Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

1/19

KIIWPIB Jul 1 to Jul 7

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

2/19

KIIW

Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com

Content

Health Insurance Scheme for BPL Families 1

Health Minister: Aggressive, pro-active monitoring on dengue, malaria prevention 1

Dr Harsh Vardhan to states: "Let's share notes on disease spread, strategise" 1

M. Venkaiah Naidu calls for paradigm shift in urban planning and management 1

Urges states to be pro-active to ensure Housing for All Emphasizes transparency 1

and accountability in urban planning and management Two day Centre-States/UT 2

meet gets on 'Urban Governance and Housing for All' gets underway 2

Union, State and Union Territory governments adopt 'National Declaration on Urba 2

Governance and Housing for All' Resolve to provide Housing for All by 2022 and t 2

urban reforms M.Venkaiah Naidu asserts that performance only the criteria for al 2

of funds Two day meet on urban governance and housing concludes 2

M.Venkaiah Naidu suggests 25-point charter for urban planning and management 3

Says lack of housing is a basic deprivation and hence Housing for All initiative 3

of Urban Development ministers of centre and states/UTs to adopt National Declar 3

on Housing For All and Urban Governance Shri Naidu rules out any discrimination 3

allocation of funds to states/UTs 3

Performance of Tourism Sector during June 2014 3

Some State Governments Undertake Development of Airports at Their Own Expense 3

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

3/19

KIIW


Content

Shri Kalraj Mishra interacts with MSME Associations 4

NABARD and SFAC Ink Deal for Development of Small Farm Producers 5

Centre Asks States to Chalk Out Plan to Check Price Rise States Ministers Confer 5

on Price Control Measures Inaugurated 5

PM dedicates to the nation 240 MW Uri-II hydropower project PM: Government commi 5

to dispel darkness from India 5

Steps Taken to Ensure Adequate Availability of Coal Supply to Power Plants 6

Dr. Jitendra Singh Interacts with Ministry of Earth Sciences Officials Says Pan 6

Monsoon Forecast Unwarranted 6

RIMPAC 14 6

State Food Ministers Conference calls for amendment in Essential Commodities Act 7

stringent action against hoarders Common National Market for select essential co 7

and Price Stabilization Fund for Market intervention proposed 7

Inclusion of onion and potato under the purview of stock holding limits under th 7

Commodities Act, 1955 7

13th National Meeting of the State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities t 8

Implementation of the Persons with Disabilit ies Act, 1995 8

Union Urban Development, HUPA and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri M. Venkaia 8

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

4/19

KIIW


Content

Naidu's address at the conclave of Ministers of Urban Development from states an 8

in New Delhi today. 8

Law Commission of India Submits its Report on Setting Up New Courts in the Count 9

9

12th Plan scheme for modernization and strengthening of intellectual property of 10

India Becomes the First Country to Ratify the Marrakesh Treaty Marrakesh Treaty 10

Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaire 10

Otherwise Print Disabled 10

THREE NEW VACCINES INCLUDING INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED ROTAVIRUS 10

VACCINE TO BE PROVIDED TO ALL INDIAN CHILDREN Fourth vaccine for adults 10

to protect against Japanese Encephalitis to be introduced in high-priority distr 11

Government will now ensure that the benefits of vaccination reach all sections o 11

regardless of social and economic status 11

Seventh Round of Ministerial Level India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EF 11

to be Held Tomorrow; Focus of Discussions on Macroeconomic Risks and Policy Resp 11

Infrastructure Financing and Trade and Investment Relations Between the Two Coun 11

Discussions on Financial Services and Regulations Among Others 11

IMG to Examine Potential of GAGAN in Non-Aviation Sectors 12

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

5/19

KIIW


Content

Shri Prakash Javadekar approves the proposal on Bor Sanctuary to be notified as 12

reserve to strengthen Tiger Conservation Bor wildlife sanctuary to become 47th 12

Reserve in the Country 12

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the presentation of n 12

awards, Shilp Guru awards and Sant Kabir awards to artisans and weavers for 2011 12

Agriculture Minister Inaugurates Eco-Friendly Sewage Water Treatment Plant of IA 13

Prime Minister Dedicates URI-II Power Station (240 Mw) To The Nation 13

Shri Piyush Goyal Holds Discussion with Stakeholders in Wind Sector 14

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

6/19

KIIW

Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com Page 1

Health Insurance Scheme for BPL Families Mon, Jul 7, 2014health insurance, social, PIB, health,

the 'Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana' (RSBY) was launched on 1st October, 2007 to

provide smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs. 30,000/- per annum to

BPL families (a unit of five) in the unorganized sector. The scheme became operational

from 01.04.2008. The premium is shared between Centre and State Government in the

ratio of 75:25. In case of States of North East region and Jammu & Kashmir, the premium

is shared in the ratio of 90:10. The definition of BPL is the one prescribed by the Planning

Commission. The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) is currently active in 26 States

and Union Territories covering 3, 85, 15,411 families. State/UT wise status of implementation

is at Annexure-I. During the course of implementation, apart from BPL families, RSBY

coverage has been extended to various other categories of unorganised workers viz. Building

& Other Construction Workers, licensed Railway porters, Street Vendors, MGNREGA

workers (who have worked for more than fifteen days during preceding financial year),

Beedi workers, Domestic workers, Sanitation Workers, Mine Workers, Rickshaw pullers,Rag pickers and Auto/Taxi drivers.

Health Minister: Aggressive, pro-active monitoring on dengue, malaria prevention advised

Dr Harsh Vardhan to states: "Let's share notes on disease spread, strategise" Wed, Jul 2, 2014malaria, social, PIB, health,

Compared to 353 cases of malaria in 2013, Delhi has already reported 11 by June 30. Uttar

Pradesh had 48,346 and 6,473 respectively for 2013 and up to June-end this year. Dengue

has already claimed nine victims in Delhi, 89 in Rajasthan and 3 in Haryana. However,

there have been no cases of death from the diseases so far this year. Dr Harsh Vardhansaid he was keen to integrate into a strategy the success stories of states like Tamil Nadu

and Karnataka where the incidence of vector-borne diseases has registered dramatic fall

thanks to concentrated action and community involvement. Dr Deepak Upreti, Rajasthan's

principal secretary (Health) told the meeting that apart from allopathic intervention, lessons

should be taken from the Ayurveda where herbs and grasses prove highly effective. Dr

Harsh Vardhan said he acknowledged the supremacy of Ayurveda and assured that the

Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy would be instructed to involve

the synergies already available.

M. Venkaiah Naidu calls for paradigm shift in urban planning and managementUrges states to be pro-active to ensure Housing for All Emphasizes transparency

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

7/19

KIIW


and accountability in urban planning and management Two day Centre-States/UTs

meet gets on 'Urban Governance and Housing for All' gets underway Wed, Jul 2, 2014urban, housing for all, PIB, economics, Urban Poverty Alleviation,

radical shift in approaches to urban planning, development and management to effectively

meet the growing challenges of urbanization being driven by LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation

and Globalisation). Shri Naidu suggested a 'preventive' approach to address the issues

of illegal constructions and encroachments through strict enforcement of transparency

and accountability on the part of all concerned. To bridge the rural-urban divide, he suggested

efficient 'regional urban planning' using appropriate technologies like GIS. The Minister

stressed the need for ensuring effective public transportation in urban areas besides drinking

water, solid waste management, sanitation, conservation of nature and energy. government

is committed to ensure housing for all by the year 2022, the 75th Year of the country's

independence and to achieve this, 'Team India' approach is required with the states/union

territories playing a pro-active role.

Union, State and Union Territory governments adopt 'National Declaration on Urban

Governance and Housing for All' Resolve to provide Housing for All by 2022 and to promote

urban reforms M.Venkaiah Naidu asserts that performance only the criteria for allocation

of funds Two day meet on urban governance and housing concludes Thu, Jul 3, 2014Urban Governance and housing, PIB, economics,

The Union, State and Union Territory governments today unanimously agreed to work

together to provide housing for all by the year 2022 To this effect, Ministers of Urban

Development and Housing of the Union, States and Union Territories have unanimously

adopted a three page 'National Declaration on Urban Governance and Housing For All'after a daylong deliberations on related issues. The Declaration recognizes 'housing as

a part of the dignity and indicator of quality of life of the individual' and housing and

construction industry supports more than 250 ancillary industries and contributes 9% to

the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. Acknowledging the Union Government's

aspiration to provide housing for all by the 75the Year of Independence of the country

in 2022, the Declaration lays special emphasis on housing for Economically Weaker Sections

(EWS) and Low Income Groups (LIG) and other vulnerable sections such as slum dwellers,

SCs/STs, BCs, senior citizens, differently abled persons, widows etc. They will also make

efforts to encourage EWS/LIG housing by examining the possibility of liberal FAR/FSI,

Ground Coverage along with Transferable Development Rights and examine the conceptof deemed building permissions. They will also make efforts to implement single window

scheme for approval of lay-out and building permissions. Special focus will be laid on

skill development to eliminate urban poverty.

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

8/19

KIIW


M.Venkaiah Naidu suggests 25-point charter for urban planning and management

Says lack of housing is a basic deprivation and hence Housing for All initiative Conclave

of Urban Development ministers of centre and states/UTs to adopt National Declaration

on Housing For All and Urban Governance Shri Naidu rules out any discrimination inallocation of funds to states/UTs Thu, Jul 3, 2014Urban Planning, housing for all, Urban Poverty, PIB, economics,

a 25-point charter for urban planning and management to ensure planned urbanisation,

assured amenities and decent urban life. Shri Naidu noted that "housing is a basic indicator

of well being of our people and particularly, the poor. Lack of own house, in my view

is the basic deprivation and this has to be met in right earnest and hence, the central government's

initiative of providing housing for all by 2022". These include -making towns and cities

slum free, exploiting economic potential of cities with respect to tourism, health, education,

business etc, inclusive zoning providing for old age homes, orphanages, night shelters

etc, provision of efficient infrastructure, efficient energy use, clean and green cities, zero

landfill waste, solid waste management, promoting cycling through dedicated cycling

tracks, capacity building of municipalities, enacting for guaranteed services etc. The Minister

noted that the government would soon firm up the way forward on development of 100

'Smart Cities'. He said that there is considerable interest in this scheme from different

developed countries.

Performance of Tourism Sector during June 2014 Mon, Jul 7, 2014PIB, tourism, economics,

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): FTAs during the Month of June 2014 was 4.92 lakh

as compared to FTAs of 4.51 lakh during the month of June 2013 and 4.33 lakh in June

2012. There has been a growth of 9.0% in June 2014 over June 2013 as compared to a

growth of 4.1% registered in June 2013 over June 2012. FTAs during the period January-June

2014 were 35.43 lakh with a growth of 5.2% , as compared to the FTAs of 33.68 lakh with

a growth of 4.5% during January-June 2013 over the corresponding period of 2012.

Some State Governments Undertake Development of Airports at Their Own ExpenseMon, Jul 7, 2014airports, PIB, economics,

Considering the phenomenal growth in aviation sector and the interests shown by variousState Governments for development of more airports, Government of India has introduced

a policy for approval of Greenfield airports in 2008. In accordance with this policy, a Steering

Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Civil Aviation has been constituted to

coordinate and monitor various clearances required for the Greenfield airport projects

in a time bound manner. Applications for setting up of Greenfield airport are received

from time to time, which are considered by the Steering Committee/competent authority

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

9/19

KIIW


for grant of `in principle' approval, after they have completed necessary formalities of

obtaining pre-feasibility study report, site clearance, clearances from regulatory agencies

etc.

Shri Kalraj Mishra interacts with MSME Associations Thu, Jul 3, 2014msme, PIB, economics,

The Minister said that India is the pioneer in enacting specific legislation for the MSME

Sector in the form of MSMED Act 2006 which has addressed issues which have been

haunting the sector for long, like that of public procurement and delayed payments. its

partner in the growth process through a procedure of registration. MSME Associations

raised various issues like fluctuation in raw material prices, need for procurement Policy

at the State level, uniform tax structure, insistence of banks for collaterals the problem

of delayed payments, inflation, skill development, lack of awareness about the cluster

development initiatives, setting up of a Vendor development cell, unwillingness of CPSUs

to take supply from new MSMEs, tax incentives for MSME sector, simple registration

of MSME Units, Land cost and availability, rehabilitation of sick enterprises and need

for exit policies. Starting from grass root village Industries, the products from the sector

spans to auto components, micro-processors, electronic components and electro-medical

devices. MSMEs have shown constant growth rate of over 10% in recent years much ahead

of the large-scale corporate sector. This sector contributes 8 per cent of the country's GDP,

45 per cent of the manufactured output and 40 per cent of its exports. The MSMEs provide

employment to over 80 million persons through over 36 million enterprises producing

over six thousand products. Government of India has notified Public Procurement Policy

for Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) order, 2012 which is applicable for Every Central

Ministry / Department / PSU w.e.f. 1st April, 2012. he Policy mandates that every Central

Ministry / Department / Public Sector Undertaking shall set an Annual goal of procurement

from Micro and Small Enterprises from the financial year 2012-13 and onwards, with the

objective of achieving an overall procurement of minimum of 20 percent of total annual

purchases of products produced and services rendered by Micro and Small Enterprises

in a period of three years. Policy has also earmarked a sub- target of 4% out of the 20%,

from MSEs owned by SC/ ST Enterprises. Ministry is conducting Skill Development

Programmes for the entire value chain of manufacturing, starting from village industries

to state of the art manufacturing, in sectors like engineering, auto component etc. The 18

Tool Rooms and technology development centres under the Ministry are providing both

long and short term training to more than 1 lakh youth at present, in tool making, computeraided manufacturing and other advanced technologies, to cater the needs of the important

sectors like auto components, electronics, pharma etc. My Ministry is also the one among

the pioneers to organise entrepreneurship programmes to inculcate entrepreneurial qualities

in the Indian Youth. On an average, Ministry is adding 6 lakh skilled manpower to the

work force every year. Availability of adequate Credit is always a major issue for growth

and sustenance of the MSME Sector. In this regard my Ministry has taken significant initiatives

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

10/19

KIIW


including Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small enterprises, Micro Finance

Programme and Portfolio Risk Fund etc. The objective of Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme

is that of making available credit to Micro and Small Enterprises for loans up to Rs. 100

lakh without collateral/ third party guarantees.

NABARD and SFAC Ink Deal for Development of Small Farm Producers Fri, Jul 4, 2014PIB, NABARD, agriculture, economics,

NABARD will proactively leverage the benefits of the equity grant and credit guarantee

fund for FPOs set up by SFAC to ensure that finance for producer company flows smoothly.

NABARD would actively collaborate with the SFAC at national, state and district level

by participating in the Food Security Mission. NABARD informed that it has a fund of

Rs.50 crore for supporting producer organisations.

Centre Asks States to Chalk Out Plan to Check Price Rise States Ministers Conferenceon Price Control Measures Inaugurated Fri, Jul 4, 2014PIB, agriculture, economics, inflation,

Inspite of record production of agricultural commodities, increase in prices of food items

is matter of concern. It shows there is hoarding at some level. We have to take all steps

to ensure availability of these commodities at reasonable prices. action is required by

the States against those indulging in illegal hoarding and black marketing. Setting up of

fast track courts for handling cases of hoarding and black marketing should be considered.

While improving agricultural productivity is crucial for increasing the overall availability

of essential food items, removal of any restrictions on their free movement to the final

consumer are equally important for checking any undue speculative activities leading to

hike in prices. The implementation of the National Food Security Act which covers 75

per cent of the rural and 50 per cent of the urban poor for receiving highly subsidised food

grains may also be one of the anti inflationary initiatives. He requested the States to implement

the Act at the earliest. There is need to improve supply chains and storage facilities for

smooth supply of perishable commodities such fruits and vegetables. He asserted that there

is urgent need for market integration, improved market infrastructure and better market

information.

PM dedicates to the nation 240 MW Uri-II hydropower project PM: Government committed

to dispel darkness from India Fri, Jul 4, 2014PIB, hydropower project, power, economics,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated to the nation the 240 MW Uri-II hydropower

project built by NHPC at a cost of Rs. 2290 crore in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing

people at the project site, Shri Modi said his Government is committed to dispel darkness

from the country. He said this project was conceived during the Government of Shri Atal

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

11/19

KIIW


Bihari Vajpayee, and we have fulfilled that vision. He said the country has hydropower

potential of 1.5 lakh MW, but we have not been able to harness much of it so far. Today,

when global warming is an issue that affects all mankind, we will place maximum emphasis

on renewable energy sources. Our objective is to tap maximum hydropower potential,

the Prime Minister added. He said power is an essential requirement for development andeconomic growth. The entire economy of Jammu and Kashmir will gain momentum from

hydropower projects, he said. Giving the example of Bhutan, he said the economy of that

country was now being built around hydropower.

Steps Taken to Ensure Adequate Availability of Coal Supply to Power Plants Mon, Jul 7, 2014coal availability, PIB, economics,

In order to ensure adequate availability of coal, Coal India Limited (CIL) has been impressed

upon to enhance production of domestic coal in the country and power utilities have also

been advised to enhance import of coal. During the year 2014-15, as against domestic

coal requirement of 527 MiIlion Tonnes (MT), availability of domestic coal is 473 MT,

leaving a shortfall of 54 MT. Supply of coal to Power Utility Sector from Coal India Limited

(CIL) sources during April-June, 2014 has been 88.66 MT as against the Annual Action

Plan (AAP) Target of 101.61 MT with a materialization of 87%. In order to meet this shortfall,

Power Utilities were advised to import coal. During the period April-May, 2014 power

utilities have imported 7.6 MT against pro-rata target of 9.0 MT, the Minister added.

Dr. Jitendra Singh Interacts with Ministry of Earth Sciences Officials Says Panic over

Monsoon Forecast Unwarranted Wed, Jul 2, 2014

monsoon, PIB, science & tech,

,it was unambiguously stated that Long Period Average (LPA) of Western monsoon was

overall countrywide expected to be about 93 % of the normal with near normal in North-east

and below normal in North-west. The MInister further elaborated that the effect of monsoon

on crops etc is a multi-factorial effect determined not only by its quantitative aspect but

also by its distribution and several other factors.Therefore, there is no rationale in sounding

alarmist on the issue,he added.

RIMPAC 14 Tue, Jul 1, 2014defense, RIMPAC, PIB, Naval,

Sahyadri, an indigenously built guided missile stealth Frigate arrived RIMPAC (Rim of

Pacific). INS Sahyadri's participation in RIMPAC-14 will serve to reinforce naval ties

with USA and other participating countries, as well as contribute immensely towards enhancing

interoperability with friendly navies.

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

12/19

KIIW


State Food Ministers Conference calls for amendment in Essential Commodities Act for

stringent action against hoarders Common National Market for select essential commodities

and Price Stabilization Fund for Market intervention proposed Fri, Jul 4, 2014

hoarding, PIB, Essential Commodities Act, economics,

prices of perishable commodities do increase between July and November, stated that

it is important to take action to prevent hoarding and black marketing as well as to strengthen

the supply and distribution of essential commodities during this period. The conference

noted that: 1. Due to structural constraints on the supply side, seasonal variations

and the pattern of demand, the period between July-December each year typically constitutes

the critical period for the availability of essential commodities of common consumption

including vegetables(Onion, tomatoes & Potatoes), Cereals (rice, jowar and bajra), Pulses

(masur, tuar and moong dal) and edible oils. 2. The pattern of price movement indicates

that prices of these commodities start increasing from July reaching a peak in December

before they start moderating with the arrival of Kharif/late Kharif produce in the markets.

This period also coincides with rise in demand owing to important festivals such as Id-Ul-Fitr,

Durga Pooja, Dusshera, Onam, Deepavali, Muhrram and Christmas. Perishable commodities

in particular are price sensitive owing to their limited shelf life. 3. The intermediaries

in the market - the mandi merchants, wholesale traders and APMC yards - play a disproportionately

important role in controlling the availability of the commodities and during the ensuing

six months the risks, as in the past, of hoarding, cartelization and artificial storages are

likely. 4. It is, therefore, critical that an Action Plan for maintaining adequate supplies

of select essential commodities at reasonable prices is drawn up by each State and monitored

closely with the help of Government of India to ensure that market interventions are made

on a real-time basis. 5. It was recognized that there is a need to establish a Common

National Market. An efficient supply chain management with scientific storage godowns

especially for onion and potatoes at strategic locations may be able to address this inflationary

trend.

Inclusion of onion and potato under the purview of stock holding limits under the Essential

Commodities Act, 1955 Wed, Jul 2, 2014PIB, Essential Commodities Act, economics,

The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 was enacted to ensure the easy availability of essential

commodities to consumers and to protect them from exploitation by unscrupulous traders.The Act provides for the regulation and control of production, distribution and pricing

of commodities, which are declared as essential for maintaining or increasing supplies

or for securing their equitable distribution and availability at fair prices. Exercising powers

under the Act, various Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government and State Governments/

Territory administrations have issued Control Orders for regulating production, distribution,

price and other aspects in relation to the commodities declared as essential.

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

13/19

KIIW


13th National Meeting of the State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities to Review

Implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 Sat, Jul 5, 2014Disabilities Act, social, PIB,

the proportion of persons with disabilities belonging to Scheduled Castes at 2.45% was

higher than the overall proportion of 2.1% of the total population. He asked the State Commissione

to pay particular attention to the people with disabilities living in the rural and remote

areas and the vulnerable disadvantaged group. concerned about persons with severe disabilities

living on the margin and observed that a huge proportion (43.15%) of persons with disabilities

is yet to be issued disability certificates. He set a target of covering 70% eligible persons

to be given disability certificate within six months and 100% within one year. He highlighted

the need for implementation of the provisions in the Act to allot land on preferential basis

at concessional rates to persons with disabilities for house, setting up of a business, factories

etc and said that this is important for their all round economic empowerment. The Minister

emphasized on ensuring barrier free access to public places for persons with disabilities

in a time bound manner. He observed that despite a range of positive legal provisions,

appropriate arrangements for education of children with disabilities was not in place across

the country.

Union Urban Development, HUPA and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri M. Venkaiah

Naidu's address at the conclave of Ministers of Urban Development from states and UTs

in New Delhi today. Thu, Jul 3, 2014housing for all, HUPA, PIB, economics, affordable housing,

Thirty three percent of our citizens are already residing in urban areas. 18% of Urban

Population lives in slum, in some major cities it is close to 31%. a) We must make cities

planned hubs for economic growth. b) Unplanned "Quasi Towns" are often peri-cities.

c) Still, almost 30% of urban households do not have tapped water. Dependence on tube/borewell

has increased not desirable. d) 22.5% Urban Households do not have Bathroom. e) Only

44.5% Urban HHs have closed drainage. f) 18.6 % of the Urban households do not have

latrine facility within premises. (i) GIS based Regional Urban Planning. Prepare/ Review

Master Plan for all cities/ LPAs. Satellite imagery based mapping for each cities. (ii) Efficient

infrastructure development Roads, flyover and effective Urban Public Transport (iii) Solid

Waste Management. (iv) Aim at ZERO land fill for waste - Save precious land and environment.

(v) Waste to Wealth. Conversion of green waste to Manure, construction waste to bricksand sand. (vi) Clean and Green Cities (vii) Efficient use of Energy including Solar Energy.

(viii) Recycling of water for optimum utilisation. Rainwater harvesting (ix) People's

participation in managing Public spaces, utilities. (x) Accountability of Govt. Officials.

Encroachment/Illegal construction to be checked in beginning itself. Hold concerned office

responsible. (xi) Transparency- Signboards having project information to be displayed.

(xii) Enlist & Protect Natural Resources: Water Bodies, Boulevards, Hillocks, Marshy/

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

14/19

KIIW


Grassland. (xiii) Enable & Facilitate the city to exploit its economic potential! * Nature

city. (xiv) Inclusive zoning (Old age homes, orphanages, working women's hostels, night

shelters etc.). (xv) Dedicated cycling Tracks. (xvi) Metro Railways have induced spread

of economic activities. TOD Policies can generate resources for City Infra projects: E.g.

Surat Ring Road. (xvii) Capacity building of Municipalities. (xviii) Transit Corridors(Metro/ Mono Rail, BRTS, Ring Road) attract economic activities. (xix) Tap land-based

financing sources along Transport Corridors. For Example. Conversion charges, betterment

charges, Periodic revision of property guidance value, esp. Along Transit corridors, impact

fees, development charges. (xx) Prepare city-wide inventory of land assets (xxi) Put in

place a transparent and accountable mechanism for monetisation of public land with attention

to the poor. (xxii) Transit Oriented Development Policy, Parking Policy and Advertisement

Policy: For Planned development of cities, while yielding revenues too. (xxiii) Bring People's

Service Guarantee Act on the lines of Madhya Pradesh government. People will pay taxes

happily. (xxiv) City wide street vendors survey for identification and develop city street

vending plans by providing infrastructure. (xxv) Slum Free City Plan of Action (SFCPA)

is the need of the hour.

Law Commission of India Submits its Report on Setting Up New Courts in the Country

Mon, Jul 7, 2014Law Commission, PIB, polity,

Some of the highlights of the conclusions and recommendations are as below:- i) Recruitment

of new judges should focus, as a matter of priority, on the number of judges required to

breakeven and to dispose of the backlog, in a 3 year time frame; ii) Age of retirement of

Subordinate judges be raised to 62. iii) Special morning and evening Courts be set up

for dealing with Traffic/ Police Challan cases which constitute 38.7% of the institutions

and 37.4% of all pending cases in the last three years before the Subordinate Judicial Services.

iv) Recent law graduates may be appointed for short durations, e.g. 3 years, to preside

over these special traffic Courts. v) Adequate provisions be made for staff and infrastructure

required for the working of additional Courts. vi) High Courts be directed to evolve uniform

data collection and data management methods in order to ensure transparency and to facilitate

data based policy prescriptions for the judicial system. vii) Creation of additional Courts

is one amongst various measures required to ensure timely justice and facilitate access

to justice. The Commission recognizes that apart from increasing judge strength, many

other measures have to be undertaken for reducing delays, including the application of

good judicial management practices such as putting into place timeliness and performancebenchmarks.

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

15/19

KIIW


12th Plan scheme for modernization and strengthening of intellectual property officesWed, Jul 2, 2014IP, PIB, economics, Intellectual property,

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of the Planscheme to modernise and strength Intellectual Property (IP) offices during the 12th Plan

period. It will also address the growing international commitments due to the operationalisation

of the Madrid Protocol and status of International Search Authority (ISA) / International

Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA).

India Becomes the First Country to Ratify the Marrakesh Treaty Marrakesh Treaty to

Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or

Otherwise Print Disabled Wed, Jul 2, 2014social, Marrakesh treaty, PIB, blindness, disability,

India becomes the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published

works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled on 30th

June, 2014. So far, 79 WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) member states

have signed this Treaty. The Marrakesh treaty will come into force once twenty countries

ratify this treaty. The main goal of Marrakesh Treaty is to create a set of mandatory limitations

and exceptions for the benefit of the blind, visually impaired and otherwise print disabled

(VIPs). It addresses the "book famine" by requiring its contracting parties to adopt national

law provisions that permit the reproduction, distribution and making available of published

works in accessible formats - such as Braille - to VIPs and to permit exchange of these

works across borders by organizations that serve those beneficiaries. Once the Marrakesh

Treaty comes into force, it will facilitate access to published works for the millions of

blind, visually impaired and otherwise print disabled persons in India. It would go a long

way in establishing equal rights and opportunities for education and employment for them.

The Treaty will facilitate import of accessible format copies from the member states by

the Indian authorized entities such as educational institutions, libraries and other such institutions

working for the benefit of visually impaired persons. This will also facilitate translation

of imported accessible format copies and export of accessible format copies in Indian languages.

The Indian Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2012 is in harmony with the Marrakesh Treaty.

THREE NEW VACCINES INCLUDING INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED ROTAVIRUS

VACCINE TO BE PROVIDED TO ALL INDIAN CHILDREN Fourth vaccine for adults

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

16/19

KIIW


to protect against Japanese Encephalitis to be introduced in high-priority districtsPM:

Government will now ensure that the benefits of vaccination reach all sections of the society,

regardless of social and economic status Thu, Jul 3, 2014vaccines, PIB, science & tech, ROTAVIRUS, Encephalitis,

four new vaccines as part of India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Vaccines

against rotavirus, rubella and polio (injectable) will collectively expedite India's progress

on meeting the Millennium Development Goal 4 targets to reduce child mortality by two-thirds

by the year 2015 and meet global polio eradication targets. In addition, an adult vaccine

against Japanese encephalitis will be introduced in districts with high levels of the disease.

The Prime Minister said "The introduction of four new lifesaving vaccines, will play a

key role in reducing the childhood and infant mortality and morbidity in the country. Many

of these vaccines are already available through private practitioners to those who can afford

them. Diarrhea caused by rotavirus kills nearly 80 thousand children each year, results

in up to 10 lakh hospitalizations, pushing many Indian families below the poverty line.

It also imposes an economic burden of over 300 crore rupees each year to the country.India has developed and licensed its first indigenous rotavirus vaccine, developed under

a public-private partnership by the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Health and

Family Welfare. India will introduce this vaccine in a phased manner. The Universal Immunizatio

Programme is also introducing an adult vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in 179

endemic districts in 9 states. Reaffirming its commitment to the global goal of a polio

free world, India is set to introduce Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV), together with 125 countries

in a globally synchronized manner. India has been certified polio free in March 2014, and

the introduction of IPV in addition to the oral polio vaccine (OPV) will provide long lasting

protection to the population against the virus.

Seventh Round of Ministerial Level India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD)

to be Held Tomorrow; Focus of Discussions on Macroeconomic Risks and Policy Responses,

Infrastructure Financing and Trade and Investment Relations Between the Two Countries;

Discussions on Financial Services and Regulations Among Others Mon, Jul 7, 2014PIB, economic and financial dialogue, UK, economics,

The discussions during EFD will focus among others on Macroeconomic Risks and Policy

Responses. Besides it, both the delegation will also hold discussions on Infrastructure

Financing and Trade and Investment relations between the two countries. Another major

issue on the agenda of EFD includes discussions on Financial Services and Regulationsamong others. 6th Ministerial level EFD was held on 16th May, 2013 in London which

covered discussions on topics such as Macroeconomic Risks and Policy Responses, Trade

and Investment Issues, Infrastructure Financing and Financial Services and Regulations.

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

17/19

KIIW


IMG to Examine Potential of GAGAN in Non-Aviation Sectors Mon, Jul 7, 2014aviation, defense, mains, PIB, gagan,

The Group will examine the potential of sector-specific utilisation of GAGAN systemfor its use in non-aviation sectors and develop appropriate work programmes using GAGAN

signals that can benefit diversified users. GAGAN is a prestigious satellite based augmentation

system of India, jointly developed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Indian Space

Research Organisation (ISRO) at an estimated cost of Rs.774 crores for enhanced Air Navigation

Services across the country. GAGAN offers free enhanced satellite navigation signals

over India which is ten times more precise than GPS. It can offer civilian users integrity,

i.e. a measure of trust which can be placed in the correctness of the information supplied

by the system, with the user being automatically alerted whenever an error made by the

system is beyond a certain confidence limit. Integrity plays an important role in the safety

of life applications in transport, sensitive commercial applications and liability-critical

applications needing legal recourse.

Shri Prakash Javadekar approves the proposal on Bor Sanctuary to be notified as Tiger

reserve to strengthen Tiger Conservation Bor wildlife sanctuary to become 47th Tiger

Reserve in the Country Tue, Jul 1, 2014New Bor Extended Wildlife Sanctuary, environment, PIB,

Bor Sanctuary to be notified as Tiger reserve to strengthen Tiger Conservation Bor wildlife

sanctuary to become 47th Tiger Reserve in the Country the New Bor Extended Wildlife

Sanctuary as a core/critical tiger habitat of a tiger reserve (13812.14 ha. or 138.1214 sq.km.).

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the presentation of national

awards, Shilp Guru awards and Sant Kabir awards to artisans and weavers for 2011Tue, Jul 1, 2014social, handicrafts sector, PIB, Sant Kabir Awards,

Shilp Guru awards and Sant Kabir awards to artisans and weavers for 2011 Each geographic

region - and sub-region even - has its individual style and tradition - that stems from the

ancient life-rhythms of its society. Women are a large part of the work force in the weaving

sector and, women constitute over 50% of the artisans' sector. A considerable percentage

of weavers and artisans belong to the Scheduled Castes and Tribes and religious minorities.

Between 2010 and the present, it is seen that despite the overall slowdown in the Indianeconomy there was a growth of 34% in exports from the handlooms sector and 126 %

in the exports from the handicrafts sector. disadvantaged by its inadequate access to credit,

dependence on middlemen, inadequate availability of raw material, out-dated technology

and limited access to markets. The products in this sector remain vulnerable to competition

from cheaper imports and machine made substitutes. These factors need to be addressed

urgently, systematically and comprehensively and we must give more attention to development

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

18/19

KIIW


of capacity, skills, designs and infrastructure. measures to ensure its sustainability including

well-conceived initiatives, national-level programmes and supportive legislations.

Agriculture Minister Inaugurates Eco-Friendly Sewage Water Treatment Plant of IARIWed, Jul 2, 2014

cash from trash, sewage treatment, PIB, science & tech,

The facility is spread over 1.42 hectares and is capable of treating 2.2 million liters of sewage

per day from the Krishi Kunj Colony, at a cost of approx. Rs 1.2 crore and with a potential

to irrigate 330 acres of IARI farmland. The eco-friendly sewage treatment plant (e-STP)

has 3-treatment cells (of 80 meter by 40 meter dimension each) and ensures complete gravity

flow of the wastewater from the sewage wells to the treated water containing cell of the

system. The noteworthy feature of this facility is that the environmental stress is 33 times

lesser than that of a conventional sewage treatment plant (STP) and output i.e. treated water

is associated with significantly lower turbidity, BOD, Nitrate, Phosphate, Lead, Iron, Nickel

and Sulphate. Compared to the conventional wastewater treatment systems, the IARI's

wastewater treatment technology requires just 1% energy; zero-chemical application; zero-sludge

generation; 50-65% reduced treatment cost and no skilled manpower requirement. To top

it all, it has an integrated business model by utilizing system biomass harvested from wetland,

which can be transformed to particle board thereby making the complete model self-sustainable.

It is, therefore, aptly called "Cash from Trash" business model.

Prime Minister Dedicates URI-II Power Station (240 Mw) To The Nation Sat, Jul 5, 2014Uri II Power Station, hydro power, PIB, economics,

the Nation the 240 MW URI-II Power Station of NHPC located in Baramulla district of

Jammu and Kashmir. the project is one step closer to fulfilling the commitment by the

government to light the nation. He said power generation is vital for the economic development

of the society. Speaking on the occasion, he stressed on environment friendly development

in the era of global warming He also said that Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with hydro

power potential of about 14000 MW which needs to be harnessed. URI-II Power Station

is a 240 MW run of the river scheme on the Jhelum River, located near Salamabad village

of Uri Tehsil in Baramulla District (J&K) built at a cost of around Rs. 2300 crore. The

salient features of the project include a concrete Gravity Dam of 43.7 m height and 157

m length NHPC is today a premier organization in the country in the field of development

of hydroelectric projects. A total installed capacity of 6507 MW is under operation, which

includes 2 projects with a total installed capacity of 1520 MW in Joint Venture. Thereare 4 projects (3290 MW) under construction. The technical capabilities of NHPC in executing

hydroelectric projects are unmatched in the country.

8/9/2019 Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07

19/19

KIIW

Shri Piyush Goyal Holds Discussion with Stakeholders in Wind Sector Tue, Jul 1, 2014National Clean Energy Fund, environment, PIB, rec mechanism,

The industry emphasized that Accelerated Depreciation (AD) benefit is not a loss to governmentrather it is a deferment of income tax. It was requested that government should increase

funding for Generation Based Incentive (GBI) In order to increase the corpus under National

Clean Energy Fund (NCEF), the Cess on coal may be increased fromRs.50 to Rs.100 per

tonne. It was suggested that there should be long term sustainable regulatory framework

so that bigger projects could be planned. Requirement of enforcement of Renewable Purchase

Obligation (RPO) was emphasized by the industry. This will create market for REC mechanism.

It was mentioned by the developers that wind sector has not yet reached to a stage to go

for competitive bidding and, therefore, the route of Feed-in-tariff (FIT) should continue.

Documents

Gk Jul 01 to Jul 07