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BILLS, PROGRAMS, POLICIES, SCHEMES, ORDER, JUDGMENT Cabinet approves raising Extra Budgetary Resources upto Rs. 9020 crore for Long Term Irrigation Fund during the year 2017-18 •
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for raising Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) of upto Rs. 9020 crore as per the requirement during 2017-18 by NABARD.
Developments so far: • • •
As per the status reported by the states and Central Water Commission during various review meeting, 18 projects have been almost completed. Irrigation potential utilization is expected to be more than 14 lakh hectares during 2016-17 from all the 99 projects. During 2017-18, 33 more projects are likely to be completed.
Positive results: •
The completion of the identified irrigation projects will transform the agriculture scenario and will generate immediate wage and other employment opportunities in good measure during the construction phase.
Long Term Irrigation Fund: • •
The Union Finance Minister, during his Budget Speech 2016-17, has announced creation of a dedicated Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) in NABARD. The Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) aims to bridge the resource gap and facilitate completion of these projects during 2016-2020. 23 projects (priority-I) have been identified to be completed by 2016-17, 31 projects (priority –II) have been identified to be completed by 2017-18 and balance 45 projects (priority – III) have been identified to be completed by 201920. Dr Jitendra Singh releases DARPG Grievance Study Analysis of 20 Ministries
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The “Grievance Analysis & Systemic Reforms” Study was conducted for 20 ministries in the year 2015. As a result, 65 reforms have been introduced which has a positive impact on governance. Study has been undertaken for 20 more ministries in 2017 and 180 reforms have been suggested.
Some key reforms undertaken by the Ministries/Departments are as follows: •
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In Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, sub-optimal CGHS services due to unavailability of doctors and staff has been addressed by introducing Aadhaar linked biometric in all CGHS units. In Ministry of Urban Development, delay in construction plan approval due to manual process has been reduced by introducing online process to obtain clearance mechanism 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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In Department of Rural Development, for poor quality of roads constructed, payment to contractors is based on checklist of quality parameters under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. In Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, to address poor quality of drinking water in rural areas, it has been suggested that all Gram Panchayats are given field testing kits for water quality testing. A Project Management Unit has been set up for monitoring these reforms in consultation with concerned Ministries/Departments.
MNRE & GIZ Signs Agreement to Improve Framework Conditions for Grid Integration of Renewable Energies •
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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH India signed an agreement on technical cooperation under the “Indo-German Energy Programme – Green Energy Corridors (IGEN-GEC) on 28th August, 2017 The main objective of this programme component is to improve the sector framework and conditions for grid integration of renewable energies.
Expected output: •
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The agreement is expected to improve market mechanisms and regulations, help in training manpower, ensure grid stability & integration of renewables into grid and ensure safer & secure grid and a grid which can take cyber challenges. The agreement will also work on improving market mechanisms and regulations for integration of Renewable Energies; advancing technical and institutional conditions in specified target states, regions and on a national level; adding human capacities to handle systemic (strategic, managerial, financial, technical) Renewable Energies integration in an efficient and effective manner.
Uttar Pradesh gets 41,173 more houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) • • • • •
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Affordable housing in urban areas is gaining momentum in Uttar Pradesh Data: The State gets 41,173 more houses sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has sanctioned 2,17,900 more houses for six States. Uttar Pradesh takes the lead taking the total houses sanctioned so far to 26,13,568 with a total investment of 1,39,621 cr. Union Minister for Statistics & Programme Implementation GoI Shri D V Sadananda Gowda expressed satisfaction over the utilisation of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) in Meghalaya. The minister also reviewed the progress of Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) scheme, the status of implementation of MPLADS and the implementation status of the Central Sector 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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Infrastructure Projects costing Rs 150 crore and above, being implemented in Meghalaya by Railways and various Central Sector Public Enterprises. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): • •
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) is an iniative in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in which affordable housing will be provided to the urban poor. Under PMAY, it is proposed to build 2 crore houses for urban poor including economically weaker sections and Low Income Groups in urban areas by the year 2022 through a financial assistance of 2 trillion (US$31 billion) from central government.
MPLADS: •
Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a scheme formulated by Government of India on 23 December 1993 that provides that each member of parliament of India has the choice to suggest to the Head of the District works to the tune of 5 crore (US$780,000) per year, to be taken up in his/her constituency.
SSS: •
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Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) formally India Statistical Strengthening Project (ISSP) , aims to strengthen the State Statistical Systems by way of providing adequate technical and financial support. The SSS could also be acting as a catalyst in facilitating implementation of National Strategic Statistical Plan (NSSP) for meeting growing data requirements, both at National and International levels.
EESL to procure 50 lakh Smart Meters for realization of Smart Grids in India • •
Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India had put out a mega tender for procurement of 50 lakh smart meters in July, This initiative would help in reducing AT&C losses, power theft and also help in monitoring of round the clock power supply eventually leading to greater efficiency and 24X7 power for all.
EESL: •
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is a joint venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) was set up under Ministry of Power (India) to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. PM's third interaction with Additional Secretaries and Joint Secretaries
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The Prime Minister on 27th August, 2017 met and interacted with a group of 80 Additional Secretaries and Joint Secretaries serving in the Government of India. Prime Minister mentioned his PRAGATI initiative for project monitoring.
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Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi launched PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) on 25th August, 2017. PRAGATI is a platform is aimed at addressing common man’s grievances, and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged by State Governments.
The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley: Jan Dhan Yojana and the 1 Billion-1 Billion-1 Billion “JAM” Revolution it is Unleashing. •
It has been 3 years since 28 August 2014 for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship program, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
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With time PMJDY and the other schemes in turn have unleashed the “JAM” revolution.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: • •
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aimed at providing financial services to the poor. These included opening bank accounts for the poor, giving them electronic means of payment (via RUPAY cards), and placing them in a position to avail themselves of credit and insurance.
JAM: •
JAM brought together financial inclusion (PMJDY), biometric identification (Aadhaar) and mobile telecommunications.
Utility of JAM: •
The JAM social revolution offers substantial benefits for government, the economy and especially the poor.
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The poor will have access to financial services and be cushioned against life’s major shocks. Government finances will be improved because of the reduced subsidy burden; at the same time, government will also be legitimized and strengthened because it can transfer resources to citizens faster and more reliably and with less leakage.
Cabinet approves New Central Sector Scheme - "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana" •
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the renaming of the new Central Sector Scheme - SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of AgroProcessing Clusters) as "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)” for the period of 2016-20.
PMKSY: •
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) is an umbrella scheme incorporating ongoing schemes of the Ministry like Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, etc. and also new schemes like Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages.
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The objective of PMKSY is to supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease Agri-Waste.
Cabinet approves Closure of loss making Bharat Wagon and Engineering Company •
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of Ministry of Railways to close the Bharat Wagon and Engineering Company Limited (BWEL) - a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under Ministry of Railways.
Need for the closure: •
This measure will stop flow of financial support from public funds for carrying on the operations of sick/loss making BWEL resulting in savings for the Government.
BWEL: •
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BWEL was incorporated on 4th Dec' 1978 as a CPSE after taking over two sick private sector companies - Arthur Butler & Company, Muzaffarpur and Britannia Engineering Company, Mokama. The administrative control of the company was transferred from Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) to the MoR in August, 2008, as approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. The company is engaged in the manufacture and repair of wagons.
“Sankalp Se Sidhi” program being organized across the country to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Quit India Movement •
Sankalp Se Sidhi” program is being organized across the country to commemorate the 75thAnniversary of Quit India Movement.
Key features of the program: •
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On this occasion, the Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Ministry has planned to organize the “Sankalp Se Sidhi” program at 578 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 29 ICAR institutes/SAUs and 53 ATMAs during 19-30 August 2017. Till 20 August 2017, 18 states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andman & Nicobar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatishgarh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Maharashtra and Gujarat have organized the program at 32 locations. HRD Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar launches ‘Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat’
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‘Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat’ Programme, an initiative of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to prepare a physical Health and Fitness Profile Card for more than 12 lakhs of Kendriya Vidyalaya students was launched in Kochi. 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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Utility of the programme: • • •
Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat programme will provide a comprehensive and inclusive report card for children covering all age groups and children of different abilities. Making students, teachers and parents aware about the importance of good health and fitness and encouraging 60 minutes of play each day is an objective of the programme. Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat programme also intends to imbibe values of Olympics and Paralympics amongst students. National Sports Museum to be established in New Delhi
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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is going to establish National Sports Museum at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
Highlights of the museum: • • •
The Museum will showcase India’s achievements in sports and also focus on the traditional sports within the country. The aim of the Museum is to popularise the sports as a way of life within the country. It will display achievements of the Indian greats in sports and also act as an educational hub and offer opportunity for the young to delve into some sporting activity Union Cabinet approves new Metro Rail Policy; Focus on compact urban development, cost reduction and multi-modal integration
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The Union Cabinet on 16th August, 2017 approved a new Metro Rail Policy. It seeks to enable realization of growing metro rail aspirations of a large number of cities but in a responsible manner.
Utility of the policy: •
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The new policy seeks to ensure it focusing on States to commit in project reports to provide necessary last mile connectivity through feeder services, Non-Motorised Transport infrastructure like walking and cycling pathways and introduction of para-transport facilities. The new policy orders Alternate Analysis, requiring evaluation of other modes of mass transit like BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), Light Rail Transit, Tramways, Metro Rail and Regional Rail in terms of demand, capacity, cost and ease of implementation. The new Metro Rail Policy provides for assessment of new metro proposals and proposes an independent third party assessment by agencies to be identified by the Government like the Institute of Urban Transport and other such Centres of Excellence whose capacities would be augmented, as required in this regard. The policy stipulated a shift from the present ‘Financial Internal Rate of Return of 8%’ to ‘Economic Internal Rate of Return of 14%’ for approving metro projects, in line with global practices. The new policy mandates Transit Oriented Development (TOD) to promote compact and dense urban development along metro corridors since TOD reduces travel distances besides enabling efficient land use in urban areas. 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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The new Metro Rail Policy requires the States to clearly indicate in the project report the measures to be taken for commercial/property development at stations and on other urban land and for other means of maximum non-fare revenue generation through advertisements, lease of space etc., backed by statutory support. The new policy empowers States to make rules and regulations and set up permanent Fare Fixation Authority for timely revision of fares.
Cabinet approves setting up of a Commission to examine the Sub-Categorization within OBCs •
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The Union Cabinet today approved a proposal for setting up of a Commission under article 340 of the Constitution to examine the issue of sub-categorization of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The Commission shall be known as the Commission to examine the sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes.
Aims of the Commission: •
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To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes/ communities included in the broad category of OBCs, with reference to the OBCs included in the Central list. To work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters, in a scientific approach, for subcategorization within such OBCs, and, To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes/communities/ sub-castes/ synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective subcategories.
Dr Jitendra Singh calls for 'Make in India' health module • •
The Union Minister of State has called for establishing a “Make in India” health module. This module can be based on public-private partnership as well as multi-centric healthcare collaboration to meet the changing health needs of 21st century India.
Environment Minister Launches “Harit Diwali, Swasth Diwali” Campaign; urges children to celebrate Pollution-Free Diwali this Year • • •
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Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change “Harit Diwali, Swasth Diwali” campaign on 17th August, 2017 The Union Minister also administered a Pledge for a Green and Healthy Diwali to the gathering of students. The Pledge will be widely circulated to the schools/colleges and other educational institutions and the school administration will be requested to administer the said Pledge during their school assembly up to Diwali. The Environment Ministry too will undertake various activities to create awareness among various stakeholders and encourage people to participate in combating air pollution. 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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The causes of the initiative: • •
In recent times, the pattern of celebration has changed somewhat and has got associated with excessive bursting of crackers, which contributes significantly to air and noise pollution. As a result, there has been a significant impact on the environment and health of the people.
Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu Inaugurates/ Dedicates Various Initiatives mostly in Jharkhand •
Minister of Railways Dedicated/ Inaugurated following initiatives mostly pertaining to Jharkhand through video-conferencing from Rail Bhawan today i.e. 17-08-17 : -
The following are the initiatives: • • • • • •
Commencement of work of Ranchi Road-Patratu doubling (at Patratu). Laying of foundation stone for ROR flyover at Garhwa Road (at Garhwa Road). Commencement of work of Ranchi-Bondamunda doubling (at Hatia Station). Laying of foundation stone for Adityapur-Khargapur- 3rd line (at Tatanagar Station) (RVNL Project). Dedication to the Nation - Gamharia-Adityapur Section of Sini-Adityapur 3rd Line Project (at Tatanagar Station) Commencement of work of Chakradharpur-Goelkera 3rd line (at Chakradharpur Station). Dedication to the Nation - Green Corridor-Madhupur-Giridih section of Asansol Division.
National Consultation on Data Generation for Gender Indicators of Sustainable Development Goals • • •
India is a signatory to the “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” resolution (2030 Agenda) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. This 2030 Agenda consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 Targets. Goal 5 is a standalone goal to “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”, gender is mainstreamed throughout the agenda.
Progress in India: • • •
For SDG5, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has been identified as the nodal ministry. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been contextualizing the global indicator framework for India. The Ministry also placed a Draft National Indicator Framework for SDGs in the public domain for wider consultation, which is expected to be finalised shortly. 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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National Consultation on Data Generation for Gender Indicators for Sustainable Development Goals, 2017: •
The Government of India is going to organise a two-day 'National Consultation on Data Generation for Gender Indicators of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)' in collaboration with UN Women on 21-22 August in New Delhi, said an official release.
Objectives of the National Consultation: • • • •
To appraise Central social sector ministries and state governments about the need for gender indicators and gender statistics for the Vision 2030 for SDGs. To discuss the way forward with national and state government stakeholders to monitor the national gender indicators for the SDGs. To facilitate collaborative learning and knowledge exchange by sharing the latest best practices on data collection or use or dissemination of gender indicators for SDGs. To seek recommendations for facilitating user-producer dialogues to increase accessibility, quality and demand for gender statistics, through engagements of statistical offices with policy and decision makers.
GOI’s Street Lighting National Programme illuminates 50,000 KM of Indian roads • •
The Government of India’s Street Lighting National programme (SLNP) has illuminated 50,000 KM of Indian roads with installation of 30 lakh LED street lights across the country. With this milestone, the Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a government of India Company under the administration of Ministry of Power, has become the world’s largest street light management company.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Sweden on IPRs •
The Union Cabinet on 16th August, 2017 has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Sweden on cooperation in the field of Intellectual Property (IPRs).
Utility of the MoU: •
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The MoU will enable India to exchange experiences in the innovation and Intellectual Property ecosystems that will substantially benefit entrepreneurs, investors and businesses on both sides. The exchange of best practices between the two countries will lead to improved protection and awareness about India's range of Intellectual creations which are diverse. It will be a landmark step forward in India's journey towards becoming a major player in global Innovation and will further the objectives of National IPR Policy, 2016.
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President-elect of the United Nations General Assembly calls on Prime Minister •
Mr. Miroslav Lajcak is elected to the post of President of the 72nd UN General Assembly.
India signs Global Environment Facility (GEF) Grant Agreement with the World Bank for USD 24.64 Million for “Ecosystems Service Improvement Project” •
The country signs a Grant Agreement from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) of the World Bank of USD 24.64 million for “Ecosystem Service Improvement Project” on 16th August, 2017.
Key features: • • • •
The size of Project is USD 24.64 million which entirely will be financed by the World Bank out of its GEF Trust Fund. The project’s duration is 05 years. The objective of the Project is to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Departments of Forestry and Community Organisations to enhance forest ecosystem services It also aims to improve the livelihoods of forest dependent communities in Central Indian Highlands.
Cabinet approves MoU on "India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund" •
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Israel on India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F).
Objective of the MoU: • •
These bilateral projects will lead to affordable technological innovations in focus areas of mutual interest such as water, agriculture, energy and digital technologies. Institutional support in building up consortia including private industry, enterprises and R&D institutions from India and Israel will be enabled through these collaborative projects.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Nepal for laying down implementation arrangement for construction of a new Bridge over Mechi River at Indo-Nepal border •
The Union Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed between India and Nepal.
Need for the Mou: •
The MoU is for laying down implementation arrangement on Cost sharing, Schedules and Safeguard issues for starting construction of a new Bridge over Mechi River at Indo-Nepal border. 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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The construction of the bridge will improve regional connectivity. It has potential to strengthen cross border trade between both the countries and cementing ties by strengthening industrial, social and cultural exchanges.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Nepal on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and precursor chemicals and related matters •
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Nepal on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and precursor chemicals and related matters.
The MoU provides that the Parties shall endeavour to: • • •
develop mutual cooperation with a view to effectively resolving the issue of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, cooperate in drug demand reduction through prevention, awareness, education and community based programmes, treatment and rehabilitation; and Exchange information of operational, technical and general nature in drug matters, exchange literature on their existing laws, rules, procedures, best practices and methods of curbing illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and any further amendments to the existing legislation.
Rashtrapati Bhavan is a National Institution and Belongs to all the People of our Country, Says President •
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind met the President’s Press Wing officers and staff at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 19, 2017.
The Press Wing: • • •
The Press wing comprises of Deputy Press Secretary, Message Section, Library, Photo Section, Multi Media Studio, Reference & Clipping Cell and the Government of India Printing Press. The Press Wing is responsible for providing information regarding Rashtrapati Bhavan to the world. Those in Delhi can visit it by themselves, but an updated website and digital presence, in this era of digital technology and social media, can ensure that more and more people in other parts of the country can be part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan online community. PM reviews progress of Soil Health Cards and PMFBY
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The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, reviewed the progress of two key schemes related to the agriculture sector - Soil Health Cards; and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Soil Health Cards • •
Soil Health Card Scheme is a scheme launched by the Government of India in February 2015. Under the scheme, the government plans to issue soil cards to farmers which will carry cropwise recommendations of nutrients and fertilisers required for the individual farms to help farmers to improve productivity through judicious use of inputs.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana • •
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the new scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) on 13th January, 2016 This scheme will help in decreasing the burden of premiums on farmers who take loans for their cultivation and will also safeguard them against the inclement weather.
Suggestions after reviewing: • •
Appropriate checks should be undertaken for variation, both within a sampling grid, and across different soil testing labs. This would help ensure quality in the reports, he added. Soil health cards should be printed in the local dialect of the area, so that the farmers are able to read and understand them easily.
SOCIAL ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS
Uma bharti reviews flood Situation in the Country will visit up and Bihar next week •
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti took a high level meeting to review the flood situation in the country and the actions being taken at the national level in New Delhi on 19th August, 2017.
Steps taken by the Ministry: •
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Central Water Commission (CWC) had taken pro-active steps during the floods by way of issuing around 3200 flood forecasts to all concerned user agencies which have been extremely beneficial to the district administration in timely evacuation and saving of lives of millions of people. Ministry has issued seven specific district-wise advisories on anticipated floods and damwise advisories for water release wherever applicable to facilitate early NDRF/SDRF deployment and operation of reservoir gates. Another significant step taken by the Ministry, since June 2017 is that three day advance flood advisories based on rainfall-runoff model have been made available for all the 19 river basins online, for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Suggestions:
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Long-term solution to mitigate flood and droughts lies in the interlinking of rivers along with building of large storages.
ECONOMIC ISSUES
Total Foodgrains production is estimated at record 275.68 million tonnes •
The 4th Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2016-17 have been released by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare on 16th August, 2017.
The estimated production of major crops during 2016-17: 1. • • 2. 3. 4.
Foodgrains – 275.68 million tonnes (record) Rice – 110.15 million tonnes (record) Wheat – 98.38 million tonnes (record) Oilseeds – 32.10 million tonnes Cotton – 33.09 million bales (of 170 kg each) Sugarcane – 306.72 million tonnes
Mineral Production during June 2017 (Provisional) •
The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of June (new Series 2011-12=100) 2017 at 98.8, was 0.4% higher as compared to the level in the month of June 2016.
Statistical information: • • •
The contribution of Coal was the highest at Rs. 6743 crore (35%). Next in the order of importance were: Petroleum (crude) Rs. 5424 crore, Iron ore Rs. 2526 crore, Natural gas (utilized) Rs. 2220 crore, Lignite Rs. 733 crore and Limestone Rs. 612 crore. These six minerals together contributed about 94% of the total value of mineral production in June 2017.
IMPORTANT EVENTS IN NEWS
TRIFED celebrates World Honey Bee Day
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Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) is celebrating World Honey Bee Day (WHBD) on 19.08.2017 in the Country and on 18.08.2017 at all its Regional Offices and 43 Retails Outlets spread in the country. It is celebrated to create awareness about Beekeeping and uses of its products including Honey.
TRIFED: • • •
TRIFED is an apex organisation at National Level and functioning under the administrative control of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. TRIFED is serving the interests of Tribals, who are engaged in collection of NTFP and making of Tribal Art & Handicraft Products for their livelihood. TRIFED is also playing the lead role in protecting, promoting and multiplication of Honey Bees by Scientific, Non-destructive collection practices.
Rural Games to take Place in Delhi •
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Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Minister shri Vijay Goel on 26th August, 2017 announced that the first edition of Rural Games or Grameen Khel Mahotsav will start between 28th August to 3rd September, 2017. The Rural Games will aim at popularising the indigenous games like wrestling, athletics etc.
First Synergy Conference on Defence Pension Organised by Defence Accounts Department •
The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) organized its first Synergy Conference on Defence Pensions here, today.
Objective of the Conference: •
The objective of the conference was to obtain feedback from the pensioners that would help the department to serve them better with constantly improving systems and procedures.
PM’s interaction through PRAGATI •
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired his twenty-first interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
Objective of the interaction: • •
The Prime Minister reviewed the progress towards handling and resolution of grievances related to patents and trademarks. He also reviewed the progress of nine vital infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 56,000 crore in the railway, road, power and oil pipeline and health sectors, spread over several states. 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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(August 16th – 31st AUGUST, 2017)
He also reviewed the progress of the Smart Cities Mission.
Swachhta Pakhwada celebrated successfully across the country by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas •
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), its attached offices and Oil & Gas CPSEs under the administrative control of MoPNG celebrated Swachhta Pakhwada fortnight with full zeal from 16th July 2017 – 31st July, 2017.
Major initiative taken: •
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Launch of inter-refinery competition based on Swachhta Index calculated keeping in view various parameters linked to cleanliness, wherein a team consisting of MoPNG official and OMCs would visit different refinery complexes to arrive at inter refinery ranking. Project Saraswati was launched by signing an agreement with Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development & WAPCOS; this has been to tap the ground water resources along the course of Paleo-channel of river Saraswati in Haryana to tide over severe water crisis in summer.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
NHAI launches mobile App MyFASTag and FASTag Partner •
National Highways Authority of India launched two mobile Apps – MyFASTag and FASTag Partner in New Delhi in 21st August, 2017.
Key features: • • •
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From 1st October 2017, all lanes of all 371 NHAI toll plazas in the country will become FASTag enabled. One lane in every toll plaza will be a dedicated FASTag lane where no other form of payment will be accepted. The other lanes, though FASTag enabled, can accept other forms of payment too. The dedicated FASTag lanes will become operational on all 371 NHAI toll plazas from 1stSeptember 2017.
Secure Email Service to Government of India As part of the mandate under the Digital India program, Government will provide a secure eMail service to all its officials for secure communication. 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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(August 16th – 31st AUGUST, 2017)
Utility of the service: • •
This service will increase the productivity and become a step towards the “Green Government” as all official communication will be done using eMail. This Service will be a National resource that will help Government of India employees to be better informed, productive, and more responsive in their interactions with others.
Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Launches Sports Talent Search Portal •
Ministry of Youth Affairs and sports has launched Sports Talent Search Portal to spot the best talent from among the young population of the country.
Utility of the initiative: •
The initiative will not only help in identifying the best talent, but will also provide a level playing field to all the applicants and create a competitive environment.
Web Based System for Online Processing of Application for ICD/CFS/AFS (An Initiative under ‘Minimum Government Maximum Governance’) • • •
The Government has simplified the process for companies to set up an Inland Container Depot/ Container Freight Station (CFS)/Air Freight Station (AFS). Companies can now make their application online and view its progress/update on-line, without a visit to any government office. The improved procedure is aimed at ensuring a speedier and more transparent approval process.
Need for the change: • •
There have been frequent complaints from the Stakeholders (applicants) that the manual process is very cumbersome. The process not only results in loss of documents in the transit but also there is lack of transparency regarding the status of various clearances by the various agencies/departments.
Benefits from the new process: •
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Now with the culmination of the project, the backend process will also be online and the applicant can see the various stages of processing of his application in the various Ministries/Departments as it is visible online. Apart from saving reams of paper, the process also brings about greater transparency by disclosing the status of the application.
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