Civilsdaily digest june 2015

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Civilsdaily Newsdigest June 2015

We started thinking about Civilsdaily about 5 months ago. Few of our friends, preparing for UPSC, complained about how hard it was to get the bare essential facts out of the disproportionately opinionated news streams. That it was an impossible to string together the historic details and not get caught in the mire of leftists, rightists, left of centre & what not!

And that really speaks to how the news is broken today.

Hence, we set out with our android app to provide the most relevant news in bite sized format in a simple cheerful interface.

But WHAT NEXT? What's NEXT beyond aggregating & curating the daily news to give you a bird's eye view of the day that went by?

Publishers these days are so focused on what JUST happened that they leave out a lot of historic details. And UPSC tests you on EXACTLY those HISTORIC context. The raison d'être of those trending stories.

And that's what we want to attempt. Connect the Newscards to form a wholesome story. Help you analyse better & discuss on evolving stories.

civilsdaily.com Now that the CSAT Paper 2 is qualifying, it is all the more important to prepare the Current Affairs to ace the Paper 1. And at civilsdaily, we will continue to provide definitive summary of all the news that is relevant to IAS/ UPSC Prep.

Say for example, it is GOOD that you be aware of what happened at Manipur & Myanmar in terms of anti-insurgency operations OR the reasons why India is taking keen interest in the BCIM Economic Corridor, but it is even more REWARDING if you are able to string together the historic context of these two stories and then judge how the politics & economics of these two may cross each other.

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7/9/2015 June | 2015 | Civilsdaily

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Trivia | June 1, 2015

Case lodged against Nestle India in UP on itsproduct Maggi1. A case was lodged in Barabanki court in Uttar Pradeshagainst Nestle India over inadequate safety standardsof its product Maggi.

2. It contained high level of lead and Monosodiumglutamate (MSG), a taste enhancer.

3. Monosodium glutamate is a kind of amino acid. Itoccurs naturally in many agricultural products.

4. Monosodium glutamate is added artificially topackaged food to enhance flavour.

Discuss: Large doses of MSG can cause headaches andother feelings of discomfort collectively known asChinese Restaurant Syndrome.

Economics | June 1, 2015

Arun Jaitley inaugurates New Bank NotePaper Line unit in Hoshangabad1. State‐of‐the‐ art continuous pulp manufacturing plantintegrated with paper machine.

2. Capable of manufacturing all denominations of banknote paper, including in the higher denomination of1000 rupees with 3‐dimensional toned water mark.

3. Incorporated with latest technology that uses lesspower and minimum water consumption.

4. The plant is environment friendly with zero liquiddischarge.




[op‐ed snap] Maximising the post office1. The editorial makes the case for transferring manyfinancial tasks to India Post, instead of crippling PSBs.

2. In the process of implementing social sector schemes,banks shift their focus from original mandate ofaccepting deposits and giving loans, to achievingambitious targets.

3. The solution lies in utilizing the network andenormous reach of India post for delivering socialschemes.

4. India post is already handling the post office savingsaccount as well as NREGA cash payment quitesuccessfully.

Discuss: Suggestion ‐ merging of smaller & healthier PSBwith India post to acquire banking license and trainedworkforce, incentives for present workforce to writebanking exam,etc.

Polity | June 1, 2015

[op‐ed snap] From universities to coachingshops1. The Min. of HRD had suggested changes in theUniversities Act. It proposed standardisation ofuniversity syllabus.

2. This will lead to end of the autonomy of theuniversity, affecting the academic quality of tertiaryeducation at the college and university level.

3. For any revision of education system, laying goodfoundation for primary and secondary schooling withquality is a must.

4. Standardisation of syllabus may affect betterinstitutions – they will have to lower their standardsto accommodate the inferior.

Discuss: Universities may risk becoming teaching shops



World | June 1, 2015

Pranab in Sweden, key pacts to be signed1. Five‐day state visit to Sweden and Belarus, the firstever by any Indian head of State.

2. The visit will focus on innovation, sustainabledevelopment, urban development and scientificresearch.

3. Sweden is the world’s third biggest exporter of musicafter the US and the UK. Its most famous musicalexport is ABBA.

4. That was just a trivia


Website to trace missing children1. The government will on June 2 roll out a web platform(www.khoyapaya.gov.in) for people to directly report,track and upload information on missing children.

2. The website will answer all queries as to what actionis to be taken when a child goes missing.

3. Fodder point for the child rights related questions!

Rohit Pande




MBBS docs to soon face exit exam1. The health ministry is planning an exit exam for MBBSstudents passing out of government as well as privatemedical colleges.

2. The move comes in the wake of concerns over thestandard of doctors being produced in the country.

3. Those clearing the exit exam will be able to practiceanywhere in the country.

4. Eventually, students failing the exam could even beheld back from post‐graduate studies.


Modi – first Indian PM to visit Israel andPalestine1. Ariel Sharon was the first Israeli PM to visit India in2003, but there have been no high level visits fromIndia since.

2. India recognized Israel in 1950 but soon after votedagainst it in the UN.

3. Diplomatic ties were established by Narasimha Rao’sgovernment in 1991.




Oil & gas exploration work in South China seawill need Beijing’s nod1. China to India – You can’t explore oil and gas blocks inSouth China Sea without seeking Beijing’s approval.

2. As India seeks to further its economic and defenceengagement with Vietnam, China issued an officialwarning.

3. China claims more than 80% of South China Sea as itsown through its historical “nine‐dash line” which is notin consonance with current territorial limits identifiedunder UNCLOS.

4. Beijing may also look at imposing an air defenceidentification zone (ADIZ) over South China Sea in thenear future.


[Update] Go ahead, claim your freeNewsdigest1. We just released the Newsdigest for the month goneby – May 2015.

2. Go ahead, look us up on Facebook & download yourpdf copy today.

3. Not on FB? write back to us at [email protected] we will gladly help you with the link.




Plan to curb tobacco use coming: HealthMinistry1. A comprehensive program using 3‐pronged strategyof information, education and communication will belaunched.

2. WHO study highlights that the manufacture ofchewing tobacco products and illegal trade is on rapidrise in India.

3. There is 71‐fold increase in manufacture of othersmokeless products between 2012 and 2015.

4. This rise is despite most states and UTs banningmanufacture and sale of such products in 2013.

Science & Tech | June 2, 2015

Digital India Program to be formally launched1. Idea? Total digitization of society so that people see avisible change in governance.

2. What’s gonna happen? A series of new govt.portals/applications will be launched to deliver govt.services to citizens digitally.

3. Some of these apps include tele‐medicine, e‐hospitalfor delivering health care services; e‐school bags appsfor education services, etc.

4. A portal to trace and exchange the information onmissing/found children will also be launched.

Discuss: The last one has already been launched, I guess.We pushed a card for that a day ago.




Some issues with China still unresolved1. Stapled Visa Issue: China is granting stapled visas toIndians from Arunachal Pradesh, claiming it as theirterritory.

2. The recognition of the LAC and sharing ofhydrological data is also pending, along with landboundary issue.

3. India had objections to Pak‐China economic corridoronly, if it involves any activity in PoK.

4. The latest release from China’s FM which prevents usto engage with Vietnam @south china sea withoutBeijing’s nod.


[op‐ed snap] One Rank One Pension: Anunfulfilled dream1. OROP seeks parity for all service personnel retiring onthe same rank and tenure, irrespective of when theyretire.

2. The govt.’s commitment has done little to contain thegrowing unhappiness in the community of ex‐servicemen.

3. UPA govt. cleared the deal in‐principle and allocatedRs. 500 crore, but there was no progress beyond.

4. The process of completing administrative proceduresacross different departments seems to be an unendingone.

5. It will benefit 2.5 million ex‐servicemen and womenimmediately, incurring nearly Rs. 8300 crore on govt.exchequer.




U.S. removes Cuba from terror blacklist1. 1st step was the 4 times meeting of 2 countries forreopening the embassies for normalising ties frozenfor half century and early intention of removinghavana from list.

2. Cuba will now have better access to US bankingfacilities and American aid.

3. Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro agreed inDecember to restore relations frozen for five decades.


31 May: World No‐Tobacco Day1. In 1988, WHO’s World Health Assembly had passed aresolution calling for the celebration of World NoTobacco Day, every year on May 31.

2. Since then, the WHO has supported World NoTobacco Day (WNTD) every year, linking each year toa different tobacco‐related theme.

3. WNTD is one of 8 official global public healthcampaigns marked by the WHO.




Maggi curbs widen: Delhi files case | Keralastops sales1. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is the sodium salt ofglutamic acid.

2. Excess consumption of MSG promotes sluggishness inthe body.

3. It may also cause headache, nausea, increased thirstand chest tightness.

4. Since MSG acquired its infamous reputation forcausing migraines, the food industry has given it newnames and new forms.

5. A few names – Autolyzed yeast, yeast extract,maltodextrin, hydrolyzed protein, sodium caseinate,mono‐potassium glutamate.

Discuss: Ah! Such complex names. But be on a lookoutplease :)


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Need to move fast on Atrocities bill1. There is a distressing rise in the incidence of atrocitiesagainst Dalits across the country.

2. It has created a sense of impunity and context for therecent mass killing based on caste dominance.

3. There is a need to strengthen the institutionalmachinery charged with welfare and protection ofDalits.

4. In 2014, UPA govt. promulgated an ordinance SC/STPrevention of Atrocities (Amendment) to strengthenoriginal act.


Chinese are looking at Kakinada through theprism of Shenzhen1. Two Chinese banks are expected to fund a 2000‐acreindustrial park within the Kakinada SEZ.

2. Chinese investments to India are driven bytremendous overcapacity that has been created in themanufacturing sector.

3. China is looking forward for Indian expertise in the hi‐end sectors such as IT.

4. Indian IT firms have made their entry into Guizhouindustrial park.

Rohit Pande




Maggi Controversy: Brand Ambassadors notliable1. The decision regarding liability of brand ambassadorswill be taken by judiciary.

2. Consumer’s commercial transaction is with the brand,not the brand ambassador

3. Legally, brand ambassadors cannot be liable becausethey are not watchdogs of the products.

4. But, there is a case of ethical responsibility of brandambassadors.

Discuss: Shouldn't we be going after the govt. for notbeing checking on these companies earlier.


Bangladesh Cabinet approves 3 pacts to besigned with India1. An agreement between Bangladesh Standard TestingInstitution(BSTI) and BIS, to allow both countries toaccept products certified by either agency.

2. Protocol for bus transit services between Dhaka anddifferent cities in N‐E India, including Kolkata.

3. Another MoU is on passenger movement in the Inlandwater routes and coastal shipping routes.

4. Bangladesh has conferred Liberation war award forVajpayee, as he mobilized campaigns in India as wellas International arena for rights of Bangladesh’speople.

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande




India–Sweden : To resume strategic dialogue1. Both countries agreed to restart bilateral strategicdialogue after a gap of 4 years.

2. Sweden is exploring ways to engage with New Delhion defence front.

3. Swedish govt. is also looking for India as amanufacturing base, supporting ‘Make in India’.

4. Sweden hailed India’s credential in a reform UNSecurity Council.


[op‐ed snap] 1st year of Separation: Telanganaand AP1. Telangana saw new possibilities and opportunities forgrowth and development in bifurcation.

2. Telangana’s hinterland is looking for equitabledistribution of growth and development, beyondHyderabad.

3. AP has concentrated its energies on creation of newcapital, but there are high chances of resentment inregions far‐off from capital.

4. AP has also reacted to concerns for the welfare offarmers and landless labourers, along with focus on IT.




Why prosecuting Maggi brand ambassadorsmakes no sensePunishing brand ambassadors shows that the governmentis only interested in going after the low hanging fruits. Ittook the government 54 years & a court case to get rid ofrat shit in your most basic food items (read PublicDistribution system). But I do not recall any politician whoextolled the PDS system being … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/why‐prosecuting‐maggi‐brand‐ambassadors‐makes‐no‐sense/)


Edward Snowden awarded Freedom ofExpression prize in Norway1. Edward Snowden, former US security contractor andelectronic surveillance whistleblower.

2. In 2013, Snowden had uncovered the most extensiveUS global electronic surveillance programmes carriedout by National Security Agency (NSA).

3. Presently, he is leaving his exile in Russia.4. Norwegian prize for freedom of expression is alsoknown as Bjornson Prize named after a NorwegianNobel literature laureate.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/why-prosecuting-maggi-brand-ambassadors-makes-no-sense/




Union Government launches Khoya Paya totrace missing kids1. Khoya Paya is joint initiative of the Union Ministry ofWomen and Child Development (WCD) and theDepartment of Electronics and InformationTechnology (DeitY).

2. It is a web platform for people to directly report, trackand upload information on missing children.

3. The first‐of‐its‐kind web portal will serve as a platformfor people to not only report a missing child but alsotrack the efforts towards his or her recovery.


Atal Bihari Vajpayee to get ‘Friends ofBangladesh Liberation War Award’1. Why? for his outstanding support for the Bangladesh’sindependence from Pakistan in 1971 when he wasmember of Lok Sabha.

2. The award was instituted in 2008 by ruling AwamiLeague government.

3. Bestowed upon individuals and organizations who hadextended the most crucial support for Bangladesh’sindependence struggle.

4. Former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was thefirst to be honoured with award. President PranabMukherjee also has received this award in 2013.

Rohit Pande




Key Points: MERS (Middle East RespiratorySyndrome)1. MERS belongs to the family of coronaviruses whichincludes large family of viruses such as common coldand Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

2. It was discovered in 2012 and was mostly centred inSaudi Arabia.

3. MERS is a betacorona virus derived from bats.4. Transmission: It can be transmitted from infectedperson to others after close contact via a respiratoryroute.

5. It spread’s in droplets when an infected personcoughs or sneezes.

Discuss: Till date there is no vaccine available to preventit. However intensive medical care can help patient tobreath.


RBI cuts repo rate, airs worries1. Central bank has cut the policy rate by 25 basispoints, bringing it from 8% to 7.25% in 3rd cut in thisyear.

2. RBI has lowered growth forecasts to 7.6% for 2015‐16 from 7.7% projected in April.

3. RBI worried about monsoon shock which could pushfood prices and challenge its control over inflation.

4. These cuts signify that economy needs policy supportas economic growth is recovering, while externalenvironment remains weak.

Rohit Pande




Elections in PoK stir controversy1. India has accused Islamabad of conducting elections inGilgit‐Baltistan to hide its illegal occupation of theregions.

2. Pakistan accused New Delhi of violating ceasefirealong the LoC.

3. Indian external affairs minister has made it clear thatdialogue would only take place within framework ofSimla agreement and Lahore agreement.

4. India is not supportive of Hurriyat or UN interventionin talks with Pakistan.


E‐Visa facility to be extended to Swedishnational1. It would greatly facilitate travel for Swedish nationalswho can come and explore India.

2. President of India stressed on collaboration oninnovation front to deliver solutions to challengesfaced by both countries.

3. Swedish CEOs looking for expansion of manufacturingbase in India.




Report: Global Rule of Law Index1. India ranked among top 50 countries in the world foran effective criminal justice system, but worstperformers in civil justice system.

2. India ranks high in the open government category,placing it at 37.

3. The country’s performance is worst in category oforder and security.

4. The report is prepared across 8 categories related tocorruption, open government, fundamental rights,regulatory enforcement, etc.


[op‐ed snap] Two‐minute bansMaggi alarm must push government towards greateralertness & stringent processes on food safety. A similarinstance led to formation of JPC which prescribedstandards for carbonated water, owing to charges ofpesticides in fizzy drinks in a CSE study. Governmentresponses to the problem of food safety is sporadic& spurred by sudden alarms. The govt. … Continuereading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐two‐minute‐bans/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-two-minute-bans/




India & Automatic Exchange of FinancialAccount Information1. India has joined the Multilateral Competent AuthorityAgreement (MCAA) on Automatic Exchange ofFinancial Account Information (AEOI).

2. Necessary legislative changes will be made in section285BA of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

3. These standards will enable India to receiveinformation from almost every country in the worldincluding offshore financial centres.

4. It will directly help the Government to curb taxevasion and deal with the menace of black moneystashed abroad.


Maharashtra for first time invokes MCOCAagainst ration mafia1. Plans to take stringent action against those whotamper the public distribution system (PDS)mechanism.

2. MCOCA was enacted by Maharashtra state in 1999to combat organised crime and terrorism in the state.

3. The idea is to remove drawbacks of existing legalframework which was inadequate to curb or controlthe menace of organised crime.

4. There are strict provisions including in certaincircumstances power to intercept wire, electronic ororal communication.

Rohit Pande



Enviro & Biodiversity | June 4, 2015

WB approves $ 250M loan for Jhelum andTawi Flood Recovery Project1. In September 2014, continuous unprecedented heavyrainfall had caused Jhelum, Chenab and Tawi rivers,their tributaries to flow above the danger mark.

2. It had flooded the catchment areas, particularly lowlying ones which had severely affected livelihoods andbasic infrastructure in the state.

3. Main focus – River morphology study for some keyrivers impacted by the disaster, extreme weatherevents and urban vulnerability assessment.

Geography | June 5, 2015

Rain forecast on monsoon generates panic1. The recent forecast shifted from a below‐normalmonsoon to a deficient one, implying drought.

2. This drought forecast is first forecast before onset ofthe monsoon, by Indian Meteorological Department,which began forecast only in 1988.

3. IMD got only 3 of the last 8 monsoon forecastscorrect.

4. Skymet, a private forecaster has forecasted a normalmonsoon for 2015, which is getting its figures rightsince 2012.

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande




National Knowledge Network to be open to allSAARC nations1. India is extending its National Knowledge Network toall the members of the SAARC.

2. This will allow students unimpeded access to digitallibraries and network resources.

3. Pillars of India’s vision for SAARC – Trade, investment,assistance, cooperation, people‐to‐people contactsand connectivity.

4. India is also hosting the South Asian University,dedicated to the region.


Israel‐Palestine conflict: Boycott movementagainst Israel1. Palestine is leading a Boycott Divestment andSanctions (BDS) movement.

2. It is a nonviolent grassroots movement modelled onthe lines of South African anti‐apartheid campaigns.

3. Approach: It seeks to persuade businesses, artists,governments and academic institutions to boycottIsrael over its long occupation of the Palestinianterritories.

4. Goal: An end to the occupation, equality forPalestinian citizens of Israel, and a resolution forPalestinian refugees of 1948.




U.S. passes NSA surveillance reform –Freedom Act operational1. US Patriot Act permitted mass global surveillance bythe NSA on an unprecedented scale, a post‐9/11measure.

2. The expiration of Patriot Act will end the NSA’s bulkcollection of telephone metadata relating to Americancitizen.

3. The reform safeguard the privacy and civil liberties ofthe American people, while keeping measures toprotect Americans.


[op‐ed snap] RBI monetary policy – Beyondthe rate cut1. RBI is cautious of banking sector’s struggle with badloans.

2. Have the inflationary pressures have disappearedcompletely? What about bad monsoon predictions,rising oil prices and geopolitical risks.

3. RBI is banking on govt. for strong food policymanagement to contain inflationary pressures in nearfuture.

4. It also stressed ‘step up’ in public investment I severalareas that could ‘crowd in’ in private investment.

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande




New demand by States could hit the GSTrollout1. With GST bill already being referred to SelectCommittee of Rajya Sabha, additional demands bystates have added more worries for the government.

2. Government had accepted 14th FinanceCommission’s proposal and agreed to completelycompensate states for any loss in revenue in first 3years, 75% in fourth and by 50% in fifth.

3. But the states want complete compensation for all 5years.

4. States also want to levy additional sales tax over andabove GST for tobacco and its products.


20 soldiers killed in Manipur militant ambush1. Insurgents ambushed a military convoy killing at least20 Army personnel.

2. Naga insurgent outfit NSCN (Khaplang) has claimedresponsibility for the attack.

3. The NSCN (K) had withdrawn from the ceasefirearrangement with New Delhi in March.

4. The SS Khaplang‐led Naga NSCN (K) is based inMyanmar and is closely tied to the Meitei insurgentgroups.

5. Although there are several militant outfits in Manipur,most of them operate under the NSCN’s shadow,particularly in Naga‐dominated areas like Chandel.




[op‐ed snap] India’s influence rises in crude oil1. India is in the process overtaking Japan, Germany andSouth Korea to become the world’s 3rd‐biggestimporter behind China and the United States.

2. 2 recent events underscored the importance thatIndia is assuming in Asian crude oil markets –

3. The visit by a senior official of Saudi Arabia’s state oilgiant.

4. The talks between Indian refiners and Iraq over fillingstrategic storage.

5. The Iranians will be targeting to reclaim their positionas India’s preferred Middle Eastern supplier after theUS’ lifting of sanctions.


Painting a hazardous picture1. Lead content in enamel paints substantially crossesthe ideal limit prescribed by the BIS.

2. Excessive levels of lead cause health hazards such asstunted growth in children and lung, heart and kidneydysfunctions in adults.

3. Lead could get into human body by touch andprolonged inhalation.

4. Once the heavy metal enters the body, flushing it outis difficult.




[op‐ed snap] How not to make a state1. AP bifurcation is a lesson in how not to reorganisestates.

2. The reorganisation of states in 1956 and 2000 wasmarked by extensive consultations by the StatesReorganisation Committee.

3. The Telangana demand was justified, based on thirstfor development and an assertion of sub‐regionalidentity.

4. Justice Srikrishna panel, set up by the Centre in 2010to work on the statehood claim, was reduced to amere academic exercise.

5. Lessons Learnt: Although forging a political consensusis difficult, it is essential for redrawing maps.


[op‐ed snap] South Asia’s Berlin walls1. The image of South Asia is branded as one of the leastintegrated region in the world.

2. New Delhi’s foreign policy has overestimated thepotential for normalisation of relations with Pakistanand underestimated the huge opportunities thatBangladesh has long presented.

3. The recent course‐correction measure will decisivelycorrect the long‐standing bias.

4. Modi’s outreach to Dhaka and the smaller neighboursis not an effort to “isolate” Pakistan.

5. Pakistan is too big and important in global and regionalgeopolitics to be isolated.

Discuss: Indian govt.’s rhetoric on regional economicintegration fell short in removing non‐tariff barriers,addressing trade imbalance, modernising connectivity,developing transborder connectivity and offeringsubstantive transit rights across its territory.

Rohit Pande




[op‐ed snap] Maggi lessons for India1. This unusual case of market and government failurehas led to a big loss to the individual consumer.

2. India’s market economy is still evolving and regulationis either non‐existent or weak

3. Clearly, the regulators at the government‐controlledFSSAI failed to do their job.

4. Regulators function best when they operate at arm’slength from the government.

5. The FSSAI reports to the Ministry of Health andFamily Welfare, which has not exactly been a beaconof efficiency under any government.

6. It is time food safety was accorded as high a priorityas stock markets, competition, telecom and civilaviation.


[op‐ed snap] Manipur: Waiting to happenReactive measures have never achieved lasting results intackling insurgency in the Northeast. Indian InsurgentGroups (IIGs) continue to operate out of Myanmar tocarry‐out violence in N‐E states, which makes the casefor Myanmar’s cooperation to ensure border security.This issue has been discussed at various high‐levelinteractions, but IIGs continue to use Myanmar …Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐manipur‐waiting‐to‐happen/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-manipur-waiting-to-happen/




India loses poultry case against United Statesat WTO1. WTO’s Dispute Settlement Board (DSB) ruled thatIndia’s ban on import of poultry meat, eggs and livepigs from US is inconsistent with the internationalnorms.

2. These poultry products were banned as aprecautionary measure to prevent outbreaks of AvianInfluenza and bird flu fears.

3. With this WTO ruling, US which is one of the world’slargest exporters of chicken meat will be able toexport their poultry products to Indian market withoutany trade barriers.


Syed Asif Ibrahim – PM’s Special Envoy forCounter‐terrorism1. He will help Union government to evolve strategies todeal with radicalisation of youths in India due to riseof the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

2. Liaise security challenges with governments of WestAsian countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

3. He will directly report to National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit K Doval.

Rohit Pande




[op‐ed snap] Justice Sathasivam & NHRC – anunusual appointment1. Justice P. Sathasivam held the office of the CJI fromJuly 2013 to April 2014. Shortly thereafter, thegovernment offered him the position of Governor ofKerala.

2. The concern that arises now is that GovernorSathasivam is in the running for appointment asChairperson of the NHRC.

3. It is no defence to say that a person who enjoys asinecure from the government will revert to absoluteindependence when appointed to head the NHRC.

4. The public needs to have unquestionable confidencethat these cases will be investigated without a tinge offavour.

5. He ought not to be treated as a former CJI, but as aGovernor of a State, and hence not qualified to beChairperson of the NHRC.

Discuss: This case raises many ethical questions.


[op‐ed snap] Evolving a defence bottom line1. Indian Armed forces pleaded before Parliamentarystanding committee on Defense, to modernise theirresources in order to improve defense preparedness.

2. True integration and not mere aggregation of thecapacities of the three services.

3. Main document – The Indian Armed Forces Long‐Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) 2012‐2027(which is not in the public domain).

4. By creating jobs associated with defencemanufacturing, defence and development willreinforce each other.

5. The article talks about 5 key reforms that are needed.




India – Netherlands to fight terrorism1. Netherlands has experience in fighting IS in Iraq, beinga part of the US‐led coalition.

2. Both countries will exchange information and shareexperiences.

3. The Dutch delegation has offered its expertise inflood control andfor cleaning the Ganga.

4. The trade between both countries stand at 6 billionEuros and Indianinvestments in Netherlands are 5th largest.

5. To give fillip to tourism, India has announced e‐visasfor Dutch visitors.

6. The two countries will work on making measles andrubella vaccine withtransfer of technology.


Enough of Lead, where is the source?1. Sources: Lead acid batteries, paints, e‐waste, thermalpower plants,ceramics, bangle industry.

2. Exposure: Inhalation of dust or fumes laden with lead.3. Spending time in areas with deteriorating lead‐basedpaints and consuming leadbased‐medicines.

4. Impact@Adult: Long‐term/high level exposure ofadults to lead causes brain and kidney damage.

5. Impact@Children: More vulnerable to lead poisoningas their nervous system is in development stage.

Rohit Pande




India slaps anti‐dumping duty on steel importsfrom China, Malaysia1. The duties have been imposed for five years onimports of certain varieties of steel to protectdomestic producers from below‐cost inboundshipments.

2. ADD is a duty imposed by government on importedproducts which have prices less than their normalvalues or domestic price.

3. Anti‐Dumping Duty is imposed under the multilateralWTO regime and varies from product to product andfrom country to country.

4. In India, anti‐dumping duty is recommended by theUnion Ministry of Commerce, while the UnionFinance Ministry imposes it.


Union Government launches Jal KrantiAbhiyan1. Aims at turning one water scared village in eachdistrict of the country into water surplus village.

2. Launched by Union Minister of Water Resources.3. Activities proposed under the campaign includerainwater harvesting, recycling of waste water, microirrigation.

4. A cadre of local water professional Jal Mitra will becreated.

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande




Now street food comes under the scanner1. Tests for high level of coliform bacteria (that comesfrom water contaminated with faecal matter).

2. Central Pollution Control Board prescribes that thenormal Most Probable Number (MPN) of coliformbacteria could be ~50.

3. But your beloved golgappas & tikkis have it over2400.

4. Street food vendors are considered food businessoperators (FBOs) as per the Food Safety andStandards Act, 2006.


Indo‐Bangladesh: On rivers and dams1. One of the key contentious issues between India andBangladesh — the sharing of Teesta and Feni riverwaters.

2. It was being discussed during Modi’s visit to Bdeshrecently.

3. Tipaimukh project (on Barak river) is not likely to betaken forward in its present form due to statutoryrequirements on the Indian side.

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande

Rohit Pande




Key Points: Rupay Debit card1. RuPay is India’s own card payment scheme.2. Was conceived by NPCI, an initiative of the ReserveBank of India and an umbrella institution for all retailpayment systems in the country.

3. The recent Jan Dhan Yojna has given RuPay a bigboost as every account‐holder is getting the RuPaycard.

4. The direct benefits transfer scheme has also helped inmaking the RuPay cards active.


[op‐ed snap] Defending India’s IPR1. India had amended the Indian Patents Act, 1970 tobring its laws in line with the agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights(TRIPS).

2. The legislation raised the bar for what constitutes aninvention and what cannot be patented in India.

3. Inevitably big pharma have lobbied with theirgovernments to force India to dilute the provisions(US putting India on the priority list).

4. India does not have an IPR policy but it has a stronglegal foundation.

5. There is a well functioning Patents office withsufficient experience to grant patents and upholdconsumer interests.

6. And we need to work towards aligning our IPR lawswith global standards.




The new gold monetisation scheme1. Gold Monetisation Scheme is fairly a good move toreduce GoI India’s gold import.

2. Under the scheme, either individual or institutions cankeep their gold deposits with the bank and bank in‐return gives them interest.

3. The RoI (rate of interest) is yet to be decided, butexperts say it should be around 5 to 6%.

4. Similar scheme was launched in 1999 but could notyield the desired result due to inherent problems.

Discuss: What were those inherent problems and what'sthe govt. doing to resolve them?


Indo – China: Focus on LAC clarification1. Special representatives from both the countries toilingto fixed the LAC.

2. LAC clarification process had fully commencedfollowing the 1996 CBM accord.

3. There was an agreement to exchange maps indicatingthe “respective perceptions” of the two sidesregarding “the entire alignment of the LAC as soon aspossible.

4. It is yet to take off.




I&B to ask Home: Why has Sun TV beendenied the clearance?The MHA’s denial of security clearance to the 33channels is based on ongoing criminal investigationsagainst its promoters over allegations of corruption,money laundering and operating an illegal telephoneexchange. I&B officials are of the view that “economicsecurity” cannot be equated to “national security”, andthat the MHA may have either “over‐reacted” or failed …Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/ib‐to‐ask‐home‐why‐has‐sun‐tv‐been‐denied‐the‐clearance/)


[op‐ed snap] Manipur ambush: Why theattack?1. NSCN(K) along with KCP and KYKL claimedresponsibility for 4th June attack on 6 Dogra regimentkilling 18 army personnel.

2. The Myanmar‐based NSCN(K) pulled out of theceasefire agreement with Indian govt. in March,2015.

3. The deeper story points to its rift with the NSCN (IM),the rival outfit on which the Indian government hasfocused its attention in recent years.

4. Despite being based in Myanmar, the NSCN (K)’ssphere of influence and strike capability extendeddeep inside India.

5. Funding for NSCN(K) is sourced from extractionrackets and drugs trade across the borders ofMyanmar, Thailand and India.

6. These movements continue to survive for over 50years, due to great deal of support and publicsympathy, despite growing disillusionment with‘liberation movements’ in Manipur.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/ib-to-ask-home-why-has-sun-tv-been-denied-the-clearance/




Microfinance industry is on the cusp of a greatchange1. Factors contributing to the growth? Core demand formicrofinance & robust policies from RBI andgovernment.

2. In times to come – the MFIs would have become‘Small Finance Banks’; the Postal Bank would be inplace; the BC model would have matured.

3. MUDRA Bank may become a dominant driver of bothfund flows and policy towards the microfinancesector.

4. Practically all significant MFIs today are NBFCs – RBIhas put in place a comprehensive and robustframework of regulations.

Discuss: These points are from the excerpts of aconversation with the Microfinance Institutions Network(MFIN) CEO, Alok Prasad.


Key Points: Food Safety and StandardsAuthority of India (FSSAI)1. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act,2006 and operates under aegis of Union Ministry ofHealth & Family Welfare.

2. Lays down science based standards for various foodproducts in order ensure availability of safe andwholesome food.

3. It is led by a non‐executive Chairperson. Theexecutive head of FSSAI is the Chief ExecutiveOfficer.

4. It has 4 referral laboratories and 72 local laboratorieslocated across India.




G7 leaders to stand firm on security threats,Ukraine1. The Summit was expected to hold talks on “foreignfighters” and the threat Islamist extremism poses totheir countries – Britain, Canada, France, Germany,Italy, Japan and the United States.

2. The first day of the G7 was dominated by the Ukraineconflict, as Obama and the summit host, ChancellorAngela Merkel, urged the global community to standfirm against Moscow.


Vijai Sharma appointed as new ChiefInformation Commissioner1. The Right To Information (RTI) Act, 2005 provides forestablishment of Central and State informationcommissioner.

2. The appointment is done by the President on therecommendation of PM, the leader of single largestopposition party in the LS and a Union CabinetMinister (nominated by the PM).

3. Tenure – 5 years or 65 years of age. The CIC is noteligible for reappointment.

4. Wajahat Habibullah was India’s first Chief InformationCommissioner.




KV Chowdary appointed as new CentralVigilance Commissioner1. He was appointed by President on therecommendation of Select committee (PMModi + Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh & Leaderof Congress in LS Mallikarjuna Kharge).

2. The CVC is an apex body of Union Governmentformed to address governmental corruption.

3. The CVC is headed by a Central VigilanceCommissioner and has two Vigilance Commissioners.

4. It has the status of statutory autonomous body andfree of control from any executive authority.

Discuss: Nittoor Srinivasa Rau was the first ChiefVigilance Commissioner of India.


[fact sheet] Mudra Bank: Funding theUnfunded




[fact sheet] Minimum Alternate Tax


[op‐ed snap] GI & India’s IP regieme1. GI is a category of IP that is India’s strength, which isthe indication of geography or a location.

2. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registrationand Protection) Act, 1999 provides for theregistration, the protection against infringement, andalso protection for authorised users.

3. GI is important to protect art and craft, products etc.But lack of awareness and insufficient implementationcauses problem.

4. It is not enough granting a product a GI; the Stateshould nourish the craft and it must be translated intoreality along with private initiatives.

5. USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training inTraditional Arts/Crafts for Development) schemelaunched to upgrade skills and training of minoritycommunities by preservation of traditional ancestralArts and Crafts.




[op‐ed snap] India’s deceptive Constitution1. Judges are supposed to interpret the abstractlanguage of written constitution and speak where thetext remains silent.

2. The Indian Constitution is transforming into aconfusing one – several constitutional provisionsmisrepresent the existing constitutional positions.

3. The deception in India has arisen on account of thefact that even though the Indian SC has the power tostrike down or set aside constitutional amendments, ithas no power to repeal them.

4. This duplicity creates a major access barrier formembers of civil society who often use constitutionaltext to present their case.

Discuss: Very confusing piece of editorial! Read at yourown pace :)


[op‐ed snap] From slums to neighbourhoods1. There are 3 ways to create ‘Housing for all’ – thegovt., private developers and communities of urbanpoor.

2. The first two would find it difficult seeing the trackrecord of their performance, in terms of low‐costhousing units created.

3. Affordable housing on scale is done best by thepeople themselves, but it is often inadequate andvulnerable, both materially and legally.

4. If govt. can patch these inadequacies of self‐built,auto‐constructed housing, then housing shortage canbe dramatically reduced.

5. Housing for all can be achieved easily, but we need tomake slum land legally available to tenants andprovide the infrastructure.




Cyclonic Storm Ashobaa: First Tropical stormof the season1. Cyclonic storm Ashobaa in Arabian Sea is the firsttropical storm of the pre‐monsoon season in theIndian seas.

2. The name Ashobaa to this tropical storm was given bySri Lanka which is one of eight countries that arenaming tropical cyclones in North Indian Ocean regionon rotational basis.

3. The last cyclone called Nilofer (2014) was suggestedby Pakistan.

4. Next cyclone formed in future will have name Komen,suggested by Thailand.


Army, Assam Rifles kill 50 ‘ultras’1. Killed over 50 insurgents in two operations along theIndia‐Myanmar border in Nagaland and Manipur.

2. Major encounters in Ukhrul and Chandel districts ofManipur.

3. Read the article in the context of Myanmar (Rohingya) recent crisis and judge that is it also the impact ofunstable Myanmar?

4. Also analyze in the context of , LBA and Modi’s visit toBangladesh that how can be the recently concludedLBA help to control incidents like this in North Easternstate?




Songbird may be eaten to extinction1. China’s taste for the bird saw numbers plunge by 90%2. Following initial population declines, China in 1997banned the hunting of the species, known there as the“rice bird”.

3. However, millions of these songbirds were still beingkilled for food and sold on the black market as late as2013, said the study.


An arrest by rule book, but personal liberty anissue1. Delhi Police have gone by the rule book to arrest LawMinister Jitender Singh Tomar on the fake degreecase.

2. Is the crime so grave that he should be arrested?3. Highest standard of ethics must be maintained indischarging public duty while holding any public office.

4. Both the parties looks incorrect from different anglesand correct from their own angles.

Discuss: Raises ethical questions both from the side ofpolice and the minister in case.




Yoga & the soft power diplomacy1. India has been labeled as the soft power state, eversince the word has been coined by Joseph Nye.

2. Whether or not we still are Super (soft ) Power thatcould be debated and it is open to interpretation.

3. Yoga, is one of the other initiative which GoI took toensure India remain on the the path of soft powerdiplomacy.

4. It need no proof that GoI is right on track.International yoga day is testimony of that.

5. What haunt us is that is it a religious practice orpractice beyond religion? Why are Indian Muslimfraternity opposing this?

Discuss: When the rest of the Muslim world hasacknowledged its underlying advantages to health ‐ it istime to introspect and move on.


Stempeutics gets Japanese process patent forstem cell drug1. The product – Stempeucel is derived from specificcells extracted from bone marrow of healthy, adultvolunteer donors.

2. The pooling approach allows an efficientmanufacturing process with minimum wastage ofresources in order to provide the product at anaffordable cost to patients.




Robot can beat cancer, but not red tape1. Maxio is a robot that is used to deliver the medicineprecisely to the nerve root where the pain originated.

2. It has reduced the risk of damaging motor and sensorynerves that could, if damage, lead to paralysis.

3. It is developed by developed by Chennai‐based start‐up Perfint Healthcare.


[cd explains] The Rohingya Conflict




Judicial appointments are too vital for a hit‐and‐trial method1. SC objected to the Centre’s argument that theNational Judicial Appointments Commission should begiven a chance under the ‘hit‐and‐trial’ method.

2. “The NJAC is a wholesome mechanism in which thevoice of the people plays a part in the judicialappointments. NJAC exudes public confidence,” Mr.Rohatgi said.

3. The Bench had asked Mr. Rohatgi to hand over a listof bad appointments of judges made by the SupremeCourt Collegium during the last two decades.


[op‐ed snap] The zeal for yoga1. World has recognised Yoga as valuable discipline thataids physical and mental wellbeing.

2. However, govt.’s excessive zeal and aggressivepromotion for yoga can be questioned.

3. As yoga is all about health, peace and harmony, therereally is no need for a demonstrative approach.

4. Govt. should confine itself in providing facilities forthe practice of yoga in various institutions anddisseminating information about its benefits.

5. The practice of surya namaskar has given sectariandimension to the yoga campaign, and it may bemisconstrued against the tenets of Islam.




Yoga cannot be linked to religion: Govt1. The resolution to declare June 21 as ‘InternationalYoga Day’ was co‐sponsored by 177 countries in UN,including 47 members of Organisation of IslamicCooperation.

2. This reflects that yoga is not associated with aparticular religion.

3. Yoga is being promoted for its holistic impact onhealth and for contributions it can make to globalpeace.

4. India is not using coercion on any community orinstitution to participate.


[fact sheet] International Day of Yoga




[cd explains] Catchup on the Child Labour Lawammendments


[op‐ed snap] A next step called Teesta1. No breakthrough on the proposed Teesta water‐sharing agreement.

2. Bangladesh has delivered on its pledge towards zerotolerance for terrorism by extremely proactive in lastfew years.

3. But, Indian side yet to deliver on its commitment ofzero deaths on the India‐Bangladesh border.

4. There is a need to work together to discover practicaland humane solutions to labour mobility, humantrafficking and the movement of illegal goods acrossthe border.

Discuss: For now, Bangladeshi sceptics are silent. ButDelhi and Dhaka will soon need to take stock of theunanswered questions.




[op‐ed snap] India’s upcoming WTOchallenges1. India and the US are on the cusp of cementingrelations on several fronts but not on the ground oftrade agreements @ WTO.

2. Washington has pointed a finger at the continuedbarriers, largely in 2 sectors – agriculture andintellectual property protection – in India.

3. US raised 3 sets of concerns about Indian agriculturepolicies – India’s “unpredictable” tariff policies, India’sunscientific and unjustifiable import barriers onagricultural products & India’s farm subsidies.

4. US has been on the path of projecting China and Indiaas the untold‐subsidy‐villains.

5. Will the Modi government stand up for its poorfarmers? That is the test it would face at Nairobi.


[op‐ed snap] The Case for criminalizing MaritalRape1. The Section 375 of IPC does not consider sexualintercourse or sexual acts by a man with his wife, whois above 15 years of age, as rape.

2. The NFHS 2005‐06 revealed that marital rape is themost common form of rape in India.

3. Almost 8.5% of surveyed women had experiencedsexual violence in their lifetime.

4. Justice Verma committee in 2013 also advocated forcriminalizing marital rape.

5. The domestic violence act only provides civil remediessuch as shelter homes, medical facilities and monetaryrelief to victims of sexual violence by husbands.




India on the verge of signing the BBINAgreement1. BBIN = Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal MotorVehicle Agreement.

2. Will facilitate the regulation of passenger, personneland cargo vehicular traffic amongst 4 SAARCcountries.

3. A SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement was approvedduring the SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in November2014.

4. Unfortunately, it could not be signed due toreservations of Pakistan.


World Bank team in India to assess ease ofdoing business1. India is currently ranked 142 among 189 nations inWorld Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2015 study.

2. With the exception of 2 parameters (Getting creditand Protecting minority investors), India does notfeature in the top 100 in the remaining parameters.

3. Recent measures taken by the GoI on the ease ofdoing business?

4. Removal of minimum paid‐up capital requirement forcompanies, only 3 documents required for exportsand imports, removal of requirement of filingdeclaration of commencement for companies etc.




Myanmar operation: Hot pursuit a message toall1. Indian Army carried out a covert operation deep insideMyanmar, killing several militants in two camps ofnortheastern rebel groups.

2. Myanmar denied use of their border, as it could causea controversy for the Myanmar government oversovereignty issues.

3. The commandos of 21 Para regiment, equipped withassault rifles, rocket launchers, grenades and nightvision goggles completed the operation.

4. Govt. is planning to adopt a two‐pronged strategy,first on offensive side to plan more strikes and otherbeing defensive to counter retaliation.


Centre clears ordinance to amend law oncheque bounce cases1. The amendments aim at clarifying the jurisdictionrelated issues for filing cases for offence committedunder section 138 of the NI Act.

2. What’s that? Section 138 deals with the offencepertaining to dishonour of cheque for insufficiency offunds etc.

3. The Bill provides for filing of cases only by a courtwithin whose local jurisdiction the bank branch of thepayee.

4. The ordinance is said to benefit 18 lakh people whosecases are pending for a lack of clarity in jurisdictionalmatters.




Maharashtra mulls cloud seeding technologyfor artificial rains1. In this technology, a rocket propelled by sugar is firedat the clouds to generate rains.

2. Sugar acts as a propeller and Silver Iodine, which is atthe tip of the rocket, is burst in the clouds accordingto the process.

3. This causes a chemical reaction in clouds whichcauses rain within 40‐ 60 minutes.

4. Silver Iodine of 47 per cent purity is required in theprocess which is to be imported from Argentina.


[cd explains] Bits & pieces of the DoingBusiness report




Shrinking farm trade fortunes1. In the current year, India’s agri exports are likely to beunder continued pressure, as world demand andcommodity prices show little signs of recovery.

2. But imports – especially of edible oils and pulses –may rise with the prospect of a weak monsoon anddomestic output shortfalls.

3. The result: a further shrinkage of the farm tradesurplus.


26 African countries create TFTA: Cape Townto Cairo free‐trade zone1. African countries have signed a historic The TripartiteFree Trade Area (TFTA).

2. TFTA pact combines existing three trade blocs amongthe African nations viz – Southern AfricanDevelopment Community (SADC), East AfricanCommunity (EAC) & Common Market for Eastern andSouthern Africa (COMESA).

3. The pact will then be officially unveiled at theupcoming 25th summit of the African Union in SouthAfrica.




India richer by 349 new species1. At a time when plants and animals are under threatacross the world, India has reasons to rejoice thediscovery of 349 new species of flora and fauna in thepast 1 year.

2. While most of the new species of amphibians werediscovered from the Western Ghats, majority of fishspecies were from north‐east India (both regions arebiodiversity hotspots).

3. In India, 96,891 species of animals and 47,791 speciesof plants have been recorded so far.


I&B Ministry awaits legal opinionI&B Ministry seems to be in a spot. Its asking HomeMinistry for clarifications and now seeking advice fromthe Law Ministry. Information and Broadcasting Ministryis awaiting opinion from the Law Ministry on what actionit should take against the 33 channels of the Sun TVgroup after the Home Ministry denied security clearance… Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/ib‐ministry‐awaits‐legal‐opinion/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/ib-ministry-awaits-legal-opinion/




[cd explains] Manipur Ambush: Tracing theRoots


Govt. must buy surplus sugar: Industry1. The Govt. decision to give a Rs. 6K crore interest‐freeloan to the sugar industry to help it clear arrears tofarmers has not gone down well with the industrybody.

2. It had also waived excise duties on ethanol in the nextsugar season to further incentivise ethanol suppliesfor the blending program.

3. The industry on the other hand, is demanding thecreation of a two million‐tonne buffer stock of sugaron government account to reduce stocks.

4. Agencies like the FCI or MMTC, STC or APEDAshould instead buy out 2.5‐3 million tonnes of surplussugar from the industry to help it reduce stocks andpay up the farmers.




Engineering goods exports to South Asia onthe rise1. Many South Asian countries, which used to accountfor a small share in Indian engineering exports, arenow emerging as promising markets.

2. The EEPC, the apex body of Indian engineeringexports, gives credit to the ‘Neighbourhood First’policy of PM Modi.

3. “South Asian countries have become a major marketfor us, giving us more than 15% of the totalshipments,” Anupam Shah, EEPC Chairman, said.

4. An EEPC official said that while Sri Lanka, Bangladeshand Nepal were major importers, there wasinsignificant trade with Bhutan and Afghanistan andalmost nil trade with Pakistan.


Breather for three urea units1. Govt. approved the continuation of production ofurea using naphtha or any other means in 3 fertiliserplants in Southern India.

2. These alternative sources are to be used until theavailability of gas through the pipeline.

3. The total requirement of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu andKerala is 23 lakh tonnes, and the annual production ofthese 3 units is 15 lakh tonnes per annum.

4. So clearly, it was a much needed relief for thesestates.

5. The governments of TN and Karnataka will not chargeVAT or entry tax on the naphtha that enters theirstate.




Delhi reels under 15,000 tonnes of waste1. Why? because 12,000 sanitation workers are refusingto work without getting their salaries.

2. The Municipal corporations have the power to invokethe Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA) Act andforce the sanitation staff to resume work but that’s farfrom their mind.

3. Typhoid, jaundice and skin allergies are some of themost common health problems that can occur.

4. Post‐trifurcation of Delhi, the corporations, mainlyEast and North, have been struggling to streamlinebasic services like sanitation.


[cd explains] Issues related to Urea Subsidy inIndia




Yunnan, West Bengal the key drivers for BCIM1. The Chinese Province of Yunnan and the Indian Stateof West Bengal are the engines of the (BCIM)corridor.

2. BCIM initiative is “in sync” with India’s thrust onaccelerated development of infrastructure, whichincluded construction of railways, industrial corridorsand smart cities.

3. A successful emergence of “flagship projects” is nownecessary to change public perceptions about theChina‐India economic partnership.

Discuss: Know more about BCIM? Good time to googleup the history of this initiative.


[op‐ed snap] Getting the climate story right1. A ‘2015 Agreement’ is to be signed at the UnitedNation’s Climate Change Conference in Paris, thisDecember.

2. Currently, there is no international benchmark of whatcounts as sufficient climate action but then everycountry needs to have a story. Right?

3. India is in the early stage of 3 transformations: ademographic transition for which its needs to createjobs; a shift from a rural to an at least half‐urbansociety; and vastly expanded infrastructure to supportboth transitions.

4. Given these factors, it would be foolhardy to place acap on India’s carbon headroom.

5. Still, India must signal serious intent, both because itwants to be seen as a responsible global player, andbecause an effective climate agreement is firmly in itsown interests.




[op‐ed snap] When a higher MSP is not thesolution1. The govt. decided to go in for large‐scale importsinstead of raising the minimum support price (MSP)for pulses.

2. On paper, the government could have boosted pulsesoutput by increasing the MSP.

3. In reality, pulses are one crop that has provedrelatively impervious to price signals.

4. A higher MSP will only translate into higher prices,hurting the poor in both rural and urban areas.


The Hindu is leftist & Indian Express is rightist!1. But we just care about getting the daily news factsstraight, right?

2. We started thinking about Civilsdaily about 5 monthsago. Few of our friends, preparing forcivils, complained about how hard it was to get thebare essential facts out of the hugelyopinionated news items.

3. That it was impossible to string together the historicdetails and not get caught in the mire of leftists,rightists, left of center and what not!

4. And that really speaks to how the news is brokentoday.

5. Hence, we set out to provide the most relevant newsin bite sized format in a simple cheerful interface.

6. But WHAT NEXT? What NEXT beyond curating thedaily news to give you a bird’s eye view of the daythat went by?

7. The answer to that is this – civilsdaily.com | Weare connecting the Newscards which you have beenstudying over time to build a Newsline of the eventsin the last 1 year or so.

Discuss: We are on the alpha release. What's that? That




To cut project delays, Telangana brings in‘Right to Clearance’1. Right to Clearance, on the lines of Right toInformation, for industrial projects.

2. For every day of delay in clearance, the State will finethe official concerned Rs. 1,000. No country has sucha policy, the government says.

3. The Right to Clearance is intended to convey amessage that the government is determined to createan ecosystem in which ease of doing business“matches and even exceeds the best globalstandards”.


[op‐ed snap] Governments don’t sing aboutcovert operationsIndia’s security challenge is complex. But its strategiccommunication, official and unofficial, needs a lot morematurity. We have an uncanny ability to cast shadowsover our own achievements. And as the great Atal BihariVajpayee — no stranger to covert operations and cross‐border engagement — said: Kahani shuru toh sab ko karniaati hai, … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐governments‐dont‐sing‐about‐covert‐operations/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-governments-dont-sing-about-covert-operations/




NJAC: What do you mean by by a ‘fit’ CJI?When you say someone should be ‘fit’ to be a judge, doyou mean that we will need a medical certificate saying itis assured we will live till 65 years of age? A provision inthe NJAC Act, dealing with the appointment of the ChiefJustice of India says the senior‐most judge would beappointed … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/njac‐what‐do‐you‐mean‐by‐by‐a‐fit‐cji/)


International transport corridor tested for inthe Caspian Sea1. International North‐South Transport Corridor (INSTC)– expected to substantially reduce cargotransportation time between India and Central Asiaand Russia.

2. India had recently signed an MoU with Iran for thedevelopment of the Chabahar port which is itsanticipated gateway to Afghanistan.

3. Once the North‐South Corridor becomes operational,India will have better connectivity with Russia,bringing down the freight rates.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/njac-what-do-you-mean-by-by-a-fit-cji/




Rs. 1,500‐cr. nuclear insurance pool set up1. Why? under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Actto offset the financial burden on foreign nuclearsuppliers in case of an accident.

2. Some clauses in the Act, which give the operator theright to legal recourse and allow it to sue the suppliersin case of any accident were seen as major hinderanceto the growth of nuclear industry.

3. The pool has been set up by General InsuranceCorporation of India and 11 other non‐life insurers.


Key Points: Restructuring the Indian Railways1. 1. The panel on restructuring of the Indian Railways,

headed by Mr. Debroy, submitted its final reporton Friday.

2. Improving accountability, decentralising power andsetting up an independent regulator are thekey recommendations.

3. Even if the projects are taken up for fulfilling socialobjectives, they need to be accounted for andclearly quantified and funded out of the Budget.




Key Points: How labelling cooked Maggi’sgoose1. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) identified 3 problems.

2. Lead levels higher than the permissible quantity of 2.5ppm (parts per million).

3. Misleading labelling on the package that stated “Noadded MSG”.

4. Release of “Maggi Oats Masala Noodle withTastemaker” without product approval.

5. The REAL thing is this – Maggi noodles sold in Indiacontain hydrolysed groundnut protein, onion powderand wheat flour, all of which contain glutamate.

6. MSG is a sodium salt of glutamate.


Congressional hearing on child ‘abductions’ toIndia1. The 2015 report identifies India as a nation that is nota signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention onInternational Child Abduction and has no bilateral orother procedures with the U.S. to “resolve abductions.

2. Parents of Indian and other origin complain that theirchildren were “abducted” to India by their estrangedspouses.




Now, China seeks maritime deal with Dhaka1. China has approached Bangladesh to sign a deal onblue economy and maritime cooperation in the Bay ofBengal.

2. India had just signed a deal for joint research onoceanography of the Bay of Bengal.

3. The Indo‐B.Desh deal was signed between Univ. ofDhaka and India’s Council of Scientific and IndustrialResearch (CSIR).

Discuss: What is Blue Economy?


‘Hot pursuit’ is kosher, says Israel envoy1. “Hot pursuit”, or the need to cross over boundaries inpursuit of terror groups, is “one of the ingredients in anew kind of battleground”.

2. Israel came out in support of India’s crossover intoMyanmar territory to raid Nationalist Socialist Councilof Nagaland (Khaplang) camps.

3. India’s policy of supporting the Palestinian cause andits votes at the U.N. on resolutions criticising Israel’sactions in Gaza are a matter of concern.

4. But Israel is hopeful that India will take a balancedview of the scheme of things.

Discuss: Kosher is a jewish word. Find out what it means!




India’s only double coconut tree artificiallypollinated1. One of the rare and globally threatened species ofpalm, the double coconut tree was planted at thebotanical garden in 1894.

2. The Double Coconut tree bears the largest seedknown to science – weighing around 25 kg.

3. This unique species is also the longest surviving palmwhich can live for as long as 1,000 years.

4. This rare tree can be found in only two of the 115Seychelles islands and is also called Coco de Mer(coconut of the sea).


Government mulls to raise number of daysunder NREGA scheme to 1501. 50 additional days of employment will compensatefarmers who have suffered crop loss due to deficientrains.

2. On an average, 25% of the rural households seekemployment under the Act annually.

3. The government had last year extended the numberof wage days under MGNREGA to 150 inUttarakhand in the wake of floods that left thousandsdead and missing.




Stress takes a toll on tigers in Sariska1. Tigers reintroduced in the Sariska Tiger Reserve inRajasthan between 2008 and 2010 have beenproducing fewer offspring.

2. High stress levels in tigers, caused by human activity,have affected their breeding in the Sariska TigerReserve in Rajasthan.


Understanding disinvestment1. The term disinvestment refers to the process throughwhich the government offloads a portion of itsshareholding in a PSU.

2. Capital receipts so garnered will help in centralgovernment finances.

3. Importantly, however, under disinvestment,government will remain the majority shareholder evenif its post‐divestment shareholding is smaller thanbefore.

4. The government hopes to garner Rs.69,500 crore ofcapital receipts this year from strategic sale and sellingshares in unlisted companies.




FDI in services sector grows by 46% in 2014‐15 fiscal1. How? the government had taken series of steps toimprove ease of doing business and attractingdomestic as well as foreign investments.

2. The services sector includes banking, outsourcing,insurance, Research & Development (R&D), courierand technology testing.

3. Increase in foreign investments will help to improvecountry’s balance of payments (BoP) situation andstrengthen the rupee.

Discuss: How does it improves BoP?


Overall stockpile of nuclear weapondiminishes1. This info is as per the recently published StockholmInternational Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

2. Reason behind the decrease in the number of nuclearwarheads is because of reduction of them from twomain nuclear powers United States and Russia.




400 Million Lack Basic Health Services: WHO& WB1. The world’s most disadvantaged people are missingout on even the most basic services.

2. Universal health coverage = All people receiving thequality health services they need, without beingexposed to financial hardship.

3. Essential Services = Family planning, prenatal care,skilled birth attendance, child immunization,antiretroviral therapy to combat HIV and AIDS,tuberculosis treatment and access to clean water andsanitation.


[op‐ed snap] Finding a blueprint for railwayreforms & implementing it1. The new report by Bibek Debroy talks about a railwayregulatory authority – a prerequisite for therestructuring of the railways – allowing more openparticipation of private players.

2. Key Fact – 94% of railways’ revenues are spent onoperating costs.

3. Suresh Prabhu, the Railway minister is attempting toset its finances right.

4. The minister is now engaging more with stategovernments to get them on board for investments innew projects.

5. Charting out a plan to run the railways on morecommercial lines, dismantling of the presentorganisational structure marked by a powerful railwayboard.




[op‐ed snap] Be detached, be tolerant1. Courts should use contempt law with utmost caution,and never to prevent criticism.

2. For any judicial system, there are serious dangerswhen parallel trials are conducted by the media.

3. It is hard to believe that judges are never influenced,even subconsciously, by what they read or see.

4. In several important cases, the media has played avital role in highlighting the failure of justice — forinstance in the Jessica Lall, Priyadarshini Mattoo,Nitish Katara and the BMW hit‐and‐run cases.

5. But there are also examples of media sensationalismcrossing the boundaries of fairness and decency. Takethe Aarushi Talwar murder case.

Discuss: The editorial talks about the need for creating abalance between media and judiciary.


US may force India to slash farm subsidies1. US has declared special and differential treatment(S&DT) a “threshold” issue, implying that all developingcountries will not be treated on a par with regard tofarm and fisheries subsidy programmes.

2. Washington wants China and India to be treatedseparate from other developing countries – regardlessof their hundreds of millions of poor farmers andfishermen.




What is a cashless economy?1. The finance minister, in his budget speech, talkedabout the idea of making India a cashless society, withthe aim of curbing the flow of black money.

2. But what exactly is a cashless economy?3. It can be defined as a situation in which the flow ofcash within an economy is non‐existent and alltransactions have to be through electronic channels.

4. Instruments – Direct debit, credit and debit cards,electronic clearing, payment systems such asImmediate Payment Service (IMPS), NationalElectronic Funds Transfer and Real Time GrossSettlement in India.

Discuss: India continues to be driven by the use of cash;less than 5% of all payments happen electronically.


[cd explains] The curious case of MonoSodium Glutamate




Government launches augmented realityapplication ‘Sakaar’1. To highlight the achievements of the Department ofSpace.

2. Developed by Development and EducationalCommunication Unit (DECU) of ISRO.

3. The application consists of 3 Dimensional (3D) modelsof Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), RISAT, indigenousrockets such as PSLV, GSLV Mk‐III etc.

4. Augmented Reality Technology? It is computer‐generated 3D models, animations, videos thataugments (or supplements) the live direct view of aphysical, real‐world environment.


ISRO to test re‐usable satellite launch vehicle1. This will help cut down the cost of satellite launchesto “one‐tenth” the present rates.

2. Under the project, a plane will be flown into outerspace at five times the speed of sound, deliver thepayload and then land back like an aircraft.

3. There are currently no reusable launch vehicles inoperation anywhere.

4. Also, an Android‐based application ‘Sakaar’ has beenlaunched, intended to give a real world environmentto visualise ISRO projects such as Mars Mission.




Foreign Contribution Regulation Act: NewAmmendments1. In the most important change, government plans toequate “economic security” for NGOs under FCRAwith the definition provided in Section 2 of theUnlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

2. For this, NGOs and organisations that receive foreigndonations will now have to share personal details,bank account details etc.

3. Also, banks will have to provide online access to theHome Ministry and Intelligence Bureau (IB) formonitoring the utilisation of accounts of all FCRA‐registered associations.

Discuss: Dig more into what has been happening a fewmonths back on the NGO & FCRA front.


Centre plans ‘good Samaritan’ guidelines1. Why? Because of the Supreme Court directive,instructions aimed at protecting those bringing tohospital a road accident victim from legal or otherharassment.

2. The issued procedures will be enforceable.3. There is at present no law or guideline that seeks toprotect such a rescuer.




Recognition of Prior Learning: Certifying theunskilled workers1. Varanasi or Kanchipuram weavers, gold and jewelleryworkers of Jaipur – these people are skilled andworking, they need to be certified.

2. The (RPL) programme is an attempt to bring suchworkers in the unorganised sectors formally to theskilling list, starting with the construction sector.

3. There is an attempt to involve the industry in firmingup the checklist of competencies for various trades.

4. And to standardise skill levels across a particularsector by empanelling independent trainers for theskill assessment and training.


U.S. to curb trans fats by 20181. It will seek to eliminate majority of trans fats from thecountry’s food supply by 2018.

2. It is believed that artificial oils, commonly called “transfats”, clog arteries and raise the risk of heart disease.

3. This reform could hold lessons for the regulation oftrans fat use in foods in developing countries such asIndia.




U.N. envoy hails 19th amendment @Sri Lanka1. The 19th Constitutional Amendment envisages adilution of powers of the Executive Presidency andother constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka.

2. United Nations High Commissioner for Human RightsZeid Ra’ad Al Hussein believes that this will bring arenewed hope for democracy and the rule of law.


Researchers create World’s thinnest bulb fromgraphene1. The bulb uses graphene, a perfectly crystalline form ofcarbon as a filament.

2. The filament is attached to metal electrodes andsuspended the strips above the substrate.

3. After current is passed through filament it heats up toover 2,500° C and produces exceptionally bright light.




[cd explains] Debroy committee bats forradical reforms


Bandhan gets final approval for bankinglicence from RBI1. On April 2, 2014, RBI had granted an in‐principleapproval to Bandhan and IDFC to set up a bank.

2. As a bank, Bandhan plans to focus on retail clients andwill not focus on corporate clients for lending.

3. In early 2014, an RBI committee headed by BimalJalan submitted its report on the criteria, businessplans and corporate governance practices ofapplicants applying for New Bank Licenses.




The problem with predicting earthquakesDespite the recognized seismic risk on the border of theIndia‐Eurasia plates, not much is known about the faultslikely responsible for the massive earthquakes in theregion. WHY? Scientists have never predicted a majorearthquake, except the 1975 Haicheng earthquake whenchanges in land elevation and groundwater levels alarmedChinese scientists. The 25 April … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/the‐problem‐with‐predicting‐earthquakes/)


Moon experiences quakes like Earth, revealsChandrayaan1. An analysis of pictures taken by Isro’s Chandrayaan‐1has found that tectonic plates are present insidemoon’s surface similar to earth and causes quakes oncolliding which each other.

2. This finding is ‘Make in India’ in true sense as the dataused in this study is provided by an Indian spacecraftand analysis of this data has also been done by Indianscientists.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/the-problem-with-predicting-earthquakes/




Nepal earthquake moved Everest southwest1. But its height – usually given as 8,848 metres – wasunchanged by the disaster.

2. The 7.8‐magnitude quake reversed the gradualnortheasterly course of the world’s highest peak,which straddles Nepal and China.

3. Nepal rests on a major fault line between 2 tectonicplates — one bearing India pushing northward into aplate carrying Europe and Asia at a rate of about2 cm per year — the process that created theHimalayas.


India, Pakistan expanding nuclear arsenal:ReportIndia and Pakistan are reportedly expanding their nucleararsenal, despite a global trend towards disarmament, theStockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)has said.




[cd explains] The Agni missile system


[cd explains] India’s Nuclear Timeline




Most of world’s groundwater reservesdepleted1. This analysis used data from Nasa’s Gravity Recoveryand Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites.

2. Researchers found that 13 of the planet’s 37 largestaquifers studied between 2003 and 2013 were beingdepleted.

3. This happens when a highly stressed aquifer is locatedin a region with socioeconomic or political tensionsthat can’t supplement declining water supplies fastenough!

History | June 18, 2015

[op‐ed snap] The tortuous road to Naga peaceThe publicity that surrounds the success of India’s ‘cross‐border’ strike against rebels in Myanmar cannot hide thefact that the real failure of Indian intelligence was not inpredicting the possible spot of the ambush but inanticipating the emergence of a rebel coalition in thejungles of Myanmar. Quick recap of the history: In …Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐the‐tortuous‐road‐to‐naga‐peace/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-the-tortuous-road-to-naga-peace/




Introduction of Bureau of Indian StandardsBill, 20151. The new bill seeks to replace the existing Bureau ofIndian Standards (BIS) Act, 1986 with an aim to bringin more products under the mandatory standardregime and end the inspector raj.

2. Improve enforcement of Indian standards through theprocess of product certification and Certificate ofConformity.

3. This in turn will help to promote a culture of quality ofproducts and services.


Critically endangered Sangai deer found inManipur to be translocated1. The deer is endemic to Keibul Lamjao National Park(KLNP) will be translocated to Pumlen Pat which isclose existing habitat to Loktak.

2. Also called the Dancing Deer, it is the state animal ofManipur.

3. It is listed as an endangered species by InternationalUnion for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

4. KLNP is a floating biomass in Manipur’s Loktak Lake. Itis only floating national park in the world.




Solar Power capacity target revised to 1 lakhMW under JNNSM by 20221. JNNSM – Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.2. How? 40,000 MW from Rooftop and 60,000 MWthrough Large and Medium Scale Grid ConnectedSolar Power Projects.

3. Also approved setting up of over 2,000 MW of Grid‐Connected Solar Power Projects on BOOT (build,own, operate, transfer) basis.


‘Digital India’ initiative to take books,certificates & IDs online1. Centre is planning to launch eBasta – all NCERTtextbooks will be available online for downloadingfrom an app free of cost.

2. Another initiative for Aadhaar card holders will beDigiLocker ‐a digital locker facility which will enableIndians to secure their certificates, PAN card andVoter ID card and access them online.




Modi‐Sharif talks on the cards during SCOsummit next month1. Prospects for a meeting between the two in Russia,on the sidelines of the Shanghai CooperationOrganisation Summit (SCO).

2. India and Pakistan, having observer status currently,also look forward to permanent membership of thesecurity group.

3. As international forces pull out of Afghanistan, Indiasees SCO playing a significant role in maintainingpeace and stability in the country.


N‐pact a done deal, says Indian envoy1. Policymakers have done their tasks and it may now beleft to the U.S. nuclear corporations to take a decisionon whether to invest in nuclear reactors in India.

2. India addressed lingering differences with the U.S. onnuclear liability leading to a common understandingabout the compatibility of India’s nuclear liabilitylegislation with the international regime.




Mixed fortunes of Indian Rupee1. Rupee depreciated on fourth consecutive day aheadof a crucial meeting of US Federal Reserve.

2. Though India’s trade deficit is lower than what it was ayear ago but both imports and exports have declinedcompared to last year.

3. The reason for lower import bill is global decline in oilprices.

4. But they will not remain low for a long time in future.5. This gives a reason to worry for the RBI.6. However, the depreciating rupee gives a reason tocheer to the Indians remitting money into the country.

Discuss: Did you know? India is the global leader ininward remittances!


[op‐ed snap] Street Vendors Act: Living on thecity’s sidelines1. The Street Vendors Act seeked to bring in greatertransparency and functional democracy in urbangovernance.

2. How? In absence of such a legislation, street vendorswere exploited and their fundamental Right topractice any occupation (Art 19(1(g))) was underthreat.

3. The Act mandates constituting a Town VendingCommittee (TVC) which is responsible for giving acertificate and designate area of work.

4. That’s innovative – The Street Vendors Act takes thepowers currently concentrated in the municipality andpolice and distributes them among the variousstakeholders who will have their say via the TVC.

Discuss: However, the implementation of this legislationstill lags behind its intent resulting in exploitation of




Two panels to facilitate rollout of GST1. Why? One committee will monitor the setting up of ITinfrastructure for the GST network, the Central Boardof Excise and Customs and other tax authorities.

2. The other committee, headed by the Chief EconomicAdvisor, will be responsible for deciding the zerorevenue rate of GST (the rate of GST at which there iszero loss of tax revenue).

3. Centre had earlier accepted the recommendation ofthe 14th FC to completely compensate states for first3 years for any loss of revenue, while thecompensation would be 75% for 4th and 50% for5th year.

4. However, States have demanded completecompensation for all the five years and keepingcertain taxes outside the ambit of GST.


Indian Ocean warming weakens monsoon1. Approximately 65% of India’s agricultural landdepends on monsoon for cultivation.

2. Monsoon occurs when the air over the land heats upand rises above, thereby creating low pressure.

3. Moisture laden winds from colder ocean rushes in tofill this low pressure causing rainfall.

4. However, it has been discovered the in recent years,ocean is anomalously getting warmer leading the airabove it to rise up.

5. This weakens the flow of monsoon winds over themainland leading to a deficient rainfall.




[op‐ed snap] Magna Carta & India’s charter1. Magna Carta was the agreement between King Johnof England and a clutch of English Barons.

2. It reduced the arbitrary powers of the king and wasintended to protect the feudal rights of the barons.

3. It influenced several charters and laws – The echosfound in the US constitution, universal declaration ofhuman rights of 1948 and the spirit found in thefundamental rights of Indian constitution.

4. The Article 21 (Right to life) relies on Magna Carta anddue to judicial interpretation, it has evolved so thattoday, all Indians, irrespective of gender, religion orcaste, are able to enjoy the liberties and protection itguarantees.


Lateral Entry in MEA from private sector1. Academicians and experts from various sectors cannow look forward to a lateral entry into the IndianForeign Services as per suggestions made by theStanding Committee on External Affairs.

2. For now, allowed only in the policy planning andresearch divisions.

3. The move will bring in “fresh thinking and differentexpertise” and could be emulated by otherdepartments of the government.




ISRO’s GAGAN to provide navigationalsupport to Railways1. GAGAN is an indigenous navigational guide systemdeveloped by ISRO on the lines of GPS system of theUS.

2. Jointly developed by the ISRO and Airports Authorityof India (AAI) with a view to assist aircraft in accuratelanding.

3. The GAGAN signal is being broadcast through2 Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites.


Indian funds in Swiss banks see a dip1. Why? Amidst greater scrutiny by the Government andSwitzerland’s agreement to share foreign client detailsfollowing the submission of evidence of wrongdoing.

2. Funds held by Indians in Swiss banks in 2014 fell to1.8 billion Swiss francs (about Rs. 12,537 crore) fromaround 2 billion Swiss francs (about Rs. 14,000 crore)in 2013.




[op‐ed snap] Positive expansion1. Acc. to India Meteorological Department’s forecast,we are looking at consecutive drought‐like years forthe first time since 1987.

2. NDA government proposes to extend the number ofwork entitlement days under the MGNREGA from100 to 150 in drought‐hit districts.

3. MGNREGS could bring relief to farm workers andlabourers affected by the laying waste of cropland forthe rabi cycle due to both unseasonal rain anddeficient monsoon.

4. The record of success of MGNREGS since its launchin 2006 as a welfare initiative that empowersdistressed rural households has been well‐documented.

5. Its weaknesses, in terms of the quality of assetscreated and leakages in implementation, are also well‐known.


MHA nod for cyber security wing under IB1. Creation of “cyber‐security architecture” within theIntelligence Bureau (IB) that will work independentlyof the National Technical Research Organisation(NTRO), which works under the Prime Minister’sOffice (PMO).

2. In the past, it has been seen that cyberspace was usedto recruit young people to join terrorist outfits like IS.

3. The threat emanating from this medium is imminentand we require a dedicated team to crackdown on it.




Punjab celebrates 350th years of foundationof Sri Anandpur Sahib1. The holy city Sri Anandpur Sahib was founded in1665 by the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, ninth Guru ofSikhs.

2. Later in 1699, Khalsa Panth was created here by theTenth Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

3. Anandpur Sahib is situated in a city in Rupnagardistrict (Ropar) of Punjab.

4. Located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas, it issurrounded by the river Sutlej forming a border on thesouth west.


India ranks third in global doping report foryear 2013 by WADA1. India may be considered a sporting minnow but interms of doping by its athletes, it has been rankedthird behind Russia and Turkey.

2. If the 4 non‐analytical Anti‐Doping Rule Violations(ADRVs) are taken into account, India has 95 ADRVs.

3. What’s non‐analytical?4. Refer to cases that do not involve detection of aprohibited substance by a WADA‐accreditedlaboratory but instances like failure to submit to a test,possession, use or trafficking of a prohibitedsubstance.

Discuss: WADA = World Anti Doping Agency.




Moon engulfed in permanent, lopsided dustcloud: Study1. The dust cloud was discovered by using data fromNASA’s Lunar Atmosphere and Dust EnvironmentExplorer (LADEE).

2. The cloud is primarily made up of tiny dust grainskicked up from the Moon’s surface.

3. Practical Applications of this Study?4. Knowledge of the dusty environments in space mayhelp to mitigate hazards for future human explorationmissions including dust particles damaging spacecraftor harming astronauts.


Government can’t be out of NJAC, says SC1. The SC dismissed the idea of totally removinggovernment participation in the appointment processunder the NJAC.

2. Why? Because there is no way other than banking onthe government machinery to gather credibleintelligence inputs on persons considered for judicialappointments.




NALSAR goes gender neutral with Mx1. Gender‐neutral honorific Mx (instead of Mrs, Mr, Missor Ms).

2. The Hyderabad university has used the honorific in agraduation certificate for a student who didn’t want tobe identified by gender.

3. Mx, pronounced mix, presents a viable option to bothtransgenders as well as those who do not want to beidentified by gender.


India, Tanzania vow to fight terror1. Will establish a joint working group to strengthencooperation in counter‐terrorism.

2. Also, an agreement on hydrography was described bythe Prime Minister as an important step forward.

3. India has announced e‐tourist visa for the people ofthe African nation.

Discuss: What's hydrography?




Operation Ruchi to keep tabs on foodadditives1. Kerala will seek legislative means to ban misleadingadvertisements, mainly of junk and packaged foods.

2. The Food Safety wing will launch Operation Ruchi, aStatewide initiative for food safety, to regulate the useof additives and flavour enhancers in food products.


Refugee crisis: Home away from home1. According to a UNHCR report, India is home to nearlytwo lakh refugees.

2. Problems faced – Don’t have any identification proofhere. They are just given a refugee card.

3. The biggest problems – getting good education, bankaccount, private jobs – all institutes demand a validvisa.




Denial of clearance to Sun TV illegal: Rohatgi1. We don’t so much care about which network (SUN orMOON) gets to air, what we are curious about isWHY would the Attorney General say something likethis!

2. Isn’t he supposed to be on the Govt’s side? What arehis mandates?

3. Well, under Article 76, it is the duty of the Attorney‐General, who possesses the same qualifications as aSupreme Court judge, to give legal advice to theCentre.

4. The advice has great persuasive value, but is notbinding. The Attorney‐General’s opinion may be putup for an inter‐ministerial discussion.

Discuss: Just a tip ‐ Whenever you study a news, try toget beneath and around and be inquisitive!


[op‐ed snap] Allowing judges to be judged1. Regular evaluation of judicial performance is aspringboard for ensuring greater judicial accountabilitybut we do not have any institutional mechanism.

2. Judicial accountability promotes 3 discrete values – rule of law, public confidence in the judiciary andconstitutional responsibility.

3. Our constitution protect judges against the will of themasses, the will of parliament and the will of centralgovernment but does not provide provide for theaccountability of judges.

4. According to the constitution judges can beimpeached by parliament on the ground of provedmisbehaviour or incapacity.

5. US has a merit plan under which not only are thejudges appointment on merit but their continuance inoffice is decided on the basis of nonpartisan elections.




[cd explains] GST: Good for business, snag forfederalism? The GST is a tax reform that has been on the cards formore than a decade. In principle, it is the same as theValue‐added Tax (VAT) — already adopted by all IndianStates — but with a wider base. While the VAT — whichreplaced the sales tax — was imposed only … Continuereading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/cd‐explains‐gst‐good‐for‐business‐snag‐for‐federalism/)


[op‐ed snap] Is the MGNREGA being set up forfailure? MNREGA has been under constant criticism for beingleaky and addressing only the symptom but not thedisease. However,the criticism ignores 2 very importantthings – Nearly all studies on MNREGA show itscontribution in removing poverty. The voice of actualbeneficiaries is hardly heard in any criticism. Studiesreveal that work under MNREGA have helped …Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐is‐the‐mgnrega‐being‐set‐up‐for‐failure/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/cd-explains-gst-good-for-business-snag-for-federalism/

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-is-the-mgnrega-being-set-up-for-failure/




Child Labour in the garment sector – 70% girls1. Over 8000 children are employed in the garmentsindustry in the National Capital alone, and 70% ofthem are girls.

2. The report, titled ‘The Hidden Workforce’, by NGOSave the Children, was released on Friday.


Should we have commercial courts?1. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on PublicGrievances, Law and Justice has put forward the needfor the setting up of commercial courts in the countryfor quick redressal of commercial disputes.

2. About 22 categories of commercial disputes havebeen identified.

3. Currently, Negotiable Instruments Act disputes aredragged for years together for one reason or other,the defaulters are the ultimate gainers.




Bt Cotton leading to suicides in rain‐fed areas1. Genetically modified, insect resistant cotton variety –BT Cotton – is a risky affair for farmers growing in rainfed areas.

2. Analysis shows a correlation between increase insuicides with the area under Bt Cotton.


Delhi to employ acid attack survivors1. Depending on their qualifications, work experienceand ability, jobs will be given to them.

2. Some of them are visually impaired while others havemobility problems.

3. These women have been asked to submit theircurriculum vitae to the Department of Services.




Tribes denied right to collect forest produce1. The annual licence of the tribal cooperative societiesin Kerala expired on March 31.

2. Since then, the Forest Department has not allowedtribespeople to enter forest areas to collect 147 MFP,including honey and broom grass.

3. The traditional right of Adivasis to collect the produceis recognised under the Forest Rights Act.


ASI team discovers rare sculptures at Hampi1. Sculptures of Vishnu, in the form of ‘Dhanwantri’,sculpted on the cliff of a gigantic boulder.

2. Adjacent to it was the sculpture of Rama, in a shootingpose, along with Lakshmana, all in royal attire, withHanuman in the background.

3. Sculptures date back to Vijayanagar period and werefound buried behind thick vegetation.

4. The inner side of the mahamantra is filled with sandand debris, and one has to crawl in to gain access.

5. In front of the rock‐cut Shiva temple, is the remains ofa ‘Garuda’ pillar.




Two baby orangutans rescued in A.P.1. Orangutans, native to Indonesia, have not been bredin India.

2. Kolkata has been identified as a major hub for wildlifetrafficking due to porous borders with Nepal, Bhutanand Bangladesh.

3. Import, trading and possession of exotic species areillegal under the Indian Customs Act, 1960, and thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

4. Sumatran and Bornean orangutan falls under Schedule1 of the Convention on International Trade inEndangered Species.

Discuss: Newsbites like these help us explore more aboutthe laws and policies governing some environmental/wildlife clause.


Daunting task ahead for new CIC1. Over 15,000 RTI queries had piled up.2. CIC says he would like to use a mix of imposition ofpenalties and encouragement for proactive disclosureof information already available with the departmentsto ensure that the pendency comes down.

3. Additional woes: 40% budget cuts in 2015 and theDoPT’s refusal to pay anything more than theminimum wage to the support staff.




A fresh tool to control gold imports1. After implementing Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS),the government is looking forward to – SovereignGold Bonds (SGB).

2. What’s that?3. SGBs will be linked with market gold price and issuedby the RBI.

4. Banks, NBFCs and post offices will be allowed tocollect money and redeem bonds on behalf ofgovernment.

5. Bonds will be issued in denominations of 2,5 and 10grams with a minimum tenor of 5 to 7 years.

6. The idea is to convert physical demand of gold intopaper demand.

Discuss: On maturity, the investor will get an amountequal to the face value of gold in rupee terms.


[op‐ed snap] What the latest data says aboutthe Indian economy1. The RBI is most concerned about food inflation,especially in light of the bad monsoon seasonexpected this year.

2. The only food category which has seen a steep risehas been pulses which rose by a steep 16.6%

3. The government has been quick to reorient its foodprocurement policy.

4. The minimum support price (MSP) for pulses havebeen raised substantially.




[cd explains] Disinvestment: Challenges &Opportunities The term disinvestment refers to the process throughwhich the government offloads a portion of itsshareholding in a PSU. Capital receipts so garnered willhelp in central government finances. Importantly,however, under disinvestment, government will remainthe majority shareholder even if its post‐divestmentshareholding is smaller than before. The governmenthopes to garner … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/cd‐explains‐disinvestment‐challenges‐opportunities/)


[op‐ed snap] For rich farmers1. In April, the Food Corporation of India & states heldclose to 52 million tonnes of wheat and rice, which ismore than sufficient for all subsidized consumptionneeds during the year.

2. Still, the government’s desire to show that it wasdoing something for farmers has outweighedeconomic rationale.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/cd-explains-disinvestment-challenges-opportunities/




[update] Our Biggest Innovation YET1. Along with providing you crisp, concise news updates– we are also building better ways to read static anddynamic stories.

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4. Goes without saying that this is going to be a KILLERSTRATEGY for cracking up the Mains exam

Discuss: At this stage, we need your feedbacks on thewebsite. Do write back to us at [email protected]


[op‐ed snap] Fixing the MSP policy1. The hikes in minimum support prices (MSP) have beenthe highest for pulses.

2. While it is the combination of higher MSPs andprocurement that makes farmers grow more of a crop,

3. getting FCI or other state agencies to step upprocurement may not always be possible.

4. And these are the 2 main reasons which incentivisethe farmer. But how do you fix the math behind theMSP policy?

Discuss: Above all, most important thing ‐ India needs toproduce more pulses since pulse inflation is very high.




Children in earthquake‐hit Nepal at risk oftrafficking1. Some 245 children have been saved from traffickersor being sent to live in orphanages illegally since thefirst quake struck, says Unicef.

2. What’s Nepal doing to deter this?3. Nepal last month banned children under 16 fromtravelling without parents or approved guardians.


If Greece melts down, who really cares?Athens is facing another deadline to repay its debts,putting Greece again in spotlight. Greek default does notimply Greek exit from the EU or euro. But the politicalimplications would be huge and largely negative.Governments in the other countries on the receiving endof EU‐mandated austerity having been closely followingevents there. Debt … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/if‐greece‐melts‐down‐who‐really‐cares/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/if-greece-melts-down-who-really-cares/




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Greece yields, world hopes1. A detailed agreement with European governments,the European Central Bank and the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) might just bail out Greece.

2. What’s the crux of the deal?3. At the heart of the proposals submitted to Brussels bythe Greek government – is the issue of tax. who totax, whom to tax – to revive economy.

4. But then Greece makes up just 2% of the euro zoneeconomy, so should you care about what finallyhappens?

Discuss: Let's find out in the story at civilsdaily.com


Greece Is in a Worse Spot Than America Wasin 19331. Using the second definition of depression, mosteconomists refer to the Great Depression as theperiod between 1929 and 1941.

2. Economic depression is highly subjective and includesthe depth of contraction with the chronic nature of agiven slowdown.

3. What is certain is the plunge in output qualifiesAthens to scream: “depression.”




[cd explains] How did Greece get in this mess?


Twin approach to curb demand for physicalgold1. Experts say govt will have to make the two newschemes—gold monetization and gold bonds—attractive enough for consumers to change theirmindset.

2. The draft of both the schemes are now out in thepublic domain.

3. The monetization scheme proposes to encouragepeople to vest their gold with banks and earn aninterest on the deposit.

4. The other seeks to push them to invest in bondslinked to the price of gold.

Discuss: So what can make these schemes attractive?




Advanced countries are working vigorously inneutrino science. Why?1. Neutrinos are the least harmful of all elementaryparticles, as they almost never react with solid bodies.

2. Neutrinos may have a role to play in nuclear non‐proliferation through the remote monitoring ofnuclear reactors, to ensure that no terror group everacquires nuclear weapons.

3. It might help us detect early geological defects deepwithin the earth, to provide us early warning systemagainst earthquakes.

4. They can also help us in detecting mineral and oildeposits deep in the earth.

5. As neutrinos can pass right through the earth, theymay open up a faster way to send data than thecurrent model, free of transmission losses.


[op‐ed snap] India must look beyond neutrinos The author questions the argument which stresses thateconomic growth is highly suspect and brings a negativecorrelation between national spending on R&D and GDPgrowth rates. The mobility of technologies had triggeredeconomic impact in far‐off places, for instance, Apple’sresearch in California created more jobs in China than inUS. Since long, … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/op‐ed‐snap‐india‐must‐look‐beyond‐neutrinos/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-india-must-look-beyond-neutrinos/




E‐payments to earn tax breaks1. In an attempt to curb black money, government ismulling on incentivising credit card/debit cardtransactions by providing income tax relief.

2. Government could levy a handling charge on cashtransactions above a specified level while high valuetransactions will compulsorily have to be made onlythrough electronic means.


Discoms default on renewable power in Delhi1. It is mandatory for discoms in Delhi to purchase some%age through renewable sources of energy.

2. But discoms have since then only carried forward thisobligation to next year saying that renewable power isvery expensive and that Delhi has limited scope forgeneration of the same.




Sugarcane farmers switch to flowers and soyabean1. Why? Due to unpredictable rains & groundwaterdepletion.

2. Government‐sponsored ‘Beyond Sugarcane’movement has gathered pace in the dry district ofOsmanabad, with thousands of farmers taking tosoyabean, tur & horticulture, and most importantlyGerbera.

3. Government says that contrary to earlier practice ofhaving bore wells, sugarcane farmers have tocompulsorily employ drip irrigation.

Discuss: Do you have any clue what Gerbera is?


Share of private moneylenders in total farmcredit has shot up1. A study reveals that despite the big push to banks forlending more to the farm sector, the share of privatemoneylenders in total farm credit has shot up in therecent years.

2. The significant growth in institutional growth has notresulted in decreased private moneylenderdependency which often charge much higher rate ofinterest.




New Kailash route boosts people‐to‐peopleties1. The opening up of Nathu La pass for KailashMansarovar pilgrims will help to strengthen Sino‐Indian people‐to‐people contacts.

2. Instead of traversing days through tough terrain athigh risk, you can now reach the sacred place by bus.


Opposition defines a list of ‘5 non‐negotiables’on GST1. Opposition wants the government to write into theBill that the GST rate will not exceed 18%

2. The international norm is in the vicinity of 16%3. The additional 1% tax that has been allowed tomanufacturing States “should go” as this would defeatthe entire purpose of GST.

4. Bring back the clause for an independent disputessettlement mechanism that was part of the UPA’s GSTBill introduced in 2011.

5. Greater clarity on the compensation formula besidesincluding duty on tobacco and electricity in GST.




Central schools to teach yoga1. Yoga will be introduced as a subject from Class VI to Xin all Central government‐run schools

2. 80 out of 100 marks will be reserved for practicalsduring which students have to perform various asanas,HRD Minister Smriti Irani announced today.


Less than 10 days left to exchange pre‐2005notes1. How to distinguish?2. The notes issued before 2005 do not have the year ofissue printed on them while those printed after 2005have the year on the reverse side of the note, at thebottom.

3. In addition, the newer notes have a security threadthat runs alternately through the currency note withBharat (in Hindi) and RBI visible on the thread.

4. Why to exchange?5. Older notes had less security features and more scopefor fake notes.




Capacity building in banks, non‐bankinstitutions1. Based on recommendations of FSLRC, a committeewas set up to suggest ways of enhancing capacitydevelopment in financial sector.

2. And what has the committee envisaged? Focussedmainly on HR management practices, trainingmethodologies and interventions.

3. System‐wide measures which include creating abanking aptitude test and creating centres ofleadership development.


West Bengal tea units hail new Bill1. West Bengal, leading tea producer after Assam, hasproposed a bill that envisages setting up a Rs. 100crore fund.

2. Fund can be utilised for providing interest subvention,scholarship to children of tea garden employees andfor sick or closed gardens.

3. WB’s 3 tea regions — Darjeeling, Terai and Doors —account for a quarter of India’s 1,100‐odd million kgtea crop.

4. For the first time the State has offered to partner theindustry in respect of the social welfare cost, whichunder Plantation Labour Act (PLA), 1951 is required toprovide certain amenities to workers.




India moves to reset ties with Iran1. Besides providing oil, Iran provides a gateway toAfghanistan and Central Asian region and hencereducing cargo transportation time and cost.

2. Some positive steps taken are MoU on Chabahar port,recent visit by foreign secretary and an impetus to theNorth‐South Transport Corridor.

3. Besides trade good relations with Iran can also help insafeguarding India from emerging terror groups inCentral Asia.


El Nino may have only a minor impact1. Contrary to an 8% average decline in agri output inprevious El Nino years, this projected El Nino year willreduce output only by ~4.5%.

2. Cotton will not be much impacted because of anincrease in area under cultivation and long sowingperiods.

3. Majority of sugarcane is grown in irrigated areaswhich insulate it from El Nino effect.




Lakhvi’s day at UNChina has blocked India’s attempts to ask questions aboutthe release of Zaki‐ur‐Rehman Lakhvi at the UnitedNations. Lakhvi, who is one of the masterminds of the26/11 Mumbai attacks, was released from custody inPakistan. The Problem with UN: Its procedures arebureaucratic, defying what is needed to combat terrorism.For example, there is … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/lakhvis‐day‐at‐un/)


India, Brazil cross swords with U.S. at WTO onTRIPS1. Switzerland and the U.S. have begun a campaign atthe WTO to not renew a moratorium on ‘non‐violation complaints and situations’ for intellectualproperty rights that expires at the end of the year.

2. A non‐violation and situation complaint can be raisedagainst a WTO member when it undertakes a certainaction which denies another member an expectedbenefit.

3. Like? Denying patent for drugs like Glivec make itaffordable for the masses but denies benefits to themanufacturer.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/lakhvis-day-at-un/




Despite having a surplus, India to importwheat1. There are concerns that untimely rains in Feb andMarch can impact the wheat production.

2. Besides, most of India’s wheat is produced in Centraland Northern region but flour millers in the Southernstates sometimes prefer importing high protein gradesfrom Australia.

Discuss: Most of us won't know about the south indianstates preference for proteins! Why is that so?


[op‐ed snap] South Asia should prepare nowfor next disaster1. The World Bank estimates that every dollar investedin disaster prevention saves $4 in disaster damage.

2. Much of this booming urbanisation in high‐risk seismiczones includes everything from mega‐cities tosecondary and tertiary cities to towns.

3. Now is the time to invest in disaster resilience.4. This should be done across all sectors includingtransport, energy, agriculture, education, health,gender, housing and livelihoods.




SEBI‐FMC merger likely by September1. Commodities regulator – Forward MarketsCommission (FMC) + SEBI = Merger on cards.

2. FMC was set up in 1953 under the Forward Contracts(Regulation) Act (FCRA) as a statutory body under theaegis of Consumer Affairs Ministry.

3. It was brought under Finance Ministry in 2013.4. FCRA violations? Ring a bell? Yes, the NGO battlethese days!


[Correction] SEBI‐FMC merger likely bySeptember1. There was a goof‐up among two abbreviations andthe last card’s 4th point is absolutely wrong.

2. Licences of Non‐Governmental Organisations (NGOs)are in danger for violations of the ForeignContribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

3. AND not because of Forward Contracts (Regulation)Act.

Discuss: We thank a user who took pains to correct us.We should be building a contact us plugin within the app& we will try to do that in future.




MHA cancels licences of over 15,000 NGOsfor violations of FCRA1. But why? For violations of the Foreign ContributionRegulation Act (FCRA).

2. The NGOs allegedly failed to submit their annualreturns – were given proper notice by the Foreigners’Division of the Home Ministry with adequate time toreply.

3. In a related move, Caritas International, linked to theVatican, may be put on a watch list – so things aregetting heated up here.

4. There we go, made up for the FCRA goof up

Discuss: Now the way to interact with our mods rightnow is over civilsdaily.com ‐ try to engage us on thestories we create ‐ add up links or ask better questions.


[cd explains] APJ Kalam on Neutrino Science




5 things to show how Indian polity haschanged since Emergency1. Gandhi family’s political clout at crossroads – “India isIndira and Indira is India”

2. The then WB chief minister Siddhartha Shankar Raywas the main political voice who convinced IndiraGandhi to impose Emergency. Present dayexperiences show that it is rare to see CMs formingthe inner circle of those ruling Delhi.

3. Absence of a contemporary Jayaprakash Narayan whocan rally the entire opposition.

4. One of the most vibrant sites of resistance to theEmergency was the student movement. It is not thesame anymore!

5. Trade unions not powerful enough – The 1974railway strike was crucial in building an acute sense ofinsecurity for the government, and eventually led tothe declaration of Emergency in 1975.

Discuss: At civilsdaily.com ‐ we are revisiting a series ofarticle run under the hood of the emergency times. Goahead and check out.


The socio‐economic fallout of the EmergencyThe most controversial of the five‐point agenda pushedby Sanjay Gandhi was compulsory mass sterilization tocontrol population growth. Meanwhile, Indira Gandhi’s‘20‐point programme’ focusing on agriculture, foodgrainproduction picked up. Agricultural growth, which was inthe negative in 1974‐75, grew 12.9% in 1975‐76.Overall, the economy picked up from a dismal 1.2% rateof grow in … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/the‐socio‐economic‐fallout‐of‐the‐emergency/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/the-socio-economic-fallout-of-the-emergency/




[Discuss] Is India still far from food safety?This topic will be LIVE for discussion for a day & we willprepare a story from the user comments. Goodcontributions will be highlighted in the story page. OpenDiscussion


The 44th amendment ensured democracy’ssurvival in IndiaShanti Bhushan, a senior advocate in the Supreme Court,represented Raj Narain in the case against then primeminister Indira Gandhi, accusing her of corrupt electoralpractices. He is Prashant Bhushan’s dad in case you can’tplace him. The Allahabad high court on 12 June 1975found Gandhi guilty and declared her election null and …Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/the‐44th‐amendment‐ensured‐democracys‐survival‐in‐india/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/the-44th-amendment-ensured-democracys-survival-in-india/




[Discuss] Is India Ready for a CashlessEconomy?


Citizens’ support in ensuring GoodGovernance1. More than 6.5 lakh people have surrendered theirsubsidy for gas cylinders after the Union governmentlaunched its “Give it Up” campaign.

2. Lead to Rs. 300 crore in savings, which will bechannelised to weaker sections in rural India.

3. What’s the scheme again?4. PAHAL scheme for direct benefit transfers benefitedclose to 130 million households which received thegas subsidy in their bank accounts in 100 days.




Child labour increased by 53% in urban India:CRY Report1. Analysis by Child Rights and You (CRY) – There hasbeen a significant increase in working children in theage group of 5‐9 years.

2. In urban areas while the number of working girls roseby 240%, it increased by 154% for working boys.

3. But why?4. Attributed to increased migration – seasonal migrationfor employment as well as trafficking ofunaccompanied minors.


RBI extends deadline to exchange pre‐2005notes1. Not having currency notes in multiple series incirculation at the same time is a standard internationalpractice.

2. RBI has also introduced an enhanced security featureon currency notes of Rs 100 denomination.

3. These will come with numerals in ascending size in thenumber panels.

4.




[a topic a day] Is India Ready for a CashlessEconomy?1. That is the topic of discussion for today.2. While Newscards updates will continue everyday, wehave started a writing initiative at our website.

3. Our Mods will come up with one topic everyday ataround 7PM and the web page would be opened upto the aspirants.

4. You will have to login (via g+ or fb)5. Only those who contribute sincerely and frequently –will be emailed a compiled pdf file for all the issues ofthe month.

Discuss: Go ahead to civilsdaily.com on your screens andstart pitching in today.


[fact sheet] Food Safety in India




India, US ink pacts to enhance cooperation inhealth sector1. Areas covered under such agreement include –2. MoU on cancer research, control, prevention andmanagement

3. Letter of Intent (LoI) on Antimicrobial ResistanceResearch

4. MoU on collaboration in Environmental, occupationalHealth and Injury Prevention and Control


India leads FDI in South Asia with 34 billioninvestment in 20141. FDI inflow to India has surged by 22% to about 34billion US dollars.

2. India has improved its position to 9th top host countryin the world for FDI in 2014.

3. Top 5 FDI recipients in South Asia: India, Iran,Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.

4. India was also the biggest investor in terms ofoutward FDI in South Asia region with 9.8 billiondollars.




Navy, Coast Guard play guardian angel1. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard rescued 14 crewmembers of a distressed merchant vessel that latersank, on Wednesday morning.

2. This is an example of our growing capabilities anddisaster management protocols.


HC upholds Sports Ministry’s circular1. The Madras High Court on Wednesday upheld acircular of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs andSports which states that only Indian citizens can bepart of national sports teams.

2. This is related to questions of citizenship and NRIs.




India moves to reset ties with Iran1. India has begun to reset its ties with Iran,notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding thenegotiations between the Persian Gulf nation and theP5+1

2. P5+1 = Britain, France, China, Russia and the UnitedStates + Germany

3. India is now keen on pushing for connectivity withIran.

4. This will pave the way for its entry into Afghanistanand the Central Asian region.

Discuss: Remember Chabahar port in Iran?


Australia to join China‐led AIIB1. Australia would join the new China‐led AsianInfrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a foundingmember.

2. AIIB will work closely with the private sector, pavingthe way for Australian businesses to take advantageof the growth in infrastructure in the region.

3. AIIB has still been shunned by the United States andJapan, the world’s largest and 3rd largest economies.




[Discuss] Growing Middle Class: Aspirationalfor development & intolerant to inequality andinjustice?


Army invites proposals for building FRCVtanks, DRDO surprised1. The Army has invited proposals from domestic andforeign firms for designing a ‘Future Ready CombatVehicle’.

2. The RFI is open to both domestic and internationalfirms.

3. Why is this news interesting?4. Because DRDO is already working on technology for afuturistic tank – Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT). Andstill the Army chose to go its own way!

Discuss: The Army has earlier been at loggerheads withthe DRDO over the Arjun tank that it had developed.




U.S. Supreme Court lifts bar on gay unions1. Gay and lesbian couples already could marry in 36states and the District of Columbia.

2. Now the remaining 14 States, in the South andMidwest, will have to stop enforcing their bans onsame‐sex marriage.

3. The ruling will not take effect immediately becausethe Supreme Court gives the losing side roughly threeweeks to ask for reconsideration.


Sirisena dissolves Sri Lankan Parliament1. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has dissolvedthe seventh Parliament ten months ahead of schedule.

2. Elections will be held to elect a new ruling party andPrime Minister.

3. This is 10 months ahead of the completion of thepresent House’s term.

4. In the Presidential election in January 2015, Mr.Rajapaksa was defeated and was succeeded by Mr.Sirisena.




Surging imports worry steel makers. Why?1. India could raise steel tariffs to check a surge ofimports that are competing with Indian manufacturers.

2. The tariffs have already been raised before.3. But Indian steel firms are still concerned that freetrade agreements with Japan and South Korea wouldstill let those countries boost sales to India.


RBI backs move to encourage e‐deals1. Income tax benefits for consumers, whopredominantly use electronic transactions forpayments.

2. Deposit‐related frauds, which used to be big innumber though not in size, have been on the wane.Why?

3. Thanks to the improvements in cheque and paymentprocessing, usage of technology and tightening theprovisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

4. A special variety of frauds, which are increasing innumber and in terms of speed, are the cyber frauds.

Discuss: We hope that you have had a look at the webinterface which we have launched. The idea behind thewebsite is to be able to discuss issues at length andconnect to stories better. Do visit :)




Centrally sponsored schemes likely to bereduced to 301. Chief ministers’ Sub‐Group of NITI Aayog reached abroad consensus on the issue – Reduction from 72 to30.

2. Centrally sponsored schemes to be divided into2 broad groups –

3. Core Scheme – comprising of national developmentagenda that includes legislatively backed schemessuch as MNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission and MidDay Meal.

4. The second is optional schemes for social protectionand social inclusion.

Discuss: Do visit a document called Vision 2022 ‐Schemes under that will be prioritised above all.


[updates] A little heads up on civilsdaily1. The Newscards are going to continue as they were.They are of utmost importance to prelims preparationand in general daily quick updates.

2. The Stories on the webpage are more exhaustive interms of content & infographs and they are made outof these very Newscards which you have beenreading.

3. So, in essence – the most important Newscards whichhave a potential to become a trending story line up atthe website.

4. We would personally recommend you to keep tab atboth the places.

Discuss: On Sunday however, we will take a generalbreak from Newscards :)




[Discuss] The Saudi Cable leaks – The end ofhypocrisy?Last week, over 60,000 documents from Saudi Arabiawere leaked online. Hosted on Wikileaks, the cablescontain high level diplomatic and classified information.This leak is likely retaliation for what many are callingindiscriminate bombing by the Saudi Arabian governmentin Yemen, in an attempt to wipe out Houthi rebels whorecently overtook the Yemeni … Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/the‐end‐of‐hypocrisy/)


RBI takes up jute industry funding woes withIBA1. The jute sector is not looked at favourably by mostfinancial institutions and commercial banks.

2. Jute industry uses obsolete machinery whichadversely impact capacity utilisation, resulting inhigher production costs.

http://www.civilsdaily.com/the-end-of-hypocrisy/




Drop in India’s exports continues. Why?1. Continuing decline in exports would result in layoffsand also put pressure on Current Account Deficit(CAD).

2. India’s exports fell over 20% in May to $22.3 billion,for the sixth straight month in a row.

3. But why?4. Sluggish demand in key global markets such as theU.S. and Europe have hurt Indian exports.

5. While the sharp fall in crude oil prices since last Junehas helped India reduce its import bill, India’s export ofpetroleum products (which make a sizable share of theexport bill) has also taken a hit!


Unions reject key proposals of Debroy panel1. What have they said NO to?2. Setting up of an independent regulator,3. Separation of ministry and railway board and4. Allowing entry of private players to run trains, amongothers




Camps to settle nationality of enclave dwellers1. The views of enclave dwellers along the Indo‐Bangladesh border is going to be taken in camps onthe nationality they wish to hold.

2. This is an important step in the implementation of theLand Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh.


India, Thailand to sign DTA treaty1. India and Thailand will sign a Double TaxationAvoidance Treaty so that people are charged for theirincomes in one of the countries, not both.

2. Up next, MoU for setting up an Ayurveda Chair in oneof the Thai Universities.

3. Sushma Swaraj will be the guest of honour at theinaugural ceremony of the 16th World SanskritConference, where she will deliver her speech inSanskrit.




States must strengthen urban local bodies:Venkaiah1. Without devolution of powers and funds to urbanlocal bodies as per the 74th Amendment, urbanschemes cannot be successfully implemented.

2. The 14th Finance Commission has granted Rs. 87,143crore against Rs. 23,111 crore by 13th FinanceCommission which is a substantial increase of fourtimes for urban local bodies.


In conversation with the Commerce Secy –Rajeev Kher Sir, your views on the export data. Last six months, ithas been very bad on our export economy. This wholedimension of exports going down is definitelyalarming. Asia which is one of the largest destinations forIndian exports has also been generally slowing downwhether it is China or Japan or any other market, ASEAN,… Continue reading (http://www.civilsdaily.com/in‐conversation‐with‐the‐commerce‐secy‐rajeev‐kher/)

http://www.civilsdaily.com/in-conversation-with-the-commerce-secy-rajeev-kher/




Digital India to bring investments in ‘billions’1. The “Digital India Week” is going to be celebratedfrom 1st July, where MoUs will be signed and e‐governance schemes will be launched.

2. Plans to unveil various e‐governance schemes such asDigital Locker, e‐education and e‐health.


Greece to hold referendum on debt deal1. Greece has refused to accept cuts to pensionpayments or public sector wages.

2. The IMF is pushing for deeper spending cuts, not justmore tax rises

3. A key point of friction is a special benefit paid to somelow‐income pensioners, which creditors wantscrapped.

4. Creditors also want a wider VAT base; Greece says itwill not allow extra VAT on medicines or electricitybills, and has also resisted calls for VAT hikes onhotels and restaurants.

5. Athens wants a concrete commitment to debt relief,something its creditors are not offering




[Discuss] Why does India have an inclinationtowards Vigilante justice?1. The director of a private school in Nalanda wasSunday lynched by a mob, which had gathered afterthe bodies of two schoolchildren were found in acanal nearby.

2. In March, a suspected rapist was taken from prison bya mob and lynched in the north‐eastern state ofNagaland.

3. The Discuss note has been pinned on the website. Goto civilsdaily.com to start a conversation.

Discuss: Only those users participating in theconversations will be given a collated summary of eachissue discussed.


Non‐traditional threats stalk Kolkata‐Kunmingcorridor1. Security concerns like ethnic insurgency, terrorism,smuggling and human trafficking might stall the BCIMproject.

2. Add to that – Ethnic insurgencies, drug trafficking andthe accompanying spread of HIV infections, antiquessmuggling may derail the project.

3. The BCIM corridor is an ambitious undertaking thathopes to connect Kolkata with Kunming, capital of theYunnan province.

Discuss: Go and check out the full story at civilsdaily.com‐ we have connected bits and pieces and they interlink ‐BCIM, Myanmar conflicts, Rohingyas and more.




50 nations in, AIIB takes shape1. The AIIB is expected to focus on infrastructuredevelopment in Asia, and unlike the existing IMF andWorld Bank, is unlikely to restrict lending on politicalconsiderations.

2. Bank will be headquartered in Beijing, and will have aninitial authorised capital stock of $100 billion.India tohave 7.5 % voting share, and China 26 %.

3. India is second largest shareholder with 8.52% stake,after China which holds 30.34% share.


Centre seeking solution to WTO subsidy capissue1. The next Ministerial meeting of WTO is to be held inDecember in Nairobi.

2. That is our biggest opportunity for a permanentsolution to bring predictability and symmetry insubsidy cap issue.

3. What’s India’s stand?4. The WTO should update the reference price of 1986‐88 that is used in the formula for calculating the foodsubsidy cap

5. Either that or exempt schemes from the purview ofsubsidy caps.




MSP hike can boost pulses production1. An analysis on why farmers prefer to grow cerealsrather than pulses found that pulses are among theleast productive of all crops.

2. Low yields on the one hand and relatively morelucrative MSP for other food grains make pulses anunattractive crop for farmers.

3. Pulses are increasingly grown on less fertile land,thereby impacting its yield.

4. The technological advances failed to increase the yieldof pulses significantly, unlike cereals, which saw hugeincrease in productivity.

Discuss: Try to discover the reason for pulses beingcultivated on inferior land and failure of R&D in pulses.


[Discuss] How would you vote in the greekreferendum?1. What would you do if you were a greek citizen?2. We have a discussion going on at civilsdaily.com onhow this crisis has developed.

3. Try to pitch in with your views or read from thecollected wisdom.




Greece situation at a point of no return?1. The situation in Greece seems to reach at a point ofno return, as banks are temporarily closed and thegovernment has imposed capital controls, i.e. limitingmovement of funds out of the country.

2. It seems that govt. will soon have to start payingpensions and wages in scrip, in effect creating aparallel currency.

3. Most of the stories about Greek extravagance andirresponsibility, that Greek govt. has not controlled itsspending since the crisis are not true.

4. The country will have little impact, in case of Grexit asAthens is already under financial chaos.

5. Some say that the Greek economy collapsed, largelyas a result of those austerity measures, draggingrevenues down with it.

Discuss: Discussion on this topic is going atcivilsdaily.com ‐ Do pitch in with your views

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