SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY OCTOBER 19, 2018 UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS www.shanmugamiasacademy.in www.iasipstnpsc.in Email : shun_ias@yahoo.com
1)LPG SET TO MAKE KERALA THE FIRST SMOKE-FREE STATE Kerala is now set to become the first smoke-free State in the country with public sector oil companies eyeing 100% LPG penetration here. Key facts: LPG is being supplied beyond commercial considerations with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana initiated by the Ministry of Petroleum. With three bottling plants at Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kollam, LPG is being brought to 49.79 lakh customers through 308 distributors. Background: Kerala is one of the States with the highest penetration of LPG, which is transforming lifestyles. The target has almost been achieved in most villages, towns and cities in the Kerala. LPG consumption was 933.3 TMT (thousand tonnes) in the Kerala in 2017-18. It is estimated that one crore tonnes of emissions, from poisonous gases like firewood cooking, have been contained and 25 lakh trees have been saved. 1 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections to poor households. Who is eligible? Under the scheme, an adult woman member of a below poverty line family identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) is given a deposit-free LPG connection with financial assistance of Rs 1,600 per connection by the Centre. Identification of households: Eligible households will be identified in consultation with state governments and Union territories. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Some of the objectives of the scheme are: Empowering women and protecting their health. Reducing the serious health hazards associated with cooking based on fossil fuel. Reducing the number of deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel. Preventing young children from significant number of acute respiratory illnesses caused due to indoor air pollution by burning the fossil fuel. What makes LPG adoption necessary? A large section of Indians, especially women and girls, are exposed to severe household air pollution (HAP) from the use of solid fuels such as biomass, dung cakes and coal for cooking. A report from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare places HAP as the second leading risk factor contributing to India s disease burden. According to the World Health Organization, solid fuel use is responsible for about 13% of all mortality and morbidity in India (measured as Disability-Adjusted Life Years), and causes about 40% of all pulmonary disorders, nearly 30% of cataract incidences, and over 20% each of ischemic heart disease, lung cancer and lower respiratory infection. 2 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
Significance of the project: PMUY has been a revolutionary initiative that has transformed the lives of more than 3.57 crore households spanning across the length and breadth of the country. The initiative is in line with Governments aim to eradicate energy poverty, thereby promoting economic empowerment. Way ahead: The PMUY is a bold and much-needed initiative, but it should be recognised that this is just a first step. The real test of the PMUY and its successor programmes will be in how they translate the provision of connections to sustained use of LPG or other clean fuels such as electricity or biogas. Truly smokeless kitchens can be realized only if the government follows up with measures that go beyond connections to actual usage of LPG. This may require concerted efforts cutting across Ministries beyond petroleum and natural gas and including those of health, rural development and women and child welfare. 2)12TH ASIA-EUROPE MEETING (ASEM) IS BEING HELD IN BRUSSELS 3 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is being held in Brussels. Theme: Global Partners for Global Challenges. ASEM: The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an informal process of dialogue and cooperation bringing together the 28 European Union member states, 2 other European countries, and the European Union with 21 Asian countries and the ASEAN Secretariat. The ASEM dialogue addresses political, economic and cultural issues, with the objective of strengthening the relationship between the two regions, in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership. It was officially established on 1 March 1996 at the first summit in Bangkok, Thailand. The ASEM Summit is a biennial meeting between the Heads of State and Government, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 4 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
3)CSIR HAS DEVELOPED AN AFFORDABLE WATER DISINFECTION SYSTEM ONEERTM CSIR has developed an affordable Water Disinfection System OneerTM. The device will go a long way in meeting the requirements of potable water in rural and urban areas. About OneerTM : Use: It is useful for continuous treatment of water and eliminates all disease causing pathogens such as virus, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and cyst to provide safe drinking water to domestic and communities settings as per National and International standards prescribed for potable water (BIS, WHO etc.). Significance: According to the World Health Organization, access to safe drinkingwater is essential to health, a basic human right and a component of effective policy for health protection. 5 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
However, currently, a large proportion of India s rural community is consuming water that does not meet the WHO drinking water quality standards. And infection through drinking water results in an increase in morbidity and mortality particularly amongst children. Oneer developed by CSIR-IITR, will provide access to safe and clean drinking water at a cost of just 2 Paise / Ltr. The Community level model is of 450 LPH capacity which can be scaled up to 5000 to 1 lakh L/day; and is also maintenance and membrane free. The technology will be helpful especially for rural people since it can be solar powered. 4)GALAXY PROTO-SUPERCLUSTER HYPERION A team of scientists at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) have cited the most massive structure in the early universe known to date. The galaxy protosupercluster found has been named Hyperion. 6 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
The galaxy has been found using new measurements made by the visible multiobject spectrograph of ESO s Very Large Telescope and pouring over vast arrays of archive data. Key facts: Hyperion s unimaginably enormous mass is estimated to be a million billion times that of our own Sun (which is approximately 1,048 Jupiters, or 333,000 Earths). Hyperion is an adolescent in astronomy terms. Its distance from earth means astronomers are viewing it as it was created just over 2 billion years after the Big Bang, which gave rise to the universe about 13.8 billion years ago. The Milky Way galaxy, which hosts our Solar System, is about 13.6 billion years old. Understanding Hyperion and how it compares to similar recent structures can give insights into how the universe developed in the past and will evolve into the future, and allows us the opportunity to challenge some models of supercluster formation. Unearthing this cosmic titan helps uncover the history of these large-scale structures. Significance: This is the first time that such a large structure has been identified at such a high redshift, just over two billion years after the Big Bang. Normally, these kinds of structures are known at lower redshifts, which means when the universe has had much more time to evolve and construct such huge things. About visible multi-object spectrograph: The VIMOS, an instrument that measures objects at a distance of billions of light years away, in practice allows experts to see what the early universe was like in the distant cosmic past. The spectrograph is hosted by the Chile-based Very Large Telescope. 7 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
About VLT: The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope facility operated by the European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT consists of four individual telescopes, each with a primary mirror 8.2 m across, which are generally used separately but can be used together to achieve very high angular resolution. The four separate optical telescopes are known as Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, which are all words for astronomical objects in the Mapuche language. The VLT operates at visible and infrared wavelengths. Each individual telescope can detect objects roughly four billion times fainter than can be detected with the naked eye, and when all the telescopes are combined, the facility can achieve an angular resolution of about 0.001 arc-second. This is equivalent to roughly 2 meters resolution at the distance of the Moon. The VLT is the most productive ground-based facility for astronomy, with only the Hubble Space Telescope generating more scientific papers among facilities operating at visible wavelengths. 5)BIHAR S SHAHI LITCHI GETS GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION TAG Shahi Litchi from Bihar has received Geographical Indication (GI) tag from Chennai based Geographical Indication Registry and Intellectual Property India. The GI registration was done in name of Muzaffarpurbased Litchi Growers Association of Bihar, which had applied for the tag. Shahi Litchi which famous for its sweet, juicy, unique avour and aroma is mostly grown in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas of East Champaran, Vaishali, Samastipur and Begusarai districts of state. Bihar produces 40% of the litchis grown in India on 38% of the area. 8 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
Significance The GI tag for Shahi Litchi will improve demand for fruit and reduce fear of fake and poor quality litchis. It will also help and benet thousands of litchi growers who will gain access to more markets and get better price for their produce in the country and abroad. Shahi Litchi is fourth agricultural product from Bihar after Katrani rice, Jardalu mango and Magahi paan (betel vine), to get GI tag. In addition to four GI tags in agricultural field, some art form from Bihar such as Madhubani painting, applique Khatwa patch work, Sikki grass work, Sujini embroidery work and Bhagalpur silk have also been accorded GI tag under handicraft category. Geographical Indication (GI) GI tag is name or sign used on certain products which correspond to specific geographical location or origin. It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods having special quality and established reputation. The goods and products having tag are recognised for their origin, quality and reputation and gives it required edge in global market. It also ensures that none can use their name, giving them exclusivity. The registration of GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed. Violation of GI tags is punishable offence under law. The purpose of GI tag enables stakeholders to authenticate their production while earning a premium and derive an improved livelihood. GI is covered as element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property. At international level, GI is governed by WTO s Agreement on Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). In India, GI tag Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999 governs it. 9 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
This Act is administered by Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications and is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 6)DHARMA GUARDIAN: FIRST INDIA, JAPAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE TO BE HELD IN MIZORAM The first joint military exercise named Dharma Guardian between India and Japan will be held at the Army s Counter Insurgency Warfare School at Vairengte (Mizoram) from November 1 to 14, 2018. The exercise is aimed at developing mutual understanding and respect between militaries of both countries, as also facilitate in tracking worldwide phenomenon of terrorism. Dharma Guardian In this exercise, Indian Army will be represented by 6/1 Gorkha Ries, while Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force will field its 32 Infantry Regiment. The emphasis of this exercise will be on building interoperability. Armies of both countries will jointly train, plan and execute series of welldeveloped tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario. Moreover, experts from both sides will also hold detailed discussions to share their expertise on varied operational aspects. Comment In recent times, India and Japan have been steadily stepping up their bilateral defence ties, with more military exchanges, training programmes and top-level visits as well as collaboration in maritime security and defence production, with eye rmly on an aggressive and expansionist China. Exercise Dharma Guardian will be another step to deepen bilateral strategic ties. Such exercise will be 10 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
effective diplomatic tool to enhance overall strategic ties and military-to-military cooperation between both friendly countries. 7)RURAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY CONDUCTS A GAP ANALYSIS OF MORE THAN 3.5 LAKH VILLAGES Kuligod in Karnataka s Belagavi district is the country s best developed village. More than a third of the gram panchayats ranked in the top 10 are in Andhra Pradesh, according to the findings of an ongoing Rural Development Ministry survey. 11 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
There are 97 panchayats in the top 10 ranks. Of these, 37 panchayats are in Andhra Pradesh while 24 are in Tamil Nadu. Villages from other States are represented only in single digits. Of the States going to the polls next month, Telengana and Madhya Pradesh have five and four panchayats in the top 10 ranks respectively. Connect to the survey The Rural Development Ministry has done a gap analysis of more than 3.5 lakh villages, in more than 1.6 lakh panchayats under the Mission Antyodaya convergence scheme. A team of officials surveyed and scored village level facilities and amenities using parameters related to infrastructure, economic development and livelihood, irrigation facilities, health, nutrition and sanitation, women s empowerment, and financial inclusion. The exercise is expected to cover all of the country s 2.5 lakh panchayats by the end of November. At the national level, the data shows progress in some areas and also spotlights discrepancies in respect of targets met under some other government schemes. Regarding electricity and sanitation The survey reveals that more than 95% of villages have electricity available for domestic use, while the government had earlier this year claimed that 100% of villages had power connections. Similarly with regard to sanitation, the survey shows only 58% of villages slightly more than 2 lakh of the 3.5 lakh surveyed villages are open defecation free (ODF). According to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan-Gramin, 5.13 lakh of India s 6 lakh villages are already ODF. The survey also shows only 21% of villages having a community waste disposal system. About a quarter of all villages have more than 75% of households using clean energy, such as LPG or biogas. 12 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
8)INDIA, CHINA SET TO RESUME DRILL CHENGDU(CHINA) TO HOST EVENT IN DECEMBER India and China will resume the annual joint Army exercise Hand-in- Hand in December in China s Chengdu region The drill was cancelled last year due to tense relations in the aftermath of the Doklam standoff. The Exercise Planning Conference is scheduled to be held from November 1-3 at Chengdu in China to work out the modalities of the exercise Following the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, the two countries have initiated several measures to normalise relations. Connect to the exercise About 175 personnel from each side will take part. The Indian side would be represented by troops from the 11 Sikh Light regiment under the Northern Command. The scope of the exercise is to understand transnational terrorism and evolve joint drills for the conduct of counter terrorism operations, in addition to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. In three phases The exercise will be held in three phases familiarisation, basic training and the joint exercise. Separately, the Army has for the first time organised a forward area tour to Leh on October 16 and 17 for interested foreign service attaches posted in India. 13 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
9)INDIA S HIGHEST TRICOLOUR UNFURLED IN MUMBAI BY MUKHTAR NAQVI On October 17, 2018, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi unfurled India s highest tricolor flag at the majestic Haj House in Mumbai. The flag is 20 30 feet in dimensions and stands 350 feet above the ground. It is atop a 20-metre high mast on top of the iconic building near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai. This makes it the highest tricolour installed on the terrace of any building of such height in the country. This flag has been manufactured by Flag Company. The minister also inaugurated a special viewers gallery atop the Haj House to overlook the gems of Mumbai. He also announced the schedule of Haj 2019 which will be 100 per cent subsidy free. Further he announced the upcoming app designed for the online application process for Haj. Maharashtra: Capital: Mumbai. Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis. Governor: C. Vidyasagar Rao. National Parks: Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve, Chandoli National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Navegaon National Park. 14 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
10)FULPATI, THE SEVENTH DAY OF 10-DAY LONG DASHAIN FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN NEPAL On October 16, 2018, Nepal celebrated the festival of Fulpati. In Nepalese, Phool means flower and Pati means leaves and plants. It is observed on the seventh day of Dashain festival. The tradition in Nepal is to bring nine types of Fulpati into the home on the seventh day of Navaratri. More than 21 lakh people have left Kathmandu valley to celebrate Dashain at their native places with family, relatives and friends. The main function was held at Basantpur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, where Fulpati was brought to Dashainghar from Jamal in a traditional procession with Vedic rituals. A special parade was also held at Army Pavilion in Kathmandu. President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, senior army and government officers attended the programme. Background: Dashain is the biggest festival of Nepal. Nepal: Capital:Kathmandu. Currency: Nepalese rupee. 15 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran
11) 50% RESERVATION FOR WOMEN TO CHAIRPERSONS FOR PANCHAYAT SAMITI, ZILA PARISHAD: PUNJAB On October 18, 2018, the Punjab Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, approved extension of the enhanced 50 per cent reservation for women the office of the chairperson of panchayat samitis and zila parishads. Earlier,the reservation for women in these bodies are 33%. The government has amended: The Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 and The Punjab Reservation for Office of Sarpanches and Gram Panchayats and Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishad Rules, 1994. Along with this, reservation in subsequent elections will start from the first non-reserved constituency in this roster in the order Scheduled Caste- Scheduled Caste Women-Women. Punjab: Chief Minister: Amarinder Singh. Governor: V.P Singh Badnore. National Parks: Abohar WLS, Bir Aishvan WLS, Bir Bunerheri WLS, Bir Bhadson WLS, Bir Dosanjh WLS, Bir Gurdialpura WLS, Bir Mehaswala WLS, Bir Motibagh WLS, Harike Lake WLS, Jhajjar Bacholi WLS, Kathlaur Kushlian WLS, Takhni-Rehampur WLS, Nangal WLS 16 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1, Gokhale St, Opp Senthil Kumaran