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DATE (24th -MAR-2018)

1. MADHAVPUR MELA Madhavpur mela of Gujarat to have a grand four –day celebrations through its first ever cultural integration with the North-East under Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat

In a unique initiative, the famous Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat will see its first-ever cultural integration with the North-East with which it is said to share its roots.

Ministry of Culture is organizing the Madhavpur Mela from 25th to 28th March, 2018 in Madhavpur Ghed, District Porbandar in Gujarat.

The Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat shares its connect to the Mishmi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The Mishmi Tribe traces its ancestry to the legendary King Bhishmak and through him to his daughter Rukmini and Lord Krishna. For the first time ever, the festival will celebrate the immortal journey which Rukmini undertook from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat with Lord Krishna, Dr Mahesh Sharma explained. Bhismaknagar, located near Roing in the lower Dibang Valley district, also finds mention in Kalika Purana.

The entire concept of celebration this year is in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ campaign of the Prime Minister and symbolizes unity in diversity of the country and establishes the East to west connect, he said. All States & Union Territories except West Bengal are participating in the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat campaign and have been paired for the purpose of exchanges at the level of students, sports and through culture.

2. Bio-medical Waste Management Rules Amended to Protect Human Health

Underlining the effort to protect the environment and human health from infectious bio-medical waste, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 Rules have been amended to improve compliance and strengthen the implementation of environmentally sound management of biomedical waste in India. Dr. Harsh Vardhan pointed out that the amended rules stipulate that generators of bio-medical waste such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and dispensaries etc will not use chlorinated plastic bags and gloves beyond March 27, 2019 in medical applications to save the environment. The Minister added that Blood bags have been exempted for phase-out, as per the amended BMW rules, 2018.

The amendment to the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 was undertaken after several rounds of stakeholder consultations, including Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards, and Health Care Facilities.

Salient features of Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018 are as follows:

Bio-medical waste generators including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary institutions, animal houses, pathological laboratories, blood banks, health care facilities, and clinical establishments will have to phase out chlorinated plastic bags (excluding blood bags) and gloves by March 27, 2019.

All healthcare facilities shall make available the annual report on its website within a period of two years from the date of publication of the Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018.

Operators of common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facilities shall establish bar coding and global positioning system for handling of bio-medical waste in accordance with guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board by March 27, 2019.

The State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees have to compile, review and analyze the information received and send this information to the Central Pollution Control Board in a new Form (Form IV A), which seeks detailed information regarding district-wise bio-medical waste generation, information on Health Care Facilities having captive treatment facilities, information on common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facilities.

Every occupier, i.e. a person having administrative control over the institution and the premises generating biomedical waste shall pre-treat the laboratory waste, microbiological waste, blood samples, and blood bags through disinfection or sterilization on-site in the manner as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) or guidelines on safe management of wastes from health care activities and WHO Blue Book 2014 and then sent to the Common bio-medical waste treatment facility for final disposal.


3. The first International Exhibition of Graphic Prints ‘Print Biennale India 2018’ inaugurated in New Delhi

In keeping with its role as the country’s National Academy of Art, the Lalit Kala Akademi is hosting the first-ever International Print Biennale in the country with a record number of 17 countries taking part in it. The first-ever International Exhibition of Graphic

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Prints ‘Print Biennale India 2018’ opened at the Rabindra Bhavan Galleries of the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi. The eminent Artist-Printmaker, Shri Shakti Barman was the Chief Guest. The inaugural ceremony was graced with the presence of the Biennale Commissioner, Ms. Anupam Sud and its steering committee members Shri Ananda Moy Banerji, Shri Dattatraya Apte, Shri R.S. Sham Sunder, Ms. Paila Sen Gupta and Shri Vijay Bagodi.

The event comprising a total of 200 original prints are created by Indian and international artists of impeccable competence and is a window view into the giant strides in printmaking that is taking place in India and the world.

An exhibition Eminent Printmakers of India showcasing master Indian printmakers will be inaugurated on Monday, March 26th, at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) by the Chief Guest Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). Eminent printmaker Shri Devraj Dakoji will be the Guest of Honour at the ceremony. The Administrator of Lalit Kala Akademi Sh. C.S. Krishna Setty, and the Director General of NGMA Shri Adwaita Gadanayak will preside over the ceremony.

In accordance with the overall perspective for providing an inclusive and exclusive platform, the exhibits have been arranged accordingly. For the Eminent Printmakers of India show artists were invited to send two prints of their choice as the exhibits. In the open category, artists were asked to send upto three prints which were submitted for selection before a 2-tier International Jury.

In keeping with its international makeover the biennale has elicited interest globally. The participants are from countries such as USA, UK, Sri Lanka, Italy, Mexico, China, Israel, Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Argentina, Greece, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Mauritius. A total number of 988 entries at the national level were received of which 127 have been chosen for display. The number of entries at the international level was 137 of which 50 artists have been selected. A total of 73 artworks of international artists are on display. While, the ‘Eminent Printmakers of India’ show consists of 98 artists to be displayed at the NGMA galleries from Monday 26th March till April 22nd, 2018.

4. SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 Marketing of products of the SHG women is one of the major concerns of the Ministry of Rural Development. In order to

empower the rural women artisans and to bring them above the poverty line, through access to better market and marketing systems, the Ministry of Rural Development has been supporting the organization of exhibitions under the brand name of SARAS where Self Help Groups from different states participate and sell their products. At present, two SARAS Fairs in a State are sponsored by the Ministry during a financial year by way of providing assistance up to Rs 40.00 lakh per fair in Metropolitan cities (Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad) and up to Rs 35.00 lakhs per fair in non-Metropolitan cities.

In addition, the Ministry has been organizing SARAS fairs at Delhi as a part of India International Trade Fair (IITF) and also as ShishirMela in DilliHaat. Taking this forward, this Ministry had organized the Aajeevika Mela in May, 2017 at India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO). TheAajeevikaMela2017 had over 500 stalls that showcased a number of traditional arts and craft items produced by rural poor SHG women, as also a number of products which have added value to the farm and non-farm produce of these women. Inspired by the success of the AajeevikaMela2017, DAY-NRLM is organizing the SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 in Hall No. 7, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 23rd March, 2018 to 1st of April, 2018 in which SHG women from all states of the country will be participating for exhibition and sale of their products in over 350 stalls. The stalls will display the skills, potential and hard work of our women from across India. The products ranges from handlooms, handicrafts, artifacts and heritage products, tribal ornaments, decorative items, metallic products, earthen utensils, paintings, organic food items, spices, processed food products, soft toys, utility items, brass and wrought iron products.

The SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 in New Delhi is an Endeavour of DAY-NRLM to provide to the rural women producers a national platform and an opportunity to showcase their products, and seek buyers, either individuals or bulk buyers for sale nationally / internationally. On this occasion, the Ministry will also be bringing out a directory of the products of all the women who will be showcasing their products in the Aajeevika Mela 2018. Cultural programmes are also being organized as a part of the Mela. Some workshops for the women participants for honing their soft skills as well as skills in packaging, managing consumers etc. will be organized during the Mela.

DAY-NRLM requests all residents of NCR to visit the SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018, meet the creative rural women artisans across the country who have chosen to help themselves.


5. A’ National Conference on Down Syndrome’ was organised by the National Trust under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

A book entitled “Twilights Children” based on the lives of person suffering from Down syndrome was released on the occasion. The conference brought intellectuals from all walks of life on one platform to spur ideas and channelized knowledge on Down syndrome which was very beneficial to enable a positive change in the people with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome and their parents were invited to share their inspirational stories.





Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition associated with intellectual and learning disabilities. Delayed development and behavioral problems are often reported in children with it. For seeking commitments of various stakeholders and increasing their awareness about Down syndrome, National Trust organised this National Conference on Down syndrome.

On 19th December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared to observe 21st March as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) and since then every year, this day is officially observed by UN to create awareness about people with Down syndrome. The objective of this conference was to provide excellent opportunities to the parents to obtain information about latest development in education and skilling and inclusive living of persons with Down syndrome. Moreover, Assessment/Screening sessions were also conducted for the children with Down syndrome.

The National Trust is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Since, the inception, the National Trust has been running various schemes and programmes for the welfare of these persons with disabilities. Amongst these one of the major activities is creating awareness amongst the general public by organizing various workshops, seminars and conferences on these disabilities and the capabilities of such persons.


6. Quality of coal produced by CIL The methodology for auction for coal mines/blocks for sale of coal under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions)

Act, 2015 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 has been approved by the Government and Order in this regard has been issued on 27.02.2018. Auction of coal mines for sale of coal is expected to bring efficiency into the coal sector due to increased competition and deployment of best possible technology into the sector. Increased competition in the market will lead to higher domestic production, better utilization of mining resources for development of India and ensure assured coal supply.

Coal India Limited (CIL) always put their best effort to segregate/remove foreign materials like stone, shale etc. present in coal but due to heterogeneous composition of coal seam along with thin inter-band of shale and stone, the presence of some stone, shale and sand in the coal supplied to the consumers cannot be ruled out completely. That is why the provision of +250 mm stone compensation has been kept in the Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA). Requisite quality and quantity of coal to all Power Station under FSA are being supplied by CIL. In terms of FSA, third party sampling facility is provided to the power utilities for assessment of quality of coal. From January, 2016, CIL has started supplying (-) 100 mm sized coal to all power plants except the pit head power plants.

The quality and quantity of coal supplied by CIL is made as per bilateral agreement between coal companies and consumers. Coal companies are supplying the requisite quality and quantity of coal to Captive Power Producers and Aluminum sector under FSA. Besides this, third party sampling facility has been extended for all consumers and, therefore, if there is any quality variation in third party result, same is compensated to the consumers through debit/credit note.

7. Department of Posts launches Cool EMS Service between India and Japan

Ministry of Communications has launched the Cool EMS Service which will come into force from 29.03.2018. Cool EMS service is one-way service from Japan to India which allows customers in India to import Japanese food items for personal use which is allowed under Indian regulations. Initially, Cool EMS Service will be available in Delhi only. Food items will be carried by Japan Post in special cool boxes containing refrigerant to preserve the quality of the food items and addressee will collect them from Foreign Post office, Kotla Road, New Delhi in-person or through a messenger in the prescribed time frame. All other features like track and trace, etc of Express Mail Service (EMS) will be available for Cool EMS service as well.

8. Non-Accreditation with NABH by hospitals

As per the information made available by Quality Council of India, it is difficult to state the exact percentage of the hospitals/nursing homes in the country that have applied for NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) accreditation as there is no exact count of all the hospitals and nursing homes in the country. Current accredited healthcare organizations are over 2000.

NABH Accreditation is a voluntary process and therefore it is entirely up to the healthcare organization whether to adopt it or not.

Health is a State subject. The Government of India has, however, enacted the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and notified Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012. These provide for registration and regulation of Clinical Establishments including those in the private sector. The Act is currently applicable in eleven States and all Union Territories except Delhi. Other States may adopt the Act under clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution.





In accordance with the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012 under the aforementioned Act, in the States/Union Territories where the said Act is in force, the clinical establishments are required to meet the norms such as minimum standards of facilities and services, minimum requirement of personnel, maintenance of records and reports and displaying of rates at a conspicuous place. The clinical establishments are also required to follow Standard Treatment Guidelines issued by the Central/State Governments and charge rates for each type of procedure and service within the range of rates determined from time to time in consultation with the State Governments. The implementation and enforcement of the said Act fall within the ambit of the States/Union territories.

9. Dangerous Chemicals in Food Products

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has laid down strict norms regarding standards of food products and additives to be used in food products to ensure safety of these products. The standards for the processed foods, including baby foods, are specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 and Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, and Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016. These regulations prescribe different parameters and limits of permissible additives, including artificial colours, to be used in different food products.

Further Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011 prescribe limits for contaminants, toxins and pesticides/insecticides/ antibiotic residues for the different food categories.

Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, inter-alia, prescribes that ‘No person shall manufacture, sell, store or exhibit for sale, an infant milk food, infant formula and milk cereal based weaning food, processed cereal based weaning food and follow up formula except under Bureau of Indian Standards Certification Mark’

A Food Business Operator has to ensure compliance of Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules and Regulations made there under so that the processed products, including baby food products, are safe for consumption. Compliance of these standards is ensured through the States/UTs which are primarily responsible for enforcement of the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations.

As per Section 18(3) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the provisions of the Act do not apply to any farmer or fisherman or farming operations or crops or livestock or aquaculture.

However, FSSAI has laid down strict standards and norms through various regulations to ensure safety of food products for human consumption.

Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and random sampling of food products, are undertaken by the officials of Food Safety Departments of the respective States/ UTs to check that these comply with the standards laid down under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations made there under. In cases where the food samples are found to be non-conforming, recourse is taken to penal provisions under Chapter IX of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

FSSAI also takes up these issues, including media reports , about use of harmful chemicals and artificial colours with the States/UTs advising them to take strict action for ensuring the quality and safety of food.

8. Union Minority Affairs Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launches training programme to link Madrasa teachers with mainstream education system

Union Minority Affairs Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today launched a training programme to link Madrasa teachers with the mainstream education system. Shri Naqvi said that for the first time, such training programmes will strengthen Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message to have “Quran in one hand, computer in other hand”.

Minority Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with Jamia Millia Islamia University, has organised residential training programme for 40 Madrasa teachers and distributed certificates after completion of training. These teachers will provide mainstream education like- Science, Maths, Computer, Hindi, English etc.

Shri Naqvi said that it’s a matter of pleasure that more than 50 per cent of these teachers include women teachers. The objective of programme was to instil teaching and communication skills to the participants. Other lectures included were on latest teaching and assessment techniques. He also said that the Government has launched a campaign on war footing to link minority communities’ educational institutions including madrasas with mainstream education system.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has been working with commitment to “3E- Education, Employment & Empowerment”. In the last about six months, thousands of educational institutions of all Minority communities including Madarsas, have been included in the mainstream education system by connecting them with "3T-Teacher, Tiffin, Toilet".

The residential training programme of Madarsa teachers of the Northern Region was organised by Maulana Azad Education Foundation in collaboration with Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi from 22-27th March, 2018. The training programme was attended by around 40 participants from Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

The Minister also chaired 57th General Body and 100th Governing Body meeting of Maulana Azad Education Foundation.





9. Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 55770 tribal habitations fully covered by Drinking Water supply in the country followed by Odisha

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has informed that under the Scheme ‘National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), 10% of the total allocation of funds is earmarked to be used for the supply of drinking water to Scheduled Tribe (ST) dominated habitations. States have been directed to take special care for implementation of its scheme / programme in tribal areas and progress thereof is monitored through online integrated management information system (IMIS) of MDWS.

The status of availability of drinking water to tribal habitations is available in public domain at www.indiawater.gov.in/IMISReports/. As on 21.03.2018, there are 365050 Scheduled Tribe (ST) dominated habitations in the country, out of which 301858 (82.69%) habitations are fully covered with provision of safe drinking water supply and 53090 (14.54%) habitations are partially covered.

Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 55770 fully covered tribal habitations with the safe drinking water in the country followed by Odisha 52427, Jharkhand 53476 numbers of habitations.

In the year 2012-13 and 20 l 3-14, with the assistance of National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) from the Ministry of Finance and NRDWP, I 1,000 Nos. of solar power based dual pump schemes have been installed in Left Wing Extremist / Naxal Affected States with a view to make available safe drinking water to small rural tribal habitations in these areas through taps. In the year 2015-16, another 5004 Nos. of solar power based dual pump schemes have been installed across the country with funding from NRDWP and assistance from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). As per the re-structured NRDWP guidelines, the focus is mainly on providing piped water supply to rural population eventually by 2030 to honour the commitment made by the country in the international forum while agreeing for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), 2030 in respect of all

rural areas of the country including tribal habitations.

DATE (28th MAR- 2018)

10. Mission on Moon and Mars Chandrayaan-2 is a totally indigenous mission with Orbiter, Lander and rover configuration. Orbiter is to be placed in 100 km

orbit around the Moon. After reaching the 100 km lunar orbit, the Lander will be separated from the orbiter and it will soft land on the lunar surface and deploy a Rover. The Rover will then move around the landing site. The Orbiter will continue to orbit around the Moon and perform remote-sensing observations of the lunar surface.

ISRO has formed a study team to formulate plans to explore solar system bodies. The study team has recommended a future mission to Mars. Scientific proposals for payloads are selected by an expert committee.

The Orbiter will study the Moon for its topography, elemental and mineralogical distribution and extent of subsurface water ice. The Lander will land on the lunar surface and demonstrate ISRO’s capability for landing on Moon. Subsequently, the Rover will roll out of the Lander and move around the landing site. The Lander and rover payloads will conduct observations on the elemental composition and study the lunar ionosphere. The Chandrayaan-2 mission will definitely expand the scientific knowledge on Moon by remote-sensing from Orbiter and in-situ studies from Lander/rover. Total expenditure on the mission is around Rs 800 Cr.

Mission planning for next MARS mission is under progress.

11. India-Based Neutrino Observatory

During December, 2010 the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) had sent letter to Government of Tamil Nadu for allotment of land to set up India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) surface facilities & for setting up of the National Centre for High Energy Physics-INO Centre. Accordingly, Government of Tamil Nadu had allotted land of 26.8 ha for the project at Bodi West Hills (BWH), Theni district, Tamil Nadu.

The INO is estimated to be operationalized seven years after obtaining all statutory clearances. Sanctioned cost of the project is ₹1583 Crore

12. Facebook asked to explain on data breach.

On 23.3.2018, a notice seeking details relating to breach of data from Facebook had been sent to M/s. Cambridge Analytica particularly with regard to reports in the media about questionable practices attributed to M/s. Cambridge Analytica in their efforts to influence elections.

It is felt that there is need for further information about the data breach from Facebook. Accordingly, a letter has been issued by the Ministry of Electronics & I.T. on 28th March 2018 to Facebook seeking their response to the following questions:





Whether the personal data of Indian voters and users has been compromised by Cambridge Analytica or any other downstream entity in any manner, and if so, how was it compromised?

Whether Facebook or its related or downstream agencies utilizing Facebook’s data have previously been engaged by any entities to manipulate the Indian electoral process?

If any such downstream entity misused data from Facebook, what is the protection available to the data subject?

What are the specific steps proposed to be taken by Facebook to prevent any misuse of personal data for potential interference in, or manipulation of the Indian electoral process?

Facebook today has its largest footprint in India in terms of its user base and therefore what proactive measures are being taken toensure the safety, security and privacy of such large user data andto prevent its misuse by any third party?

13. Electoral Bond Scheme 2018 (FinMin) Government of India has notified the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018 vide Gazette Notification No. 20 dated 02nd January 2018. As

per provisions of the Scheme, Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last General Election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds. The Electoral Bonds shall be encased by an eligible Political Party only through a Bank account with the Authorized Bank.

State Bank of India (SBI), in the 2nd Phase of sale, has been authorized to issue and encash Electoral Bonds through its 11 Authorized Branches (as per list enclosed) w.e.f. 02.04.2018 to 10.04.2018.

It may be noted that Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen days from the date of issue and no payment shall be made to any payee Political Party if the Electoral Bond is deposited after expiry of the validity period. The Electoral Bond deposited by an eligible Political Party in its account shall be credited on the same day.

14. Cabinet approves certain official amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved certain official amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill.

The Amendment to the NMC Bill comes in the backdrop of its consideration in the Lok Sabha on 02.01.2018 and subsequently being referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC). The Government has considered the recommendations made by the Standing Committee in its report tabled in the House on 20.03.2018 and general feedback, particularly the views of medical students and practitioners regarding certain provisions of the Bill.

The Amendments include: Final MBBS Examination to be held as a common exam across the country and would serve as an exit test called the National Exit Test (NEXT):Having considered the common demand by the students not to subject them to an additional licentiate exam for the purpose of getting license to practice, the Cabinet has approved that the final MBBS examination would be held as a common exam throughout the country and would serve as an exit test to be called the National Exit Test (NEXT). Thus, the students would not have to appear in a separate exam after MBBS to get license to practice. NEXT would also serve as the screening test for doctors with foreign medical qualifications in order to practice in India.

Provision of Bridge course for AYUSH practitioners to practice modern medicine removed:

The provision dealing with bridge course for AYUSH practitioners to practice modern medicine to a limited extent has also been removed. It has been left to the State Governments to take necessary measures for addressing and promoting primary health care in rural areas.

Fee regulation for 50% seats in private medical institutions and deemed universities:

The maximum limit of 40% seats for which fee would be regulated in private medical institutions and deemed universities has been increased to 50% seats. Further, it has been clarified that the fee would also include all other charges taken by the colleges.

Number of nominees from States and UTs in NMC increased from 3 to 6:

Responding to the demands from States to increase their representation in the NMC, the nominees of States and UTs in the NMC have been increased from 3 to 6. The NMC will comprise of 25 members of which at least 21 will be doctors.

Monetary penalty for a medical college non-compliant with the norms replaced with provision for different penalty options

Another major concern gathered during discussion with stakeholders was the wide range of monetary penalty, ranging from one half to ten times the annual fee recovered from a batch, to be imposed in a graded manner on a medical college non-compliant with the





norms. The clause has been replaced with a provision which provides different options for warning, reasonable monetary penalty, reducing intake, stoppage of admission leading up to withdrawal of recognition.

Stringent punishment for unqualified medical practitioners or quacks:

The government is concerned about the quality and safety of health care being made available to the citizens and the need to act strictly against unqualified practitioners or quacks. The punishment for any unauthorized practice of medicine has been made severe by including a provision for imprisonment of up to one year along with a fine extending up to Rs. 5 lakhs.


15. Public Financial Management System (PFMS) Achieves a Historical Record Breaking Volume of Digital Transactions Public Financial Management System (PFMS) is an ambitious project of Government of India being implemented byController

General of Accounts, Ministry of Finance. PFMS has proved as a robust digital platform towards Prime Minister’s vision of DIGITAL INDIA.

On 28th March, 2018, an amount of Rs. 71,633.45 crores has been digitally transacted/routed through PFMS Portal for98, 19,026 transactions. This is a historic record of number of digital transactions processed in a single day.

PFMS provides platform for efficient management of funds through tracking of funds and real time reporting of expenditure and receipts through Treasury and Bank Interface. The line ministries/ departments utilize this platform to monitor the utilization of funds provided to the implementing agencies and states governments. PFMS is also used for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments under MGNREGA and other notified schemes of the Government of India.

PFMS has organically grown on the basis of performance and user acceptance. Its user base today includes Union Ministries/Departments, Implementing Agencies and State Governments. The ability of the platform to respond to ever expending user requirements is reflective of its robustness and utility.

16. Smart India Hackathon-2018

Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) is participating in the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) – 2018 organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the aegis of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The Software edition Grand Finale of the Hackathon for MoSPI will be held on Mar 30 & 31, 2018 at G V Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering & Technology, Hubli in Karnataka. Senior officials from the Ministry will be present during the two days of SIH-2018 to motivate the young students.

MoSPI has identified the following 10 problems on different areas of Official Statistics, on which the 38 teams comprising 304 students and mentors would build innovative digital solutions:

Consumer Price (CPI) data collection for Rural & Urban Sectors through mobile based application software [CPIAPP(R) & CPIAPP (U)].

International Comparison Program (ICP) data collection through mobile based application software [(CPAPP)].

Sub-national PPP data collection through mobile based application software [(SNPPPAPP)]

Online data dissemination and dynamic costing though web portal

Engagement Management System (EMS) through an Application for Desktop as well as Mobile-phones.

Estimation of trade Margins

Automated Compilation of ASI Schedules (AUDYOGIC)

Rural Price Collection through APP (RUPICOM)

Digitization of Aerial frame using mobile application (DIGIFRAME)

GPS based technique for improving Land Use Survey in ICS Scheme (LAKSHYA)

SIH- 2018 harnesses creativity and expertise of students, builds funnel for ‘Startup India, Standup India’ campaign, crowd sources solutions for improving governance and quality of life, and provides opportunity to Students to provide innovative solutions to India’s daunting problems.

SIH- 2018 would be the second massive scale hackathon initiative in India following Smart India Hackathon 2017. With 27 Union Ministries and Departments and 17 State Governments having joined in this grand initiative, SIH-2018 is much bigger than its previous edition. It includes 2 sub-editions – Software edition, which is a nonstop 36-hr software product development competition and scheduled to be held on Mar 30 & 31, 2018. The Hardware edition, involving building of hardware solutions will be held later this year. During the software edition grand finale, teams of thousands of technology students will build innovative digital solutions





for problems posed by different central govt. ministries/ departments. A total of 340 software problem statements are proposed for SIH-2018. Winners stand to get cash prizes and a chance to be part of the NASSCOM’s 10,000 Startups program.

DATE (2nd -APR-2018)

17. President of India receives copy of special issue of ‘Think India’ journal on Deen Dayal Upadhyay

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, received a copy of a special issue of the ‘Think India’ journal, devoted to the late philosopher-politician Deendayal Upadhyay, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

18. Trishul Special Olympics & Paralympics Games for Special Children

Air Force Wives Welfare Association along with Special Olympics Bharat conducted the opening ceremony of Trishul Special Olympics & Paralympics Games for Special Children today at Western Air Command Sports ground, Subroto Park at 1600 hrs.

A total 69 Children between ages 7 and 18 yrs, of Special Schools supported by the AFWWA (Air Force Wives Welfare Association) will be receiving training from Special Olympics Bharat, Resource Team on Athletics, Bocce, Power lifting and Roller Skating, and will be participating in the events conducted during the games, which conclude on 06 Apr 18, with the closing and prize distribution ceremony.

19. SIDBI Celebrates it's Foundation day with launch of ' Samridhi - the virtual assistant' & ' Bankability Kit' SIDBI celebrated its foundation day today as day of Sampark (connect), Sanwad (interaction), Suraksha (security) and

Sampreshan (disseminate).Chairman Managing Director of SIDBI Shri Mohammad Mustafa launched a series of initiatives from its Lucknow bank headquarters. He mentioned that the occasion is an opportunity to look within and reinvent our strategy for course correction and development.

While flagging off its ‘MSME contact programme’; he called upon bank’s officers to use the day long stay at MSMEs to come closer in understanding their opportunities, challenges and the eco system so as to grasp as to what can be done to ease the way they do business. He told this is what SIDBI has been created for and learning with footprints at field level is the true spirit of the organization. In his interaction CMD mentioned that SIDBI has taken a series of steps both from direct lending (launch of growth support to MSME -SMILE loans around 8.12% and enhancing its footprint through string of Resident Representative Office ) as also policy advocacy ( launch of CRISIDEX, to gauge MSME aspirations, and MSME pulse, the health tracker for MSMEs).

A new step forward in commencing Bank assurance services for MSMEs was also taken. A MoU was signed with The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. and two MSMEs were issued insurance policies. SIDBI is thus evolving as one stop solution provider.

While launching the revamped SIDBI website (www.sidbi.in) on this occasion CMD mentioned that it is an attempt to re imagine the site to reflect the new vibrant face of SIDBI aiming to transform the MSE ecosystem. Besides providing crisp and precise information about the various strategic interventions made by SIDBI, it exhibits a great potential for the MSME aspirants through its other offerings in the form of a "Contactless Loan Platform" likely to be introduced on the website shortly. Chairman SIDBI also launched Samridhhi- the virtual assistant on banks revamped universal loan portal www.udyamimitra.in. It will answer standard queries of aspirants 24*7.

During the day, a ‘Bankability Kit’ (brought in partnership with Bank of Baroda and IDBI Bank) was also launched. It is a step to look beyond financial literacy and be a trusted guide for aspirants and existing entrepreneurs to know entrepreneurial self, know banker & know banking. It covers what bankers look at, how to communicate with banks, the care to be taken, dos and don’ts etc.

20. Ranking and Accreditation System for Higher Educational Institutions

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) on 29th September, 2015 to rank institutions across the country. The parameters for ranking broadly cover “Teaching, Learning and Resources,” “Research and Professional Practices,” “Graduation Outcomes,” “Outreach and Inclusivity,” and “Perception”.

In India, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) does the institutional assessment and accreditation, while National Board of Accreditation (NBA) does programmatic accreditation of technical programmes and courses.

India Rankings 2016 and 2017 have already been released which are available at ‘https://www.nirfindia.org/Home’. India Rankings, 2018 is set to be released in the first week of April 2018.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued the Mandatory Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Educational Institutions, Regulations, 2012, whereby all eligible Higher Educational institutions are required to get themselves accredited.





To rationalize the expansion of courses in engineering / technical, management etc. and to bring quality in technical education, AICTE has made it mandatory to have NBA Accreditation for institutions seeking new courses / expansion of existing courses.

Ranking promotes competition among the Universities and drive them to strive for excellence. Government has also started a scheme called ‘Institutions of Eminence’ in which 20 institutions both public and private, would be selected on challenge method and they would be actively supported to come up in the global rankings.

In NIRF, to promote Research and Development in Higher Education, ‘Research and Professional Practices’ has been given the highest weightage of 40%, for ranking Universities.

21. Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan-launched to encourage Science & Mathematics learning in children The Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA), a convergent framework

across School Education and Higher Education aiming to encourage children towards learning Science and Mathematics and to develop their interest through activities related to Science and Mathematics. One of the interventions under RAA is strengthening of school Science and Mathematics laboratories, through the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA). Further, under RMSA, important interventions i.e. Science Fair/Exhibition and Talent Search at district level; mathematics and science kits to schools, visit to higher institutions of students and learning enhancement of students have been approved.

Under RMSA, an amount of Rs. 179.73 crore has been approved in 2017-18, for in-service training of science and maths teachers, remedial teaching, provision of science and maths kits, science exhibitions, etc.

NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission is establishing Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India. The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young minds; and inculcate skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc. Till date, 2441 schools have been selected across the country to establish ATL.

There is no proposal in UGC at present to increase the number of research fellowships.

22. Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

There are 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) notified as on date in the country. The criteria followed for determination of PVTGs are as under:

i. A pre-agriculture level of technology;

ii. A stagnant or declining population;

iii. Extremely low literacy; and

iv. A subsistence level of economy.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing a scheme namely “Development of PVTGs” which covers the 75 identified PVTGs among Scheduled Tribes in 18 States/ UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is a flexible scheme and covers funding for activities like housing, land distribution, land development, agricultural development, animal husbandry, construction of link roads, and installation of non-conventional sources of energy for lighting purpose, social security including Janshree Beema Yojana or any other innovative activity meant for the comprehensive socio-economic development of PVTGs. Priority is also assigned to PVTGs under the schemes of Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub-Scheme (TSS), Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, Grants-in-aid to Voluntary Organizations working for the welfare of Schedule Tribes and Strengthening of Education among ST Girls in Low Literacy Districts.

23. Suresh Prabhu Launches Digital Initiative for Ease of Export EIC is the official export certification body of Government of India and has launched this flagship project of Digital India Initiative

to keep pace with changing dynamics of the world.

In order to continue the vision for credible inspection and certification and to strengthen the confidence on Indian produce, three portals have been developed to reduce transaction time and cost in a transparent manner. The portals not only provide an opportunity for ease of export but also plays an important role in the Go Green initiative by reducing paper usage and saving millions trees.

To provide fast, efficient and transparent services for ease of doing business in all sectors the complete export food chain has been integrated in this digital platform. Primary production, chain catch, aquaculture pond, dairy farms and apiaries are all linked. Processing units, testing laboratories, official controls and exports have complete traceability.

One lab one assessment portal provides unified approach to all stakeholders like accreditation bodies, regulators and laboratories by bringing them together on a common platform. Simplified procedures for granting joint certification and joint decisions helps in reducing cost, time and multiplicity of assessment.





The Export Alert Monitoring portal monitors non compliances raised by importing countries. The portal will enable monitoring of alerts and action taken by multiple organizations involved in initial certification in the food safety & bio security and analyzing the trend, understanding the trade barriers to reduce the alerts and enhance the export trade.

EIC has worked towards building the analytical capability for the country by providing accredited Proficiency Testing (PT) providers at Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai by reducing dependency on foreign PT providers and ease of access.

DATE (4th -APR-2018)

24. Use of nuclear energy

Applications of nuclear energy and radiation have played a significant role in the field of electricity production, agriculture, medicine and health. Contributions of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) have made a positive impact on improvement in the treatment of disease and the quality of life of citizens in the country.

Electricity Generation:-

The total electricity generation from the Nuclear Power Plants during the last three years was 115292 Million Units.

Agriculture:-

Using radiation induced mutagenesis technology, DAE has developed 42 varieties in oilseeds (groundnut, mustard, soybean and sunflower), pulses (urdbean, mungbean, Pigeonpea, cowpea), rice and jute, which have been released and notified for commercial cultivation across the country.

Government of India (Department of Atomic Energy) has set up two radiation technology demonstration units, one commissioned in the year 2000 for high dose irradiation at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, and another in 2002, for low dose irradiation, i.e. Krushi Utpadan Sanrakshan Kendra (KRUSHAK) facility at Lasalgaon near Nashik. The facilities are being operated by the Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT). Two plants are also set up one each by Maharashtra government and Gujarat government. Currently, 15 irradiation plants including those in Private Sector are functional in the country carrying out radiation processing of agricultural/food products. Presently fruits like Mango and Pomegranate and vegetable like onions and garlic are being irradiated for shelf life extension.

Medicine and Health:-

BRIT under DAE India is responsible for production and supply of Medical products linked to human health. The radioisotopes produced in nuclear reactors/ cyclotron is employed for medical applications. The nature of radiation emitted from the radioisotope determines its utility for diagnostic or therapeutic application. Under this category diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are manufactured.

Some of the Radiopharmaceuticals manufactured and supplied are:-

99mTc-Technetium based radiopharmaceuticals: For diagnosing diseases related to all the important organs of the body comprising cerebral, myocardial, renal, liver, lung, etc. and for cancer detection.

18F-Fluorine based diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals: PET based products for diagnosis of cancer, cardiac and neuro diseases.

131I-Iodine based products for diagnosis and therapy of thyroid and related cancers.

32P-Phosphorus, 153Sm-Samarium and 177Lu-Lutetium based Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals for relieving the cancer borne pain and cancer therapy.

Other than the above radiopharmaceuticals BRIT supplies 60Co (Cobalt) source for Bhabhatron Teletherapy unit used as radiation source for treatment of cancer. Also 125I based in vitro Radioimmunoassay kits for diagnosing the low concentrations of hormones, proteins, etc. present in blood are supplied.

The nuclear share of electricity generation in the year 2016 in the country was about 3.4% and is comparable to China (3.6%) and Japan (2.2%).

In so far as medicine and health Sectors are concerned, around 220 Nuclear medicine centers are currently operational in India which employ above radioactive products for medical applications. However no such data is available for countries like China and Japan for direct comparison.

In so far as electricity generation through nuclear technology is concerned, the government has taken several enabling steps to increase the nuclear power capacity and to provide adequate quantity of fuel. These include:





Resolution of issues related to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act & Creation of Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP).

Accord of administrative approval and financial sanction of - ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode & two (02) units of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation.

Amendment of the Atomic Energy Act to enable Joint Ventures of Public Sector Companies to set up nuclear power projects.

Entering into enabling agreements with foreign countries for nuclear power cooperation including supply of fuel.

In so far as Agriculture sector is concerned, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) grants subsidy to gamma radiation processing plants under SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) which are installed for gamma radiation processing of food products.

In so far as Health & Medicine sectors are concerned, the Government provides all impetus to the use of nuclear energy in health care by promoting Nuclear Medicine practices in the country. This is with respect to indigenous development of import substitutes and also providing cost-effective treatment. The medical cyclotron of Radiation Medicine Centre provides the PET imaging facility to patients at no cost. Use of a Lutetium-177-labeled product (DOTA-TATE) for treatment of cancer patients having neuro endocrine cancer is 10-15 times less than the imported radiopharmaceutical (₹ 10,000 vs. ₹1,50,000).

25. Crops and vegetables developed by BARC

By using radiation induced mutagenesis along with cross breeding, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has developed two mutants of rice {Trombay Raipur Rice-1(TRR-1), Trombay Konkan Kolam (TKKR-13)*} and one mutant of cowpea {Trombay Cowpea 901 (TC901)*} which are identified for release. BARC has also developed several mutants of groundnut, mustard, cowpea, blackgram, greengram, soybean, rice and wheat which are undergoing advance field trials in State Agricultural Universities. The major desirable traits in these crops include higher yield, seed size, improved agronomic and quality traits, early maturity and stress tolerance.

The BARC developed mutant crop varieties have high patronage from the farming community and are extensively grown in different states of the country. Popularization is done by linkages established with State Agricultural Universities (through kisan mela, frontline demonstrations / exhibitions and awareness programmes).

26. Special Area Games

Government of India through Sports Authority of India (SAI), is implementing Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme to identify sporting talent in the age of 10-18 years from the tribal, backward and hilly areas of the country. The scheme also helps to tap talent in Indigenous Games and Martial Arts and from the communities which are either genetically or geographically advantageous for excellence in a particular sports discipline. The selected trainees under SAG Scheme are provided with financial support in the form of expert coaches, sports equipment, boarding and lodging, sports kit, competition exposure, educational expenses, medical/ insurance and stipend as per the approved scheme norms. Presently, there are 20 Special Area Games Centres functional in the country where 2167 talented sports persons (1189 boys and 978 girls) are being trained.

27. Project ‘JATAN’

Ministry of Culture has taken up a project named as JATAN in collaboration with C-DAC, Pune for creating an online digital repository of museum collections on the national portal www.museumsofindia.gov.in for the museums under the administrative control of this Ministry. Till now, 1, 08,881 art objects have been digitized and uploaded on the portal.

There are six museums under the administrative control of Ministry of Culture namely:

National Museum, New Delhi,

National Gallery of Modern Art (branches at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru),

Indian Museum, Kolkata,

Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata,

Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad and

Allahabad Museum, Allahabad.


28. Shri Piyush Goyal Launches UTTAM APP for Coal Quality Monitoring





The Union Minister for Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal today launched UTTAM App for Coal Quality Monitoring. UTTAM stands for – Unlocking Transparency by Third Party Assessment of Mined Coal (uttam.coalindia.in). The Ministry of Coal and Coal India Limited (CIL) developed UTTAM,aims to provide an App for all citizens and coal consumers to monitor the process of Third Party Sampling of coal across CIL subsidiaries.

UTTAM App ensures accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency in coal ecosystem. It provides a platform for monitoring of sampling and coal dispatches. The App is designed with an aim to make the citizens a stakeholder in the coal ecosystem. UTTAM is an example of leveraging technology to facilitate a bidirectional channel between Coal India Limited and a common citizen. It ensures transparency and efficiency in the coal quality monitoring process and brings coal governance closer to people.

Specific benefits of the UTTAM App would be

(i) For Subsidiary structure : The information about subsidiary wise declared GCV will help citizens and coal consumers to compare and assess the coal quality coming from a particular mine. It will provide a proper mapping of declared grade of coal dispatch to the consumers.

(ii) For Coal consumer portal – The portal would give detailed information for coal consumers regarding the Third Party Sampling parameters. The App will give access for monitoring coal quality to individual coal consumers.

The salient features of UTTAM APP are:

Sampling Coverage – The App provides coverage of Third Party Sampling which includes information on production, dispatch and quantity sampled of coal.

Subsidiary wise quality parameters – An interactive map based view provides holistic coverage of coal quality across subsidiaries, along with subsidiary details on quality parameters (Declared Gross Calorific Value [GCV], Analysed GCV) and coverage parameters (Locations, Quantity sampled).

Declared Vs Analysed GCV – With CIL’s aim of having minimum variation between declared and analysed GCV of coal, an accurate representation of the same is incorporated in the App.

Complaints pertaining to quality of Coal – Complaints are reflection of coal quality and transparency in the coal ecosystem. The App reflects the trend of complaints, which validates CIL’s efforts for quality improvement through Third Party Sampling.

With the reduction in imports and gap minimizing between analysed and declared grade, the reduction of complaints have been observed.

Sampled volume – The App presents the latest quantity sampled in the power and non-power sector, bringing transparency in the coal quality assessment system.

Imports of coal – The amount of coal imported is a clear reflection of the quality of coal that is produced within the country. The trend of coal imports over the last years is presented in the App.

At the Workshop organised today by Ministry of Coal a study commissioned to assess the future demand scenarios for coal sector and to formulate a ‘Coal Vision 2030’ on detailing future evolution and identifying key actions were also discussed.

29. Schemes for welfare of Women and Children

Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) implements several schemes supporting for the welfare of the women and children including SC/ST and minority of different age groups.

SwadharGreh Scheme

MWCD implements SwadharGreh Scheme which targets the women victims of unfortunate circumstances who are in need of institutional support for rehabilitation so that they could lead their life with dignity. The Scheme envisages providing shelter, food, clothing and health as well as economic and social security for the women victims of difficult circumstances which includes widows, destitute women and aged women. The total women benefitted under SwadharGreh scheme during 2016-17 is 16,530 and during 2017-18 is 17,291.

Ujjawala Scheme

Ujjawala Scheme is being implemented for Prevention of trafficking and for Rescue, Rehabilitation, Re-integration and Repatriation of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. The number of beneficiaries under the scheme in the year 2017-18 and 2016-17 each is 6,175.





‘Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) Scheme’

The Ministry is administering ‘Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) Scheme’ to provide skills that give employability to women and to provide competencies and skill that enable women to become self-employed/entrepreneurs. The Scheme is intended to benefit women who are in the age group of 16 years and above across the country.

National Nutrition Mission (NNM)

Government of India has approved for setting up of National Nutrition Mission (NNM) on 30.11.2017, which aims to achieve improvement in nutritional status of Children, pregnant women and lactating mothers and reduce anemia among children and women. It strives to reduce the level of stunting, under-nutrition, anemia and low birth weight babies. It will create synergy, ensure better monitoring, issue alerts for timely action, and encourage States/UTs to perform, guide and supervise the line Ministries and the States/ UTs to achieve the targeted goals.

Scheme for Adolescent Girls

The Government on 16.11.2017 approved continuation of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls for out of school adolescent girls of age 11-14 years for a period of one year i.e. up to 30.11.2018. The scheme aims at providing supplementary nutrition containing 600 calories, 18-20 grams of protein and micronutrients per beneficiary per day for 300 days in a year, motivating out of school girls to go back to formal schooling or skill training under non-nutrition component of the scheme. The cost norms for nutrition have also been revised from existing rates of Rs.5.00 per beneficiary per day to Rs.9.5 per beneficiary per day. Government has also approved phased expansion and universalisation of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls i.e. in additional 303 districts in 2017-18 and the remaining districts in 2018-19 with the simultaneous phasing out of Kishori Shakti Yojana. The scheme has been extended to all the districts of the country w.e.f. 01.04.2018.

Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS)

Further, under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), 1,82,68,917 pregnant women and lactating mothers got benefit during the year 2016-17 and 1,63,10,379 during the year 2017-18 (as on 31.12.2017). Also, the number of Children (6 Months-6 years of age) including girl child who got benefit under ICDS Scheme during the year 2017-18 (as on 31.12.2017) is 6,81,38,809.

One Stop Centre (OSC)

One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme is being implemented by the Ministry to support women affected by violence w.e.f. 1st April, 2015, which aims to facilitate access to an integrated range of services including medical aid, police assistance, legal aid/case management, psychosocial counseling and temporary support services. At present, 170 OSCs are functional in various districts in 32 States. 97,961 cases have been registered as on 07.02.2018.

Universalisation of Women Helpline

The Ministry also implements the scheme of Universalisation of Women Helpline through States/UTs Government since 1st April, 2015 to provide 24-hour emergency and non-emergency response to women affected by violence. Women Help lines are functional in 28 States. As on date, a total of 12,14,763 complaints have been addressed from the Women Help lines.


30. Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh website

Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DADF) Shri Tarun Shridhar inaugurated the website of Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh namely www.pashuchikitsakmahasangh.in and dedicated it to Veterinarians of the country in New Delhi today. Shri Tarun Shridhar asked the Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh to develop it as an effective platform for sharing of knowledge and developing a database. The Secretary stated this while addressing a seminar on 'Role of Veterinarians in doubling farmer’s income' organized by Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh.

DATE (11th -APRIL-2018)

31. Cabinet approves MoU between India and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland on the return of Illegal Migrants

The MoU will facilitate that the Visa Free Agreement for holders of Diplomatic passports as well as liberalization of UK Visa Regime for those who are travelling to the UK legally, after conclusion of the MoU.





It will ensure the return of persons who have no lawful basis to be in the territory of the other Party after verification of nationality to its satisfaction.

It will help in streamlining the procedure of return of nationals who are caught to be staying illegally, belonging to the other party in a specified time-frame.

32. Cabinet approves Exploration and Exploitation of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) from areas under Coal Mining Lease allotted to Coal India Limited (CIL) and its Subsidiaries

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today gave its approval for issuing a notification amending clause 3(xiii) of the notification dated 03.11.2015 issued by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural gas under Section 12 of the Oil Fields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 (ORD Act, 1948).

The decision is in line with the Government’s initiatives of ‘Ease of Doing Business’. It will expedite the exploration and exploitation of CBM, enhance the availability of natural gas and reduce the gap in demand and supply of natural gas. The increased development activities for exploration and exploitation of CBM gas reserves in-and-around the block will generate economic activities which in turn has potential to create employment opportunities in CBM operations and in the industries.


33. PSLV-C41 successfully launches IRNSS-1I navigation satellite

In its forty third flights, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C41 successfully launched the 1,425 kg IRNSS-1I Navigation Satellite today from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.

PSLV-C41 lifted off at 0404 hrs (4:04 am) IST, as planned, from the First Launch Pad. After a flight lasting about 19 minutes, the vehicle achieved a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit with a perigee (nearest point to earth) of 281.5 km and an apogee (farthest point to earth) of 20,730 km inclined at an angle of 19.2 degree to the equator following which IRNSS-1I separated from PSLV.

After separation, the solar panels of IRNSS-1I were deployed automatically. ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan, Karnataka took over the control of the satellite. In the coming days, orbit maneuvers will be performed from MCF to position the satellite at 55 deg East longitude in the planned Geosynchronous Orbit with an inclination of 29 deg to the equator.

IRNSS-1I is the latest member of the ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)’ system. NavIC, also known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1,500 km around the Indian mainland.

A number of ground facilities responsible for IRNSS satellite ranging and monitoring, generation and transmission of navigation parameters, satellite control, network timing, etc., have been established in many locations across the country as part of NavIC.

Till now, PSLV has successfully launched 52 Indian satellites and 237 customer satellites from abroad.

34. DEFEXPO 2018 The first event of Defence Expo 2018 on 11 April 2018 at Tiruvidanthal, Kanchhepuram District, inaugurated by Honorable

Raksha Mantri, was attended by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff.

On 11 April 2018, Chief of the Army Staff attended the Ninth International Conference on Aerospace and Defence and later attended another seminar on ‘Designing Solutions to Battlefield Necessities: The Warrior Speak’. Chief of the Army Staff during his address in the later Seminar appreciated the academic institutions of India as they have always been engaged in some of the most promising research activities that could result in revolutionary changes in availability of indigenous technologies. He further appreciated the efforts of Indian defense manufacturers, academia, industry and scientific community for joining hands in the effort to realize the dream of Make in India.


35. Environment Ministry notifies Plastic Waste Management (amendment) rules The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018.

The amended Rules lay down that the phasing out of Multilayered Plastic (MLP) is now applicable to MLP, which are “non-recyclable, or non-energy recoverable, or with no alternate use.”

The amended Rules also prescribe a central registration system for the registration of the producer/importer/brand owner. The Rules also lay down that any mechanism for the registration should be automated and should take into account ease of doing business for producers, recyclers and manufacturers. The centralized registration system will be evolved by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the registration of the producer/importer/brand owner. While a national registry has been prescribed for producers with presence in more than two states, a state-level registration has been prescribed for smaller producers/brand owners operating within one or two states.





In addition, Rule 15 of the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018 on “explicit pricing of carry bags” has been omitted.

Based on several representations received from various stakeholders, MoEF&CC had constituted a committee on issues/challenges faced with regard to the implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The committee deliberated on several issues related to the Rules and its implementation by various stakeholders and submitted its recommendations to the Ministry.


36. Cities Eligible for upto 7-star rating under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)---- 1st Regional Workshop on star rating of Garbage- Free Cities Inaugurated.

The 1st regional workshop on star rating of garbage- free cities, organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) was inaugurated by Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament in the presence of Sh. Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, MoHUA. Sh Naresh Kumar, Chairman, NDMC & Sh. V K Jindal, National Mission Director - SBM(Urban) were also present at the event. Addressing the gathering, Ms Lekhi said that a coordinated approach with decentralized solutions should be put in place for tackling the huge generation of Municipal waste in the cities. Emphasizing on the importance of public participation in making cities garbage free, she also propounded for enforcing penalties for violators of hygiene and cleanliness principles.

STAR RATING OF GARBAGE FREE CITIES -Parameters of star rating system

It is a single metric rating system, based on 12 parameters:

Door-to- Door Collection

Segregation at source

Sweeping of public, commercial and residential areas (no visible eyesores on streets)

Waste Storage Bins, Litter Bins and material recovery facility

Bulk Waste Generators compliance

Scientific Waste Processing, Scientific Landfilling and C&D Waste Management

User Fees, Penalties, Spot Fines for littering and Enforcement of Ban on Plastic

Citizen grievance redressal and feedback system

Eradication of crude dumping of garbage and dump remediation

Cleaning of storm drains and surface of water bodies

Waste Reduction

Visible beautification in the city.

Key Features of 7-star rating-Designed on a SMART approach:

SINGLE METRIC - Rating criteria encapsulates all components of MSWM as well as plastic waste, waste in drains and water bodies

MEASURABLE - Criteria under each star rating has measurable parameters (e.g.% of HHs covered by D2D collection, % of waste processed, etc.)

ACHIEVABLE - Each criteria and associated parameter has been devised to ensure that it is realistically achievable by cities.

RIGOROUS VERIFICATION - Robust 2-step verification mechanism of both self-declaration and third party verification. Cities rated 1, 2 and 4-star must carry out self-assessment and self-verification, while 3-star, 5-star and 7-star cities will need to be certified through an independent third party. Moreover, a city should be ODF before going for 3-star and above certification.

TARGETED TOWARDS OUTCOMES – Based on verifiable outcomes rather than inputs and processes (e.g. remediation of dumpsites, regular sweeping, collection of user charges, etc.)

Strengths of star rating protocol

Outcome-based tool rather than process based hence will enable institutionalization of good practices such as source segregation, scientific waste processing, penalties & spot fines for littering, and compliance of bulk waste generators, etc.

Designed to enable cities to gradually evolve into a model (7-star) city, with progressive improvements in their overall cleanliness.

At the 7-star level, 3R components of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) incorporated.





DATE (21st -APR-2018)

37. Dhvani se ŚabdaurChinh Exhibition inaugurated at NGMA, Mumbai

Curated by Adwaita Gadanayak and his team, the exhibition speaks to us about southern sensibilities and singular identities that were forged through scholarly adaptations, multiple skills and experiments that were seeking to juxtapose the notions of the modern with the traditional. It identifies artists who practiced in Southern states as well as artists who were born there or had family trees and moved up North to become the greatest practitioners and pedagogues. We are looking at a period that just followed the Partition wherein an idea of tradition was in its genesis - as it oscillated between symbolic fantasy (Madras group) and the knowledge of truths that were generated by pure practice. The czar of the Madras Movement, K.C.S. Paniker – believed that an artist had to foreground tradition and cultural art forms and interpret these within contemporary sensibilities, leading to defining the regional modern particularly in Madras.

Hence, Paniker's regional modern was firmly fixed in the wedge between the visibility and identity of the southern artists nationally, and developing a visual language born of an Indian ethos - the vitality of the Indian spirit.

Historians have noted that the modernity which was established in Madras in the '60s integrated and blended pioneering visions of certain artist-teachers at the Madras School of Arts and Crafts.

The culling also includes Malayali veterans like K. G. Subramanyan, the cultural theorist, the philosopher, the art mandarin who taught seven decades of students as well as A. Ramachandran the scholar, the author, the art historian and the guru who taught a love for the immediate environment to his students.

“I want [my art] to flourish (so to say) in a ‘cloud of unknowing’,” K.G. Subramanyan explained in an interview, when asked about the process of his work. “For a centipede like me to start counting my legs is suicidal,” he elaborated in that distinctly witty yet acerbic manner of his, “It will freeze me into inaction.” The phrase, “cloud of unknowing”, is the ideal frame through which to look at Southern sensibilities and imagery.

It instantly conjures up that drifting restlessness which typically characterizes the traffic between the earthy and the ethereal in many of these works. Then again, it is the artist’s self-description as an unselfconscious centipede that, more than anything helps one to make sense of the profusion of paintings spread across these galleries at the NGMA. There is indeed an arduous degree of introspection and reflection about Southern sensibility and creativity — as if some artists indulged in a Dionysian ritual that revealed, quite naturally and effortlessly in an endless proliferation of images that cut across time and space to create corollaries in multiple contexts and complexities.

A look at the monumental work by Velu Viswanadhan signifies the truth that abstraction must be born out of the symbolism of a deeper experience - the incandescent flavor of the red hues and the geometry that creates succinct planes tells us that this is a nether journey built on rumination and realization and not superficial reflections of strokes and colour.

While the visual arts in the South charted trajectories that engaged with diverse media, techniques, materials, and concepts allowing articulation of creative expression also from within the social and cultural milieu, the Indian accent born of everyday idioms was also creating pathways. Between sculptures, paintings and prints we see an offering of possibilities mirroring the symbolic, the sacred and the secular.

Sculptures and paintings picked out from the NGMA Archives is an exercise that moves beyond the realms of exploration and intellectual thirst. In a large number of works that were created within and around the Deccan plateau regions and beyond the Western and Eastern Ghats this group of works is one that defines the many art practices that were born out of European influences and moved beyond to embrace and find deep rooted meaning in Indian sequel histories and narratives that explored native elements over time.

DATE (22nd -APR-2018)

38. Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018 gets promulgated

Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018 has come into force as the President of India has given his assent to the Union Cabinet’s decision to promulgate the said Ordinance. Earlier, the Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on 21st April, 2018, had decided to approve the proposal of the Ministry of Finance to promulgate the Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018.

The need for the Ordinance has arisen as there have been instances of economic offenders fleeing the jurisdiction of Indian courts, anticipating the commencement, or during the pendency, of criminal proceedings. The absence of such offenders from Indian courts has several deleterious consequences - first, it hampers investigation in criminal cases; second, it wastes precious time of courts of law, third, it undermines the rule of law in India. The existing civil and criminal provisions in law are not entirely adequate to deal





with the severity of the problem. In view of the above context, a Budget announcement was made by the Government in the Budget 2017-18 that the Government was considering to introduce legislative changes or even a new law to confiscate the assets of such absconders till they submit to the jurisdiction of the appropriate legal forum. Pursuant to the above announcement, the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok-Sabha on the 12th March, 2018. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 was listed for consideration and passing in Lok-Sabha on many occasions after its introduction. The Lok-Sabha has since been adjourned sine die and both the Houses of Parliament were prorogued on 6thApril, 2018.

The Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018, inter alia provides for–

making an application before the Special Court for a declaration that an individual is a fugitive economic offender;

attachment of the property of a fugitive economic offender and proceeds of crime;

issue of a notice by the Special Court to the individual alleged to be a fugitive economic offender;

confiscation of the property of an individual declared as a fugitive economic offender or even the proceeds of crime;

disentitlement of the fugitive economic offender from defending any civil claim; and

Appointment of an Administrator to manage and dispose of the confiscated property under the Act.

Major impact: It is expected that a special forum to be created for expeditious confiscation of the proceeds of crime, in India or abroad, would coerce the fugitive to return to India to submit to the jurisdiction of Courts in India to face the law in respect of scheduled offences.

Since the proposed law would utilize the existing infrastructure of the Special Courts constituted under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 and the threshold of scheduled offence is high at Rs. 100 crores or more, no additional expenditure is expected on the enactment of the Bill.

No. of beneficiaries: The Bill is expected to re-establish the Rule Of Law with respect to the Fugitive Economic Offenders as they would be forced to return to India to face trial for scheduled offences. This would also help the banks and other financial institutions to achieve higher recovery from financial defaults committed by such fugitive economic offenders, improving the financial health of such institutions.

States/districts covered: The new law would cover all the States and Districts.

DATE (23rd -APR-2018)

39. Rashtriya Gramin Swaraj Abhiyan

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Mandla in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow, 24th April on the National Panchayati Raj Day. He will launch the Rashtriya Gramin Swaraj Abhiyan, at a public meeting, and address Panchayati Raj representatives across the country, from Mandla.

The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan will strengthen the Panchayati Raj system across the country and address critical gaps that constrain its success. RGSA seeks to:

Enhance capacities and effectiveness of Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas;

Enable democratic decision-making and accountability in Panchayats and promote people's participation;

Strengthen the institutional structure for knowledge creation and capacity building of Panchayats;

Promote devolution of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats according to the spirit of the Constitution and PESA Act;

Strengthen Gram Sabhas to function effectively as the basic forum of peoples participation, transparency and accountability within the Panchayat system;

Create and strengthen democratic local self-government in areas where Panchayats do not exist;

Strengthen the constitutionally mandated framework on which Panchayats are founded.

40. Dakota DC-3: Homebound to India

A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly in to the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force. A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. It was one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time. To honour the first Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on 27 Oct 47, during the Kashmir conflict, the IAF has allocated the aircraft with a registration number. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in military with the RAF and was also operated by various civil airlines.

The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 and was restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the IAF. Subsequently, the IAF signed a contract with M/s Refight Air works Ltd





London for upgrading its navigational systems. The CAS ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar on 13 Feb 18.

After successfully completing all test flights, after its restoration, the aircraft commenced its journey from the UK on 17 Apr 18. It is being flown to India by a joint team crew of the IAF and M/s Refight Air works Ltd. The ferry to India by making en-route halts at France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, will be completed on 25 Apr 18 at Jamnagar.

To honour the old war horse in its new residence, the induction ceremony of Dakota VP-905 is scheduled on 04 May 18 at Air Force Station Hindan. The ceremony will include the representatives from the OEM, dignitaries from the High Commission of the UK and the proud veterans of the IAF who have operated this magnificent flying machine.

An aircraft of this generation being flown to India from across the World after its restoration is an unprecedented event in the history of the IAF and joins our vintage flight which was raised in Palam in 1988. The Present day heritage aircraft in Vintage Flight are Howard and Tiger moth with plans afoot to add a wider variety of military aircraft which forms a part of our rich ancestry.



iasbee pib date (24 -mar-2018) 1. …iasbee.com/pib april.pdf · exchanges at the level of...

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