards has set minimum service-level benchmarks for all activities of
PHCs, indicating that every PHC should have power supply with a back-up option.
 The National Health Policy 2017 reiterates the commitment to improve primary healthcare by
strengthening infrastructure.
 The second is the ability to adapt solar systems around the local needs and considerations of PHCs
including the burden of disease, weather, terrain, and power availability.
 For example, disaster-prone areas that need blood storage units and other health services could invest in
higher capacity systems or greater storage capacity.
 Third, there must be a focus on making ‘Solar for Health’ a national priority.
 Significant opportunities exist to simultaneously address the multi-sectoral goals of energy access,
energy security, resource management, and health outcomes, often competing for resources and political
attention.
 Solar power for healthcare in Chhattisgarh is a crucial opportunity, with evidence that scaling this
initiative can meet national and regional ambitions for energy access and improved health outcomes.
 1. ‘Growth may rebound to 7.2% in FY19’
Key Highlights of United Nations’ World Economic Situation and Prospects 2018 report:
 India is set to see growth accelerating to 7.2% in 2018-19 and 7.4% in 2019-20, up from the 6.7% in
2017-18.
 However, it said, while the outlook for India remained positive on the back of strong private
consumption and public investment, the poor state of private investment remained a key concern.
 Gross fixed capital formation as a share of GDP has declined from about 40% in 2010 to less than 30%
in 2017, amid subdued credit growth, low capacity utilisation in some industrial sectors and balance sheet
problems in the banking and corporate sectors.
Monetary policy
 There exists some degree of uncertainty over the monetary policy stance in India
 Subdued inflation, coupled with a good monsoon season, offers scope for additional monetary easing.
However, if inflation accelerates faster than anticipated, the loosening cycle could end abruptly.
1. ISRO developing a compact launcher for small satellites
In News:
 Indian Space Research Organisation is all set to manufacture a low-cost small satellite launcher.
 The launcher should be able to put satellites of up to 500-600 kg in orbits close to the Earth.
 It could tremendously cut the launch fee that customers would have to pay. Which is what all space
agencies aim at: low-cost access to space, as they call it.
Easy to assemble
 Today, it takes 300-plus engineers and about 40 days to assemble a PSLV.
 A small launcher that can be got up perhaps in three days by a small team would make a big difference
in the market as well as to the launch provider
UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture
The Second UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture is being held in Muscat, Sultanate
of Oman.
Objective of the conference: It will bring together, for the second time, Ministers of Tourism and Ministers of
Culture as well as private sector stakeholders and experts with the objective of building and strengthening
partnerships between the Tourism and Culture sectors and enhance their role in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development.
Aim of the conference: The conference aims to address a wide range of topics, including governance models,
tourism development and protection of cultural heritage, culture and tourism in urban development and
creativity, and exploring cultural landscape in tourism as a vehicle for sustainable development in destinations
worldwide.
Background:
This Conference is a sequel to the First UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture, held in
Siem Reap, Cambodia in February 2015 and will provide the platform to reflect upon the Siem Reap
Declaration that pledged to explore the synergies of the tourism and culture sectors to work in harmony for
sustainable development.
Significance of this conference:
The United Nations has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development,
thereby offering a unique opportunity to explore and highlight tourism’s potential to help transform the world
into a place of prosperity and wellbeing for all. In this context, the second UNWTO/UNESCO World
Conference on Tourism and Culture features prominently as one of the official events on the calendar of
activities of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
 

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.
What it does?
 As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO 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.
 UNWTO 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.
  UNWTO 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.
 

Why meteoroids explode before reaching Earth decode/;

A recent study found that our atmosphere is a better shield from meteoroids than previously thought. So far,
researchers knew that meteoroids often blew up before they reach the Earth’s surface, but they did not know
why.

But, why meteoroids explode before reaching Earth?

When a meteor comes hurtling towards Earth, the high-pressure air in front of it seeps into its pores and cracks,
pushing the body of the meteor apart and causing it to explode.
There is a big gradient between high-pressure air in front of the meteor and the vacuum of air behind it. If the
air can move through the passages in the meteorite, it can easily get inside and blow off pieces.
Special courts to try politicians

In a decision intended to end the inordinate delay in the prosecution of politicians in criminal cases, the Centre
has decided to set up special courts to deal exclusively with cases against 1,581 MPs and MLAs with the aim of
disposing of them in a year. this decision has been conveyed by the centre to the Supreme Court.
What has the Centre proposed?
Initially, 12 courts would be constituted. Two special courts would handle cases against 228 MPs and the other
10 would be set up in 10 states — Andhra, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, MP, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu,
Telangana, UP and Bengal—where the number of MLAs booked for criminal acts is more than 65. Disposing
of 1,581criminal cases involving political persons within a time frame of one year as directed by the SC is the
aim as well as the objective of the scheme.
Need for special courts:
There are several high-profile cases against leaders from almost all political parties—regional and national
where investigations have dragged on for years and those facing trial have evaded prison.
Implications of this move:
The Centre’s decision could be a setback to politicians who, despite facing serious charges, have remained
members of Parliament and state assemblies due to time consumed in trials. Such cases will fall in the purview
of special courts and their fate will be decided expeditiously.
 Special courts to try politicians, Centre informs SC
 In news:
 Special courts to try exclusively criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs: The Centre informed the
Supreme Court that it will set up at least 12 special courts.
 Supreme Court to directly interact with the State governments on issues like the appointment of judicial
officers, public prosecutors, court staff and other requirements of manpower and infrastructure for the
special courts.
Background:
 The court on November 1 directed the Centre to place before it details of 1,581 cases involving MPs and
MLAs, as declared by the politicians at the time of filing their nominations during the 2014 general
elections.
 The affidavit was in response to a Supreme Court direction in November to the government to frame a
Central scheme for setting up special courts across the country exclusively to try criminal cases involving
“political persons”.
Supreme Court’s observation:
 It could take years, probably decades, to complete the trial against a politician.
 By this time, he or she would have served as a Minister or legislator several times over.
FAME India scheme
Original equipment manufacturers will have to seek approval from the Department of Heavy Industry before
accepting any proposal to supply electric buses for availing incentives under the FAME India scheme. The
move is aimed at facilitating the smooth roll out and management of demand incentives for electric buses under
the scheme.

About FAME India scheme:

What is it? With an aim to promote eco-friendly vehicles, the government had launched the Faster Adoption
and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-India) scheme in 2015.
The FAME India Scheme is aimed at incentivising all vehicle segments, including two-wheelers, three
wheeler auto, passenger four-wheeler vehicle, light commercial vehicles and buses. The scheme covers hybrid
and electric technologies like a strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
Facts: FAME India – Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India – is a part of
the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. The scheme envisages Rs 795 crore support in the first two fiscals
starting with the current year. It is being administered by the Heavy Industries Ministry.
India, Australia call for ‘open’ Asia-Pacific zone

India and Australia highlighted the need to maintain the Asia-Pacific region as a “free” and “open” zone under
recently held the “2+2” dialogue model which includes the foreign and defense secretaries of both sides. The
discussion was the first meeting of this level since the two sides participated in the quadrilateral discussion for a
new strategic partnership targeting the Asia-Pacific region.

Need to maintain the Asia- Pacific region as a free and open zone:
A free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the
region and of the world at large. Besides, there is a growing convergence of strategic perspectives between the
India and Australia.
Way ahead:
Asia’s third largest economy, India – remains on the outside of the APEC grouping despite a membership
request dating back more than 20 years. India in APEC would help offset the now-overwhelming influence of
the Chinese economy, while also embedding India in a forum that would nudge it toward further economic
reform.
 Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

India will host the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of AIIB at Mumbai on 25th and 26th June
2018. In this regard, the Government of India and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Secretariat have
signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to delineate the duties and responsibilities of major
stakeholders who would be involved in organizing the aforesaid Annual Meeting.

The Theme of the Annual Meeting, 2018 will be “Mobilizing Finance for Infrastructure: Innovation and
Collaboration”.
About AIIB:
What is it?
The AIIB was established as a new multilateral financial institution aimed at providing “financial support for
infrastructure development and regional connectivity in Asia.” It was founded in October, 2014, and has its
headquarters in Beijing.
Its goals are also to boost economic development in the region, create wealth, prove infrastructure, and promote
regional cooperation and partnership.
Funding: The value of AIIB’s authorized capital amounts to $100 billion, with almost $30 billion invested by
China. India is not only one of the founding members of AIIB but is also the 2nd largest shareholder in AIIB.
 
New bridges inaugurated in eastern Arunachal Pradesh

Context: Two crucial bridges in eastern Arunachal Pradesh have been dedicated to the nation. The bridges have
been built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

The new bridges are:

Injupani Bridge: It is a 140-metre long-bridge on Roing-Koronu-Paya road, which is a part of Trans Arunachal
Highway. The completion of the Injupani Bridge will provide an uninterrupted access between Roing & Tezu,
both important district HQs in Arunachal Pradesh.
Deopani/Eze Bridge: It is 300-metre long pre-stressed concrete balanced cantilever bridge over the Eze river at
Roing in Arunachal Pradesh. The completion of the Eze bridge has come as a boon for the people of the area,
especially those of Dibang Valley district, as the district remained cut off from the rest of the country during the
monsoons each year.
About BRO:
Functioning under the control of the Ministry of Defence since 2015, the BRO is engaged in road construction
to provide connectivity to difficult and inaccessible regions in the border areas of the country.
 It is staffed by officers and troops drawn from the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers, Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, Military Police and army personnel on extra regimental
employment.
 Engineering Service and personnel from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) form the parent
cadre of the Border Roads Organisation.
 Currently, the organisation maintains operations in twenty-one states, one UT (Andaman and Nicobar
Islands), and neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
 The BRO operates and maintains over 32,885 kilometres of roads and about 12,200 meters of
permanent bridges in the country.
 IMT highway
 India is planning to hold talks with Asean countries to extend the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway up
to Vietnam. As per proposals from India, the highway could be extended to Vietnam via Laos and
Cambodia.
Significance of this expansion:
This connectivity can generate an estimated $70 billion annually in incremental GDP and $20 million in
incremental aggregate employment by 2025. Connecting India with the South eastern countries through a
network of road will create jobs, market for crops grown in hilly regions of the Northeast which will also help
growers in getting better price for their produce.
About IMT highway:
The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway is a highway under construction under India’s Look East
policy that will connect Moreh, India with Mae Sot, Thailand via Myanmar. The road is expected to boost trade
and commerce in the ASEAN–India Free Trade Area, as well as with the rest of Southeast Asia. It is important
to note that the project already missed its first deadline in 2015 and India has consistently faced difficulty in
implementing its projects in Myanmar.
Background:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), has 10 member nations Indonesia, Malaysia, The
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia.
 RTI and its application to Higher Judiciary
 The Delhi high court has recently held that the Right To Information (RTI) Act would not override the
Supreme Court Rules (SCR) when it comes to dissemination of information.
 The RTI Act cannot be resorted to in case the information sought for is related to judicial function,
which can be challenged by way of any legal proceeding.
 The SCR would be applicable with regard to the judicial functioning of the Supreme Court. Whereas for
administrative functioning of the Supreme Court, RTI Act would be applicable and information could be
provided under it.
 The dissemination of information under the SCR is part of judicial function, exercise of which cannot be
taken away by any statute. It is settled legal position that the legislature is not competent to take away the
judicial powers of the court by statutory prohibition.
 The court’s order came on a plea by the Supreme Court of India, through its Registrar, who had
challenged an May 2011 order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) directing the apex court to
answer the queries of litigant R.S. Misra as to why his SLP was dismissed.
 No litigant can be allowed to seek information through an RTI application or a letter on the
administrative side as to why and for what reasons the judge had come to a particular decision or
conclusion.
 A judge is not bound to explain later on for what reasons he had come to such a conclusion.
 At issue is the right of citizens to get information from the Supreme Court , and by implication, India’s
higher judiciary, which has strongly resisted the RTI.
 The apex court summarily rejects RTI requests, and insists that applicants exclusively request
information under its administrative rules (Supreme Court Rules) framed in 1966, and re-issued with minor
changes in 2014.
 However the Supreme Court Rules undermined the RTI in four key ways.
 Unlike the RTI Act, the Rules do not provide for: a time frame for furnishing information; an appeal
mechanism, and penalties for delays or wrongful refusal of information.
 The nub of the matter is that the Supreme Court Registry wants to provide information at its absolute
discretion.
 Its brazen disregard for the RTI has now got a stamp of approval from a court of record.
 The RTI has suffered another blow, not from the berated political class or the much maligned babus, but
from the “gems of institutions” enjoined to protect the law.
2. Human Rights in India: Role of Government
 
 December 10 is the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the
UN General Assembly.
 As an early supporter of the UN movement and a constant participant in its deliberations, India has, in
international fora, constantly endorsed the charter of rights that the declaration unfurled.
Constitution and Role of government
 The constitutional provisions are inadequate by themselves and the role of government is fundamental
in advancing them.
 In fact, it is precisely because we cannot rely on civilisational values that may or may not be enshrined
in the constitution to deliver us rights that we adopt democracy as the form of government.
 Historically, votaries of civilisational values have struggled to break free of cultural prejudices and
accord similar status to other civilisations.
 Not very long ago, colonialism had been justified on civilisational terms, with the very term “civilised”
being used to differentiate the West from the indigenous populations of the lands colonised by Europe.
 Civilisational hubris abounds in claims of “the inclusivity of Hinduism” or “the egalitarianism of
Islam”.
 Whatever be the exhortations in the texts that underlie these religions, the history of caste and gender
inequality in India and Islamic societies, respectively, show them to have been neither inclusive nor
egalitarian.
 It is clear that civilisational values, in our case Indian, are far from sufficient to deliver us the rights that
we seek to make our own.
 Though the UN’s declaration of human rights is expansive, Indian civilization has not had much success
in ensuring their delivery.
 If any progress has at all been made in the desired direction, it has been after the adoption of a
democratic form of governance.
 In terms of human development, 21st century India is radically different from what it was in the 20th
century.
 That economic inequality has steadily risen and ecological stress is written all over the country cannot
take away from the fact that there has been progress of a form that has collapsed social distance.
 There is social churning in India, with some of it having come through affirmative action and some of it
through economic transformation in which the more recent liberalisation of the economy has had some role.
 However, as India has managed to shed some of the centuries old practices that maintained social
distance due to caste and economic differentiation, newer axes of power have emerged.
 We have begun to see an unimaginable rise of violence against women and Muslims. Hardening
patriarchy and Hindu chauvinism are India’s unanticipated demons.
 The efficacy of constitutional provisions is entirely dependent on the government machinery entrusted
to our elected representatives.
 An effective protection of individuals, in this case women and minorities, from acts of violence requires
the power of the state to weigh in on their side.
 In too many cases of violence against women, Muslims and Dalits, the Indian state is distinguished by
its absence.
 We want to ensure the flourishing of all the peoples of India not out of self-preservation but because we
want to be civilised and it reflects the true spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

4. Jallikattu issue to go to Constitution Bench

 In news:
 The Supreme Court said a Constitution Bench would examine if the people of Tamil Nadu and
Maharashtra can conserve jallikattu and bullock cart races as their cultural right and demand their
protection under Article 29 (1) of the Constitution.
About Article 29:
Article  29. Protection of interests of minorities
(1) Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language,
script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same
(2) No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving
aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.
What happens if jallikattu is upheld as a cultural right?
 If jallikattu is upheld by the Constitution Bench as a cultural right and a part of the “collective
culture”of the people of Tamil Nadu under the Article, provisions of other laws that undermine the sport
may run the risk of being struck down.
Ahmedabad St. Xavier’s College Society case
 Supreme Court pointed out that the scope of Article 29 (1) does not necessarily confine to the cultural
rights of minorities but may well include the majority.
Background information:
 People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a petition, seeking the quashing of the new
Jallikattu law passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly that brought bulls back into the fold of ‘performing
animals’.
 The PETA petitions contend that the 2017 Jallikattu Act and Rules violate the five internationally
recognized freedoms — the freedom from hunger, malnutrition and thirst; freedom from fear and
distress; freedom from physical and thermal discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; and
freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour.
 The 2014 ban: Nagaraja judgment, the Supreme Court held jallikattu as cruelty to bulls.
5. Electoral bonds likely to carry validity of 15 days
 In News:
 To prevent misuse of proposed electoral bonds, the government is likely to cap the validity at 15 days
within which such bonds — bearer in nature — have to be redeemed by political parties
 Such bonds would be bearer in nature so that those having it can encash through only one notified
account within stipulated time
 As per the electoral bond mechanism, the proposed bonds will resemble a promissory note and not an
interest-paying debt instrument
Modus operandi:
 Each party will have one notified bank account. All bonds are to be deposited in that particular account
 It is a paper currency and needs to be encashed in 15 days, otherwise, it loses validity
Advantages:
 The short duration of bonds will ensure these cannot be misused and the objective of reducing the
incidence of black money in political funding is achieved
6. Naveen writes to PM on Mahanadi issue
 In News:
 Odisha Chief Minister has written a letter to Prime Minister, requesting issuance of instructions for the
constitution of a tribunal to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Basic Information:
Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956:
 The Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (IRWD Act) is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted
under Article 262 of Constitution of India on the eve of reorganization of states on linguistic basis to
resolve the water disputes that would arise in the use, control and distribution of an interstate river or river
valley.
 Article 262 of the Indian Constitution provides a role for the Central government in adjudicating
conflicts surrounding inter-state rivers that arise among the state/regional governments.
 River waters use/harnessing is included in states jurisdiction (entry 17 of state list, Schedule 7 of Indian
Constitution). However, union government can make laws on regulation and development of inter-State
rivers and river valleys when expedient in the public interest (entry 56 of union list, Schedule 7 of Indian
Constitution).
 When public interest is served, President may also establish an interstate council as per Article 263 to
inquire and recommend on the dispute that has arisen between the states of India
 Whenever the riparian states are not able to reach amicable agreements on their own in sharing of an
interstate river waters, section 4 of IRWD Act provides dispute resolution process in the form of Tribunal.
Article 262. Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter State rivers or river valleys
(1) Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use,
distribution or control of the waters of, or in, any inter State river or river valley
(2) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may by law provide that neither the Supreme
Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint as is referred to
in clause ( 1 ) Co ordination between States
Article 263. Provisions with respect to an inter State Council:  
If any any time it appears to the President that the public interests would be served by the establishment of a
Council charged with the duty of
(a) inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen between States;
(b) investigating and discussing subjects in which some or all of the States, or the Union and one or more of the
States, have a common interest; or
(c) making recommendations upon any such subject and, in particular, recommendations for the better co
ordination of policy and action with respect to that subject, in shall be lawful for the President by order to
establish such a Council, and to define the nature of the duties to be performed by it and its organisation and
procedure

1. India, Australia call for ‘open’ Asia-Pacific zone

 The “2+2” dialogue model:
 The “2+2” dialogue was held between Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary of India and their
Australian counterparts.
 The dialogue indicated that the focus remains on freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, where
China has been reclaiming land for infrastructure, boosting its maritime influence.
 Australia and India discussed the need to maintain the Asia-Pacific region as a “free” and “open”
zoneunder the “2+2” dialogue model which includes the foreign and defence secretaries of both sides.
 Both sides agreed that a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term
interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large. There is a growing convergence of strategic
perspectives between the two countries.
2. Govt, ASEAN in talks to take IMT highway up to Vietnam
 In news:
 
 The government is in talks with ASEAN countries to extend the India-Myanmar-Thailand
(IMT) highway up to
 India and ASEAN countries are holding consultations on the extension of the 1,360 km IMT
highway — from Moreh in India to Mae-Sot in Thailand — to Laos, Cambodia and to Vietnam
Other agreements:
 Another area on which the government is working to connect India with South East Asia is the IMT
Motor Vehicle Agreement (IMT MVA)
 India, Myanmar and Thailand in 2014 commenced negotiations for finalising and implementing
the IMT Motor Vehicle Agreement (IMT MVA)
Advantages:
 Connectivity can generate annually, an estimated USD 70 billion in incremental GDP and 20 million in
incremental aggregate employment by 2025
 Connecting India with the Southeastern countries through a network of road will create jobs, market for
crops grown in hilly regions of the Northeast which will also help growers in getting better price for their
produce
Category: HEALTH ISSUES
1. Centre to give Rs.500 to TB patients every month
 In news:
 New social support announced by the center: About 35 lakh identified tuberculosis patients across the
country will soon get Rs.500 every month.
 This social support is intended to cover the loss of wages, travel and nutrition.
Key Fact:
 It has come in to notice that, under-nutrition is an established risk factor for progression of latent TB
infection to active TB.
 Under-nutrition is a serious co-morbidity in patients with active TB in India, and increases the risk of
severe disease, death, drug toxicity, drug malabsorption and relapse after cure.
 In the absence of nutritional support, undernourished patients with TB do get enmeshed in a vicious
cycle of worsening disease and under-nutrition, which can be detrimental and even fatal.
 Food insecurity in household contacts of TB patients in India increases their risk of developing active
TB. This has serious implications, especially for contacts of patients with multidrug-resistant TB.
Nutritional support and TB deaths:
 TB is inextricably linked to determinants of health such as malnutrition and low immunity due to social
deprivation and marginalisation.
 Poor nutrition is increasing the risk by three-fold.
 Nutritional support will help reduced TB deaths, which is currently at an estimated 4.8 lakh per year
 Why is nutrition important ?
 Weights in TB patients are among the lowest in the world
 50% of adult men weigh below 43 kg
 50% of adult women weigh below 38 kg
1. Investment facilitation, norms for small firms gain push at WTO talks
 In news:
 Pakistan and China, have demanded taking forward discussions on investment facilitation and proposed
norms relating to small firms.
India’s stance on these Issues:
 According to India, these are “new issues” and, therefore, should be considered only after resolving
outstanding issues relating to food security that are part of the ongoing round of negotiations which began
in Doha in 2001.
Countries supporting investment facilitation claims:
 The countries supporting the issue of investment facilitation said there were dynamic links between
investment, trade and development in today’s global economy.
 There was a need for closer international cooperation at the global level to create a more transparent,
efficient, and predictable environment for facilitating cross-border investment.
 These nations said they agreed that the right of members to regulate, in order to meet their policy
objectives, shall be an integral part of the proposed multilateral framework on investment facilitation.
 The framework shall also be designed to be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving
investment facilitation priorities of members.
 ‘Draft Ministerial Decision’ on Investment Facilitation for
 The discussions shall seek to identify and develop the elements of a framework for facilitating foreign
direct investments that would:
(i) Improve the transparency and predictability of investment measures;
(ii) Streamline and speed up administrative procedures and requirements;
(iii) Enhance international cooperation, information sharing, the exchange of best practices, and relations with
relevant stakeholders, including dispute prevention.
(iv)Facilitating greater developing and least-developed members’ participation in global investment flows
should constitute a core objective of the framework.
MSMEs Issues were also highlighted:
 Costs related to foreign trade operations represent a significant burden for the participation of MSMEs
in international trade.
 MSMEs from developing countries and especially the least developed countries face additional
obstacles when participating in international trade.

2. Cashless Economy and Bail in Clause

 In news:
 
 The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill enables the government to confiscate the deposits
of ordinary citizens in order to save troubled public sector banks.
 The “bail-in” clause of the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill (FRDI) has led to worries
about the safety of bank deposits.
 It is the push by governments towards a cashless society.
 The biggest challenge for a government launching a “bail-in” attack on deposits is that depositors can
promptly withdraw their money from the bank by demanding cash.
 Such an event can lead to severe bank runs and destabilise the banking system because bank deposits
are only fractionally backed by actual cash.
 Such rapid withdrawal of cash deposits, however, may slowly cease to be an option for depositors as the
world increasingly turns away from cash and towards digital money.
 When all of money in the world is digital, there is no question of banks having to meet depositors’
demand for cash.
 So a cashless world will, once and for all, free banks from the obligation to meet cash demands from
depositors, thus protecting them from any liquidity crisis.
 More importantly, it would also strip depositors of the power to withdraw their deposits in the form of
cash to escape any tax or other forms of confiscation by the government.
Why governments prefer moving towards a cashless society.
1. Banks have been a major source of funding for governments and their economies across the world. Most
of such lending happens through loans which are not backed by savings but instead through fresh money
creation, which in turn leads to economic crises and bank runs led by depositors.
2. A cashless world makes it easier for banks to carry out their business of credit creation without the risk
of having to satisfy the demand for cash from depositors. Consequently, it prevents recurrent crises of
liquidity that are faced by banks.
3. Policies like negative interest rates, which would otherwise push depositors to rush out of banks to
escape the tax imposed on their deposits, become more feasible under a cashless banking system in which
depositors are essentially locked in by banks. Depositors in such cases will have no other option but to
spend their money to escape a penalty on it

1. Right Application of Anti-Defection Law

 
 The objective of the landmark anti-defection law of 1985 was to enhance the credibility of the country’s polity by
addressing rampant party-hopping by elected representatives for personal and political considerations.
 While this enactment brought about some order in the system, some politicians found ways of circumventing it
over the years.
 Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, M. Venkaiah Naidu, decided to disqualify two dissident Janata Dal (United)
leaders without referring it to the committee of privileges
 A member of Parliament or the State legislature incurs disqualification if he either voluntarily gives up the
membership of the party or votes or abstains from voting in his legislature, contrary to the direction (whip) of the
party.
 In the present cases, that of Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar Ansari, the allegation against the members was that by
indulging in anti-party activities they had “voluntarily” given up the membership of their party.
 According to a Supreme Court judgment, “voluntarily giving up the membership of the party” is not synonymous
with “resignation”. It could be “implied” in participation of the member in anti-party activities.
 In two orders pronounced simultaneously, Mr. Naidu declared that Mr. Ansari and Mr. Sharad Yadav had ceased
to be members of the Rajya Sabha with immediate effect on account of having incurred disqualification in terms of
the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution.
 The orders of the Chairman have established a benchmark, both in terms of speedy disposal (about three months)
as well as the quality of the decisions. Since the anti-defection law came into place, there have been a large number of
cases where proceedings have dragged on for years.
 A reading of the rules prescribed by the Rajya Sabha show that the Chairman is required either to proceed to
determine the question himself or refer it to the committee of privileges for a preliminary inquiry.
 But reference to the committee is contingent upon the Chairman satisfying himself that it is necessary or
expedient to do so; it is not mandatory.
 As a matter of fact, in several cases in the past, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya
Sabha, whenever “the circumstances of the case” so warranted, have “determined the question” themselves, without
referring it to the committee.
 In the present case, there was little dispute about the facts relating to anti-party activities undertaken by the
respondents, including aligning with a rival political party.
 In the interests of natural justice, the respondents were given adequate opportunity to present their arguments on
the petitions filed against them.
 Apart from the written statements, the members were given the opportunity of personal hearing, which they
availed. The cases were decided in a short period of three months, but not in a hurry.
 While delivering the order, Mr. Naidu made it clear that while dissent is a political right, it should be articulated
appropriately without striking at the roots of the functioning of the party-based democratic system.
 The Chairman recalled that the then Law Minister, A.K. Sen, while piloting the bill in 1985 in the Lok Sabha had
clearly stated that if defection was to be outlawed effectively then we must choose a forum which will decide the
matter fearlessly and expeditiously.
 The orders assume significance in the context of instances where members have switched sides and became
ministers in the governments, which are formed by parties against whom they contested and won.
 It is hoped that presiding officers of State legislatures will take the advice of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in
the right spirit.

2. Supreme Court to reexamine Adultery Law in India

 
 There is no doubt at all that a reconsideration of the law on adultery is long overdue.
 By agreeing to have another look at the constitutional validity of Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, under
which men can be prosecuted for adultery, the Supreme Court has re-opened a question that has been decided thrice
in the past.
 This time the court will have to do more than pronounce on whether the provision discriminates against men on
the basis of gender and gives an unconstitutional exemption to women.
 While agreeing to issue notice to the government, the Bench has observed that the provision is archaic.
 It has further noted that in a case of adultery, one person is liable for the offence but the other is absolved, and
that the concept of gender neutrality, on which criminal law normally proceeds, is absent.
 The court has also noted that once the consent or connivance of the husband is established, there is no offence of
adultery at all.
 It rightly describes this as subordination of a woman and something that “creates a dent on the independent
identity of a woman”.
 In the past, the Supreme Court has emphasised that a married woman is a “victim” and the man is “the author of
the crime”.
 It has treated the exemption given to women as a special provision that has the protection of Article 15(3).
 It has rejected the argument that it is discriminatory by pointing out that neither a man nor a woman can prosecute
their disloyal spouses.
 It is only the ‘outsider’ to the matrimonial relationship who can be prosecuted, and that too by the aggrieved
husband alone.
 This is made clear in Section 198(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a provision also under challenge.
 The matter now before the court goes beyond the limited question of the culpability of women involved in a
relationship outside their marriage.
 It raises the related question whether there is an implicit subordination of the will of a woman.
 However, merely positing the issue as one of discrimination in the way the law treats two parties in a consensual
relationship because of their gender is misleading.
Criminality of Adultery
 The real problem is the very fact that adultery remains a crime in the form of an archaic colonial era provision.
 Many countries across the world do not treat it as an offence any longer. In 2012, a United Nations Working
Group on laws that discriminate against women wanted countries that treat adultery as a crime, to repeal such laws.
 It is one thing for adultery to be a ground for divorce, a civil proceeding, and quite another for it to be a basis for
incarceration.
 It will be a travesty if in the name of empowering women the ambit of the criminal law is extended to cover both
genders. The correct course will be to dispense with this archaic provision altogether; it serves no real purpose in the
criminal statute.

3. ‘Schemes for women to do BPO work from home in the offing’

 In news:
BPO Promotion Scheme:
 The government is planning to expand the scope of its rural BPO (business process outsourcing) scheme.
 The main aim is to encourage greater participation of women, particularly housewives.
 Till now, of the 48,300 seats under the BPO Promotion Scheme, as many as 35,160 seats have been allocated.
Viability gap funding: The scheme provides special incentives up to ₹1 lakh per seat in the form of viability
gap funding.
About BPO Scheme: The India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS) has been approved under Digital India
Programme, to incentivize BPO/ITES Operations across the country [excluding certain Cities and the States in
North East Region (NER)], for creation of employment opportunities for the youths and growth of IT-ITES
Industry. IBPS aims to incentivize establishment of 48,300 seats distributed among each State in proportion of
State’s population, with financial support up to Rs. 1lakh/seat in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF),
with an outlay of Rs. 493 crore up to 31.03.2019.
4. Hold meet on PCPNDT Act: SC
 In news:
 The Supreme Court ordered the government to hold a meeting with stakeholders, including online search engines
Google, Yahoo and Microsoft, to finalise a mechanism to ensure that materials violating Indian laws prohibiting pre-
natal sex determination are not hosted on websites.
Basic Information:
Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994:
Objective: Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 is an Act of the
Parliament of India enacted to stop female foeticides and arrest the declining sex ratio in India. The act banned
prenatal sex determination.
Features: Offences under this act include conducting or helping in the conduct of prenatal diagnostic technique
in the unregistered units, sex selection on a man or woman, conducting PND test for any purpose other than the
one mentioned in the act, sale, distribution, supply, renting etc. of any ultra sound machine or any other
equipment capable of detecting sex of the foetus. Main provisions in the act are
 The Act provides for the prohibition of sex selection, before or after conception.
 It regulates the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques, like ultrasound and amniocentesis by allowing them their
use only to detect :
o genetic abnormalities
o metabolic disorders
o chromosomal abnormalities
o certain congenital malformations
o haemoglobinopathies
o sex linked disorders
 No laboratory or centre or clinic will conduct any test including ultrasonography for the purpose of determining
the sex of the foetus.
 No person, including the one who is conducting the procedure as per the law, will communicate the sex of the
foetus to the pregnant woman or her relatives by words, signs or any other method.
 Any person who puts an advertisement for pre-natal and pre-conception sex determination facilities in the form of
a notice, circular, label, wrapper or any document, or advertises through interior or other media in electronic or print
form or engages in any visible representation made by means of hoarding, wall painting, signal, light, sound, smoke
or gas, can be imprisoned for up to three years and fined Rs. 10,000.
 Compulsory registration: The Act mandates compulsory registration of all diagnostic laboratories, all genetic
counselling centres, genetic laboratories, genetic clinics and ultrasound clinics.
Amendment in 2003: Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994
(PNDT), was amended in 2003 to The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition Of
Sex Selection) Act (PCPNDT Act) to improve the regulation of the technology used in sex selection.
Implications of the amendment are
 Amendment of the act mainly covered bringing the technique of pre conception sex selection within the ambit of
the act
 Bringing ultrasound within its ambit
 Empowering the central supervisory board, constitution of state level supervisory board
 Provision for more stringent punishments
 Empowering appropriate authorities with the power of civil court for search, seizure and sealing the machines and
equipments of the violators
 Regulating the sale of the ultrasound machines only to registered bodies.

1. A 3-nation Indo-Pacific compact

 In news:
 Fourth Trilateral meeting was held between foreign secretaries of India, Japan and Australia in New
Delhi.
Highlights of the meeting:
 All there have “growing convergences” in the Indo-Pacific region.
 Stressed the need for greater collaboration on maritime security and domain awareness and disaster response
capabilities.
 Renewed their resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed the need
for enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism.
 Support for ASEAN centrality in the political and security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region
 Indicated the possibility of trilateral military cooperation along with East Asian nations as well.
ASEAN-India summit:
 Venue: Delhi on January 25
 Theme: focus on the three “C’s” of Commerce, Connectivity and Culture.
2. Pakistan files counter in ICJ
 In news:
 
 India had filed a plea before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent execution of alleged Indian spy
Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April.
 Pakistan had refused to allow consular access to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad despite repeated
requests.
 India had won a stay from the ICJ on Jadhav’s execution on May 18 following Pakistan’s refusal .
 Pakistan has now filed a counter-memorial before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against India’s plea to
prevent execution.
Counter-memorial details:
 The counter-memorial stated that Jadhav, 46, is a RAW operative involved in espionage and subversive activities
and supporting terrorists to conduct attacks in the restive Balochistan province. India has denied the allegations.
 Pakistan has referred to the bilateral consular access agreement of 2008, which says that in case of arrest,
detention, or sentence made on political or security grounds, each side may examine the case on the merits. The
agreement was signed in Islamabad on May 21, 2008.
Access granted to kin:
 Islamabad has now agreed to allow Mr. Jadhav’s wife and mother to meet him on December 25.
 The Pakistani authorities have also allowed the presence of an Indian High Commission official at the meeting as
requested by New Delhi.
3. 119 nations back move to remove barriers limiting women’s participation in trade
 Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade
 Nearly three-fourths of the 164-member World Trade Organisation (WTO) have supported a declaration seeking
women’s economic empowerment by expeditiously removing barriers to trade,
 India stayed away from declaration, opposing the linking of gender and trade and said that such issues should be
discussed outside WTO
Impact:
 WTO members and observers supporting the Declaration have specifically agreed to explore and find ways to
best tackle women’s general lack of access to trade financing and sub-optimal participation of women in public
procurement markets
 Inclusion of women-led businesses, in particular, small firms in value chains has also been identified as a theme
related to trade and the economic empowerment of women
Reasoning behind India’s stand
 Agreeing to the proposition to link gender and trade could lead to advanced countries using their high standards
in gender-related policies to curb exports from the developing world
 This could also indirectly restrict developing countries from incentivizing their women citizens as part of
measures to address developmental challenges
 Discussing such issues at WTO will set a precedent to bring in other non-trade issues such as labour and
environment standards into the WTO’s ambit
4. East Jerusalem is Palestine’s capital: OIC
 In news:
Tension over Jerusalem’s status rises
 Islamic leaders urged the world to recognize occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine
 Israel sees the entire city as its undivided capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern sector, which the
international community regards as annexed by Israel, as the capital of their future state
OIC summit:
 An emergency summit of the world’s main pan-Islamic body, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was
convened in Istanbul to discuss this issue
 With the Islamic world itself mired in division, the summit fell short of agreeing on any concrete sanctions
against Israel or the U.S.
Basic Information:
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) :
 It is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states
 The organization states that it is “the collective voice of the Muslim world” and works to “safeguard and protect
the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony”
 According to its charter, the OIC aims to preserve Islamic social and economic values; promote solidarity
amongst member states; increase cooperation in social, economic, cultural, scientific, and political areas; uphold
international peace and security; and advance education, particularly in the fields of science and technology
5. Saudi Arabia, UAE pledge $130 mn for Sahel anti-terror force
 In news:
 Saudi Arabia has pledged $100 million towards a five-nation anti-terror force in the Sahel region of West Africa.
 United Arab Emirates has offered $30 million for the same.
 The G5 Sahel force is an initiative pooling troops from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
 Issue: Former colonial power France is fighting against jihadists in West Africa with its 4,000-strong regional
Barkhane force.
6. Brexit Negotiations
 
 Brexit negotiations focussed on Britain’s financial settlement with the European Union (EU), the rights of EU
citizens in the United Kingdom after Brexit and an agreement on the border between the Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland.
 The draft deal had proposed that the U.K. would consider keeping Northern Ireland in regulatory alignment with
the EU internal market and customs union in order to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic
of Ireland (which is part of the EU).
 K. said that in the absence of an agreement between the U.K. and the EU, the U.K. would maintain “full
alignment” with single market and customs union rules.
 No regulatory barriers would develop between Northern Ireland from the rest of the U.K. without the consent of
Northern Ireland.
 First, how the U.K. handles regulatory alignment across the island of Ireland while at the same time not leaving
the EU on different terms from Northern Ireland remains to be seen.
 The European Union is unlikely to drive the process, with various member countries preoccupied with post-
election coalition formation (The Netherlands and Germany), secession movements (Spain) and upcoming elections
(Italy).
 Delays in finalising a trade deal and the duration of the transition period to the post-Brexit regime after March
2019 will cause further uncertainty to companies with a U.K. presence, especially in the financial services sector.
7. Islamic State
 
 Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has declared victory over the Islamic State, signalling an end to more than
three years of battle that saw Iraqi troops first fleeing without their weapons and then, with foreign assistance,
regrouping to recover lost territory.
 At the peak of its influence, the IS controlled almost a third of Iraq, including Mosul, its second largest city.
 Abadi, who took over as Prime Minister in September 2014 when the country was in the middle of the civil war,
adopted a cautious, gradualist approach with direct help from the United States and Iran to take on the IS.
 Iraqi troops first stopped the IS’s southward expansion in the suburbs of Baghdad and then started offensive
operations in the group’s small pockets of influence.
 After capturing cities such as Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraqi troops moved to Mosul, the jewel in the IS crown.
 Iran-trained Shia militias and Kurdish Peshmerga troops joined the ground battle, as the U.S. provided air cover.
 When Mosul was liberated in July after nine months of fighting, it was arguable whether a final victory over the
IS was just a matter of time.
 Abadi claims Iraqi soldiers have established control over the vast Iraq-Syria border after ousting IS fighters from
small border towns where they had retreated after losing urban areas.
 For Mr. Abadi and the Iraqi military, this is a moment of both relief and accomplishment.But it may be far too
simplistic to conclude that Iraq is totally rid of the IS threat.
 Perhaps a greater challenge they face is healing the wounds of the civil war.Iraq is a divided country today.
 The resource-rich south, which is mostly Shia, supports the government and is relatively peaceful. In the war-
stricken north and west, there is no doubting that people feel alienated from the Shia-dominated government in
Baghdad.
 The Kurdish Autonomous Region has already held a referendum, against the wishes of Baghdad, in which a
majority of voters supported independence.
 If the government fails to tackle these divisions and lets parts of the country drift into anarchy again, groups like
the IS will find it an easy breeding ground and regain a footing.
 The IS may have lost territory, but it would be blind to deny that the group doesn’t exist anymore.
 It is not known, for instance, what happened to its self-declared Caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In Syria it still
controls territory, even if it is under growing pressure of Russian-American bombing and Kurdish attacks.
 In 2006-07, al-Qaeda in Iraq had faced similar military setbacks.
 But when Iraq’s sectarian rivalry took a turn for the worse and civil war broke out in Syria, it regrouped and
reinvented itself as the IS.
 Abadi has to see that this doesn’t repeat itself. In order to do so, he must, besides keeping the military on alert,
reach out to the country’s disaffected Sunnis and Kurds.
 Only a united Iraq can hold off the resurrection of the extremists.

1. PPP in Infrastructure
 The Prime Minister inaugurated a 30 km section of the 72-kilometre-long Hyderabad Metro Rail Project on
November 28.
 Hyderabad Metro is primarily financed through private investment, unlike other metro projects that are entirely
funded by the public exchequer.
 It is also the largest PPP (public-private partnership) investment in India, and one of the largest in the world.
 The total investment could well be about Rs. 20,000 crore. Other than a viability gap grant of Rs. 1,458 crore
from the Central government, the rest will be private investment.
 State government is only required to provide the land for three maintenance depots where real estate development
can be undertaken above the ground floor.
Role of Concession Agreement
 In particular, the fare structure laid down in the Concession Agreement will always remain affordable on account
of greater efficiencies as well as the cross-subsidization from real estate development.
 The accountability framework laid down in the Concession Agreement is clear and precise as it can identify and
address any defaults or malfeasance.
 The other PPP project in question is the Airport Metro Line project of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC),
which was terminated by the concessionaire, Reliance Infrastructure, with an arbitration award of about Rs. 5,000
crore [interest included] against the former, primarily on account of a flawed concession agreement that enabled
inflated costs and claims.
 Notably, the arbitration panel comprising three engineers, empanelled by DMRC itself, held that the construction
works suffered from serious defects, including over 1,500 cracks in concrete structures.
 Separately, the Commissioner for Railway Safety reduced the stipulated train speed due to safety concerns.
 The project is now being run by DMRC consequent upon the demise of PPP. In sum, public interest has been
ripped apart by means of a huge termination payment as well as large recurring losses in the years ahead.
 The Hyderabad Metro is entirely based on the model concession agreement (MCA) of the erstwhile Planning
Commission whereas DMRC’s Metro Line is based on a distorted version of the same MCA.
 Their comparison will clearly reveal how critical the underlying contractual framework is. This is akin to the
software which determines the success of a satellite.
 This tale reflects two extremes in the same sector, during the same period and in the same country.
 The lessons learnt would be invaluable for accelerating the much-needed infrastructure investment in India.

2. Bitcoin traders under I-T scanner

 In news:
 Bitcoin transactions is an emerging instrument of investment unregulated by any law
 These transactions have come under the Income Tax Department scanner.
 Why?
Investment in bitcoins has emerged as a “safe haven” since there is hardly any regulation.
 Key Fact: the Reserve Bank of India has only issued a cautionary note to users of virtual currencies against risks.
3. SC eases petcoke ban in two sectors
Context:
 The Supreme Court had urged States and Union Territories to move forward towards a nationwide ban on the use
of pet-coke and furnace oil to power up industries in an attempt to fight pollution
In news:
 The Supreme Court relaxed its ban on the use of petroleum coke (petcoke) and allowed cement and limestone
industries to use it.
 The Supreme Court has asked the Ministry of Environment and Forests to frame a scheme within four weeks to
contain the illegal diversion of petcoke from cement industries to other fields.
 Why was the earlier decision changed?
The decision to modify its ban was largely due to the government’s submissions that pet-coke is used as an
ingredient and not as fuel in the cement industry.
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. New island offers clues in search for life on Mars: NASA

 In news:
 According to NASA, the world’s newest island — formed during a volcanic eruption in the remote Pacific three
years ago — may offer clues to how life potentially developed on Mars.
 The island of Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai rose from the seabed about 65 km northwest of the Tongan capital
Nuku’alofa in late 2014 or early 2015.
 Scientists initially expected the island — created when vast quantities of rock and dense ash spewed from the
earth’s crust — to wash away within a few months.
 But NASA said it had proved more resilient than expected, possibly because warm sea water combined with
ash during the volcanic explosion to create a concrete-like substance known as “tuff”.
 Mars had many similar volcanic islands that appeared to have been surrounded by water when they were created.
Such spots may be prime locations to look for evidence of past life because they combined a wet environment with
heat from volcanic processes.
 Examining how life gained a foothold on the Tongan island could help scientists pinpoint where to look for
evidence of life on Mars.
Category: INTERNAL SECURITY AND DEFENSE RELATED DEVELOPMENTS
1. Kalvari to be inducted into Navy
 In news:
 Scorpene submarine Kalvari: the Navy is all set to induct its first modern conventional submarine into the fleet.
 Key fact: The Navy last inducted a conventional diesel-electric submarine, INS Sindhushastra, procured from
Russia in July 2000.
About Kalvari:
 Kalvari is a potent Man o’ War capable of undertaking offensive operations spanning across the entire spectrum
of Maritime Warfare.
 Kalvari has cutting-edge technology and compares favourably with the best in the world.
 Technical specifications:
 Kalvari, named after a deep sea tiger shark, weighs about 1,600 tonnes and carries the sea skimming SM 39
Exocet missiles and the heavy weight wire guided Surface and Underwater Target (SUT) torpedoes. For self-defence
it has mobile anti-torpedo decoys.
 The submarine boasts of a highly advanced Combat Management System and a sophisticated Integrated Platform
Management System