Current News Analysis
25-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=155827
Category: Centre programs and policies
Topic: Digital transactions
Key Points:
NITI Aayog and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) jointly launched
two major schemes - Lucky Grahak Yojana for consumers and Digi-Dhan Vyapar
Yojana for merchants. By providing monetary rewards for undertaking Digital
Transactions made with Rupay cards, AEPS, UPI Apps and USSD, these schemes
attempt to attract general public and facilitate significant behavioural change among
public.
Lucky Grahak Yojana - The first draw of the Lucky Grahak Yojana to provide a
cashback of Rs.1000 to 15,000 consumers every day for the next 100 days.
Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana - The draws for these events will be taken out in 100
different cities around the country, in an event at each of these cities, where
DigiDhan Mela would also be organised. Presence of various stakeholders of the
digital payment ecosystem, like banks, wallets, telecom service providers, other
financial service providers, UIDAI at these Digidhan Melas would provide the
opportunity to the citizens – both consumers and merchants – to get educated about
digital payment options available, the ease of use and also benefit from hand holding
provided by the service providers which would encourage wide-scale adoption of
digital payments methods.
Thus it is expected that large sections of the population would be able to shift from
cash based to a digital platform. In the long term such a mass movement is expected
to shift large sections of the consumer and producer sections which were hitherto in
the informal sector to the formal fold of the economy.
Reasons for the introduction of the 2 schemes:
Promoting digital payment options is an integral part of Government’s overall strategy to weed out black money and corruption from public life. NITI Aayog
has been tasked to undertake a comprehensive campaign on advocacy, awareness
and co-ordinate handholding efforts among general public, micro enterprises and
other stakeholders for digital payments.
With the goal to ensure that easy and user-friendly methods of digital payments
become a mass movement in India, Government also announced a slew of
incentives to encourage general public to move from cash to a digital platform.
Thus discounts will now be given for payments made on a digital platform at
petrol stations, for insurance premium, tolls at national highways and for railway
tickets. To reduce transaction costs of digital payments several fees and charges
being levied so far by banks and on various government portals have either been
reduced or done away with. Scheme has also been launched to improve supply of
cards and POS machines in rural areas.
Digidhan Melas, where all stakeholders of digital payment ecosystem exhibit and
provide actual hand holding to general public in adopting digital payments have
also been held to popularise the digital payments amongst the general public.
2. UN vote censures Israeli settlements
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/UN-vote-censures-
Israeli-settlements/article16940529.ece
Category: International issues
Topic: Israel-Palestine conflict
Key Points:
Israel scrambled to contain the fallout from the UN Security Council vote to halt
settlements in Palestinian territory after lashing out at U.S. President Barack Obama
over the shameful resolution.
The UNSC passed the measure after the United States abstained, enabling the
adoption of the first UN resolution since 1979 to condemn Israel over its settlement
policy. By deciding not to veto the move, the U.S. took a rare step that deeply
angered Israel, which accused Obama of abandoning its closest West Asia ally in the
waning days of his administration.
The text was passed with support from all remaining members of the 15-member
UN Security Council, with applause. The landmark vote came despite intense
lobbying efforts by Israel and calls from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to block
the text.
While the resolution contains no sanctions, Israel is concerned since the UNSC move
could widen the possibility of prosecution at the International Criminal Court
(ICC). They are also worried it could encourage some countries to impose sanctions
against Israeli settlers and products produced in the settlements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the resolution and criticised Mr.
Obama in especially harsh language.
The U.S. has traditionally served as Israel’s diplomatic shield, protecting it from
resolutions it opposes. But the Obama administration has grown increasingly
frustrated with settlement-building in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied for
nearly 50 years. Settlements are built on land the Palestinians view as part of their
future state and seen as illegal under international law.
The resolution demands that “Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem”. It states
that Israeli settlements have no legal validity and are dangerously imperilling the
viability of the two-state solution.
C.GS3 Related
1. Demonetisation may impact real estate sector in short-term
www.thehi du. o / usi ess/ De o etisatio -may-impact-real-estate-sector-
in-short-ter /arti le 939 .e e
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Demonetization
Key Points:
According to an Edelweiss Securities report, the demonetisation drive is expected to
significantly impact the real estate sector in the short-term; in the medium to long
term demand will rise.
The report also said the impact would be more pronounced in the unorganised
sector and the implementation of the Real Estate Regulatory Act should result in
demand shifting to the organised sector. Prices would come down mostly for the
luxury sector.
Payment services to be next game changer –
The demonetization move of the government has come as a boon for telecom
company’s who want more and more customers to get used to digital platforms for
availing services and paying for them.
Already, a sizeable numbers of payments for telecom recharges and bills are being
paid online and digitally. In the next wave of the digital transition, we will see more
and more people getting on the digital bandwagon.
Mobile wallet and Payment solutions: The epoch-making revolution unleashed in
India by the recent announcement of demonetization and the replacement of high-
value notes by the government is being perceived by telecom companies as the next
wave of growth. With over 800 million users already being served and over 200
million of them using mobile wallets, the current drive of the government to push the
use of digital and cashless payments is turning out to be a very big fillip to new
growth.
While this space has seen hyper-competition with over 25 active wallet service
providers, the biggest sweet spot for telcos has been cross-selling financial services.
The government’s move of demonetisation has pushed the financial services agenda within the telcos’ ambit and top telcos are well-placed to play a significant
role in making India a ‘less cash’ society with nearly 100 per cent of adult population in India having a relationship with one of the telcos as a customer.
For telcos, the biggest challenge in recent times has been to control churn and add
value to existing relationship with the customer.
2. Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon - SAAW
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=155827
Category: S&T
Topic: Defense - DRDO
Key Points:
The Defence and Research Development Organization – DRDO successfully flight
tested the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon - SAAW, from an Indian Air Force (IAF)
aircraft.
SAAW – It is an indigenously designed and developed 120 kg class smart weapon,
developed by DRDO, is capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up
to a range of 100 kms. The light weight high precision guided bomb is one of the
world class weapons systems.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
UNSC
Israel-Palestine issue
Digital literacy and online payments
Mobile wallets
NITI Aayog
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS
IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Demonetization http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=155829
3. Tags
Lucky Grahak Yojana
Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana
Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon
Practice Questions
Date: 25
th December, 2016
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Cashless Economy
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1. Which of the following committees dealt with digital payments?
a. Urjit Patel committee
b. Bimal Jalan committee
c. Ratan Watal committee
d. Nachiket Mor committee
Ans (c)
Date: 25
th December, 2016
Category: International Organizations
Topic: International Judiciary
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2. Which of the following International Courts/Tribunals work under UN? a) International Court of Justice - ICJ
b) International Criminal Court
c) Permanent Court of Arbitration
d) Both a and b
Ans (a)
Date: 24th December, 2016
Category: Diseases in news - Ebola
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Conceptual
3. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the ‘National Payments Corporation of India’?
(i) It is the umbrella organisation for all retail payment systems in India
(ii) It is a not-for-profit organisation registered under section 25 of the Companies
Act 1956
(iii) It aims to allow all Indian citizens to have unrestricted access to e-payment
services.
a) (i) only
b) (i) and (ii) only
c) (ii) and (iii) only
d) All 3 are correctly matched
Ans (d)
Date: 25th December, 2016
Category: Defense
Topic: DRDO
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Conceptual
4. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon
– SAAW?
(1) It is capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up to a range of 100 kms.
(2) It is indigenously developed by DRDO
(a) (1) only
(b) (2) only
(c) Both (1) & (2)
(d) Neither (1) nor (2)
Ans (c)
Date: 25th November, 2016
Category: National organizations
Difficulty level: Easy
Type: Factual
5. ‘NITI Aayog’ works on the principle of
a) Cooperative Federalism
b) Administrative decentralization
c) Financial decentralization
d) Top-down approach
Ans (a)
Current News Analysis
26-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
1. 6,117 Kuchipudi dancers put A.P. in Guinness book
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/6117-Kuchipudi-dancers-put-A.P.-in-
Guinness-book/article16943005.ece
Category: Indian Heritage and Culture
Topic: Dance Forms
Key Points:
With a spe ta ula Maha i da Nat a sho , a dizz i g a a of , performers
created a new Guinness World Record.
The performance lasted 13 minutes. The Guinness requirement is a minimum of 5
minutes to attempt an entry into the records.
Kuchipudi:
Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi derives its
name from the Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh.
Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from the Hindu Epics, legends and mythological tales through
a combination of music, dance and acting.
Like other classical dances, Kuchipudi also comprises pure dance, mime and histrionics
ut it is the use of spee h that disti guishes Ku hipudi s p ese tatio as da e d a a. In its early form, the female roles were played by boys and young men of beautiful
looks. The director (called Sutradhar) played the most important role. He combined the
role of conductor, dancer, singer, musician, comedian, all in one. In modern times the
Kuchipudi dance is considerably different than it originally used to be. Most of the
performances are solo, done by female dancers.
B. GS2 Related
1. Need to li k Aadhaar ith details of oters
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/%E2%80%98Need-to-link-Aadhaar-with-details-of-
voters%E2%80%99/article16942770.ece
Category: Constitutional Bodies
Topic: Election Commission
Key Points:
The Supreme Court had asked the Election Commission to study the possibility on the
basis of an application by an UAE-based doctor for electoral reforms to allow inter-State
migrants voting privileges like postal ballot available to government servants.
The top poll body had last year set up a committee to study the possibility of amending
the electoral law to empower voters who have migrated to other States within the
country.
The Election Commission of India has given a mixed response to the Supreme Court on
providing absentee voting rights
Observations made by the Committee:
There is an emergent need to link Aadhaar with the electoral details of voters , saying
there is no foolproof mechanism to verify their identity and block duplicity.
A p o isio of a se tee oti g ights to the loosely defined term domestic
migrants ould e o e a logistical nightmare for the Commission
Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct would suffer and the concept of level playing
field would get defeated with national parties having an advantage over State parties.
Multiple vernacular data a d a i g patte s of spelli g a d diffi ult i as e tai i g the date of birth of voters had given rise to multiple entries of voters.
Several thousands of voters keep on changing their places of ordinary residence
frequently making this task even more complex
The Commission, however said that it might be extended only to a small subset of
migrants who formed an identifiable and countable class of electors not delinked from
their present place of registration and only te porarily a se t from their place of
ordinary residence.
2. “oft order approa h a ri g I dia i to CPEC
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/%E2%80%98Soft-border-approach-can-bring-
India-into-CPEC%E2%80%99/article16943237.ece
Category: Bilateral Relations
Topic: India – China
Key Points:
A top Chinese academic Prof.Li has opined that a focus on esta lishi g soft borders between India and Pakistan, rather than a final settlement of boundaries in Kashmir,
a lead to Ne Delhi s apid i teg atio i to a e pa ded Chi a-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC).
The o ept of soft o de s is o e that a oids a hard settle e t of disputed boundaries, offers a way forward for regional cooperation.
In 2005, shortly after a bus service from Srinagar and Muzaffarabad had started,
Pakista s former President Pervez Musharraf had called the opening of cross-border
transport routes as the fi st step to a ds o e ti g [the Li e of Co t ol] i to a soft o de .
A e do se e t of soft o de s by New Delhi and Islamabad ould add ess I dia s core objection to the CPEC — its passage through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
If Kash i has a soft o de , CPEC ould unlock Kashmir and make it a part of a much
grander regional transportation network, with Srinagar as one of its important nodes.
Pakistan and Afghanistan should a ept soft o de s as the tou hsto e fo esol i g their differences along the Durand Line.
Instead of developing as rival hubs, the Iranian port of Chabahar, and Gwadar could be
de eloped as sister-po ts .
3. 2016 saw judiciary-govt. hostility
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2016-saw-judiciary-govt.-
hostility/article16942757.ece
Category: Judiciary
Topic: Judicial Activism
Key Points:
The year 2016 has been marked by the hostile interface between the
judiciary and the government like never before over delay in judicial
appointments.
The interventions made by the court crossed all sections of the society, from
banning liquor vends on highways; to ordering people to stand up for the
National Anthem at cinema halls to show respect; to whether online jokes
about Sikhs as a slu o the o u it ; to uestio i g the go e e t s resolve to bring the Kohinoor diamond.
The friction between the two constitutional branches of governance in the
o ld s la gest de o a sta ted to a ds the fag e d of ith the Supreme Court striki g do the NDA go er e t s NJAC la and raged on
throughout the year 2016 in matters of appointment of judges to the higher
judiciary.
On Constitution Day recently, the tensions between the two flared up when
the government accused the Supreme Court of failing the nation during the
Emergency period and blamed the judiciary of indulging in judicial activism.
The SC compelled the Centre to conduct a floor test in the Uttarakhand
Legislative Assembly following the declaration of Preside t s rule in the
State.
Constitution Bench decision upholding the independence of the Legislative
Speaker by quashing the Aru a hal Pradesh Go er or s de isio to advance
the Assembly hearing.
A Constitution Bench, in a majority 7-2 verdict, also upheld the validity of
States to tax goods entering their territories, saying State governments are
ell ithi thei ights to desig thei fiscal legislation.
The ou t stood up fo the fa e s of West Be gal he it held the “tate s acquisition of land for Tata s Na o ar factory under the emergency clause
as unconstitutional.
It constituted the Lodha Committee to recommend reforms in cricket
administration in India.
It upheld the right to clean environment by imposing a blanket ban on the
sale and manufacture of firecrackers in the National Capital Region.
The Supreme Court stood firm by its resolve to ban Jallikattu
The court intervened in the Cauvery river water dispute between Karnataka
a d Ta il Nadu dis issi g the Ce t e s plea that the ape ou t has o jurisdiction over the dispute.
The court stood up for victims of encounters with the police and the security
forces by holding that every death in a disturbed area, be it of a common
man or a militant, should be thoroughly enquired into by the CID at the
instance of the National Human Rights Commission.
4. Government celebrates Good Governance Day with Launch of New Initiatives
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=155812
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=155812
Category: E-governance
Topic: Applications
Key Points:
On the ocassion of Good Governance Day, 2016, Union Minister of Textiles Smt.
Smriti Zubin Irani launched following initiatives of the Ministry of Textiles in New
Delhi today.
'JUTE-“MA‘T an online portal to facilitate purchase of Jute bags from the Jute
Industry by the State Procurement Agencies;
Dashboard for Integrated Skill Development Scheme hosted on the NIC Cloud
with access to public;
Bunkar Mitra – a Helpline for handholding of Handloom weavers.
Six major initiatives of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT),
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions were launched by Dr.
Jitendra Singh on the occasion of Good Governance Day.
The initiatives are: Recruitment Rules Formation, Amendment Monitoring
System (RRFAMS), Immovable Property Return through Property Related
Information System (PRISM), announcement of E-Service Book, Mandatory
online filing of APA‘ y all AI“ a d Ce tral Group A “er i e Offi ers, EO App
on iPhone Operating System (iOS) and launching of redesigned website of DoPT.
C.GS3 Related
1. No intention of govt. to impose long-term capital gains tax: Jaitley
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/No-intention-of-govt.-to-impose-long-term-
capital-gains-tax-Jaitley/article16941875.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Mobilisation of resources
Key Points:
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday went to great lengths clarifying that
there is no intention of the government to impose tax on long-term capital gains
from share transactions.
Referring to the speech made by Mr. Modi, he said the interpretation being
given to the speech is not correct.
A capital gains tax (CGT) is levied on the profit realized on the sale of a capital asset
that was purchased at a cost amount that was lower than the amount realized on the
sale. The most common capital gains are realized from the sale of stocks, bonds,
precious metals and property.
2. Russia offers technology to keep hackers at bay
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/Russia-offers-technology-to-keep-hackers-
at-bay/article16942015.ece
Category: S&T
Topic: Applications
Key Points:
Russian Quantum Center (RQC) is planning to offe ' ua tu ptog aph that could propel India to the forefront of hack proof communication in
sectors such as banking and national and homeland security.
RQC conducts scientific research in developing 'unbreakable cryptography'
for the banks and the government organisations. It also involves research in
areas such as materials with superior properties and new systems for
ultrasensitive imaging of the brain.
'Quantum cryptography' is relevant at a time when hacking targets are
multiplying in India as the country goes digital.
Company FireEye recently discovered phishing websites created by
cybercriminals that spoof 26 Indian banks in order to steal personal
information from customers.
In another incident, the security of about 3.2 million debit cards got
compromised in the country.
Technology company Yahoo too faced a huge data breach
As 'quantum computers' get sufficiently powerful they would be able to
easily decrypt today's internet communication.
Quantum cryptography:
The 'Quantum cryptography' depends more on physics, rather than
mathematics.
It is based on the usage of individual particles or waves of light (photon) and
their intrinsic quantum properties to develop an unbreakable cryptosystem.
It is impossible to measure the quantum state of any system without
disturbing that system.
It employs Quantum key distribution (QKD) in which two users can establish
QKD session, that allows them to obtain a random private key. QKD is
distinct as it encrypts this key on light particles called photons.
A hacker trying to clone or read such a key would automatically change its
state, due to fundamental principle of quantum mechanics. It would also
leave a hacker fingerprint. This means the recipient and the transmitter can
easily detect the attempts to read or intercept the information.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
GST and Karnataka Government’s new reservation policy
Sabarimala stampede – Crowd Management.
One belt – One Road initiative
China Pak Economic Corridor
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS
IN NEWS
Links to Refer
The Aadhaar
(Targeted Delivery
of Financial and
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-aadhaar-targeted-
delivery-of-financial-and-other-subsidies-benefits-and-
services-bill-2016-4202/
Other Subsidies,
Benefits and
Services) Act,
2016
3. Tags
Kuchipudi Dance
Capital Gains Tax
Quantum Cryptography
Practice Questions
Date: 26
th December, 2016
Category: Art and Culture
Topic: Dance forms
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Easy
Type: Factual
1. Which of the following is not a classical dance?
a) Kathak
b) Dollukunitha
c) Odissi
d) Sattriya
Ans (b)
Date: 26
th December, 2016
Category: Economy
Topic: Taxation
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type: Factual
2. Capital gains tax is not applicable on sale of which of the following?
a) Stocks.
b) Bonds
c) Jewelry
d) Agricultural land
Ans (d)
Date: 26th December, 2016
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Physics
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type: Factual
3. A discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation
it represents is known as?
a) Photon.
b) Quantum.
c) Ion.
d) Neutrino.
Ans (b)
Date: 26th December, 2016
Category: Governance
Topic: IT initiatives
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Tough
Type: Factual
4. The recently launched ‘Bunkar Mitra’ initiative of the textile ministry is-
a) An online portal to facilitate purchase of Jute bags
b) Dashboard for Integrated Skill Development Scheme
c) A Helpline for handholding of Handloom weavers.
d) Grievance redressal mechanism for pensioners
Ans (c)
Date: 26th December, 2016
Category: Legislations,Acts and laws
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type: Factual
5. Which of the following statements is true with respect to Aadhaar?
i. Every resident of India shall be entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number.
ii. Unauthorised use of Aadhaar attracts a penalty with imprisonment.
iii. Aadhaar number cannot be a proof of citizenship or domicile.
a) Only 1
b) Only 1 and 2
c) Only 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Ans (d)
Current News Analysis
27-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS Related 1. Remission power lies with State: SC
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Remission-power-lies-with-State-
SC/article16947439.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Union and State Executive
Key Points:
The Supreme Court has held that the power to grant remission is exclusively that of the
State government and not the judiciary,
The judgment is also i s ith the Ta il Nadu go e e t s e ie petitio o the question of who has the actual authority — the Centre or the State — in granting
remission for seven life convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
TN government has sought a review of the Constitution Bench verdict, arguing that the
State government is the most competent in deciding whether a life term convict
deserves to be granted remission.
The Constitution Bench had earlier held that the Centre and not the State enjoys
p i a i de idi g hethe the life convicts in the former PM s assassi atio ase should be granted remission.
2. China tests prototype of fifth-generation fighter jet
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/China-tests-new-stealth-
fighter/article16947031.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
China has tested an improved version of its fifth generation stealth fighter which
was previously known as the J-31, the twin engine, radar evading aircraft under
development by Shenyang Aircraft Corp.
The Chinese stealth fighter has strategic significance for India as besides China,
Pakistan - which is already producing JF-17 Thunder fighter jet along with Beijing
- has already shown a lot of interest in acquiring the stealth fighter.
The new FC-31 is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments such as electro-
optical targeting system and helmet-mounted display and sight system. It seems
to have better stealth capabilities, improved electronic equipment and a larger
payload capacity.
China intends to use the FC-31 to capture market share at home and as well as
abroad and the company is giving a big push to attract potential foreign buyers
with its medium-sized stealth fighter planes.
China also plans to use the FC-31 to the western monopoly on the fifth-
generation fighter jet technology.
C.GS3 Related
1. India needs lower taxes, higher compliance
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/India-needs-lower-taxes-higher-
compliance-Jaitley/article16945366.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Taxation
Key Points:
India needs lower taxation to compete globally and that voluntary compliance of
tax by citizens should be encouraged by a citizen friendly administration.
Payment of legitimate taxes to the government is pa t of a itize s dut , a d non-payment of due taxes invites severe consequences.
I I dia, e t ao di a il high ta atio ates i the past ha e e ou aged people to evade payment of taxes. A lower level of taxation is required, to provide
services that are more competitive in nature.
The government foresees an India where voluntary tax compliance increases.
Tax authorities are generally judged by the quality of what they write or decide.
The quantum of fairness followed by authorities will define the quality of
interpretation of tax laws by the authorities. The voluntary compliance by
citizens via payment of due taxes need must be reciprocated by authorities
through a citizen-friendly administration.
2. Agni-V test-fired again from mobile-launcher
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Agni-V-test-fired-again-from-mobile-
launcher/article16947714.ece
Category: Science & Technology
Topic: Defence
Key Points:
The test-launch of I dia s ost fo ida le allisti issile, Ag i-V, from the Abdul
Kalam Island, off the Odisha coast, was a remarkable success, and clearly signaled that
I dia s u lea dete e e apa ilit has indeed come of age.
This is the 4th consecutive success for Agni-V, which can deliver a nuclear payload
weighing about 1.5 tonnes over a distance of 5,000 km and beyond.
It was the 2nd time that Agni-V was fired from a canister mounted on a TATRA truck
parked on the Island. A gas generator located at the bottom of the canister kicked out
the long-range, 3-stage, surface-to-surface ballistic missile that weighs around 50
tonnes, is 17 mts long and is 2-mts in diameter.
A missile launched from a canister mounted on a road-mobile launcher gives it a great
degree of operational flexibility. This means it can be launched literally from a road in a
city, after stopping the traffic, giving it a very quick reaction time. The missile can be
made vertical in 3 minutes and the actual launch takes a few more minutes. After lift-
off, the truck can speed away.
During the launch, the 2 stages jettisoned and the missile accelerated as it plunged back
towards the earth. All re-entry systems worked perfectly. The heat-shield made up of
carbon-carbon composites and encasing the dummy warhead, withstood a temperature
of about 4,000 degrees Celsius. The on-board computer guided the missile towards its
impact point in the southern Indian Ocean. After a 20-minute flight, it fell near the
Australian waters.
The set of five Agni s fo the ul a k of I dia s u lea dete e e and second strike
capability. While Agni-I has a range of 700 km, Agni-II 2,000 km, and Agni-III 3,000 km,
Agni-IV can take out targets 4,000 km away.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Time to repeal the The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/Time-to-repeal-the-FCRA/article16946222.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Bills, NGO’s
Key Points:
The Union Home Ministry recently rejected the license renewal applications, under the
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 of 25 NGO s. Most of the affected organizations are rights-based advocacy groups, with some
involved in human rights field.
The government has defended its actions by claiming that these NGOs had violated the
norms of FCRA by engaging in activities detrimental to public interest. But its decision
has invited criticism from different quarters.
Civil society members have condemned the move and accused the government with
a use of legal p o edu es . The Natio al Hu a ‘ights Co issio has issued a oti e to MHA
The original FCRA was enacted in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi-led government during the
Emergency phase. It prohibits electoral candidates, political parties, judges, MPs and
even cartoonists from accepting contributions from foreign sources. Its intent was
clearly to clamp down on political dissent.
The justification given for the law was to prevent foreign interference in domestic
politics. It was the Cold War era, when both the Soviets and the Americans meddled in
the internal politics of post-colonial nations to further their strategic interests. Amidst
suspi io s of the u i uitous fo eig ha d i stoki g do esti tu oil, the FCRA was
aimed at preventing political parties from receiving funding from foreign sources.
But India embraced foreign funding by opening up its economy in 1991. The Indian state
had no issues in accepting contributions from foreign sources such as the World Bank or
the IMF. With the state itself wooing foreign investment, Indian businesses and political
parties too, helped themselves to foreign funds.
There are 3 major changes that make the new Act more stringent than the old one.
Firstly, FCRA registration under the earlier law was permanent, but now under the new
one, it expires after 5 years, and has to be renewed afresh. This instantly hands the
government with a whip to bring errant NGOs to its heels.
Second, the new law puts a restriction (50%) on the proportion of foreign funds that
could be used for administrative purposes, thus allowing the government to control how
a civil society organisation (CSO) spends its funds.
The third and the most important distinction is that while the 1976 law was largely
aimed at political parties, the new law shifts the fo us to organizations of a political
atu e . The FC‘A ‘ules, has enabled the government to target inconvenient
NGOs, especially those working on governance accountability.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of
Association undertook a legal analysis of the FCRA, 2010 and it has stated in its report
that the FC‘A p o isio s a d ules a e ot i o fo it ith i te atio al la ,
principles a d sta da ds . Right to freedom of association is part of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (article 20), a violation of this right clearly constitutes a
human rights violation.
NGO funding has to be regulated. One cannot deny the fact that corrupt NGOs exist, or
that unscrupulous NGOs that access foreign funds may serve as conduits for money
laundering purposes. But there are much better ways to address these concerns than an
act that i stitutes a I spe to ‘aj fo the NGO do ai .
It is high time to repeal the FCRA and revive the idea of an autonomous, self-regulatory
body for CSOs.
BusinessLine
1. 7 and beyond, let’s get digital http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/another-kneejerk-
move/article9440926.ece
Category: Science & Technology
Topic: Artificial Intelligence
Key Points:
The rise of AI: A tifi ial i tellige e AI is t o i g — it s al ead he e. 6 saw many consumer-facing autonomous services hit a tipping point — self-
driving cars, AI-powered chatbots, etc. AI is all set to move from consumer-
focused used cases to the real enterprise world in 2017 and hit us hard. Over the
next few years, every aspect of our commercial world will be affected by the new
machines.
AI will be the number one driver of business change in 2017 and beyond. AI-led
automation will accelerate the pace of modernisation in middle- and back-office
operations, thereby truly digitising the fundamental operational blocks. Big data
is an enabler for AI because it provides the necessary capacity for learning
algorithms to consume data and use it to make strategic decisions.
Internet of Things (IoT) in Asia Pacific is set to explode to 8.6 billion devices by
2020, growing from a current annual market of $250 billion to $583 billion in
2020.
The IoT is still evolving when it comes to standardisation, and presents data
privacy and security risks. More connected devices mean exponential growth in
the amount of personal and sensitive data generated. A single security breach on
one device could infect an entire network, considering that multiple devices are
interconnected on a home or business network.
Cyber-attacks are estimated to cost businesses as much as $400 billion annually
— larger than the GDP of roughly 160 of the 196 countries in the world. Alarm
bells are already ringing with recent reports of cyber-attacks launched through
connected refrigerators and malicious e-mails sent via household appliances. IT
departments and CIOs/CISOs who have not kept up with security standards in
the region will fall behind in ways that will be nearly impossible to make up in
the dynamic digital security landscape. The IoT security role within IT
depa t e ts ill e a ealit soo , if it is t al ead
PIB:
1. Achievements & Initiatives taken by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs,
Food & Public Distribution during 2016
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=155855
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Initiatives
Key Points:
Following are the main highlights of the activities of the Department of Food & Public
Distribution during the year 2016:
1. National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013:
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) was enacted in 2013 and was being
implemented in only 11 States/UTs in May, 2014. During 2016, special attention was
given for its implementation wherein remaining States/UTs were constantly pursued
through meetings, conferences, video conferences (VCs), correspondence, visits etc. to
expedite implementation of the Act. As a result, 13 more States/UTs joined NFSA
during the year and the Act is now being implemented in all the States/UTs and covers
about 80 crore persons under the Act.
For the first time under the NFSA, Rs.2200 crore has been released to State
Governments as Central assistance to meet the expenditure incurred on intra-State
o e e t of food g ai s a d fai p i e shop deale s a gi s. Under erstwhile TPDS,
State Governments were required to either meet this expenditure on their own or pass
it on to beneficiaries.
2. Major Reforms in TPDS:
Sustained efforts have resulted in significant reforms in TPDS making it more
transparent and leak proof and better targeting of food subsidy. Cash Transfer for food
grains under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme has been implemented in 3 UTs.
3. Improving Food grain Management:
FCI has developed a software for Online Procurement Management System
(OPMS) which is being used for procurement
Under Riverine movement of foodgrains, FCI moved 2267 MT foodgrains to
Tripura via Bangladesh during August, 2016 to September, 2016 from Kolkata.
A quantity of 20,000 metric tonnes of par-boiled rice has been exported to
Egyptian Government on Government to Government basis out of Central Pool
Stock. The export was done in the interest of diplomatic gain for India.
4. Improving Storage:
A road map for creation of 100 Lakh MT storage capacity in the form of Steel Silos by FCI
and other agencies including State Governments on PPP mode for wheat and rice has
been approved.
5. Reforms in Sugar Sector:
Sustained surplus production over domestic consumption in the past 5 sugar
seasons had led to subdued sugar prices, which had stressed the liquidity
position of the industry throughout the country leading to build up cane price
arrears.
To mitigate the situation, Government has taken the following measures:
1) Extended financial assistance of Rs.4305 crore directly credited to farmers
account on behalf of sugar mills through banks. About 32 lakh farmers have
been benefited.
2) Facilitated supply of ethanol under EBP programme by fixing remunerative
price and waiving off excise duty on supply of ethanol during sugar season
2015-16.
3) A comprehensive performance based production subsidy has been extended
to farmers against their cane dues contingent on mills undertaking export
and supplying of ethanol.
Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) has achieved historical success as supplies of ethanol
during the current year have reached record level of more than 110 crore litres which
has never been achieved earlier.
6. Policy Changes:
Fortification of Staple Food
To address acute malnutrition in the population, a strategy of Fortification in Food has
been adopted. As a consequence of inputs and proactive initiatives taken by DFPD in
consultation with all Stakeholders, FSSAI has operationalized the standards for
fortification of Wheat Flour, and Oil w.e.f. 16th October, 2016. Technology & cost for rice
fortification are under review.
Wheat-Rice Policy
Government of India formulated a wheat-rice policy in June 2016 with an objective that
the States, which annually procure more wheat or rice than their present annual
entitlement/demand for wheat and rice respectively, will be allocated the preferred
food grains as per their requirement in the normal NFSA allocation i.e. AAY and Priority
category. The allocation in the tide over category will be at the discretion of the
Department and subject to availability of food grains in the Central Pool and impact on
food subsidy.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Agni V
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010
Remission
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS
IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Foreign Contribution (Regulation)
Act, 2010
National Food Security Act
http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Acts/The%20For
eign%20Contribution%20(Regulation)%20Act,%202010.pd
f
http://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/?tag=national-food-
security-bill
3. Tags
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010
Agni V
Tax Compliance
Practice Questions
Date: 27
th December, 2016
Category: Centre’s schemes and programmes
Topic: Food-security
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1. Which of the following committees dealt with Public Distribution Security - PDS
reforms?
a. Madhav Chitale committee
b. Shantha Kumar committee
c. Ratan Watal committee
d. Santhanam committee
Ans (b)
Date: 27
th December, 2016
Category: S&T
Topic: Recent innovations
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2. ‘Internet of things’ (IoT) appears in news. It is related to? a) Inter-networking of connected/smart systems
b) Virtual Private Network
c) Cloud Computing
d) Artifical Intelligence
Ans (a)
Date: 27th December, 2016
Category: Defense - Army
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Conceptual
3. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the ‘Agni-V’ missile?
(i) It is developed by DRDO (ii) It is an inter-continental missile with an operational range of 5000-7000 kms
(iii) It uses both solid and liquid propellants
a) (i) only
b) (i) and (ii) only
c) (ii) and (iii) only
d) All 3 are correctly matched
Ans (b)
Date: 27th December, 2016
Category: Indian Polity
Topic: Powers of Indian President Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Conceptual
4. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Pardoning powers of the
President of India?
(1) The President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions
of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted
of any offence.
(2) The President shall have the power to suspend, remit or commute a sentence of
death.
(a) (1) only
(b) (2) only
(c) Both (1) & (2)
(d) Neither (1) nor (2)
Ans (c)
Date: 27th November, 2016
Category: Nuclear policy of India
Difficulty level: Easy
Type: Factual
5. Which of the following statements are true?
(i) India ratified the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage
(CSC)
(ii) India has passed its own domestic nuclear liability law, the Civil Law for Nuclear
Damage (CLND) Act in 2010
a. (i) only
b. (ii) only
c. Both (i) and (ii)
d. Neither (i) nor (ii)
Ans (c)
Current News Analysis
28-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Our position in equity ladder is dismal, says Ansari
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Our-position-in-equity-ladder-is-
dismal-says-Ansari/article16951308.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
After nearly 70 years of legislating welfare laws and measures to deliver social justice,
The ground reality is dismal and we remain fragmented, said Vice-President Hamid
A sa i i his add ess o “o ial justi e, Co stitutio a d the “up e e Cou t at the i th national conference of the Indian Association of Lawyers
Reason was India ranked 130th out of 188 countries in the Human Development Index,
and a recent New World Wealth report ranked India as the 12th most inequitable
economy in the world.
National Human Rights Commission data indicates that in 2012, 37 per cent Dalits lived
below the poverty line, 54 per cent were undernourished, 83 per 1,000 children born in
Dalit households died before their first birthday, and 45 per cent remained illiterate.
In regard to children of the largest religious minority, the 2006 Sachar Committee
Report had observed that only 17 per cent of them above the age of 17 were found to
ha e o pleted at i ulatio as o pa ed ith the ge e al a e age of 26 pe e t,
2.India journeys from multilateral to bilateral in 2016
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article16950810.ece
Category: International relations
Topic: Foreign policy
Key Points:
Indian foreign policy took a decided step away from multilateral platforms to focus on
bilateral relations to secure and shore up its place in the world.
Glo al lo s a d allia es a e less ele a t toda a d the o ld is o i g to a ds a loosely arranged o de , said Fo eig “e eta “. Jaisha ka .
Lows of 2016-With the U.N, the go e e t has felt f ust ated at its i a ilit to o e on issues important for India. No significant head a as ade o I dia s id fo a permanent Security Council seat, on the Comprehensive Convention on International
Terrorism, or on specific requests to ban Pakistan-based terror group chief Masood
Azhar. Also, I dia s id to joi the Nu lea “upplie s G oup as halted not once but
t i e i the ea , due to Chi a s o je tions.
Highs of 2016-relation with the US- the P i e Mi iste s add ess to the U.“. Co g ess, the sig i g of the Logisti s Ag ee e t, a d I dia s ag ee e t to joi the Cli ate Cha ge o e tio . P eside t O a a sig ed the Defe e Bill that a es I dia a ajor
defe e pa t e — a designation that seems most akin to a strategic ally without being
one.
Another leap forward came from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the
UAE, which are forging closer ties with India despite their OIC reservations, and from
Iran and Afghanistan
3 Nepal rejects India's open sky offer
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Nepal-rejects-India%E2%80%99s-
%E2%80%98open-sky%E2%80%99-offer/article16950811.ece
Category: international relations
Topic: Foreign policy
Key Points:
Nepal has eje ted I dia s ope sk offe to allo u li ited flights et ee the t o countries.
I dia has ee kee o ou te i g Nepal s e e t e gage e t ith Chi a o the oad, railways and port connectivity. However, India and Nepal signed a memorandum of
u de sta di g to set up a joi t te h i al o ittee to e a i e Nepal s e uest fo developing new air routes and air entry points at Janakpur, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.
Recently India signed an agreement with Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Guyana, Czech Republic,
Finland and Spain to allow airlines to operate unlimited flights to Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Under the new National Civil Aviation Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet, India
i te ds to e te i to ope -sk ag ee e ts ith “AA‘C ou t ies a d ith those beyond the 5,000-km radius from Delhi.
Among SAARC countries, I dia does t ha e a ope sk ag ee e t ith Pakista , Nepal and Afghanistan. It allows unlimited flights from Bangladesh and Maldives at 18
domestic airports, from Sri Lanka at 23 airports, and from Bhutan at all its airports.
Open sky policy- is an international policy concept that calls for the liberalization of the
rules and regulations of the international aviation industry—especially commercial
aviation—in order to create a free-market environment for the airline industry.
Its primary objectives are:
To liberalize the rules for international aviation markets and minimize
government intervention as it applies to passenger, all-cargo, and
combination air transportation as well as scheduled and charter
services; and
To adjust the regime under which military and other state-based flights
may be permitted.
For open skies to become effective, a bilateral (and sometimes multilateral) Air
Transport Agreement must be concluded between two or more nations. . Under the
ope -sk ag ee e t, the e is o est i tio o flights o seats.
C.GS3 Related
D. GS4 Related
1. Watel panel for law to protect digital payers
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/New-law-needed-to-protect-cashless-
customers-Expert-panel-on-digital-payments/article16950150.ece
Category: Indian economy
Topic: digital payments
Key Points:
Committee on digital payments headed by the finance secretary Ratan P Watal,proposed
number of key measures to protect digital payers.
Key measures proposed are- legislative steps to protect customers and their data, allow open
access payment systems, independent working of payment regulatory board from RBI, cut in the
threshold of quoting PAN numbers for cash transactions from 50000 and 2000000
Panel also stated that the drawbacks in the existing Payment and Settlement Systems Act of
2007 compel most of India to rely on cash transactions by restricting the reach of digital
payments. Therefore, the panel is of the opinion that a Bill must be introduced to amend the
law within a month, in the coming Budget session of Parliament.
Though a sub-committee of the Reserve Bank of India regulates payments, the Watal committee
has said that banking requires micro-prudential regulation from RBI, while payments is a
separate, more technology-business driven activity, so both need to be viewed separately.
A new Payments Regulatory Board should be backed by law as independent of RBI and if there is
any conflict between its policies and the central bank s poli ies o egulatio s, the ‘BI s de isio shall prevail, the committee suggested.
Other recommendations-
The panel also recommended that when government acts as a merchant, it should bear the cost
of electronic payments and not pass them on to consumers.
Digital payments for low value transactions, such as parking charges, toll charges or health
services at government hospitals and health centres, also need to be promoted.
Panel also proposed that utility bills and payments to government above a certain threshold be
made only in digital mode.
convenience or service charge levied by utility service providers, petrol pumps, railways, airlines
on electronic payments should be withdrawn.
A recommendation has also been made to make Aadhaar numbers compulsory in Income Tax
returns
Why digital payment reforms?-
India is a cash heavy economy, with almost 78 per cent of all consumer payments being
effected in cash. This imposes an estimated cost of Rs. 21,000 crore, without factoring in other
effects of cash reliance, such as counterfeit currency and black money.
Transitioning to digital payments was estimated to bring about a significant reduction in costs
incurred on account of inefficiencies associated with cash and other paper based payments.
2. FPI on the edge as investments via P-notes may face more tax
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/policy/fpis-on-the-edge-as-
investments-via-p-notes-may-face-more-tax/articleshow/56210137.cms
Category: Foreign portfolio Investments
Topic: P-notes
Key Points:
Many Foreign portfolio Investors (FPIs),who are having P-notes as ultimate beneficiaries
may face more tax.
The taxability applies to situations of transfer of any interest exceeding 5%in the overseas
entity. However the applicability of these provisions are made on a case to case basis.
Foreign portfolio investment (FPI) consists of securities and other financial assets passively
held by foreign investors. It does not provide the investor with direct ownership of
financial assets and is relatively liquid depending on the volatility of the market.
Foreign portfolio investment differs from foreign direct investment (FDI), in which a
domestic company runs a foreign firm, because although FDI allows a company to maintain
better control over the firm held abroad, it may face more difficulty selling the firm at a
premium price in the future.
Participatory Notes commonly known as P-Notes or PNs are instruments issued by
registered foreign institutional investors (FII) to overseas investors, who wish to invest in
the Indian stock markets without registering themselves with the market regulator, the
Securities and Exchange Board of India - SEBI.
SEBI permitted foreign institutional investors to register and participate in the Indian stock
market in 1992.Investing through P-Notes is very simple and hence very popular amongst
foreign institutional investors
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1.Chronicle of a conflict foretold
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Chronicle-of-a-conflict-
foretold/article16950462.ece
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: ethnic tensions
Key Points:
Crisis in Manipur- main reason is the primeval notion of an exclusive ethnic homeland.The
belief is that such homelands are a given and have existed since time immemorial.
Communities who claim to be natural heirs and custodians of these homelands think of
others as aliens. The trouble is, those excluded, have their own notions of homeland, and
their notion of homeland overlap, and sometimes completely, with the ones in which they
are supposed to be aliens.
For example- For instance, settle agriculturists, shift cultivators and hunter gatherers will
have different relationships with land. Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis and many other smaller ethnic
groups in Manipur are thus in a web of overlapped homelands.
The immediate cause for the heightened ethnic tension — that of the indefinite blockade
alo g Ma ipu s t o ajo lifeli es, the I phal-Dimapur road and the Imphal-Silchar road,
imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1.
The UNC was demanding an assurance from the Manipur government that what they
deem as their ancient homeland — or Nagalim,— will not be divided into districts without
their consent. In particular, they did not want the Kuki-dominated Sadar Hills given this
status, as they consider Kukis as migrants who settled in their land and who can only be
their tenants.
The Manipur government, which was expected to create this district together with Jiribam,
a small enclave of predominantly non-tribal population, deferred the decision in the wake
of the UNC protest, but later a cabinet meet, decided to go ahead and create not just these
two districts but five more by splitting altogether seven existing districts, thereby stiffening
the UNC s lo kade sta e.
Way forward- conflict resolution in such a scenario cannot be a bilateral matter between
the Central government and any single party, as it seems to be the case in the ongoing
Naga peace talks. A chain can be as strong as the weakest link, and the Centre will have to
look for a broader and more inclusive solution to suit what essentially is a multilateral
issue. Second, everyone will ha e to ag ee to a sha ed ho ela d. The loft goal of sha ed so e eig t a d o pete ies ei g egotiated et ee the N“CN IM a d the Ce t e cannot be the solution to the problem of the region unless this sharing extends to all other
stake holders.
2.Behind Pakistans CPEC offer
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Behind-Pakistan%E2%80%99s-CPEC-
offer/article16950512.ece
Category: international relations
Topic: economic corridor
Key Points:
Pakista i Ge e al suggested that I dia should shu its e it ith Pakista a d joi the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, the Chinese foreign ministry
has called the offer a good ill gestu e , e ho ti g I dia to take it up.
Ea lie I dia has opposed the p oje t, ilate all ith Chi a at the highest le el as ell as at the UN
The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor also known as CPEC and North-South economic
corridor) is an economic corridor comprising a collection of projects currently under
construction at a cost of $51 billion. CPEC aims to facilitate trade along an overland
route that connects Kashgar and Gwadar, through the construction of a network of
highways, railways, and pipelines.
Iran wants Gwadar to e a siste po t to Cha aha , a d Tu k e ista a d othe Central Asian republics have shown interest in the warm-water port that will be a nodal
point for goods through Pakistan to the Chinese city of Kashgar. Further north, despite
its problems on te o f o Pakista , Afgha ista is e o i g a odal poi t fo Chi a s connectivity projects to Iran.
PIB
1. Building Safe Highways
http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=155892
Category: infrastructure
Topic: roadways
Key Points:
As a signatory to Brasilia Declaration, India is committed to reducing the number of road
accidents and fatalities by 50 % by 2020 .
The major steps taken by the Ministry towards ensuring safety on roads are as follows:
A National Road Safety Policy had been approved earlier, outlining various policy
measures like promoting awareness, establishing road safety information data base,
encouraging safer road infrastructure, enforcement of safety laws etc.
The Ministry has evolved a multi-pronged strateg to ta kle the p o le ased o the 4 E s viz Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles) Enforcement and Emergency Care.
A National Road Safety Council had also been constituted as the apex body to take policy
decisions in the matter of road safety.
Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 - The Bill addresses road safety issues by providing
for stiffer penalties, permitting electronic enforcement, improving fitness certification and
licensing regime, statutory provisions for protection of good Samaritans and recognition of
IT enabled enforcement systems. The Bill also paves way for reforms in public transport
which in turn will help in improving road safety.
Ministry has requested the States to send proposals for correction of black spots and
10% of the Central Road Fund (CRF) have been permitted to be used for undertaking
road safety measures. As Short-term measures rumble strips, reflective stickers at
junctions, fixing signboard/ cautionary board, providing signage and speed restrictions are
being used. As long-term measures construction of vehicular under-pass, By-pass, flyover
and 4-laning are being taken up.
State Road Safety Councils-formulate an action plan for improving road safety, implement
it in a concerted manner, fix a definite, time bound target for fatality reduction and identify
and allocate adequate manpower, financial and other resources for implementing the
strategy to achieve the targets set.
Twenty two States have notified a road safety policy. The states of Assam, Chhattisgarh,
Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Tripura are in the process
of notifying.
Highway Advisory System (HAS) - HAS was launched as a pilot project on Delhi-Jaipur
highway. It is a free-to-air information distribution system that uses radio to make the
travelling experience on National Highways safer, faster and hassle-free. HAS control
centre collects data, processes and analyzes it, generates alerts and sends it to be
broadcast by All India Radio.
Other measures-
Good Samaritans Guidelines - Guidelines have been issued by the Ministry to prevent the
ha ass e t of Good “a a ita s ho help oad a ide t i ti s. The “up e e Cou t has accepted these guidelines and has asked states for implementation.
Ministry has notified National Ambulance Code for road ambulance Type L and M.
Pilot Projects for Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims were done on Gurgaon-
Jaipur, Vadodara – Mumbai stretch of NH 8 and Ranchi-Rargaon-Mahulia stretch of NH 33.
Now it is proposed to implement this scheme along the Golden Quadrilateral, North South
and East West Corridors (about 13500 km) at an estimated cost of about Rs. 250 Crore
Model Automated Centers for checking fitness of the vehicles.
Buses with IT enabled safety measures under NIRBHAYA SCHEME
Vehicular Safety Standards are being set for all classes of vehicles. Trucks are prohibited
from carrying protruding rods; Anti-locking Brake System (ABS) made mandatory on Heavy
Vehicles; Cars to have provision for fitment of at-least one child seat. Car Crash Standards
to be made mandatory w.e.f. 1st April, 2018; ABS/CBS for Two Wheelers mandated w.e.f.
1st April, 2018etc
Adopt a Gree Highway Progra was launched in July, 2016. It seeks to engage
corporates, Public Sector units, Government organizations and other institutions for
developing green corridor along National Highways through plantation and allied activity
on avenue, median and other available nearby land patches.
Kisa Harit ‘aj arg Yoja a is a pilot scheme to extend green belt beyond the existing
Right of Way of high a s e gagi g fa e s and providing alternative livelihood option
to the nearby communities.
Roadside Amenities- the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has decided to
develop Wayside Amenities along the National Highways. Such Wayside Amenities (WSA)
shall be branded as High a Haat . The o ple es ill p o ide fa ilities fo a a d us passengers and truckers to relax, revive and refresh, thus helping to reduce driver fatigue,
resulting in making roads travel safe and comfortable.
All the 370 Toll Plazas of NHAI would be covered with toilets, hoardings and litter bins
under Swachhta action plan for MoRTH.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Foreign portfolio investments and P-notes
Cashless payments
Changing Indias foreign policy
Infrastructure-roadways.
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS
IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 -
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-motor-
vehicles-amendment-bill-2016-4366/
3. Tags
P-notes
Foreign portfolio investments
Cashless payments
Practice Questions
Date: 28th December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Ethnic tension
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1) Recent crisis in Manipur is due to
a) Economic blockade and ethnic tension.
b) Water dispute
c) Tribal rights.
d) Hung assembly
Answer- a
Date: 28th December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Aviation sector
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2.) Among SAARC countries, India doesn’t have any ‘open sky’ agreement with -
a) Bangladesh
b) Nepal
c) Maldives
d) Srilanka
Answer-b
Date: 28th December, 2016
Category: Indian economy
Topic: infrastructure
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3.) Which among the following states have not notified road safety policy?
a) Karnataka
b) Kerala
c) Tamilnadu
d) Rajasthan
Answer-d
Date: 28th December, 2016
Category: Indian economy
Topic: digital payments
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4.) Which of the following committees dealt with digital payments ?
a) Urjit Patel committee
b) Ratan Watal committee
c) Bhimal Jalan committee
d) Nachiket mor committee
Answer-b
Date: 28th December, 2016
Category: Indian economy
Topic: infrastructure
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5) Consider the following statements
a) Brasilia Declaration-India is committed to reducing the number of road accidents and
fatalities by 50 % by 2020
b) Highway advisory system is a free-to-air information distribution system that uses radio to
make the travelling experience on National Highways safer, faster and hassle-free.
c) ‘Adopt a Green Highway’ Program seeks to engage corporates, Public Sector units,
Government organizations and other institutions for developing green corridor along National
Highways.
d) Good Samaritans Guidelines - to prevent the harassment of “Good Samaritans” who help road accident victims. The Supreme Court has accepted these guidelines and has asked states for
implementation.
Which of the above statements is/are true
A. a only.
B. a,b only.
C. a,b,c only.
D. a,b,c,d only.
Answer-D.
Current News Analysis
29-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Groundswell of ire against Norway move
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Groundswell-of-ire-against-Norway-
move/article16955937.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
Recently, Sushma Swaraj stressed, in a series of tweets that a five-year-old Indian boy
who had been taken away from his parents in Norway over suspected abuse must be
given back to his family.
The boy, Aryan, who is the son of Anil Kumar and Gurvinderjit Kaur, was placed in foster
care on December 13 by the Norwegian government.
Officials took him away from his kindergarten school in Oslo, saying there had been
complaints about the child being beaten up.
Pursuant to these developments, an international movement cutting across ideological
lines emerged on 28th
Dec, 2016, suppo ti g I dia s lai seeki g the etu of a hild to his Indo-Norwegian parents.
A ti ists f o No ay, U.“., Aust alia la ed No ay s hild elfa e age y, Barnevernet, of violating human rights and came out in support of External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj.
2. Abe offers condolences at Pearl Harbor
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/Abe-offers-condolences-
at-Pearl-Harbor/article16956698.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
Mr. Abe is the first sitting PM to pay his respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, which
was built in the 1960s.
Th ee Japa ese P i e Mi iste s, i ludi g M . A e s g a dfathe , isited Ha aii i the 1950s.
C.GS3 Related
1. 2017 may ring curtains on many mines
http://www.thehindu.com/business/2017-may-ring-curtains-on-many-
mines/article16955172.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Industry- Mining, Government Policy
Key Points:
There are two difficult deadlines set for the mining sector in India. These deadlines have been
set u de la s go e i g fo est o se atio , fo est d elle s ights a d the i es a d i e al development and regulation (MMDR) law of 2015.
Hundreds of existing and proposed mines would need to comply with these deadlines.
Recently, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) wrote to the
Mines Ministry to request an extension of the December 31, 2016 (for forest clearances in
mineral-rich Odisha) and January 11, 2017 (for converting letters of intent issued by states for
mining operations before January 12, 2015, when the new MMDR law kicked in) deadlines to
p o ide a lease of life to these i es.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Statesmanship at Pearl Harbour
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Statesmanship-at-Pearl-
Harbour/article16955070.ece
Category: World History, International Relations
Topic: World War 2
Key Points:
Through his visit to Pearl Harbour this week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,
and U.S. President Barack Obama, have undertaken a bold and difficult journey on
behalf of their peoples more than 70 years after atrocities were committed against
each other during World War II.
In Japan, conservative sections have long regarded any attempt to own up the
slaughter of hundreds of U.S. marines at Pearl Harbour in 1941 as nothing but a
betrayal of national interest.
While in the U.S., veterans of the war have seen little justification in the claim that
the devastation caused by the twin nuclear bombings had to be condoled. They
believe that the horror in Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought the war to a close sooner
than it might otherwise have been.
It is important to note that the favourable public opinion in both countries towards
each other will possibly prove critical in consolidating upon the current strengths in
the economic partnership and weathering the uncertainties of the future.
BusinessLine
1. Trou le’s rewing
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/troubles-
brewing/article9448179.ece
Category: Environment and Ecology
Topic: Climate Change
Key Points: I dia s offee a d tea g o e s a e ei g i pa ted y li ate ha ge. Long spells of exceptionally warm weather, and rain concentrated over short rather
than long periods, and extreme weather events are taking its toll.
It is important to note that India registered a record tea output in 2015-16 despite a 7
pe e t de li e i south I dia s ga de s. It is believed that this decline could worsen this year, due to the failure of both the
southwest and northeast monsoons.
Tea uality has ee a o e i Assa , hi h a ou ts fo half of I dia s tea output. Harsh temperatures in the middle of the year and a tendency for the southwest
monsoon to set in late have robbed Assam tea of some of its flavour.
The absence of well distributed rain, along with the rise in dry spells and temperatures,
has led to more pest attacks.
This has contributed to higher costs both to contain pests and to keep irrigation going in
the drier months, squeezing margins in an increasingly competitive global market where
India is losing ground to Sri Lanka and Kenya.
To keep Indian teas going both at home and overseas, it is important to adjust cropping
practices. Micro-application of nutrients and rainwater harvesting can help beat back
vagaries of the weather. However, both State and Central Governments need to play an
active role in pushing this change by providing capital and know-how.
Creating shade conditions for tea will help, but beyond a point can trigger fungal
attacks.
Even coffee needs well distributed rain. Unfortunately, this crop too is under stress.
The Way Forward
Climate change threatens to ramp up costs for agriculture as a whole, for which the
Government needs to adopt a well thought-out response.
This includes promoting research on drought and flood-resistant varieties, shorter
duration crops and crop diversification.
Ecology and economics must go hand in hand in the plantation sector and elsewhere.
PIB
1. PM atte ds NITI Aayog’s i tera tio with e o o ists o E o o i Poli y – The Road Ahead
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155894
Category: Polity and Governance, Indian Economy
Topic: Government Initiatives
Key Points:
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 27th Dec, 2016 attended an interactive
session with economists and other experts, organized by NITI Aayog, on the theme
E o o i Poli y – The ‘oad Ahead.
During the session, participants shared their views on various economic themes such as
agriculture, skill development and job creation, taxation and tariff related matters,
education, digital technology, housing, tourism, banking, governance reform, data
driven policy, and future steps for growth.
2. Cabinet approves International Solar Alliance (ISA): Signing
of the Framework Agreement
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155917
Category: Polity and Governance, Environment and Ecology
Topic: Government Initiatives, Climate Change
Key Points:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-
post facto approval to the proposal of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for
atifi atio of I“A s F a e o k Ag ee e t y I dia. I“A as lau hed joi tly y the Prime Minister of India and the President of France on 30th November, 2015 at Paris on
the side-lines of the 21st CoP meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change.
The ISA will strive to bring together more than 121 solar resource rich nations for
coordinated research, low cost financing and rapid deployment. The foundation stone of
the ISA Headquarters was laid at Gwal Pahari, Guragaon in Haryana. India has already
committed the required support of operationalization of ISA. ISA will put India globally
in a leadership role in climate and renewable energy issues. It will also give a platform to
showcase its solar programmes.
3. Fresh guidelines on Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act,
2013 issued by DoPT
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155918
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Initiatives
Key Points:
The Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, had held
a review meeting on implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 on 26.10.2016. During the meeting,
some cases of sexual harassment pending with certain ministries/ departments were
also examined. On the basis of the discussions, it was decided that DoPT will issue fresh
instructions so that some of the issues can be suitably addressed.
Guidelines issued:
1) Brief details of the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
Act including the number of cases received and disposed shall form a part of the Annual
Report of all ministries/ departments and authorities there under.
2) The enquiry of cases must be completed within 30 days and under any circumstances
within 90 days from the date of the complaint. 3) The ministries/ departments etc. have to keep a watch on the complainant so as to ensure
that she is not victimized in any manner because of her having filed the complaint. The
aggrieved woman has been given further option to send representation to the Secretary or
head of the organization in case she feels that she is being victimized because of her
complaint. The concerned authority will be required to dispose of this complaint within
15 days. 4) All ministries/ departments etc. are now required to submit a monthly progress report to
the Ministry of Women and Child Development so that the progress can be monitored.
Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, while appreciating DoPT for having quickly issued the guidelines,
stated that the WCD Ministry shall continue to work on issues related to sexual harassment of
women at workplace and she will be holding further consultations to see if there are any other
areas which need to be looked into.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Law
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS
IN NEWS
Links to Refer
Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-
protection-of-women-against-sexual-
harassment-at-work-place-bill-2010-1402/
3. Tags
Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Law
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act
Practice Questions
Date: 29th
December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Legislations
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1. Consider the following statements,
1.) The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016 amends the Mines and
Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
2.) The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 regulates the mining sector in India and
specifies the requirement for obtaining and granting leases for mining operations.
Which of the above statements are true?
a.) Only 1
b.) Only 2
c.) Both 1 and 2
d.) None
Answer- c
Date: 29th
December, 2016
Category: Geography
Topic: Various Parts of the World
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2. Consider the following statements,
1.) Norway has land borders with Sweden, Finland, Russia.
2.) A fjord is a deep, narrow and elongated sea or lakedrain, with steep land on three sides.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
a.) Only 1
b.) Only 2
c.) Both 1 and 2
d.) None
Answer- d
Date: 29th
December, 2016
Category: Geography
Topic: Agriculture
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3. Consider the following statements,
1) Assam a ou ts fo half of I dia s tea output.
2) With reference to coffee and tea plantations, it has been suggested that micro-application of
nutrients and rainwater harvesting can help beat back vagaries of the weather.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a.) Only 1
b.) Only 2
c.) Both 1 and 2
d.) None
Answer- c
Date: 29th
December, 2016
Category: Geography
Topic: Various Parts of the World
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3. Consider the following statements,
1) The Hawaiian islands consist of 2 active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
2) Measured from its sea floor base to its highest peak, Mauna Kea is the world's tallest mountain, taller
than Mount Everest is, since the base of Mount Everest is above sea level.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
a.) Only 1
b.) Only 2
c.) Both 1 and 2
d.) None
Answer- d
Date: 29th December, 2016
Category: Modern Indian History
Topic: Modern India
Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5) The first statute for the governance of India, under the direct rule of the British Government, was the
a) Government of India Act, 1858
b) Government of India Act, 1861
c) Government of India Act, 1892
d) Government of India Act, 1915
Answer- a
Current News Analysis
30-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Syria truce deal signed, says Putin http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/Syria-truce-deal-signed-
says-Putin/article16961348.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
Russia President Vladimir Putin on 29th Dec, 2016 announced a nationwide ceasefire
deal to come into effect across Syria from midnight.
This deal that has been brokered by Russia and Turkey may represent a major
breakthrough in nearly six years of war in Syria.
It is important to note that although Turkey and Russia are on opposing sides in the
conflict, they have been working intensively to find a ceasefire after the fall of Aleppo.
C.GS3 Related
1. Lanba to chair committee of Chiefs
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Chief-of-the-Naval-Staff-Admiral-Sunil-Lanba-
to-chair-committee-of-Chiefs/article16960390.ece
Category: Security
Topic: Defence, Developments
Key Points:
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, is all set to assume chairmanship of the Chiefs of
Staff Committee (COSC), on December 31.
It is important to note that speculation had been rife that the government might create a
permanent position of Chairman, COSC, which has been in the works for a while.
This post would act as a single-point military adviser to the political class on procurement and
strategic issues.
At prese t, the Chair a s post is held on rotation basis by the senior-most of the three service
Chiefs.
2. Govt meets PMUY target of 1.5 crore LPG connection additions this financial
year
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Govt-meets-PMUY-target-of-1.5-crore-LPG-
connection-additions-this-financial-year/article16960147.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy, Government Schemes
Key Points:
In a landmark development, the government on 29th
Dec, 2016 said that it has met the 1.5 crore
target for LPG connections to be added in this financial year under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala
Yojana (PMUY) and so has increased LPG coverage across the country to 70 per cent as of
December 1.
The government in a statement said that the target of 1.5 crore connections fixed for the
current financial year for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has been achieved within a
span of less than eight months and the scheme is being implemented now across 35 States/UTs.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Peace on track in Colombia
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Peace-on-track-in-
Colombia/article16960217.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Developments
Key Points:
A brief note on the FARC
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) is Colombia's largest rebel group.
This group is a guerrilla group which has been fighting a long running armed insurgency.
This group was founded in 1964 as the armed wing of the Communist Party and follows a
Marxist-Leninist ideology.
While the FARC have some urban groups, they have always been an overwhelmingly rural
guerrilla organisation.
Recent Developments
In October this year, a referendum to ratify a painstakingly negotiated peace deal the
Columbian Government had signed with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
(FARC), was narrowly defeated.
Further, Colo ia s Co gress has u a i ously appro ed a amnesty law granting
immunity to FARC fighters from prosecution for committing minor crimes.
Those accused of major crimes will be tried by a special tribunal.
If thi gs go as per the go er e t s pla , the re els should e o e i ilia s y May , culminating in the end of a process that began with negotiations four years ago.
BusinessLine
1. A German model for our MSMEs?
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/a-german-model-for-
our-msmes/article9449852.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points: In the context of the contraction expected in the wake of demonetization, job-
creating growth is likely to be a priority of the Government.
The Government will be presenting the budget on February 1 this coming year, and
this presents a unique opportunity for redefining our entire approach towards
medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs).
It is important to note that a million people are getting added to the list of job-
seekers every month.
The Government or the public sector cannot be the source of employment for all
these job aspirants.
A solution to this demand can be the spawning of MSME units on a large scale, in
mission mode, in 2017 and beyond.
One fundamental aspect in our approach that needs to change has been our
obsession with investments in plant and machinery for the definition of MSME units
under the relevant Act of 2006.
From an international perspective, two major countries/regions from the developed
world follow the number of employees as the basis for the categorisation of firms as
MSMEs.
Almost the entire European Union and the Americas, including the US, base their
categorisation of firms for this sector only on the basis of the number of people
employed and their turnover.
Germany, one of the few growth engines of the world today, is a shining example of
the difference that such a great thrust for MSMEs can make.
Indian Express
1. Lethal neglect
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/uri-nagrota-attack-pathankot-
surgical-strikes-indian-soldiers-killed-security-4450964/
Category: Internal Security
Topic: Challenges to Internal Security
Key Points: The year 2016 has inflicted a grim toll on Indian soldiers and police personnel in
Kashmir.
Almost half of the 87 fatalities, the worst since 2009, can be attributed to events like
the Uri and Nagrota attacks, which involved flaws in basic training or poor perimeter
security at bases.
In the wake of the Pathankot attack, the ministry of defence had tasked former army
Vice-Chief Lieutenant-General Philip Campose with studying the problem.
General Campose’s report recommended rectification of the training of base security
teams, as well as acquisition of technologies like night-vision devices and movement
sensors.
These technologies were not purchased when the Uri attack took place; they were not
available at Nagrota either.
PIB
1. Year End review: Department of Space
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155958
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Space
Key Points:
Note to students: This is a very important article and should be read in its entirety from the PIB website.
Kindly refer to the URL above to read the complete article.
PSLV-C31/IRNSS-1E Mission: In this flight, the workhorse launch vehicle PSLV
launched IRNSS-1E, the fifth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite
System (IRNSS) constellation, on January 20, 2016.
PSLV-C32/IRNSS-1F Mission: In this flight, which was its 34th, PSLV launched
IRNSS-1F, the sixth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System
(IRNSS) constellation, on March 10, 2016.
PSLV-C33/IRNSS-1G Mission: In this flight, PSLV launched the seventh and the last
satellite IRNSS-1G of the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS)
constellation on April 28, 2016. With this, the space segment of the IRNSS was fully
deployed. IRNSS signals are now available and trials with the receiver system are in
progress. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated IRNSS to the nation as
‘NavIC’ (Navigation Indian Constellation). This is an independent regional navigation
satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and
1500 km around the Indian mainland. IRNSS provides two types of services, namely,
Standard Positioning Services (SPS) - provided to all users and Restricted Services
(RS) - provided to authorised users only.
Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD): India’s first winged body aerospace vehicle, RLV-TD i.e. Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology
Demonstrator (RLV-TD), was successfully flight tested on May 23, 2016.
PSLV-C34/Cartosat-2 Series Mission: On June 22, 2016, PSLV-C34 successfully
launched 20 satellites in a single mission. It included India’s CARTOSAT-2 series of
satellite (weighing 727 kg) as primary payload and two academic institutes’ satellites, namely, SWAYAM and SATHYABAMASAT and 17 satellites (total weighing 555 kg)
of foreign customers from Canada, Germany, Indonesia and USA as co-passengers.
GSLV-F05/ INSAT-3DR Mission: On September 08, 2016, GSLV-F05, India's
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, equipped with the indigenous Cryogenic
Upper Stage (CUS), successfully launched the country's weather satellite INSAT-
3DR. INSAT-3DR is a follow-on meteorological satellite to INSAT-3D. This launch is
significant, considering that fact that this is the third consecutive success of the
indigenous CUS, which signified the country’s successful assimilation of the complex cryogenic rocket propulsion.
Successful Flight Testing of ISRO's Scramjet Engine Technology Demonstrator: The
first experimental mission of ISRO’s Scramjet Engine towards the realisation of an Air Breathing Propulsion System was successfully conducted on August 28, 2016
from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. The Scramjet engine designed
by ISRO uses Hydrogen as fuel and the Oxygen from the atmospheric air as the
oxidiser.
2. 1.5 crore LPG connections issued to BPL households
under PM Ujjwala Yojana
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155969
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
Target of 1.5 crore connections fixed for the current financial year for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala
Yojana (PMUY) has been achieved within a span of less than 8 months and the scheme is being
implemented now across 35 States/UTs.
The vision of Prime Minister Modi to provide clean cooking fuel to poor households in the
country has been taken forward through implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
(PMUY).
An adult woman member of BPL family identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC)
data is given a deposit free LPG connection with financial assistance of Rs. 1600/- per
connection by Government of India. The announcement of releasing 5 crore LPG connections to
BPL families over a period of three years was made with allocation of Rs 8000 crore in the Union
Budget on 29.2.2016.
3. S achhS asthSar atra - Joint Initiative of
HealthMinistry and Ministry of Drinking Water &
Sanitation launched http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155953
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Policy, Government Initiatives
Key Points:
SwachhSwasthSarvatra is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry
of Drinking Water and Sanitation to achieve better health outcomes through improved sanitation and
increased awareness and healthy lifestyles.
Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar said that the Prime Minister
has successfully amplified the need for clean India and today this is the most popular programme that
resonates with citizens across India.
Advancing from Swachh Bharat to Swastha Bharat is a natural step. Open Defecation Free (ODF) should
not be limited to creation of infrastructure alone but it should also bring the positive change in the
habits and mindset of people.
“ a hh“ astha“ar atra is a u h eeded progra e to a hie e ope defe atio -free India by 2019.
The three key components of SwachhSwasthSarvatra are:
· Community Health Centres (CHCs) in ODF blocks supported to achieve Kayakalp certification
· Gram Panchayat of Kayakalp Primary Health Centres (PHCs) prioritized to become ODF
· Training in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene ) of CHC/PHC nominees
4. Year End Review :Ministry of Women & Child
Development http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155963
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Policy, Government Initiatives
Key Points:
The Ministry of Women & Child Development has launched the Scheme for setting up One Stop
Centres to facilitate access to an integrated range of services including medical, legal, and
psychological support to women affected by violence to be funded through NirbhayaFund.
The WCD Ministry has been working along with the Ministry of Home Affairs to improve overall
police responsiveness to gender sensitive cases and to bring visibility to more women and
strengthen gender sensitivity in police force.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development had taken up the issue of installation of physical
panic button on mobile phones as one of the initiatives since June 2014. Based on extensive
stakeholder o sultatio s i itiated y WCD Mi istry, the Pa i Butto a d Glo al Positio i g “yste i Mo ile Pho e Ha dsets ‘ules ha e ee otified y the Depart e t of
Telecommunications.
Under these rules, all new feature phones will have the facility of panic button configured to the
numeric key 5 or 9 and all smart phones will have the panic button configured to three times
short pressing of the On-off button from the new year onwards. Further, all new mobile phones
will be required to have the facility of identifying the location through satellite based GPS
In view of the increasing number of crimes committed against women on account of
information shared on the matrimonial websites, it was decided in consultation with
Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeITY), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
and service providers to look into the issue and to put in place a regulatory framework in order
to check this misuse.
A schematic proposal to enable the universalization of a Helpline specifically for women with a
common number across the country has been approved. This Helpline will be linked with One
Stop Centres being established by the Ministry of Women & Child Development. The
Department of Telecommunication, Government of India, has allocated short code 181 to all
States/UTs which is already being used by some States/UTs such as Delhi, Chandigarh,
Chhattisgarh as Women Helpline. So far, Women Helplines have been operational in 18
States/UTs.
The draft National Policy for Women, 2016, has been released by the Minister, WCD and is
under finalization.
Draft National Policy for Women 2016 prescribes the operational strategies for implementation
of the policy. These include, framing of Action Plans at the national, State and local level;
strengthening gender institutional architecture, enacting new legislations and reviewing/
harmonizing legislations, engaging with stakeholders for advocacy and awareness generation,
strengthening institutionalization of gender budgeting and creating an effective gender based
data base. The policy looks into the entire life- y le o ti uu of o e s issues a d
encompasses a wide spectrum ranging from discrimination against women to the expectations
of new emerging inspirational woman.
The Ministry of Women & Child Development launched Mahila e-Haat (http://mahilaehaat-
rmk.gov.in/), a unique direct online digital marketing platform for women
entrepreneurs/SHGs/NGOs in March 2016. It also aims at financial inclusion and economic
empowerment of women. Mahila e-Haat facilitates direct contact between the vendor and
buyer. The unique features of Mahila E-haat not available on other e-commerce portals are (a)
Sharing of contact details of vendors b) E-learning services (c) Pitara (Hamari Baat) conversations
(d) Services.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Draft National Policy for Women 2016
Mahila e-Haat
“ a hh“ asth“ar atra
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS
IN NEWS
Links to Refer
The Right of Persons with Disabilities
Bill, 2014
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-right-of-
persons-with-disabilities-bill-2014-3122/
3. Tags
Draft National Policy for Women 2016
Mahila e-Haat
“ a hh“ asth“ar atra
Practice Questions
Date: 30
th December, 2016
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Space, Developments Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] The Scramjet engine designed by ISRO uses Hydrogen as fuel and the Oxygen from the
atmospheric air as the oxidiser.
2] INSAT-3DR is a follow-on meteorological satellite to INSAT-3D.
Which of the following is/are incorrect? A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: d)
Date: 30
th December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] Consider the following statements,
1] The Ministry of Women & Child Development launched the Mahila e-Haat s he e hi h is a unique
direct online digital marketing platform for women entrepreneurs/SHGs/NGOs.
2] It also aims at financial inclusion and economic empowerment of women.
] Ho e er, Mahila e-Haat does not facilitate direct contact between the vendor and buyer.
Which of the following is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) All, 1, 2 and 3 d) 1 and 3 Only
Answer: a)
Mahila e-Haat facilitates direct contact between the vendor and buyer.
Date: 30th December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] Consider the following statements,
1] “ a hh“ asth“ar atra is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation to achieve better health outcomes through improved
sanitation and increased awareness and healthy lifestyles.
2] The three key components of SwachhSwasthSarvatra are a) Community Health Centres (CHCs) in ODF
blocks supported to achieve Kayakalp certification b) Gram Panchayat of Kayakalp Primary Health
Centres (PHCs) prioritized to become ODF c) Training in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) of
CHC/PHC nominees.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 30th December, 2016
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Space Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] Consider the following statements,
1) IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position
information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland.
2) IRNSS provides two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Services (SPS) -
provided to all users and Restricted Services (RS) - provided to authorised users only.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans c)
Date: 30th December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5] Consider the following statements,
1) BBBP (Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao) is one of the flagship programmes of the Government to
address the declining Child Sex Ratio and related issues of disempowerment of women on a
life- cycle continuum.
2) The Ministry of Women & Child Development has launched the scheme for setting up One
Stop Centres to facilitate access to an integrated range of services including medical, legal,
and psychological support to women affected by violence to be funded through Nirbhaya
Fund.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans c)
Current News Analysis
31-12-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. China to build $1.5 billion power line across
Pakistan http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/China-to-build-1.5-billion-power-line-
across-Pakistan/article16966792.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
It is reported that Chi a s “tate G id Co po atio is set to uild a $ . -billion power line
across Pakistan to enable the transmission of 4,000 megawatts of electricity from the
ou t s o th to south. The power transmission line would link the national grid between the southern Pakistani
town of Matiari and easternmost city of Lahore, some 1,000 km apart.
C.GS3 Related
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Managing risk in banks
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Managing-risk-in-
banks/article16965567.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Money and Banking
Key Points:
It is important to note that in its biannual Financial Stability Report, the Reserve Bank of
India has once again flagged the fact that risks to the banking sector remain worryingly
high . Any systemic risk to the banking industry has the potential to ripple across the entire
economy.
Unfortunately, there has been no perceptible improvement in the health of domestic
banks, even six months afte the ‘BI s p e ious epo t, he ei , it had highlighted the
se to s high ul e a ilit o a ou t of the i ease i apital e ui e ent and worsening
asset quality.
These observations had put the spotlight on the need for urgent policy interventions.
Measures Taken and Way Forward
In order to address bankruptcy situations in banks and other financial entities, some
measures have been initiated and others are in the pipeline, including a draft Financial
Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill.
In conclusion, with the RBI pointing out that banks saddled with bad loans were likely to
e ai isk-a e se a d fi d the sel es la ki g the apital eeded to le d o e to eet credit demand in the economy, the regulator and the government will need to work in
close concert to expeditiously resolve this vital legacy issue.
2. A new dawn for Syria?
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/A-new-dawn-for-Syria/article16965570.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
Russia President Vladimir Putin on 29th Dec, 2016 announced a nationwide ceasefire
deal to come into effect across Syria from midnight.
This deal that has been brokered by Russia and Turkey may represent a major
breakthrough in nearly six years of war in Syria.
The easefi e ea hed ould e a tu i g poi t i the ou t s i il a . It is important to note that although Turkey and Russia are on opposing sides in the
conflict, they have been working intensively to find a ceasefire after the fall of Aleppo.
Further, unlike the two previous failed ceasefires this year — the latest one is sponsored
by countries directly involved in the conflict.
For the Syrian government, this is an opportunity to announce it is ready for a peaceful
settlement.
It is important to note that there is a convergence of interests for Turkey and Russia in
finding a peaceful solution.
Further, ha i g see the U.“. i te e tio s i I a a d Afgha ista , ‘ussia does t a t to get stuck in Syria. In fact, by promoting a negotiated deal, Russia could retain its core
interests in Syria while at the same time projecting itself as a power broker in West
Asia.
BusinessLine
1. We shall see a rejuvenated India in 2017
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/we-shall-see-a-
rejuvenated-india-in-2017/article9451983.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy
Key Points:
The year 2016 turned out to be fast paced and eventful- and often had significant and unpredictable
political and economic changes. There were two key global shifts that managed to define how 2016
shaped up.
They were: a) the rise of populism in the globalised world economy. This was highlighted by events
such as Brexit, the US Presidential election, and the recent referendum on reforms in Italy.
b) With the global economic recovery still remaining subdued, the popular discourse over relentless use of unconventional monetary policy support has now started to pave way for a prudent fiscal policy role in countries like US, UK, and Japan.
It is important to note that these global undercurrents will continue to dominate economic and financial outcomes in 2017.
Indian Context
It is important to note that India’s ranking in the Global Competitiveness Index for 2016-17, released by the World Economic Forum, improved 16 places to 39, the fastest improvement up the ranks among 138 countries surveyed.
Also, the year 2016 saw the foundation for three structural institutional pillars. These included a) GST b) MPC c) Bankruptcy Code
It is believed that the advent of the JAM Trinity is a silent revolution that will transform India. As
gateways like the recently launched UPI platform gathers mass in 2017, it will generate basic digital
intelligence, with the market for e-finance providing one of the biggest opportunity for the banking
and financial system.
India is at the cusp of transformational shifts with the banking and finance sector being an important change agent.
Indian Express
1. Losing Battle
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/delhi-pollution-smog-assocham-
4452327/
Category: Environment and Ecology
Topic: Pollution
Key Points: As 2016 draws to a close, the Delhi police made an announcement by saying that
Pollutio asks ill o e a a dato a esso fo the it s t affi ops. This decision was taken after several complaints from traffic personnel of ill-health and
espi ato p o le s due to lo g e posu e to Delhi s u health ai . It is important to note that earlier, Health minister Satyendar Jain of the Delhi
government ruled out the resumption of the odd-even plan in the immediate future.
Important Observations and Statistics I No e e , the U“ E i o e tal P ote tio Age des i ed Delhi as the o ld s
most polluted city.
A study by the Central Pollution Control Board shows that 41 Indian cities with a
population of more than one million faced bad air quality on 60 per cent of the days
monitored by the agency.
Allahabad, Varanasi and Gwalior did not have a single day with good quality air.
PIB
1. Insertion of LEAP SECOND in the Indian Standard Time
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=156013
Category: Geography, Science and Technology
Topic: Concepts, Movements of the Earth
Key Points:
Note to students: This is a very important article and should be read in its entirety from the PIB website.
Kindly refer to the URL above to read the complete article.
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) -National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-
NPL) is the custodian of Indian Standard Time (IST) and has the responsibility for
realization, establishment, maintenance and dissemination of IST through an act of
Parliament.
A Leap “e o d is added e e o a d the to Coo di ated U i e sal Ti e UTC i order to synchronize clocks worldwide with the Earth's ever slowing rotation. UTC
consists of a time scale that combines the output of more than 300 highly precise
Atomic clocks worldwide, including the one at CSIR-NPL. Atomic clocks are very accurate
and are stable within 1 second over a period of millions of years. On the other hand, the
Astronomical Time known as Universal Time (UT1) refers to the Earth's rotation around
its own axis and determines the length of a day. However, the Earth's rotation around
its own axis is not regular, as sometimes it speeds up and sometimes it slows down, due
to a ious fa to s i ludi g the oo s g a itatio al Ea th-braking forces that often
results in ocean tides. As a result, Astronomical Time (UT1) gradually falls out of synch
with Atomic time (UTC), and as and when the difference between UTC and UT1
app oa hes .9 se o ds, a Leap “e o d is added to UTC th ough Ato i lo ks worldwide.
Since 1972, Leap “e o ds ha e ee added at i te als a i g f o si o ths to se e ea s. th Leap “e o d ill e added to UTC at the id ight of De e e ,
i the ou t ies ithi this ti e zo e. The Leap “e o d adjust e t is ot so relevant for normal everyday life; however this shift is critical for applications requiring
of time accuracies in the nanosecond e.g. astronomy, satellite navigation,
communication networks etc.
2. Year End review: Ministry of Tourism
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155985
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Government Policy, Tourism
Key Points:
Note to students: This is a very important article and should be read in its entirety from the PIB website.
Kindly refer to the URL above to read the complete article.
LAUNCH OF INCREDIBLE INDIA HELPLINE: The Ministry of Tourism has launched the 24x7 Toll Free
Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline in 12 International Languages including Hindi & English on 8.2.2016. This
service is available on the toll free number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363 and operational 24x7
all da s i a ea offe i g a ulti-lingual helpdesk i the desig ated la guages to p o ide suppo t service in terms of providing information relating to Travel & Tourism in India to the domestic and
International tourists and to assist the callers with advice on action to be taken during times of distress
while travelling in India and if need be alert the concerned authorities. The languages handled by the
Tourist Helpline include ten International languages besides English and Hindi, namely, Arabic, French,
German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. The calls made by tourists
(both international and domestic) while in India will be free of charge.
SWACHH PARYATAN APP: The Ministry of Tourism has launched a Mobile App “ a hh Pa ata . To start with, 25 Adarsh Smarak Monuments protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been
identified for inclusion in the app. The application would be scaled up to include more monuments as
the campaign expands. The general public can lodge their complaints about any unclean area/garbage
piles, if any, in and around identified ASI monuments by uploading the same along with remarks.
3. Year End Review: Ministry of Culture
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155983
Category: Art and Culture
Topic: Art forms, Government Initiatives
Key Points:
Note to students: This is a very important article and should be read in its entirety from the PIB website.
Kindly refer to the URL above to read the complete article.
Mi ist of Cultu e s a date e ol es around the functions like preservation and conservation
of Ancient Cultural Heritage and promotion of Art and Culture both Tangible and Intangible in
the country.
The Ministry through its organizations is engaged in recognizing excellence in the field of art and
culture by way of awards given by institutions like Sahitya Akademi and Sangeet Natak Akademi.
1. E-ticketing- A cashless tool for tourists at all ticketed monuments:
There are 116 ticketed monuments and 32 museums under the protection of ASI(Archaeological Survey
of India). E-ticketing facility has been launched in coordination with Canara Bank with the aim of
providing online booking facility for visitors. Process is underway to procure hardware to have
computerized facility for the sale of e-tickets at the Point of Sale. Also process has been initiated to set
up card swipe/PoS machines at the ticketed monument sites.
2. Nearly Mo u e ts Ide tified for Portal o Must-See Monuments and Archaeological Sites
of I dia
Archaeological Survey of I dia A“I has eated a Po tal fo the Must-See Monuments and
A haeologi al “ites of I dia , u de its p ote tio . The pu pose of the po tal is to highlight outstanding monuments and sites in India, comprising world heritage properties, sites under
UNE“CO s Te tati e List, A“I s ti keted a d othe o -ticketed prominent monuments.
The portal carries brief history of each monument and information such as connectivity and
access, weather conditions, timings of opening and closing, facilities available at site, 360
Degree/panoramic views (in collaboration with Google) and other Must-See monuments in the
vicinity.
Portal :- http://asimustsee.nic.in/
3. National Virtual Library of India: Under the aegis of the National Mission on Libraries, the National
Virtual Library of India (NVLI) has been envisaged as the platform which would bring together all
information generated in India and about India and make such information accessible to the citizens
through user friendly search interfaces.
4. Excavation at the site near Saser La Pass in Ladakh at an altitude of about 13500-14000 feet:
An ancient camping site dating 9245 BC (11195 BP) has been discovered by the Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI), on the way to Saser La which leads to the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh.
Proper archaeological excavation is in progress which has so far revealed microlithic and bone artefacts.
The discovery is the earliest known evidence of highest known camping site in India, at about 13500 -
14000 feet above mean sea level.
4. Indian Railways Measures to Promote Digital Payments
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=156010
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Infrastructure- Railways
Key Points:
1. Ministry of Railways has decided to instruct Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendras (YTSKs) to install POS
machines and accept payments through all banks debit/credit cards for issuing both reserved and
unreserved tickets. They are encouraged to accept payments through other modes also like UPI, USSD,
e-wallet, Aadhar enabled payments system.
2. Ministry of Railways has decided to instruct Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Seva (JTBs) are also
instructed to accept payments through other modes like UPI, USSD, e-wallets, Aadhar enabled payments
system to issue unreserved tickets.
3. Ministry Of Railways have decided to allow 5% Discount for booking of Retiring Room through
digital means like using debit/credit cards.
4. Ministry of Railways have decided that 0.5% discount in the base fare of season tickets (Monthly,
quarterly, Half yearly, yearly) over suburban section shall be granted in case the payment is made
through digital means through debit card, credit card etc.. Other charges like MUTP surcharge, Mela
surcharge, service tax etc., if applicable shall be levied separately on the base fare arrived at after giving
the 0.5% concession.
5. India and Singapore Sign a Third Protocol for Amending
the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=156015
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Taxation
Key Points: India and Singapore have amended the DTAA for the avoidance of double taxation and
prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, by signing a Third Protocol on 30th
Dec, 2016.
This is i li e ith I dia s t eat poli to p e e t dou le o -taxation, curb revenue loss and
check the menace of black money through automatic exchange of information, as reflected in
I dia s e e tl e ised t eaties ith Mau itius a d C p us a d the joi t de la atio sig ed ith Switzerland.
The India-Singapore DTAA at present provides for residence based taxation of capital gains of
shares in a company.
The Third Protocol amends the DTAA with effect from 1st April, 2017 to provide for source
based taxation of capital gains arising on transfer of shares in a company. This will curb revenue
loss, prevent double non-taxation and streamline the flow of investments.
In order to provide certainty to investors, investments in shares made before 1st April, 2017
have been grandfathered subject to fulfillment of conditions in Limitation of Benefits clause as
per 2005 Protocol.
Further, a two year transition period from 1st April, 2017 to 31st March, 2019 has been
provided during which capital gains on shares will be taxed in source country at half of normal
tax rate, subject to fulfillment of conditions in Limitation of Benefits clause.
The Third Protocol also inserts provisions to facilitate relieving of economic double taxation in
t a sfe p i i g ases. This is a ta pa e f ie dl easu e a d is i li e ith I dia s o it e ts under Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan to meet the minimum standard of
providing Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) access in transfer pricing cases. The Third
Protocol also enables application of domestic law and measures concerning prevention of tax
avoidance or tax evasion.
6. Major Developments/Achievements of Ministry of Earth
Sciences during 2016
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155996
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Industry, Government Policy
Key Points: On 27
th Jul , D . Ha sh Va dha , Ho le Mi iste of “ ie e & Te h olog a d Ea th
Sciences dedicated the Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to the Nation during the XV
National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board. In addition, an experimental version of
SARAT was used to provide Search And Rescue support to all the concerned in connection with
the missing AN 32 aircraft, which was reportedly missing off Chennai on 22 July 2016.
National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth
Sciences established a high altitude research station in Himalaya called HIMANSH (literally
meaning, a slice of ice), situated above 13,500 ft (> 4000 m) at a remote region in Spiti, Himachal
Pradesh. This station is equipped with instruments such as Automatic Weather Station, Water
Level Recorder, Steam Drill, Snow/Ice Corer, Ground Penetrating Radar, Differential Global
positioning System, Snow Fork, Flow Tracker, Thermister string, Radiometer etc. Water Level
Recorders were installed at five locations along with a stretch of 130 km of Chandra River in
Western Himalaya for hydrological balance/modeling. Glaciers were monitored for mass
balance, dynamics, energy balance and hydrology.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR)
Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)
National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board
Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Seva (JTBs)
Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendras (YTSKs)
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS
IN NEWS
Links to Refer
The Right of Persons with Disabilities
Bill, 2014
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-right-of-
persons-with-disabilities-bill-2014-3122/
3. Tags
National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR)
Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)
National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board
Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Seva (JTBs)
Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendras (YTSKs)
Practice Questions
Date: 31
st December, 2016
Category: Ancient History
Topic: Stone Age Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements,
1] Recently, an ancient camping site dating 9245 BC (11195 BP) has been discovered by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), on the way to Saser La which leads to the Karakoram Pass in
Ladakh.
2] The discovery is the earliest known evidence of highest known camping site in India, at about 13500 -
14000 feet above mean sea level.
Which of the following is/are incorrect? A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: d)
Date: 31
st December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
2] Consider the following statements,
1] The Ministry of Tourism has launched a Mobile App “ a hh Pa ata .
2] This App will facilitate the general public to communicate their complaints about any unclean
area/garbage piles in and around tourist destinations.
Which of the following is/are incorrect? a) 1 Only b) 2 Only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: d)
Date: 31st December, 2016
Category: Science and Technology
Topic: Government Schemes, Initiatives Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
3] Consider the following statements,
1] National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences
established a high altitude research station in Himalaya called HIMANSH (literally meaning, a slice of
ice), situated above 13,500 ft (> 4000 m) at a remote region in Jammu and Kashmir.
2] This station is equipped with instruments such as Automatic Weather Station, Water Level Recorder,
Steam Drill, Snow/Ice Corer, Ground Penetrating Radar, Differential Global positioning System, Snow
Fork, Flow Tracker, Thermister string, Radiometer etc.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (b)
National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences
established a high altitude research station in Himalaya called HIMANSH (literally meaning, a slice of
ice), situated above 13,500 ft (> 4000 m) at a remote region in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
Date: 31st December, 2016
Category: Polity and Governance
Topic: Government Schemes, Initiatives Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
4] Consider the following statements,
1) A haeologi al “u e of I dia A“I has eated a Po tal fo the Must-See Monuments and
Archaeological Sites of I dia . The purpose of the portal is to highlight outstanding monuments
and sites in India, comprising world heritage properties, sites under UNE“CO s Te tati e List, A“I s ti keted a d othe o -ticketed prominent monuments.
2) The portal carries brief history of each monument and information such as connectivity and
access, weather conditions, timings of opening and closing, facilities available at site, 360
Degree/panoramic views (in collaboration with Google) and other Must-See monuments in the
vicinity.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans c)
Date: 31st December, 2016
Category: Geography
Topic: Agriculture Source: PIB
Difficulty level: Medium
Type: Factual
5] Consider the following statements,
1) Wheat, Rice and Pulses are examples of Rabi crops.
2) Coarse Cereals and Oilseeds are examples of Kharif crops.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans a)
Coarse Cereals and Oilseeds are examples of Rabi crops.