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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

BILLS, PROGRAMS, POLICIES, SCHEMES, ORDERS, JUDGEMENTS Prime Minister to inaugurate World Sustainable Development Summit 2018 Context: • The Prime Minister, ShriNarendraModi, will inaugurate the 2018 edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS 2018) at VigyanBhawan in the capital on Friday, 16thFebruary. Theme of the Summit: • The theme of the Summit this year is ‘Partnerships for a Resilient Planet’, WSDS 2018 seeks to create action frameworks to resolve some of the most urgent challenges facing developing economies in the backdrop of climate change. Objective of the Summit: The objectives of World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS, 2018) are as follows: • The Summit will address a wide variety of issues, including combating land degradation, effective waste management mechanisms to make cities free of landfills free, combat air pollution effectively, measures to increase resource and energy efficiency, facilitate transition to clean energy and create financial mechanisms to enable effective climate change mitigation. • The ‘Greenovation Exhibition’ at WSDS 2018 will showcase the latest technological advancements to meet Sustainable Development Goals. • Eminent international speakers will address a variety of issues includingreducing impact on land, air and water, as well as look at ways and means to utilize energy and resources in a more efficient manner in the plenary sessions. • The thematic tracks at WSDS 2018 will include discussions on issues related to sustainability, including carbon markets and pricing, sustainable transport, resilient cities, solar energy and refrigerant technologies. About World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS): • The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), TERI's flagship event, has been conceptualized as a single platform to accelerate action towards sustainable development and especially climate change. • The WSDS series seeks to bring together the finest minds and leading thinkers of the world to focus attention on the challenge of sustainable development.

President of India hosts ‘LPG Panchayat’ at RashtrapatiBhavan Context: • The President of India, Shri Ram NathKovind, hosted an‘LPGPanchayat’ on February 13th, 2018 at RashtrapatiBhavan. About ‘LPG Panchayat’: • The LPG Panchayat was organised by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with an aim to provide a platform for LPG consumers to interact with each other, promote mutual learning and share experiences. • Each LPG Panchayat has about 100 LPG customers coming together, near their living areas,to discuss safe and sustainable usage of LPG, its benefits and the link between clean fuel for cooking and women’s empowerment. • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas intends to conduct 1 lakh such Panchayats across India before March 31, 2019.

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February) Policy towards surrendered insurgents

Context: • The Government of India has been implementing a Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North-East. About Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North-East: • The objective of the Scheme is to wean away the misguided youth who have strayed into the fold of militancy and bring them to the mainstream. • Surrendereds are paid monthly stipend not exceeding Rs. 3,500/- p.m., for a period not more than 36 months and an immediate grant of Rs. 1.5 lakh is kept in a bank in the name of each surrenderee as fixed deposit for a period of 3 years. • They are also given incentive for surrendered arms/weapons. About Special scheme for Government of Manipur: • In 2012, a special scheme for Government of Manipur was formulated to encourage militants to surrender and join mainstream. • The scheme was effective from 01.12.2012 for 3 years and lapsed on 30.11.2015. • An immediate grant of Rs.2.50 lakh to be kept in a bank in the name of surrenderee as fixed deposit for a period of three years. • Monthly stipend of Rs.4000/- p.m. for a maximum period of 36 months. • The Surrender Scheme has been modified to be more effective and will be effective from 1st April, 2018. According to the revised scheme, the surrenderees will be paid monthly stipend not exceeding Rs. 6,000/p.m., for a period of 36 months and an immediate grant of Rs. 4 lakhs will be kept in a bank, in the name of each surrenderee as fixed deposit for a period of 3 years. • Incentive for surrendered weapons has also been revised. Government takes measures to promote Yoga and Ayurveda across the world Context: • Ministry of AYUSH undertakes various measures to promote international cooperation for development of AYUSH systems of Medicine including Yoga and Ayurveda. Government measures taken to promote yoga and Ayurveda: The Government measures taken to promote yoga and Ayurveda are as follows:• Signing of Country to Country Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on ‘Cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine’, • ‘Setting up of AYUSH Academic Chairs in Foreign Universities/Institutes’ (iii) Signing of MoUs for ‘Undertaking Collaborative Research’ to enhance the acceptability of AYUSH systems at International level, • Setting up of AYUSH Information Cells in the premises of the Indian Missions/ICCR Cultural Centres for dissemination of authentic information, • Organization / participation in International exhibitions/ conferences/ workshops/ seminars/ road shows/ trade fairs, etc. to create awareness amongst the local population, • Providing incentives to AYUSH drug manufacturers/ entrepreneurs/ AYUSH institutions, etc. for • participating in International exhibitions/ conferences/ workshops/ seminars/ road shows/ trade fairs, etc. for generating awareness amongst the participating public about the AYUSH systems of medicine and • registration of AYUSH products with regulatory authorities of the foreign countries. About Ministry of AYUSH: • The Ministry of AYUSH was formed on 9th November 2014. • It aims to ensure the optimal development and propagation of AYUSH systems of health care. • Earlier it was known as the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H) which was created in March 1995 and renamed as Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in November 2003, with focused attention for development of Education and Research in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.

Ayushman Bharat for a new India -2022, announced Context: • The Government announced two major initiatives in health sector, as part of Ayushman Bharat programme, aimed at making path breaking interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems, covering both prevention and health promotion. Two major initiatives in health sector under Ayushman Bharat programme: The two major initiatives in health sector under Ayushman Bharat programmeare as follows: Health and Wellness Centre: • The National Health Policy, 2017 has envisioned Health and Wellness Centres as the foundation of India’s health system. • Under this 1.5 lakh centres will bring health care system closer to the homes of people. • These centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services. • These centres will also provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services. • The Budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme. • Contribution of private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged. About National Health Protection Scheme: • The second flagship programme under Ayushman Bharat is National Health Protection Scheme. • It will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage upto 5 lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. • This will be the world’s largest government funded health care programme. Adequate funds will be provided for smooth implementation of this programme. To make school education qualitative Context: • The Central Government strives to improve the quality of school education through the centrally sponsored schemes of SarvaShikshaAbhiyan (SSA) and RashtriyaMadhyamikShikshaAbhiyan (RMSA). Government initiative to make school education qualitative: The Government has initiated the following steps to make school education qualitative: • Shagun portal has been launched to create a repository of best practices in school education and to monitor the implementation of SSA; • SwachhVidyalaya Campaign for the provisions of separate toilets for girls and boys in every school; • SwachhVidyalayaPuraskar was instituted from 2016-17 at District, State and national level as a next step to SwachhVidyalaya initiative; • Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat was launched in 2014 to ensure that students of classes I & II are able to read with comprehension as well as basic numeracy skills; • RashtriyaAvishkarAbhiyan was launched in 2015 to motivate children of the age- group of 6-18 years in study of Science, Mathematics and technology; • The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act has been amended in February, 2017 to include reference on class-wise, subject-wise Learning Outcomes to ensure that all children acquire appropriate learning level; • Section23 (2) of the RTE Act has been amended in August, 2017, to extend the period of in-service training for untrained elementary teachers to 31st March, 2019 to ensure all teachers acquire minimum qualifications as laid down by the academic authority;

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

E-pathshala webportal (http://epathshala.gov.in/) and mobile apps (Android, iOS and Windows) have been launched in November 2015 to disseminate e-resources including e-books developed by NCERT, SCERT/ SIEs, State boards etc. • Shaala Siddhi is a comprehensive instrument for school evaluation leading to school improvement, which was launched in November, 2015; • Kala Utsav programme has been started to promote arts in education by nurturing and showcasing the artistic talent of school students at the secondary stage; • An Online Project Monitoring System (PMS), for online management and monitoring of RMSA has been enabled from August 2014, • Distribution of tablets preloaded with relevant e content in KendriyaVidyalayas has been started on a pilot basis to connect students and their teachers for effective learning; Also, 93 KendriyaVidyalayas (KVs) have been started during last 3 years and 62 new NavodayaVidyalas have been sanctioned. • Automated Monitoring System at the school level under Mid Day Meal Scheme has been introduced for real time monitoring of the scheme. About SarvaShikshaAbhiyan: • SarvaShikshaAbhiyan or SSA, is an Indian Governmentprogramme aimed at the universalisation of elementary education"in a time bound manner". • It ismandated by the 86th Amendment to the Constitution of India making free and compulsory education to children between the ages of 6 to 14 (estimated to be 205 million children in 2001) a fundamental right. • The programme was pioneered by former Indian Prime Minister AtalBihari Vajpayee. About RashtriyaMadhyamikShikshaAbhiyan (RMSA): • RashtriyaMadhyamikShikshaAbhiyan (RMSA) is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, for the development of secondary education in public schools throughout India. • It was launched in March 2009. • The implementation of the scheme has started from 2009-2010 to provide conditions for an efficient growth, development and equity for all. • The scheme includes a multidimensional research, technical consulting, various implementations and funding support. • The principal objectives are to enhance quality of secondary education and increase the total enrollment rate from 52% (as of 2005–2006) to 75% in five years, i.e. from 2009–2014. • It aims to provide universal education for all children between 15–16 years of age. •

Government set up quality control regulations and validations of herbal medicines Context: • Central Government has published Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia containing quality standards of 645 single Ayurvedic drugs and 202 compound formulations; Unani Pharmacopoeia containing quality standards of 298 single drugs and 150 compound formulations and Siddha pharmacopoeia containing quality standards of 139 single drugs. Steps taken by government to set up quality control regulations and validations of herbal medicines: The steps taken by government to set up quality control regulations and validations of herbal medicines are as follows: • Standardised 985 Ayurvedic Formulations, 1229Unani Formulations and 399 Siddha Formulations are published in respective Formularies. • Development of standards of ASU medicines is a ongoing process taken up by Pharmacopoieal Commission of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy and Pharmacopoeia Committees. • Central and State Drug Laboratories for testing of ASU medicines are in place and as of now 55 laboratories are approved under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945. • It is mandatory for the manufacturers to adhere to the prescribed requirements for licensing of manufacturing units & medicines including compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality standards of drugs given in the respective pharmacopoeia. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

Proof of safety & effectiveness is required for issuing manufacturing license for various categories of ASU medicines is prescribed in Rule 158B of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Accordingly, the Licensing Authorities/Drugs Controllers appointed by the State Governments are empowered to grant or renew license for manufacturing of ASU medicines and to take necessary action against the defaulters acting in contravention of the legal provisions. Herbal medicines as such are not defined in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules there under. However, Ayurvedic, Siddha andUnani (ASU) medicines made from herbal/plant materials and other ingredients are regulated in the country through exclusive quality control provisions given in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules there under. Ministry of Railways to take Reformative measures to promote heritage preservation

Context: • The Ministry of Railways has identified several reformative measures to promote heritage preservation. Reformative measures to promote heritage preservation: The reformative measures to promote heritage preservation are as follows: • On lines of reviving Fairy Queen Steam Locomotive and setting up of Rewari Steam Centre, the Railway Board is now gearing up to launch a special drive to identify various heritage items/artifacts that are currently lying unnoticed at different locations. • The Board plans to ensure proper preservation and display of such heritage items; open a logbook of all major events, both at Zonal Railways as well as at National Rail Museum to record the timelines of Railways history; The heritage preservation efforts would include facilitating revival of Steam Locomotives and run regular time-tabled trains on Steam Traction. • Upkeep of Hill railways and bringing them to World Standard etc. will also be high on the agenda.

NITI Aayog releases “Healthy States, Progressive India” Report Context: • NITI Aayoghas recently released a comprehensive Health Index report titled, “Healthy States, Progressive India” at a function in the capital today. Salient features of the Health Index report: The Salient features of the Health Index report are as follows: • The report ranks states and Union territories innovatively on their year-on-year incremental change in health outcomes, as well as, their overall performance with respect to each other. • It is the first attempt to establish an annual systematic tool to measure and understand the heterogeneity and complexity of the nation’s performance in Health. • The report has been developed by NITI Aayog, with technical assistance from the World Bank, and in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Categories of State and UTs ranking: States and UTs have been ranked in three categories namely, Larger States, Smaller States, and Union Territories (UTs), to ensure comparison among similar entities: Larger States: • Among the Larger States, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu ranked on top in terms of overall performance, while Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh are the top three ranking States in terms of annual incremental performance. Smaller States: • Among Smaller States, Mizoram ranked first followed by Manipur on overall performance, while Manipur followed by Goa were the top ranked States in terms of annual incremental performance. Union Territories: • Among UTs, Lakshadweep showed both the best overall performance as well as the highest annual incremental performance. Categories of Health Index:

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

The Health Index is a weighted composite Index, which for the larger States, is based on indicators in three domains: (a) Health Outcomes (70%); (b) Governance and Information (12%); and (c) Key Inputs and Processes (18%), with each domain assigned a weight based on its importance. Common challenges for most States and UTs in the health sector: The common challenges for most States and UTs in the health sector include: • The need to focus on addressing vacancies in key staff, establishment of functional district Cardiac Care Units (CCUs), quality accreditation of public health facilities and institutionalization of Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS). Additionally, almost all Larger States need to focus on improving the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB). • There is an urgent need to improve data systems in the health sector, in terms of terms of representativeness of the priority areas, periodic availability for all States and UTs, and completeness for private sector service delivery. •

Government and private sector must join hands to strengthen PHC’s: Vice President Context: • Government and private sector must join hands to strengthen Primary Health Centers (PHC) which play a key role in supplying low cost essential medicines to rural areas. Measures to be taken to strengthen Primary Health Centers (PHC): The measures to be taken by Government and private sectorto strengthen Primary Health Centers (PHC) are as follows: • The Private hospitals along with government hospitals should take part in providing Primary Health services at remote level. • Goal of PHC should be to make universal health care available to all people and reach the unreached in the remote corners of the country. • It is important for professionals who provide primary care need to posses’ clinical, management skills, as well as social skills to bring in a humane approach. • At times, they must also play the role of counselors to get people out of trauma in some situations. • In the context of eye care, screening of the people to identify defects in eyesight is essential and Government health institutions and private bodies must join hands to undertake such screening programmes. • Taking proper care of the eyes through periodic checkups is very essential as any defect in the eyesight will impact the individual in performing daily tasks be it at office or home. • There is a need to increase awareness on diabetic retinopathy, which is a leading cause of blindness among diabetics. • Diabetics must get evaluated regularly for early detection and treatment of retinopathy. • While the private sector is playing an important role in expanding healthcare facilities, it should also ensure that the common man is not burdened by the cost of medical treatment. Health Facilities Available to Coal Mine Workers Context: • Coal India Limited (CIL) has made every effort to improve the living conditions of coal miners. Measures taken by Coal India Limited (CIL): The measures taken by Coal India Limited (CIL) to improve the living conditions of coal miners are as follows: Housing facilities: • To provide shelter is the main thrust area of the organization. • CIL has achieved the goal of “Shelter for All”for workers with landmark of 100% housing satisfaction for fulfilling the basic needs of the workers. Water supply: • One of the major welfare activities of the company is to provide clean drinking water to the employees and their families. • In this direction many water supply schemes have been taken up. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

Supply of Water through natural resource like river, tank etc. are supplemented by underground mine water after proper treatment. Education facilities: • The primary responsibility of providing educational facilities lies with the State Government. • However, the subsidiary companies of CIL have been providing financial assistance and infrastructure facilities to certain schools like DAV, KendriyaVidyalaya, Delhi Public School etc and other educational institutions run by the State Government to provide quality education to the employees’ children. • In addition, financial assistance and infrastructure facilities are also provided to certain privately managed schools and other educational institutions by the subsidiary coal companies functioning in and around coalfield areas. • CIL is also providing various types of scholarship, cash award and financial assistance to the children of employees. Medical facilities: • CIL and its subsidiaries are extending medical facilities to the employees and their families through various medical establishments from the dispensary level to the central and apex hospitals in different parts of the coalfields. • Special emphasis is also given on occupational health, HIV /AIDS awareness programme. Statutory welfare facilities: • In accordance with the provision of the Mines Act, 1952 and rules & regulations framed thereunder, subsidiaries of CIL are maintaining various statutory welfare facilities for the coal mines such as canteen, rest shelters and pit-head baths. Non-statutory welfare measure • In order to supply essential commodities and consumer goods at a cheaper rate in the collieries, Central Cooperative and Primary Co-operative Stores are functioning in the coalfield areas of CIL. • In addition, Co-operative Credit Societies are also functioning in the coal companies. Banking facilities: • The Management of Coal companies are providing infrastructure facilities to the various nationalized banks for opening their branches and extension counters in the coalfields for the benefit of coal workers. • Workers are educated to draw their salaries from the banks and they are also encouraged to practice thrift for the benefit of their families. About Coal India Limited (CIL): • Coal India Limited (CIL) is an Indian state-controlled coal mining company headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India and the largest coal producer company in the world. • As on 14 October 2015, Union Government of India owns CIL and controls the operations of CIL through Ministry of Coal. • In April 2011, CIL was conferred the Maharatna status by the Union Government of India, making it one of the seven maharatnas. • The company contributes to around 82% of the coal production in India. •

Distribution of nutritional and Hygienic food to people Context: • The Government has taken every step from implementing the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) to science-based standards for various categories of food products, to distribute nutritional and Hygienic food to people. Government initiatives for nutritional and Hygienic food for people: Government initiatives for nutritional and Hygienic food for people are as follows: National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA): • National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) provides for coverage of 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population to receive foodgrains at highly subsidized prices of Rs.1/2/3 per kg for coarse grains/wheat/rice respectively. • The Act is being implemented in all the States/UTs and 80.72 crore persons are covered for receiving highly subsidized foodgrains. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

The Act also has provision for nutritional support to pregnant women and lactating mothers and children upto 14 years of age. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has developed science-based standards for various categories of food products under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. • FSSAI has also operationalized draft regulations on fortification of food articles that include standards for fortification of food staples - oil, milk, double fortified salt, wheat flour and rice, and also introduced +F Logo for fortified foods. • FSSAI has also undertaken ‘Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF)’ initiative to promote awareness towards consumption of safe and nutritious food. Mid-Day-Meal and Integrated Child Development Schemes: • To ensure that the most vulnerable sections of the society receive appropriate and timely nutrition, the use of fortified wheat flour, oil and double fortified salt have been mandated under Mid-Day-Meal and Integrated Child Development Schemes. Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011: • To promote awareness among consumers on Nutrition, mandatory labeling requirements for pre-packaged foods, including list of ingredients, nutritional information, energy value in Kilo calorie etc. is prescribed under Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011. •

Steps taken by Government to attract fresh investments in the Urea Sector Context: • Concrete steps are taken by the Government to attract fresh investments in the urea sector and to make the country self-sufficient in this sector. Steps taken my government to attract fresh investments in the urea sector: The steps taken by government to attract fresh investments in the urea sector are as follows: • The Government has announced New Investment Policy – 2012 (NIP-2012) on 2nd January, 2013 and its amendment on 7th October 2014 to facilitate fresh investment in urea sector and to make India self-sufficient in the urea sector. • Under the provisions of NIP-2012 and its amendment, MatixFertilisers& Chemicals Limited (Matix) has set up a Coal Bed Methane (CBM) based Greenfield Ammonia-Urea complex at Panagarh, West Bengal with the installed capacity of 1.3 MMT per annum. • Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (CFCL) has also proposed to set up a brownfield project with capacity of 1.34 MMT at Gadepan, Rajasthan, which is likely to start commercial production in January, 2019. • The installed capacity of 30 urea manufacturing units is 207.54 LMT against which the total indigenous urea production during the year 2015-16 and 2016-17 was 244.75 LMT and 242.01 LMT respectively. • In order to increase the production of fertilizers by Central PSUs, Government has decided to revive closed units namely Gorakhpur, Sindri, Talcher and Ramagundam units of (FCIL) and Barauni unit of Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited (HFCL) by setting up of 1.27 Million Metric Tonne per annum urea plant at these units. • All of these units are targeted to become operational by 2020-21. • The Government has also decided to install a new Urea plant of 8.646 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) per annum in the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), which will subsequently replace the existing Namrup II (Capacity 2.40 LMT) and Namrup III (Capacity 2.70 LMT) units. • Total urea capacity in the country capacity after revamping of the five units at Gorakhpur, Sindri, Talcher and Ramagundam and Barauni is likely to be 304.5 LMTPA. • In addition, two plants of combined capacity of 26.4 LMTPA are also being set up/commissioned in the private sector.

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February) Public-private partnership can bring down cancer treatment costs: Vice President Context: • The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the public-private partnership can bring down cancer treatment costs in India. Warning signs of cancer: Vice President outlined seven early warning signs of cancer by the mnemonic CAUTION. They are as follows: • Change in bowel or bladderhabits. • A sore that does not heal. • Unusual bleeding or discharge. • Thickening or lump in thebreast, testicles, or elsewhere. • Indigestion or difficultyswallowing. • Obvious change in the size, colour, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole, or mouthsore. • Nagging cough or hoarseness. Recommendations made by Vice President: • Mandatory screening of people, particularly those who are at risk, as early detection can help cure some of the cancers. • There should not only be greater awareness on the need for regular health check-ups but also people should adopt healthy lifestyle.

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AGRICULTURE

Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

‘Country should progress to be an organic nation and fulfillHon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of being a chemicalfree country’ Context: • Small and marginal farmers, who are unable to meet agriculture expenditure, can switch to organic farming, as it is cost-effective and profitable. About Organic farming: • Organic farming is an alternative agricultural system, which originated early in the 20th century in reaction to rapidly changing farming practices. • Organic farming continues to be developed by various organic agriculture organizations today. • It relies on fertilizers of organic origin such as compost manure, green manure, and bone meal and places emphasis on techniques such as crop rotation and companion planting. Benefits of organic farming: The benefits of organic farming are as follows: • Organic farming is highly favourable in dry and lowly-irrigated regions, hilly states, north-eastern states and islands. • Organic farming builds healthy soil. • Organic farming helps to combat soil erosion. • Organic farming fights the effects of global warming. • Organic farming supports Water Conservation and Water Health. • Organic farming supports Animal Health and Welfare Initiatives taken to strengthen organic farming: The following initiatives are taken to strengthen organic farming are as follows: • Organic coconut farms have been developed in Sippighat Farm, a body established by CIARI that will help win farmers’ confidence. • The authorities have been working to train employees and to implement a partnership guarantee model. • Organic markets are being developed through Local Marketing Programmes so that organic produce can be made available to household consumers. • In order to ensure sale of organic produce, the administration is working to develop Andaman Bazaar. • Besides, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has taken the responsibility of organic exports. • Coconut and its produce will be marketed on a large scale to cater to exports and APEDA may provide assistance in this activity. • The Port Blair regional office of Coconut Development Board has been providing assistance for organic farming. Way ahead: • Organic farming should be promoted with the same spirit as Green Revolution. • The country should progress to be an organic nation and fulfilHon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of being a chemical-free country. Steps taken to prevent damage to foodgrains in FCI godowns Context: • The Government recently took some noteworthy steps to avoid the damage due to various reasons including pests/rodents in storage of foodgrains. Government measures taken for storage of foodgrains: The following steps were taken by the Government to avoid the damage due to various reasons including pests/rodents in storage of foodgrains: • All godowns are constructed on scientific lines to make them rodent proof by having proper height and damp proof by providing pucca floor plinth. • Foodgrains are stored by adopting proper scientific code of storage practices. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

Adequate dunnage materials such as wooden crates, bamboo mats, polythene sheets are used to check migration of moisture from the floor to the foodgrains. Fumigation covers, nylon ropes, nets and insecticides for control of stored grain insect pests are provided in all the godowns. Prophylactic (spraying of insecticides) and curative treatments (fumigation) are carried out regularly and timely in godowns for the control of stored grain insect pests. Effective rat control measures, both in covered godowns as well as in CAP storage are used. Foodgrains in ‘Cover and Plinth’ (CAP) storage are stored on elevated plinths and wooden crates are used as dunnage material. Stacks are properly covered with specifically fabricated low-density black polythene water -proof covers and tied with nylon ropes/nets. Regular periodic inspections of the stocks/godowns are undertaken by qualified and trained staff and all senior officers. The health of the foodgrains is monitored at regular intervals by a system of checks and super checks at different levels. Following Checks and Super checks are conducted in the godowns by FCI to ensure proper preservation of foodgrains in the storage. o Fortnightly inspection of stocks on 100% basis by Technical Assistant o Monthly inspection by Manager (QC) o Quarterly inspection by AGM (QC) o Super Checks by Regional, Zonal and FCI Hqrs Squads. o The principle of “First in First Out” (FIFO) is followed to the extent possible so as to avoid longer storage of foodgrains in godowns. Only covered rail wagons are used for movement of foodgrains so as to avoid damage during transit. Damage Monitoring Cells have been set up at District, Regional and Zonal levels to regularly monitor quality of stocks and reduce damages.

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS India and Chile’s bilateral relation: Context: • A Parliamentary Delegation from the Republic of Chile led by Mr Fidel Espinoza, the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile, called on President of India, Shri Ram NathKovind, at RashtrapatiBhavan on February 6th , 2018. India and Chile’s bilateral relation: The current status of India and Chile’s bilateral relation is as follows: • India and Chile are vibrant democracies and have been having regular interactions between their parliamentarians. • These have played an important role in strengthening the bilateral ties of the two countries. • Chile has also signed the agreement to join the International Solar Alliance. • Over the past decade or so, Chile has taken the lead to push for the global sustainability agenda. • Joining of the Alliance by Chile will strengthen the collective effort towards addressing climate change. • India and Chile share common views on various global issues. • India appreciates Chile’s support and solidarity in the fight against terrorism. • India also appreciates Chile’s support forits aspiration to be a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Way ahead: • Expanded India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement will give a boost to the bilateral trade. • Also, the Indian growth story and Chilean expertise must benefit from each other. • Both the countries can work together in areas such as mining, renewable energy and services. • Cooperation in science and technology and space and defence sectors also hold immense potential. India – UAE bilateral investments Context: • Prime Minister Modi recently made a State Visit to UAE on Feb 10-11 at the invitation of the President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Agreements and MoUs signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to UAE: The Agreements and MoUs signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to UAE are as follows: • AMoU was signed between an Indian consortium comprising state-run explorer ONGC Videsh, Bharat PetroResources, Indian Oil and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc) for acquisition of 10 per cent participating interest in its offshore Lower Zakum Concession. • The MoU is an important milestone in India's search for energy security, at a time when oil prices have started hardening again mainly due to output cuts put in place by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers deal with a supply glut that was pushing down prices till last year. • This agreement will enable Adnoc to cater to a part of India's massive oil demand, over 80 per cent of which is met by imports. • Adnoc also signed an agreement with the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd to implement the strategic crude oil storage facility on India's western coast in Mangalore (Karnataka) for the storage of 5.86 million barrels of Adnoc crude in underground facilities.

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February) Commerce Secretary level meeting between India and Bangladesh held on 7th -8th February 2018 at Dhaka, Bangladesh Context: • India-Bangladesh bilateral talks, at the level of Commerce Secretary, were held on 7th-8th February 2018 at Dhaka. Discussions held at the bilateral talk: The two sides held extensive and productive discussions on a variety of issues. They are as follows: • Bilateral trade and economic relations, including development and up-gradation of infrastructure at border trading points, further expansion of the Border Haats of the two countries, identification and resolution of non-tariff issues affecting bilateral trade, regional connectivity under BBIN MVA and ease of investment. • Both sides agreed to explore the possibilities to further enhance bilateral trade relations and cooperation in fields such as export promotion and capacity building on trade related matters. • Commerce secretaries of both sides also discussed the of establishment of an institutional B2B mechanism to provide policy level inputs on trade and investment.

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ECONOMY

Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

Supply of Coal to Thermal Power Stations Context: • Supply of coal to the power plant has been carried forward by the government of India in ease. Conditions through which coal is supplied to the Power Plants: The conditions through which coal is supplied to the Power Plants are as follows: • Coal supplies are made to the Power Plants in terms of the Fuel Supply Agreement executed between Power Gencos and coal companies. • Moreover, the power plants can also take coal through Special Forward E-Auction Scheme where coal is offered exclusively for power plants in regulated sector. • Actual supply of coal depends on programme submitted by the Power Plants, logistics and various other factors. • Many of the power stations of the country opted to consume coal from their piled up coal stock for power generation and restricted coal supplies from the Coal Companies during major part of the last year and in the initial months of this fiscal. Current statistics: • The total vendible coal stock of Coal India limited as on 28.01.2018 (provisionally) is 33.5 MT. • The demand of coal from CIL for thermal power plants for the first six months of 2018, calculated on the basis of existing Fuel Supply Agreements, is likely to be around 278.2 MT. Fulfilling the gap between their requisite demand and supply: The gap between their requisite demand and supply is fulfilled through the following ways: • The Power Houses have the option to fulfill the gap between their requisite demand and supply by the following means: • Taking coal through Special Forward e-Auction conducted by CIL throughout the year. • Building up stock during lean period by agreeing to take more coal than their Annual Contracted Quantity, subject to availability and other terms. • Importing coal, by Thermal Power Plants which are designed on imported coal. • Using the coal produced by captive coal blocks which have been allocated by Government of India, if available.

Highway Capacity Manual Context: • The Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation ShriNitinGadkari released India’s first ever Highway Capacity Manual. Guidelines of the Highway Capacity Manual: The guidelines laid by Highway Capacity Manual are as follows: • The manual, known as Indo-HCM, has been developed by CSIR – CRRI on the basis of an extensive, countrywide study of the traffic characteristics on different categories of roads like single lane, two-lane, multi-lane urban roads, inter-urban highways and expressways and the associated intersections on these roads. • The manual lays down guidelines for when and how to expand or manage different types of roads and their intersections and the level of services to be put in place. • It is designed to be a useful tool for guiding road engineers and policy makers in the country. • It has been developed based on the unique nature and diversity of traffic on Indian roads. • The manual would help in the scientific planning and expansion of road infrastructure in the country. Way ahead: • India urgently needs to catch up with the world’s best technology and practices being used in the sector. • There is a need to popularize the use of new material like fly-ash, plastic, oil slag and municipal waste in road construction, saying that scientists. • The media should also play an active role in this regard. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

Researchers and engineers need to expedite formulation of a good design for safe and effective speed breakers for Indian roads. Execution of Unit I and II of Kudankulam Nuclear

Context: • Construction on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant began on 31 March 2002, but faced several delays. Reasons behind delays in the completion of Kudankulam Units: The reasons behind delays in the completion of Kudankulam Units are as follows: • The delays in the completion of Kudankulam Units – 1&2 (2X1000 MW) were mainly due to delays in sequential receipts of equipment from Russian Federation and subsequent local protests at the site. • The domino effect of the protests, demobilisation& subsequent remobilisation of resources, various litigations, complying with the directives of the Honorable Court before commissioning of the plant took time. • In addition, being the first-of-a-kind reactor in India of large unit size and with many imported equipments/components, the reviews and regulatory clearances also took time. About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant: • Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is the single largest nuclear power station in India, situated in Koodankulam in the Tirunelveli districtof the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. • KKNPP is scheduled to have six VVER-1000 reactors built in collaboration with Atomstroyexport, the Russian state company and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited(NPCIL), with an installed capacity of 6,000 MW of electricity. • Unit 1 was synchronised with the southern power grid on 22 October 2013 and since then, has been generating electricity at its warranted limit of 1,000 MW. • Unit 2 attained criticality on 10 July 2016 and was synchronised with the electricity grid on 29 August. GST Council recommends relief in GST Context: • With effect from 25 January 2018, the GST Council has made a series of recommendations. Updates on GST exemption: The recent updates on GST exemption are as follows: • The GST Council has recommended that for the purpose of GST exemption, the threshold price limit of Admission Ticket for circus, dance,theatrical performances including drama or dance, award functions, pageants, concerts, musical performances, and recognized sporting events may be increased from Rs. 250 per person to Rs.500 per person. • The Council has further recommended that admission to planetarium may also been given the benefit of this threshold exemption up to Rs.500 per person. • The GST Council had also recommended reduction of GST rate on services by way of admission to Amusement Parks including theme parks, water parks, joy rides, merry-go-rounds, go-carting and ballet from 28% to 18%. • Another important relief granted by the Council is to enhance the limit of contribution made by members of a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) for the purpose of exemption from GST. • The GST council has recommended to extend the concessional rate of GST of 12% in housing sector to construction of houses constructed/ acquired under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) / Lower Income Group (LIG) / Middle Income Group-1 (MlG-1) for / Middle Income Group-2 (MlG-2) under the Housing All(Urban) Mission/PradhanMantriAwasYojana (Urban). • The Council also recommended to include houses constructed for ‘Economically Weaker Section(EWS)’ under the Affordable Housing in partnership (PMAY) under the concessional rate of GST of 8% (effective rate after deducting value of land). This will support construction of houses up to 30 sqm carpet area. • The GST Council has decided to give exemption to leasing of land by Government to Governmental Authority or Government Entity. • Also, any sale/lease/sub-lease of land as a part of the composite sale of flats has also been exempted from GST. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

The builders/developers are expected to follow the principles laid down under Section 171 of the GST Act scrupulously. About Goods and Services Tax (GST): • GST is an indirect tax reform which aims to remove the tax barriers between states and create a single market. • It is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the consumer. • The Government had introduced the 122nd Amendment Bill, 2014, in the Parliament to facilitate the introduction of GST in the country. • The Bill was finally passed by both the Houses in 2016 • It is a consumption based tax/levy. It is based on the “Destination principle.” • GST is applied on goods and services at the place where final/actual consumption happens. • It came into force from 1 July, 2017. • It is levied at multiple rates ranging from 0% to 28%. •

Major ports register positive growth of 4.58% during April 2017-January, 2018 Context: • The major ports in India have recorded a massive growth of cargoes. Statistical data: The statistical data of growth in cargoes at major ports in India is as follows: • The growth is of 4.58% and together handled 560.97 Million Tonnes of cargo during the period April 2017 to January, 2018 as against 536.41 Million Tonnes handled during the corresponding period of previous year. • For the period from April 2017 to January 2018, Eight Ports i.e. Kolkata including Haldia, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Cochin, New Mangalore, JNPT and Deendayal have registered positive growth in traffic. Amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 Context: • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 on 6th March, 2018. Amendments of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016: Following are the Amendments of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016: • The Resolution Professional shall appoint two registered valuers to determine the fair value and the liquidation value of the corporate debtor. • The Resolution Professional shall submit the information memorandum in electronic form to each member of the committee of creditors within two weeks of his appointment as resolution professional and to each prospective resolution applicant latest by the date of invitation of resolution plan, on receiving confidentiality undertaking. • The Resolution Professional shall issue an invitation, including the evaluation matrix, to the prospective resolution applicants. • While the Resolution Applicant shall continue to specify the sources of funds that will be used to pay insolvency resolution process costs, liquidation value due to operational creditors and liquidation value due to dissenting financial creditors, the committee of creditors shall specify the amounts payable from resources under the resolution plan for these purposes. • A Resolution Plan shall provide for the measures, as may be necessary, for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor for maximization of value of its assets. • The Resolution Professional shall submit the resolution plan approved by the committee of creditors to the Adjudicating Authority, at least 15 days before the expiry of the maximum period permitted for the completion of the corporate insolvency resolution process.

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

ENVIRONMENT: Celebration of World Wetlands Day at DeeporBeel in Assam Context: • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with Department of Forests, Assam government had organized the national-level celebration of World Wetlands Day (WWD), 2018 at DeeporBeel, a Ramsar Site in Guwahati on 2nd February, 2018. 2018 theme of World Wetlands Day (WWD) celebration: • The 2018 theme for World Wetlands Day (WWD) celebration was ‘Wetlands for a sustainable urban future’. • It marks the role of healthy wetlands play in making cities and towns liveable, through their role in groundwater recharge, buffering floods, filtering wastewater, enhancing landscape aesthetics, providing income generation opportunities and ultimately supporting well-being. About Wetlands: • Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season. • Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial species. • Wetlands vary widely because of regional and local differences in soils, topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation and other factors, including human disturbance. About Ramsar Convention: • The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty. • It provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. • The Convention was adopted in 1971 at the Iranian City of Ramsar. • India is a party to the Convention since 1982, and committed to the Ramsar approach of wise use of wetlands. • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the nodal Ministry for wetlands conservation has been supporting the State Governments/ Union Territories since 1985, in design and implementation of Management Action Plans for conservation and management of wetlands including Ramsar sites. India State of Forest Report 2017 Released Context: • The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017 has been recently released. Findings of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017: The findings of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017 are as follows: • India ranks among the top ten countries of the world in terms of forest area, despite the fact that none of the other 9 countries has a population density of more than 150 persons per sq km, compared to India, which has a population density of 382 persons per sq km. • The latest assessment shows that there is an increase of 8, 021 sq km (about 80.20 million hectare) in the total forest and tree cover of the country, compared to the previous assessment in 2015. • The increase in the forest cover has been observed as 6,778 sq km and that of tree cover as 1, 243 sq km. • The encouraging sign that much of the increase in the forest cover has been observed in Very Dense Forest (VDF), as VDF absorbs maximum carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. • The present assessment also reveals that 15 states/UT’s have above 33 per cent of the geographical area under forest cover. • As per the ISFR 2017, the total mangrove cover stands at 4,921 sq km and has shown an increase of 181 sq km. • The total growing stock of India’s forest and trees outside forests is estimated as 5,822.377 million cum, of which 4,218.380 million cum is inside the forests and 1,603.997 million cum outside. • The extent of bamboo-bearing area in the country has been estimated at 15.69 million ha.

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

About India State of Forest Report 2017: • The India State of Forest Report 2017 contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock inside and outside the forest areas, carbon stock in India’s forests and forest cover in different patch size classes. • Special thematic information on forest cover such as hill, tribal districts, and north eastern region has also been given separately in the report. • The report for the first time contains information on decadal change in water bodies in forest during 20052015, forest fire, production of timber from outside forest, state wise carbon stock in different forest types and density classes. “Clean Air Campaign not just a symbolic exercise, but a serious effort to drastically bring down pollution levels”: Union Environment Minister Context: • A two-week-long Clean Air Campaign will be launched from February 10th to 23rd. Salient features of the campaign: The salient features of the campaign are as follows: • Seventy joint teams of officials of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, CPCB, Delhi Government, DPCC, Municipal Corporations and NDMC have already been constituted. • These teams will fan out to every administrative division of Delhi, monitor causes of pollution and initiate remedial measures, including penal actions against serious polluters on the spot. • Abatement of air pollution has to become a mass movement and the Government will take every possible step towards its success. • The government has urged the media to support the campaign and help in spreading awareness among the masses on the issue. • The campaign will also include enforcement of pollution-control measures for vehicles, driving discipline, inspection of power plants in Delhi to ensure, it complies with the norms on pollution, etc. • Local area development plans to specifically address air pollution will also be worked at and implemented. • In addition to Central and State governments, the drive will also enlist the involvement of Delhi Police, educational institutions, NGOs, industries, apex industrial bodies, Resident Welfare Associations, R&D institutions, etc. Dust mitigation norms: The Centre has recently notified dust mitigation norms to contain dust pollution. This mandates : • No building or infrastructure project requiring Environmental Clearance shall be implemented without approved Environmental Management Plan inclusive of dust mitigation measures; • Roads leading to, or at construction sites must be paved and blacktopped (i.e. metallic roads); • No excavation of soil shall be carried out without adequate dust mitigation measures in place; • No loose soil, or sand, or Construction & Demolition Waste, or any other construction material that causes dust shall be left uncovered, • Wind-breaker of appropriate height i.e. 1/3rd of the building height and maximum up to 10 meters shall be provided; • Water sprinkling system shall be put in place; and • Dust mitigation measures shall be displayed prominently at the construction site for easy public viewing. BARC technology to convert sewage into bio-fertilizer Context: • Conventionally sewage treatment plant treats the sewage and the same is dried but it is not so with the technology developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Initiatives by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for sewage treatment plant: The initiatives by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for sewage treatment plant are as follows: • The technology developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) subjects the dried sludge to crushing and exposure to 10 kGy radiation dose. • This kills the pathogens in the sludge and makes it safer for use. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

In the next step, BIO-NPK (Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium) microorganisms are sprayed on to it to make it bio- fertilizer. • The use of such bio-fertilizer provides organic carbon and other nutrients to the soil. The process also helps in recycling of the waste material to useful Bio-fertilizer. Other initiatives: • A 100 ton/day capacity facility has been constructed at Ahmedabad under Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. • The cold trials have been completed successfully. • The facility is scheduled to be fully operational soon after radiation source loading. • Another similar facility of 100 ton/day capacity will be constructed at Indore under MoU with BARC. •

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

SECURITY AND DEFENSE:

Modernisation of Police Force Scheme Context: • The States for equipping and modernizing of their police forces has been supplemented under the scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF). About “Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)”: • The Government of India has, on 27.09.2017, approved implementation of umbrella scheme of “Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)” for three years’ period from 2017-18 to 2019-20. • It has a total outlay of Rs. 25,061 crore which include central outlay of Rs. 18,636.30 crore. • One of the sub-schemes under this umbrella scheme is “Assistance to States for Modernisation of Police”, which is erstwhile scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces, with central outlay of Rs. 7,380 crore for the 3 years’ period. Salient Features of Modernisation of Police Forces: The salient features of Modernisation of Police Forces are as follows: • Special provision has been made under the Scheme for internal security, law and order, women security, availability of modern weapons, mobility of police forces, logistics support, hiring of helicopters, upgradation of police wireless, National Satellite Network, CCTNS project, E-prison project etc. • Under the umbrella scheme, central budget outlay of Rs.10,132 crore has been earmarked for internal security related expenditure for Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern States and left wing extremism affected States. • Scheme of Special Central Assistance (SCA) for 35 worst LWE affected districts has been introduced with an outlay of Rs.3,000crore to tackle the issue of underdevelopment in these district. • An outlay of Rs.100 crore has been earmarked in the North Eastern States for police infrastructure upgradation, training institutes, investigation facilities etc. • Implementation of this scheme would bolster the Government's ability to address challenges faced in different theatres such as areas affected by LWE, Jammu and Kashmir and North East effectively. • It will also undertake development interventions which will catalyze in improving the quality of life in these areas and help combat these challenges effectively at the same time.

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: ISRO sets up 473 Village Resource Centres for rural development through satellite technology Context: • To demonstrate the potential of satellite technology for development of rural areas, ISRO established Village Resource Centres (VRCs), in association with selected NGOs, Trusts and State Government Departments. About Village Resource Centres (VRCs): • About Rs 18 crores was spent for establishing 473 VRCs. • At present, there are 461 VRCs set up in 22 States/Union Territories, namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim. Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and A & N islands. • The 461 VRC nodes include 81 Expert Centres. • Over 6500 programmes have been conducted by the VRCs so far addressing the areas like, Agriculture/horticulture development; Fisheries development; Live stock development; Water resources; Tele health care; Awareness programmes; Woman’s empowerment; Supplementary education; Computer literacy; Micro credit; Micro finance; Skill development / vocational training for livelihood support etc. So far, over five Lakh people have used VRC services. About Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO): • The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is the pioneer space exploration agency of the Government of India, headquartered at Bengaluru. • ISRO was formed in 1969 with a vision to develop and harness space technology in national development, while pursuing planetary exploration and space science research. • ISRO replaced its predecessor, INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research), established in 1962. • ISRO, by successfully demonstrating its unique and cost-effective technologies, has gained place among the elite space agencies in the world over the years. National Meet on Grassroot InformaticsVIVID 2018: Weaving a Digital India Context: • National Informatics Centre (NIC) has recently organized a three-day National Meet on Grassroot Informatics- VIVID 2018 from Thursday, 08th February to Saturday, 10th February, 2018 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. About VIVID 2018: • The Theme for VIVID 2018 is “Cyber Security and Innovation”. • VIVID was an extensive platform for knowledge sharing which had empowered 240 NIC District officials from across the country to interact and leverage on each other’s experience and best practices. • During the three days, DIOs gave presentations on their portals, showcased their applications, their District initiatives and their immense contribution towards implementation of the Digital India initiative of the Government. • The National Meet has also coverd a wide range of relevant topics including Emerging Technologies (Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Big Data Analytics), Cyber Threats & Counter Measures (Changing Digitisation Paradigm & its impact on Security, Cyber Security Threats & Cyber Crimes), Critical Information Infrastructure protection (NIC-CERT), Enterprise Level Applications, and many more topics for DIOs. About National Informatics Centre (NIC): • National Informatics Centre (NIC) was established in 1976. • Since then, it has emerged as a "prime builder" of e-Government / e-Governance applications up to the grassroots level as well as a promoter of digital opportunities for sustainable development. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Press Information Bureau (PIB) Compilation (1st -15 February)

NIC, through its ICT Network, "NICNET", has institutional linkages with all the Ministries /Departments of the Central Government, 36 State Governments/ Union Territories, and about 708 District administrations of India. NIC has been instrumental in steering e-Government/e-Governance applications in government ministries/departments at the Centre, States, Districts and Blocks, facilitating improvement in government services, wider transparency, promoting decentralized planning and management, resulting in better efficiency and accountability to the people of India.

Shri RK Singh launches ASH TRACK Mobile App for better management of fly ash produced by thermal power plants Context: • Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R.K Singh, recently launched a Web based monitoring System and a Fly Ash mobile application named ASH TRACK. About ASH TRACK App: • The ASH TRACK App would be managing 200 million tonnes of fly ash by tracking coal based power plants situated within 100 km and 300 km from given location and availability of fly ash, along with prospective users within the same radius. • The App gives plant-wise, utility-wise and State-wise ash utilization status in the country. • The thermal plants would regularly update fly ash generation, utilization and stock on the web portal and the app. • This would allow effective monitoring and reviewing for increasing ash utilization. • This would also help in protecting environment in terms of reduction in fugitive emissions, saving of precious top soil and conservation of land for sustainable development. About fly ash: • Fly ash is the end product of combustion during the process of power generation in the coal based thermal power plants. • It is a proven resource material for many applications of construction industries and currently is being utilized in manufacturing of Portland Cement, bricks/blocks/tiles manufacturing, road embankment construction and low lying area development, etc.

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