Current affairs for UPSC IAS 2020 Exam| UPSCCONNECT 8851330108

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CURRENT
AFFAIRS
2019-2020

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 Narendra modi sworn in as prime minister for 2nd term
 Government forms new ‘jal shakti’ ministry
 High powered committee for ‘transformation of agriculture’ constituted
 Consumer affairs ministry launches ‘consumer app’ for registering grievances
 Mhariyali app launched
 2021 census through mobile application
 J&k’s chenani-nashri tunnel to be renamed after sp mukherjee
 National highway in punjab named after guru nanak dev
 National health profile 2019 released
 Ayodhya verdict
 Health ministry launches ‘saans’ campaign
 Special winter grade fuel launched for ladakh region
 Santhali used in rajya sabha for the first time
 Icmr guidelines on gene therapy
 Firsts of census 2021: cereals eaten, transgender run houses
 Goi signs “historic accord”, bodo agreement
 Portal santusht launched: to implement policies of labour ministry at grass root level
 Supreme court directs states to set up gram nyayalayas
 Lithium reserves found in india
 India shifts towards clean diesel and petrol from april 1
 Cabinet approves setting up of national medical commission replacing mci
 Companies (amendment) bill, 2019
 Unlawful activities (prevention) amendment bill, 2019
 Parliament passes transgender persons (protection of rights) bill, 2019
 Constitution (126th amendment) bill, 2019 introduced in lok sabha
 Andhra pradesh cabinet clears disha bill
 Union cabinet approves changes introduced in surrogacy (regulation) bill
 Goi sets up consumer protection authority to implement consumer protection act
 22nd law commission of india
 Vivad se vishwas bill, 2020
 The medical termination of pregnancy (amendment) bill
 Good governance index
 One nation, one ration card
 Amendment to the rti act
 Free legal aid in india
 Removal of article 370 and 35a
 National population register
 Ncrb report 2019

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 Citizenship amendment act
 Political parties registration tracking management system (pprtms)
 Register of indigenous inhabitants of nagaland
 Article 370 scrapped
 Fast tack courts in india
 Section 144 of code of criminal procedure
 Bru-reang agreement
 Scientific social responsibility
 National data and analytics platform (ndap)
 National informatics centre
 National cyber crime reporting portal
 Nest
 Tulu in viii schedule
 Report on black money
 Prevention of money laundering act (pmla)
 Critical information infrastructure security in india
 Chief of defence staff (cds)

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 Us withdraws india’s gsp benefits
 Iaea confirms iran breached enriched uranium stockpile limit
 Amlekhgunj oil pipeline ready for commercial operation
 India-nepal logistics summit organized in kathmandu
 Kajin sara lake set to be world’s highest lake
 India signs un convention on international settlement agreements
 India, nepal launch kathmandu-siliguri bus service
 Howdy modi event held in houston, texas
 Gandhi peace garden inaugurated at un hq in new york
 First india-caribbean summit – 2019
 Kristalina georgieva appointed as new imf chief
 Un financial crisis
 India bangladesh old rail links of 1965 prewar to be reopened
 Wfp launches campaign ‘feed our future’ against hunger and malnutrition in india
 Who launches first biosimilars medicine to treat breast cancer?
 Who: international health emergency declared over corona virus
 “operation vanilla” by indian navy for disaster relief at madagascar
 Us president donald trump visits india: signs defence deals
 Mamallapuram summit - india and china
 Inauguration of kartarpur corridor
 Killing of general qassem soleimani of iran

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 Vision document (2019-2021) for e-payment system: released by rbi
 Government to launch e-commerce marketing platform: bharatcraft portal
 Preventive vigilance portal: by pnb
 India withdraws from rcep
 World’s first cng port terminal to be built in gujarat
 Finance minister: rs 25,000 crore fund for stuck housing projects
 7th economic census: first time digital; to be complete by 2020
 Rbi launches mani application for visually challenged
 Union budget 2020
 Code on wages bill
 India’s first overseas sovereign bonds
 What is the rationale?
 What is the need for caution?
 Sovereign gold bonds scheme
 Buyback tax
 Defence industrial corridor
 Link between jobs, farming and climate
 Alternative investment fund
 Tax buoyancy and tax devolution
 Sebi’s new rule on default
 Ibc amendments
 Ebkray
 Rohtang tunnel
 Gem samvaad
 National broadband mission
 Nirvik scheme
 Bharat bond exchange traded fund
 Exchange traded fund
 Decline in npas
 Base erosion and profit shifting
 Solar manufacturing in india
 Micro, small and medium enterprises
 50 years of bank nationalization
 Banning of unregulated deposit schemes act, 2019
 corporate bond market
 Government e-marketplace
 Multidimensional poverty index (mpi)
 Jalan committee report

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 Bank merger
 Development bank
 Slowdown in indian economy
 Social stock exchange
 Consumer protection act 2019
 Pradhan mantri kisan mandhan yojana (pm-kmy)
 Reforms in mgnrega
 Multi-modal terminal
 Leads index
 Saral index
 Nobel prize in economics
 Report of the 15th finance commission for fy 2020-21

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 Tamil nadu’s state butterfly
 Meghalaya becomes 1st state to ensure water conservation
 12 indian beaches in race to top blue flag challengescaly-foot snail: 1st ever species
endangered due to deep sea mining
 26 million year old species of vine snake found in western ghats
 Two new species of freshwater fish found
 Five new fish species discovered in arunachal pradesh
 7 new species of water treaders belonging to genus mesovelia discovered
 Rare tarantula sighted for first time: peacock parachute spider
 India to restore 50 lakh hectare of degraded land by 2030: environment minister
 14th unccd cop inaugurated at greater noida
 50 kilowatt”gandhi solar park” inaugurated by pm at un headquarters
 India, bhutan, nepal: trans border conservation park
 Manas national park
 Unep’s colombo declaration to tackle global nitrogen challenges
 Tiny beetle named after climate activist greta thunberg: nelloptodes gretae
 Swachh- nirmal tat abhiyaan
 Birds’ death in sambhar lake
 Earth’s most uninhabitable place
 World’s oldest rhino’ dies in tanzania
 India state of forest report, 2019: key findings
 Vertical farming: a silent revolution in agriculture
 10 more wet lands declared ramsar sites: maharashtra gets its first ramsar site
 Gm cotton
 Forest landscape restoration (flr)
 Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project
 Jal shakti abhiyan
 Rhino conservation
 Decline in population of great indian bustard
 Interlinking of rivers
 Ocean energy
 Gogabeel
 Bioremediation and biomining
 India’s first e-waste clinic
 The emissions gap report
 Olive ridley turtles
 Ocean deoxygenation
 Climate change performance index -2020

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 Jal jeevan mission
 Green economy
 10 new ramsar sites in india
 Urban lakes
 Compensatory afforestation: green credit scheme
 Corporate average fuel efficiency norms – vehicular pollution
 Hoolock gibbon
 Radio-collaring asiatic lions
 Olive ridley
 Olive ridley research centre
 Black softshell turtle
 Asiatic golden cat
 Circadian rhythm
 Nutrient based subsidy
 Cop 18 of the cites
 Cites
 Deforestation in amazon forests
 Pm-kusum scheme
 Green bonus‟ demand of himalayan states
 Bamboonomics
 Zero-budget farming
 Acute encephalitis syndrome
 Health index 2019 - niti aayog
 Nipah virus case in kerala
 Asia’s oldest bamboo
 Ganges river dolphin census
 Anthrax
 Mosaic expedition
 Microbial fuel cells
 Definition of land as forest
 Electric vehicles guidelines
 Smallest annual ozone hole
 New zealand’s zero carbon act
 Bushfires in australia
 Revamping haryana’s johads - model ponds
 Lymphatic filariasis
 Eehv
 World vision report

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 Bluetongue
 Milk adulteration
 New rules on ethanol production
 Winter-grade diesel
 Green urban mobility
 Swachh - nirmal tat abhiyaan
 Greater adjutant storks
 New frog species
 Cane turtle
 Sumatran rhino
 Malabar tree toad
 New snake species
 Ecoclub programme
 Heavy metal contamination in indian rivers
 Rare earth metals
 Tiger corridors
 Peregrine falcon
 Himalayan gold
 Phasing out hcfc-141 b
 Bio-rock
 Scrubbers in ships
 Irrawaddy dolphins
 Northern white rhinoceros
 Locust attack
 Giant tusked elephant
 Archaea
 Xenobots
 Extra ocular vision
 Chinese paddlefish
 Niti aayog’s healthcare plan
 Fssai norms against fast food
 High powered committee for agriculture reforms

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 Facebook’s Crypto currency ‘Libra’?
 India gets new C-ATFM System
 Spektr-RG: Telescope launched by Russia into space
 Archaeological Museum Digitization: JATAN
 CARE4U app: for elderly people developed by IIT Kharagpur team
 India’s 1st 3-D Smart Traffic Signal launched in Mohali: INTELIGHTS
 Russia’s 1st humanoid space: FEDOR
 MeitY and Google launch ‘Build for Digital India’ programme for engineering
students
 Maitri mobile app: to connect old-age homes and orphanages, win tech prize in US
 Akademik Lomonosov: Russia launches world’s first floating nuclear reactor
 Stable form of Plutonium discovered accidentally
 Carbon Dioxide into Natural Gas: A new Catalyst
 Fire Resistant Lithium-Ion Batteries
 Bio Bricks from Agri waste
 Protein that helps regulate blood sugar: Secretagogin
 “Vyom Mitra”-ISRO’s half Humanoid-An experimental mission of Gaganyaan
 Food Fortification
 Proton Therapy
 Optoelectronics
 Srinivasan Ramanujan
 Hydrothermal Carbonization
 E-Cigarettes
 Indigenous fuel cell
 Ceramic Membranes
 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine
 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
 Nobel Prize in Physics
 Edge Computing
 Microbial fuel cells
 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-ncov)
 INS Tarkash
 Rotavirus Vaccine
 Transition to 5G Technology
 Failure with Vikram Lander
 Cyber Attacks on Kudankulam Nuclear Unit
 Indian Cobra Genome Decoded

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 Chaukhandi Stupa
 Amaravati School of art
 Cultural Festival in News
 Jaipur gets world heritage status
 Assamese Bhaona
 Earliest Sanskrit Inscription in South India Found in A.P.
 Nehru-Liaquat Agreement
 Ashfaqullah Khan
 Cultural Festivals in News
 Karikiyoor Rock Paintings
 Folk arts of Himachal Pradesh
 Lothal
 Ugra Tara Temple
 Maharaja Ranjit Singh
 100 years of Treaty of Versailles
 Jaipur gets UNESCO World Heritage tag
 Prosecco hills
 Kharchi Pooja
 Vishwa Shanti Stupa
 Mamallapuram
 Ajanta Cave Paintings
 Gottiprolu
 Lingdum Monastery
 SurangaBawadi
 Karez System
 World Monument Watch
 Bazeera
 Vakataka dynasty
 Madhavpur Mela
 Bhakta Ramadasu
 Seke Language

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 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban
 Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)
 Stand Up India Scheme
 Nishtha- National Initiative for School Heads & Teachers Holistic Advancement
 Amrut
 Mission Antyodaya
 Pradhan Mantri- Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Yojana (PM-AASHA)
 Aspirational Districts Program
 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
 Swachh Survekshan 2020
 Atal Bhujal Yojana
 Jal Jeevan Mission
 Youth Co:Lab
 BCAS Project
 University for Transgender Community
 Indian science congress
 Women Science Congress
 Swayam
 SWAYAM PRABHA- DTH Educational Channels
 Shreyas
 Young Scientists Laboratories
 GATI Portal
 Bharat Parv 2020
 Tribal Youth Exchange Programme
 Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre
 Integrated Steel Hub
 Bamboo Technology Park
 Aadi Mahotsav
 Vigyan Samagam
 Shaala Darpan Portal
 Shilpostav- 2019
 BharatiyaPoshan Krishi Kosh
 National Institute of Sowa Rigpa
 NuGen Mobility Summit-2019
 Pradhan Mantri KisanMaan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
 JansankhyaSthirthaKosh
 UDAN 4.0
 Kalaburagi Airport

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 DHRUV Programme
 SUMAN
 SARAS Aajeevika Mela
 International Cooperatives Trade Fair
 LOTUS-HR
 Food Safety Mitra
 Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav
 Digital Bharat Digital Sanskriti
 PM-JAY Scheme
 Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019
 Jan Shikshan Sansthan
 PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme
 Economic Census
 Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karykram
 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras
 Poshan Abhiyaan
 Compensatory Afforestation (CA)
 Kisan Suvidha Mobile App
 Operation Thirst
 Jalyukta Shivar
 National Bamboo Mission (NBM)
 Solar Charkha Mission
 Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY)
 Swadesh Darshan Scheme
 Pragati
 SANKALP Scheme
 PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
 Auction of Coal Mines
 SARAL
 Project Bal Basera
 Cyberdome
 National Educational Alliance for Technology

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 SDG Gender Index: India ranked 95
 Global Peace Index 2019: India ranked 141
 Healthy States, Progressive India: NITI Aayog’s Health Index 2019
 National Nutrition Survey
 Global Competitiveness Index, 2019
 World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business
 Brown to Green Report, 2019: Performance of G20 countries on Climate Change
 UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2019
 Global Climate Risk Index 2020
 UNDP Report: India ranks 129 in Human Development Index
 ICMR releases report on Sugar Intake of India, Report first of its kind
 WEF: Global Risks Report, 2020
 Annual Status of Education Report 2019
 Intellectual Property Index: India ranks 40th
 India ranks 77 on sustainability index and 131 on Flourishing Index
 Indian State of Forest Report
 Global Economic Prospects (GEP) Report
 India State of Forest Report
 Passport Index
 Composite Water Management Index 2.0
 India Child Well-Being Report
 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
 Jalan committee report
 Varuna
 India & Outer Space
 Kleptocracy
 Mission Shakti
 INS Shivalik and INS Sindhukirti
 Losharik (AS-12 or AS-31)
 ASRAAM Missile
 Sagar Maitri Mission-2
 INS Sagardhwani
 Bhabha Kavach
 Revamping Buses for Better Transport
 Apache Helicopter
 Tejas - Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
 Astra Missile
 Russian-built Floating Nuclear Plant

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 Hydrogen-powered vehicles over Electric vehicles
 Indigenous Fuel Cell System
 Report on food wastage
 Golden Rice
 TechSagar
 IndiGen
 Global Bio-India 2019
 INS Nilgiri
 Military Exercises
 School Education Quality Index
 Global Ease of Doing Business
 Global Wealth Report
 India Internet 2019
 Pinaka Missile
 Zero-day Vulnerability
 Global Climate Risk Index
 Dhanush Gun System
 Operation Vanilla
 Integrated Housing Development Strategy

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Narendra Modi sworn in as Prime Minister for 2nd term
 The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leader
Narendra Modi (68) was sworn in as 15th Prime Minister
for a second consecutive five-year term.
 The oath of Office and Secrecy was administered by
President Ram Nath Kovind to Narendra Modi and his
team of 57 Union council of ministers.
 The oath-taking ceremony was held at Rashtrapati
Bhavan in New Delhi, which was attended by more than
6000 invitees
 It also included leaders from Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries and foreign envoys.
 The election for 17th Lok Sabha was held in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019.
 Over 90 crore people were eligible to vote and the general election saw a turnout of more
than 67% voters which is highest ever recorded and also the highest participation by
women voters.
 The election was held for total 542 seats.
 The highest NOTA (none of the above) vote share of 5.04% in Lok Sabha election was
reported from Gopalganj in Bihar.
 The Lowest NOTA vote share of 0.17% in Lok Sabha reported from Bidar in Karnataka.
 Youngest Lok Sabha Member: Biju Janta Dal (BJD’s) Chandrani Murmu, who won from
Keonjhar in Odisha, became youngest candidate elected in history of Lok Sabha at 25 years,
11 months and 8 days.
 Lowest Margin Victory: Bharatiya Janta Party’s (BJP) Bholanath won Machhlishahr seat in
UttarPradesh by just 181 votes which is the lowest margin recorded in the Lok Sabha
elections.
Government forms new ‘Jal Shakti’ Ministry
 The Centre has created a new Ministry called ‘Jal Shakti’ by
merger of Ministries of Water Resources, River Development
& Ganga Rejuvenation along with Drinking Water and
Sanitation.
 The move will bring all aspects of water management and
regulation under one department.
 In first Modi government (2014-2019) the project to clean
Ganga was moved from Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF) to Ministry of Water Resources.
 Later, with a greater push and larger monetary allocation, the
Namami Gange project was launched in June 2014.
 The Jal ministry will be headed by MP Gajendra Singh
Shekhawat while Ram Lal Kataria will be the minister of state.

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 The ‘Nal se Jal’ scheme to provide piped drinking water to
every household in India by 2024.
 It will also address international and inter-states water disputes and
the Namami Gange project which is the flagship initiative to clean the
River Ganga, its tributaries and sub-tributaries.
 The Jal Ministry’s priority will be to provide clean drinking water to
everyone.
High Powered Committee for ‘Transformation of Agriculture’ constituted
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted a
High-powered Committee of Chief Ministers (CMs)
for ‘Transformation of Indian Agriculture’.
 It will suggest policy measures, attract investments
and raise growth in food processing.
 The 9 member committee is headed by Devendra
Fadnavis Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
 Other members include- Narendra Singh Tomar (Union Agriculture, Rural Development
and Panchayati Raj Minister) and Ramesh Chand (NITI Aayog member) and Chief Ministers
of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh.
 Committee will submit its report within 2 months.
 To discuss measures for transformation of agriculture in country and for raising farmer’s
income.
 To examine various provisions of Essential Commodity Act (ECA) so as to attract private
investments in agricultural marketing and infrastructure.
 To suggest mechanism for linking of market reforms with e-NAM (National Agriculture
Market), GRAM and other relevant Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
 To suggest modalities for adoption and time-bound implementation of agriculture sector
reforms.
 To suggest policy measures to raise growth in food processing, boost agricultural export
and attract investments in value chains and logistics, modern market infrastructure.
Consumer Affairs Ministry launches ‘Consumer App’ for registering grievances
 Union Consumer Affairs Ministry launched a mobile app
called ‘Consumer App’ to help consumers across the
country to register their grievances online at the same
time provide suggestions on several consumer related
issues.
 It is a step taken towards achieving the objective of
digital India.
 It is available for free in English and Hindi and can be
downloaded on Android and IOS platforms from Play Store/Apple Store.

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 The complaint lodged by a consumer via this app would be forwarded and referred to
respective consumer platform.
 The complaints will be monitored on a daily basis and once in a week a meeting will also be
conducted with in-charges of app, secretary, joint secretary in-charge and other officials.
 It is a user-friendly app and any consumer can file a complaint via this app which will be
further referred to respective companies.
 There are almost 42 sectors of consumer durables, e-commerce, air travel, real-estate,
banking, electronic products and several other categories, about which a consumer can
gain information and register complaint via this app which also includes tracking his
complaint status via this app.
 As per the claims made by Ministry the consumer complaints will be redressed at least
within 20 days and a maximum of 60 days.
mHariyali app launched
 The mHariyali mobile application was launched by the Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs to encourage public engagement in
planting trees and Green drives.
 The application provides automatic geo – tagging of plants.
 It will hence enable the nodal officers to periodically monitor the
plantation.
 The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in September 2019, had
selected 103 Central Government colonies to implement the
following Awareness and Construction of Roof top rain water
harvesting, cleaning and Greening of open space through plantation, Sensitization on
Source Segregation of household waste, Orientation and Capacity building on Home
Composting.
 The application is a part of the campaign to keep the participants motivated.
 As a part of the campaign the Hariyali Mahostav was also launched.
 The Mahotsav is a mass plantation drive that was conducted in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
2021 census through mobile application
 Every 10 years the Registrar General and Census
Commissioner, India operating under the Ministry of
Home Affairs carry out the massive exercise to count
different aspects of India’s billion plus population.
 it was decided that the 2021 census will be conducted
through mobile phone application.
 The official reference date of the census is to be
March 1, 2021 and for the snow bound Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand and Himachal Pradesh
it is to be October 1, 2020.
 Training of the officials participating in the program is to begin by October 14, 2019.

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 The exercise is to be carried out in 16 different languages at a cost of 12,000 crore rupees
 This is the first time Government is adopting a Digital method moving away from the
traditional pen and paper method.
 After the publish of NPR – National Population Register, the government is planning to
prepare NRIC – National Register of Indian Citizens
J&K’s Chenani-Nashri Tunnel to be renamed after SP Mukherjee
 The 9.2-kilometer-long Chenani-Nashri tunnel to
be renamed after Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder
Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
 The renaming is homage by Central government
to Dr. Shyama Prasad whose battle for Kashmir,
One Nation One Flag has immensely contributed
in national integration.
 The announcement in this regard was made by
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
 This decision comes two months after India abrogated Article 370 in August 2019.
National Highway in Punjab named after Guru Nanak Dev
 Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced the road
starting from Kapurthala, connecting Gobindwal Sahib and terminating near Taran Tarana
in the State of Punjab as new National Highway, NH- 703AA and named it as ‘Shri Guru
Nanak Dev Ji Marg’, after the first Sikh guru.
 This decision has been taken to mark 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
National Health Profile 2019 Released
 The NHP is prepared by the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI).
 It was first published in 2005.
 The Data is important in understanding the needs and issues of the population Also, it helps
in understanding the goals, their strengths and weaknesses.
 The NHP highlights major indicators as follows The Socio-Economic Indicators-Education,
Employment, Housing, Amenities, sanitation and drinking water Demographic indicator-
Population and vital statistics Health Status Indicators-Prevalence of communicable and
non-communicable diseases
 Life Expectancy in India has increased from 49.7 years in 1970-75 to 68.7 years in 2012-16.
 Life Expectancy of females is 70.2 years and males is 67.4 years.
 Out of 6.51 crore people who attended Non-communicable Diseases clinics, 4.75% were
diagnosed with diabetes, 0.3% were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, 6.19% were
diagnosed with hyper tension and 0.26% were diagnosed with common cancers.

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 Highest population Density was reported in Delhi with 11,320 people per square km and the
lowest population Density was reported in Arunachal Pradesh with 17 people per square
km.
 The Infant Mortality Rate has declined considerably. It was 33 per 1000 live births in 2016.
It is now 37 in rural and 23 in urban
 The Total Fertility Rate was 1.8 in 2016 and has increased to 2.3 in rural and 2.5 in urban
Dengue and Chikungunya are a great cause of concern to public health there has been
consistent decrease in birth rate, death rate and natural growth rate in the country from
1991 to 2017.
 India in 2017 registered a birth rate of 20.2 per 1000 population, death rate of 63 and natural
growth rate was 13.9 per 1000 population
Ayodhya Verdict
 The Supreme Court on November 9, 2019 pronounced
its Judgement on Ayodhya Ram Janma Bhoomi-Babri
Masjid land dispute case.
 Supreme Court cleared way for the construction of
Ram Temple in the disputed 5-acre land.
 The court said that the Hindu side established their
arguments that they possessed the outer courtyard.
 The Muslim side failed to prove the possession.
 It directed the center to allot 5-acre land to the Sunni Waqf Board for the construction of a
mosque.
 The verdict was pronounced by a 5 judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Ranjan
Gogoi.
 The bench also comprised of justices Ashok Bhushan, S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud and S
Abdul Nazeer.
 In a verdict 5-0, all the justices stood unanimous.
Health Ministry launches ‘SAANS’ campaign
 ‘Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize
Pneumonia Successfully’ campaign to reduce
child mortality due to pneumonia.
Goals:
 To reduce child mortality due to pneumonia
 To mobilize people to protect children from
pneumonia
 To train health personnel and other stakeholders to provide prioritized treatment to control
the disease

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 As per Health Management Information System (HMIS) data, a digital
initiative by National Health Mission- Under-five mortality rate in India is 37 per 1000
live births, of which 5.3 deaths are caused due to pneumonia.
Special Winter Grade Fuel launched for Ladakh Region
 Indian Oil Corporation launched special winter grade diesel that will remain unfrozen even
at -33 degree Celsius.
 This will help to provide continuous and year-round access to the snow-covered regions.
 The fuel meets BIS specification of BS-VI grade
 It was produced and certified at Panipat Refinery
 The step will help to maintain continuous road connectivity to the region Motorists in the
region of Kaza, Ladakh, Kargil and Keylong always face the problem of diesel freezing when
their winter temperatures drop below -30 degree Celsius.
 The step will help solve the problem. The step will boost Government’s plan of Rs 50,000
crore investment in the territory in areas of education, power, tourism and solar.
 Diesel Fuel is prone to waxing in cold weather. Below its Cloud Point, diesel begins to form
wax particles.
 Cloud Point refers to the temperature below which the fuel particles begin to cloud
together and form solidified waxes.
 The waxing in diesel fuel can be prevented by using certain additives.
Santhali used in Rajya Sabha for the first time
 MP Sarojni Hembram from Odisha for the first time spoke
in a tribal language called Santhali.
 She raised the matter of public importance during the
zero hour.
 The language is predominantly spoken by the North
Mundari Group of the Austroasiatic-Munda family.
 The language is spoken in parts of West Bengal,
Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha and also in Nepal and
Bangladesh.
 The Ol Chiki script for the language was created by Raghunath Murmu in 1925.
 Santhali language was included in the Schedule 8 of the constitution through the 92nd
Constitutional Amendment act, 2003.
 Along with the language, 3 other languages were included namely Maithili, Bodo, Dori.
 The Santals are the third largest tribal group in India.
 They are called Horhopon ko (Sons of Man), Hor Ko or Manjhi.
 They are classified as Scheduled Tribes in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal
but not in Assam.
 In 1855, they protested widely for their mistreatment by the landlords, traders and money
lenders. It was called the Santal Rebellion.

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ICMR Guidelines on Gene Therapy
 The Indian Council on Medical Research has issued guidelines on
Gene Therapy.
 The aim of the guideline is to enable the stakeholders comply with
the R&D of Gene Therapeutic Products being produced and tested
inside the country.
 The guide includes scientific and ethical considerations that are
allowed in gene therapy.
 It explains the responsibilities of investigators, sponsors,
institutions. It also lists the considerations like quality assurance,
manufacturing and control, etc.
 The guidelines give clear overview about rules to be followed during clinical trials.
 The guide also explains on the principles to hold while signing international collaboration
and procurement of Genetic Therapeutic Products (GTP).
Firsts of Census 2021: Cereals eaten, transgender run houses
 The Census 2021 is to ask 31 questions to the citizens. For the first time of Indian history,
the following are to be included
 The information about households run by transgender is to be collected.
 Also, the census will enquire about “Main cereal”, which is also included for the first time in
the history of census of India.
 The Census 2021 is to be conducted through mobile phone application
 During the Census 2021, the following questions are to be asked to the citizens Questions
one to five are related to building numbers, floor material of the house, house number, wall
and roof of the house, condition of the census house and use of census house Questions
six and seven are about total number of persons normally residing, household number
 The other questions include caste details, ownership status of the house, access to latrine,
LPG connection, smart phone, car, drinking water availability, main source of lighting, type
of latrine, waste water outlet, main cereal consumed, etc.
GoI signs “Historic Accord”, Bodo Agreement
 The Government of India signed the historic
agreement with the nine factions of the National
Democratic Front of Bodol and (NDFB).
 According to the agreement, the Bodoland Territorial
Area District will hold special rights for the locals.
 However, the outsiders will have to obtain “permit” to
work in the territory.
 The agreement will provide political rights to the Bodo Tribals living in Assam.

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 The agreement was signed in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief
Minister Sarbanand Sonowal and the leaders of the NDFB.
 The Agreement will also provide economic benefits to the Bodos.
 The accord signed is the third agreement signed in 27 years.
 The first was signed with All Bodo Students Union in 1993 and the second was signed with
the Bodo Liberation Tigers in 2003.
 The third agreement led to the formation of Bodoland Territorial Council under the sixth
Schedule of the Constitution.
 The BTC now administrates 4 districts in Assam namely Chirang, Kokrajhar, Baska and
Udalguri. These areas are called the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts.
Portal Santusht launched: To implement policies of Labour Ministry at grass
root level
 The portal addresses delivery of public services, their transparency, accountability,
schemes and policies at grass root level.
 The portal aims to address the speedy redressal of grievances of workers and employers.
 It monitors services that are provided by the health insurance and EPFOs (Employment
Provident Fund Organization).
 It monitors the services provided by the ESICs (Employment State Insurance Corporation)
to the formal sector workers.
Supreme Court directs states to set up Gram Nyayalayas
 Supreme Court of India directed the states to establish
“Gram Nyayalayas” within four weeks’ time span.
 The apex court has directed the corresponding state high
courts to expedite the process of consultation with the
state governments.
 The Gram Nyayalayas act, 2008 was passed to provide
establishment of Gram Nyayalayas at the grass root level.
 The main objective of the judicial body is to provide
inexpensive justice in rural areas.
 The current scenario of the states with respect to the Gram Nyayalayas were submitted by
the SC Advocate Prashant Bhushan.
 According to the report presented by the Advocate, Goa has issued two notification to
establish the Gram Nyayalayas.
 However, none are functioning at the moment. Haryana had issued notification for 3 and
currently only two are functioning.
 In Jharkhand, 6 were notified, but only one is functioning.
 The state of Uttar Pradesh notified 113 Gram Nyayalayas. However, only 14 are functioning.
 The state had to establish 822. At present, only 208 Gram Nyayalayas are functioning as
against 2,500 required to function according to the 12th five-year plan.

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Lithium Reserves found in India
 The researchers at the India’s Atomic Energy Commission have found Lithium Reserves of
14,100 tonnes in Mandya.
 Mandya is 100 km away from Bengaluru, Karnataka.
 Being a very rare metal Lithium is mainly used in manufacturing batteries for electric
vehicles.
 The reserves found is very little as compared to the world’s leading producers of Lithium.
Of the major producers Chile produces 8.6 million tonnes, Australia produces 2.8 million
tonnes and 1.7 million tonnes in Argentina.
 Currently, India imports 1.2 billion USD worth lithium batteries (2019).
India shifts towards clean Diesel and Petrol from April 1
 From April 1, 2020, India will shift to Euro-VI emission
compliant from Euro-IV grades that is being followed now.
 This means that India will shift towards more clean form of
fuel.
 As India shifts to Euro VI grades, it will join select League of
Nations using pure and clean fuel.
 These fuels contain just 10 parts per million of Sulphur.
 The Sulphur emissions are the main reasons that choke
pollution in major cities.
 India adopted Euro II or equivalent BS III fuel that contains 350 parts per million of Sulphur
in 2010.
 Later, it took seven years for India to adopt to BS IV that contains 50 ppm of Sulphur.
 However, it took only three years to shift to BS VI standard.
 Delhi and adjoining cities have already adopted BS VI in April 2019.
 Benzene limits was reduced from 5% in 2000 to 1% in 2019.
 Similarly, the lead content was reduced in phases since 2000.
Cabinet approves setting up of National Medical Commission replacing MCI
 National Medical Commission Bill, 2019 which provides for
setting up of a National Medical Commission in place of
Medical Council of India (MCI) so as to usher
comprehensive reforms in the medical education sector.
 The Bill also seeks to repeal Indian Medical Council Act 1956.
 Common final year MBBS Exams (Bachelor of Medicine,
Bachelor of Surgery) will be known as National Exit Test
(NEXT) which would serve as Licentiate Exam, for entrance
to Post Graduate (PG) medical course and as screening test
of foreign medical graduates.

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 It provides that National Entrance Test i.e. NEET, Common Counselling, NEXT will also be
applicable to Institutes of National Importance (INIs) such as AIIMS to have common
standards in country.
 National Medical Commission: NMC, an autonomous commission will regulate fee and all
other charges for 50% seats in private medical colleges and deemed universities.
 NMC will ensure a transparent admission process and also reduce admission fee, and
regulate fee in private colleges as well.
 NMC will have 4 Autonomous Boards:
 Under-Graduate Medical Education Board
 Post-Graduate Medical Education Board
 Medical Assessment and Rating Board
 Ethics and Medical Registration Board NMC
Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019
 Aimed at tightening Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) compliance and ensuring
stricter action for non-compliance of the company law regulations.
 It amends the Companies Act, 2013.
 It aims to ensure greater accountability and better enforcement of the corporate
governance norms.
 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): It brings key change related to CSR spending,
wherein companies would have to mandatorily keep unspent money into a special account.
 The companies will have one year to firm up CSR proposal and another three years to spend
funds
 In case money remains unspent for one plus three years, then the money will have to be
moved to an escrow account, could even be Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
 It empowers RoC to initiate action for removal of name of a company from Register of
Companies if it is not carrying on any business or operation in according with Company
Law.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019
 It seeks to empower Central Government to designate an individual “terrorist” if they are
found committing, preparing for, promoting, or involved in an act of terror.
 Earlier, Central Government was having powers only to designate organization as terrorist
organization.
 The Bill additionally empowers officers of National Investigation Agency (NIA), of the rank
of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.
 Earlier, officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police
or above were empowered to conduct investigation of cases under the Act.
 It will be mandatory for officer of NIA conducting investigation related to terror cases to
take approval Director General of NIA for seizure of such property.

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 Insertion to schedule of treaties: The parent Act defines terrorist acts to
include acts committed within scope of any of treaties listed in its schedule.
 The Bill adds another treaty to this list-International Convention for Suppression of Acts of
Nuclear Terrorism (2005).
Parliament passes Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019
 The Bill defines a transgender as- ‘a person whose gender does not match the gender
assigned at birth’.
 It provides recognition of identity of Transgender Persons and to confer upon them right
to self-perceived gender identity. It provides every transgender person has a Right of
Residence with parents and immediate family members and be included in his household.
 It prohibits discrimination against a transgender person including unfair treatment/ denial
of service- in employment, educational institutions, enjoyment of goods, healthcare
services, other facilities, opportunities available to public, right to reside/ movement
among others.
 This implies that no government/private entity can discriminate against a transgender
person in matters related to employment including recruitment and promotion.
 It criminalizes denial of services or denial of use of public places to transgender persons
and removal of Tran’s genders from a village or a household.
 A grievance redressal mechanism has been set up for the issues related to transgender
under which National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) will advise, monitor and
evaluate measures for the protection of their rights.
 It provides for formulation of welfare schemes and programs for education, social security
and health of Transgender Persons.
Constitution (126th amendment) bill, 2019 introduced in Lok Sabha
 The bill seeks to extend the reservation provided to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled
Tribes by 10 years.
 The reservation provided to the Anglo-Indian community, SC, ST is to end by January 25,
2020. The bill is being introduced to continue the reservation of seats for another 10 years
that is till January, 25, 2030.
 The reservation has been included in Article 334 and therefore the bill seeks to amend the
article.
 Article 334 lays down that the provisions for reservation of seats and special representation
of anglo Indians, SC and ST will cease after 40 years.
 The clause was included in 1949. After 40 years, it is being amended with an extension of
10 years.
 The Constitution Amendment is making changing in the constitution. According to Article
368, there are two types of Constitutional Amendments namely, the amendment effected
by special majority and the amendment effected by special majority and ratification by at
least one half of state legislatures.
 Special majority requires ratification by two-third members present at the voting.
 At the time of voting, more than 50% of the total strength of the house should be present.

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Andhra Pradesh Cabinet clears Disha Bill
 The act provides harsh punishments to those who did heinous crimes against women.
 The decision was taken to protect women and children in the state.
 The cabinet also approved establishment of special courts for offences against women and
children under Women and Children Act, 2019.
 The courts will also deal with cases under POCSO (Protection of Children against Sexual
Offence) act. The act specifies that Judgment for every case registered should be
pronounced within 21 days.
 Special attention should be given to cases such as rape, acid attacks. Under the act, those
found guilty under the act will be tried under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code.
 Accused with proven charges of sexual attack on children will be imprisoned for 10 to 14
years. The act also includes strict actions against persons uploading degrading posts
against women on social media.
 In this case, the first-time offenders will be punished with 2 years of jail term and the second
term offenders will be punished with four years of jail term.
 The act proposes death sentence for heinous crimes against women.
Union Cabinet approves changes introduced in Surrogacy (Regulation) bill
 The changes approved include not only close relatives but “any woman” willing to act as a
surrogate mother shall be allowed.
 It has also approved deleting the definition of infertility.
 Earlier infertility in the bill was defined as inability to conceive after unprotected intercourse
for 5 years.
 The committee believed that it was too long period for a couple to wait for a child.
 The Insurance Cover of a surrogate mother is to be increased from 16 months to 36 months.
 The Surrogacy (Regulation) bill was passed in Lok Sabha in 2019.
 The aim of the bill was to prevent commercial surrogacy.
 It also aims to promote altruistic surrogacy that does not demand monetary compensation
apart from medical expenses and insurance.
GoI sets up Consumer Protection Authority to implement Consumer Protection
Act
 The Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 was approved the Parliament in 2019 replacing
Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
 It aims to focus on rapid settlement of consumer disputes, strict penalties for wrong doings
that include misleading ads by firms and adulteration.
 The authority is being constituted to makes sure of the act is implemented in the right way.
 The act apart from working towards effective administration in settling consumer disputed,
also brings E Commerce under Jurisdiction.

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 It also holds celebrities accountable for promoting wrong products. Under
the act, the celebrities can be fined up to Rs 10 lakhs for their misleading acts.
 However, the act does not punish the media through which such misleading content is
being promoted.
 Strict actions shall be taken only on advertiser according to the act.
22nd Law Commission of India
 The 22nd Law Commission will consist of a full time Chairperson.
 It has four full time members. Also, secretaries from Department of Legal Affairs and
Legislative department.
 It is a non-statutory body that is constituted by the GoI from time to time. It was constituted
in 1955 for the first time.
 Since then it has been reconstituted for every 3 years. So far, the Law Commission of India
has submitted 277 reports.
 The Law Commission will make recommendations based on the aspects of laws entrusted
upon it. It will undertake research works and suggest reforms that are essential to enact
new legislations.
 The functions and objectives of the Law Commission are as follows
 To identify laws that shall be repealed immediately
 To examine the current laws in force and suggest ways to improve them
 To respond to requests made by other countries in framing their legal system
 To make measures that shall help to serve the poor legally
 To revise laws to simplify them.
Vivad Se Vishwas bill, 2020
 The scheme focuses on tax payers whose tax demands are locked in multiple disputes.
 It is similar to the Indirect Tax Sabka Vishwas Scheme. The scheme aims to resolve 483,000
direct tax dispute cases that are pending in various appellate.
 The scheme aims to release 9 lakh crore direct taxes that are locked up in litigation.
 Vivad Se Vishwas Bill, 2020 the bill introduces a resolution mechanism through which an
appellant can file a declaration.
 The authority (resolution mechanism implementer) will determine the amount payable
within 15 days of the receipt of declaration.
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill
 The bill aims to amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy act, 1971.
 According to the proposal, termination of pregnancy is to be extended to 24 weeks. It was
20 weeks earlier.
 The extension is only for special category of women. It includes rape victims, survivors of
rape and other vulnerable women like differently-abled women.
 The bill is a step towards increasing access of women to safe abortion services.
 The months have been increased considering the advancements in medical technology.

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Good Governance Index
 The Good Governance Index (GGI) was launched on the occasion of Good Governance
Day (25th December).
 GGI is a nation-wide comparative study of States on governance which is carried out by
the Government of India.
 It is a welcome exercise to incentivize States to competitively deliver on public services to
the citizens.
 Tamil Nadu has ranked first in this index.
 Its strength has been the ability to ensure stable and smooth delivery of services without
much.
 Three of its neighbours are among the top 10 of the big 18 States.
 These three are one of the 3 groups formed for the study with the north-east and hill States
and Union Territories being the other two.
 Traditionally, the south has been ahead of others in several parameters of development.
One Nation, One Ration Card
 Partha Mukhopadhyay Working Group on Migration in 2017 recommended portability
of Public Distribution System benefits.
 An intra-state access to the Public Distribution System (PDS) under the Integrated
Management of Public Distribution System (IMPDS) is already in practice in a few states
like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana etc.
 Under the scheme the beneficiaries can buy subsidized food grains from a ration shop
in any part of the country.
 Ration card Aadhar linkage is must to access the scheme.
 A person will only be eligible for the subsidies supported by the centre such as those
under Nation Food security act, 2013.
 Even if a beneficiary moves to a state where grains are given for free he/she will not be able
to access those benefits.
 A migrant will be allowed to buy maximum of 50% of the family quota.
 This is to ensure that the individual, after shifting to another place does not buy the entire
family quota in one go.
Amendment to the RTI act
 Removal of fixed term- As per the act, the CIC and ICs will hold office for a term of five
years.
 The Amendment removes this provision and states that the central government will notify
the term of office for the CIC and the ICs.
 Determination of Salary- As per the act, the salary of the CIC and ICs (at the central level)
will be equivalent to the salary paid to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election
Commissioners, respectively. Similarly, the salary of the CIC and ICs (at the state level) will

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be equivalent to the salary paid to the Election Commissioners and the Chief
Secretary to the state government, respectively.
 The Amendment empowers the Central Government to determine the salaries, allowances,
and other terms and conditions of service of the central and state CIC and ICs.
Free legal aid in India
 Free legal services entail the provision of free legal aid in civil and criminal matters for
those who cannot afford the services of a lawyer for the conduct of a case or a legal
proceeding.
 The instrument of legal aid services across the globe have been recognized as a
part of fundamental human right under the international instruments, conventions,
codes and agreement.
 Legal aid as a human right is envisaged in Articles 7, 8 and 10 of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, 1948.
Removal of Article 370 and 35A
 President of India in “concurrence” with the “Jammu and Kashmir government”
promulgated Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 which states
that provisions of the Indian Constitution are applicable in the State.
 This effectively means that all the provisions that formed the basis of a separate
Constitution for Jammu and Kashmir stand abrogated.
 With this, Article 35A is scrapped automatically.Along with this, a statutory resolution was
approved by the Parliament which – invoking the authority that flows from the effects of
Presidential Order – recommended that the President abrogate (much of) Article 370.
 Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 was passed by the Parliament. Jammu &
Kashmir (J&K) was re-organized into two Union Territories - J&K division with a legislative
assembly and the UT of Ladakh without having an assembly.
 President issued a presidential order under Article 370 (1) of the Constitution.
 This clause enables the President to specify the matters which are applicable to Jammu
and Kashmir in concurrence with the Jammu and Kashmir government.
 The order amended Article 367. Article 367 contains guidance on how to read or interpret
some provisions.
 The amended Article declares that “the expression ‘Constituent Assembly of the State…’ in
Article 370 (3) shall be read to mean ‘Legislative Assembly of the State’.
 Article 370(3) provided that the Article 370 was to be amended by the concurrence of the
Constituent Assembly. However, because of the amendment, it can now be done away by
a recommendation of the state legislature.
 In other words, the government used the power under 370(1) to amend a provision of the
Constitution (Article 367) which, then, amends Article 370(3).
 It becomes the trigger for the statutory resolution - Resolution for Repeal of Article 370 of
the Constitution of India.
 As Jammu and Kashmir is under the president rule, concurrence of governor is considered
as “Jammu and Kashmir government”.

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National Population Register
 National Population Register (NPR) by September 2020 to
lay the foundation for rolling out a citizens' register across the
country.
 A group of ministers created after the Kargil war
recommended compulsory registration of all residents in
India, to facilitate the preparation of a national register of
citizens and curb illegal migration.
 It had said that all Indian citizens should be given a multi-
purpose national identity card (MPNIC) and non-citizens should be issued identity cards
of a different colour and design.
 In 2010 Registrar General of India collected data for a National Population Registry during
Census 2011 enumeration.
 In 2015, this data was further updated by conducting a door-to-door survey.
 However, the government picked out Aadhaar as the key vehicle for transfer of
government benefits in 2016, while putting NPR on hold due to slow progress of NPR.
 Through recent notification in August, 2019 by the RGI, the idea has now been revived
and exercise of updating the 2015 NPR with additional data has begun and will be
completed in 2020.
 The NPR is a list of “usual residents of the country”.
 According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, a “usual resident of the country” is one who has
been residing in a local area for at least the last six months, or intends to stay in a
particular location for the next six months.
 The NPR is being prepared under provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the
Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
 The Citizenship Act 1955 was amended in 2004 by inserting Section 14A which provides
for the following:-
 The Central Government may compulsorily register every citizen of India and
issue National Identity Card.
 The Central Government may maintain a National Register of Indian Citizens
(NRIC) and for that purpose establish a National Registration Authority.
 Out of the universal data set of residents, the subset of citizens would be derived
after due verification of the citizenship status.
 Therefore, it is also compulsory for all usual residents to register under the NPR.
 NPR will be conducted at the local, sub-district, district, state and national levels.
 It will be conducted in conjunction with the first phase of the Census 2021, by the Office
of the Registrar General of India (RGI) under the Home Ministry.
 Only Assam will not be included, given the recently completed NRC.

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NCRB Report 2019
 Increase in registered cases: Data shows an increase of 3.6% in the registration of cases over
2016.
 Offences against the State: Offences against the State (under sections 121, 121A, 122, 123
& 124-A IPC) and offences promoting enmity between different groups (under sections
153A & 153 B IPC) are construed as ‘Offences against the State’.
 There is a 30% jump in cases recorded as “offences against the State.”
 Crime against women: The crimes rose from 3,793 per million in 2016 to 3,886 per million
in 2017. Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 56,011 cases followed by Maharashtra.
 Cybercrime: India recorded 21,796 cybercrimes in 2017, an increase of 77% from 2016.
Countrywide, 1.7 cybercrimes were committed per one lakh population in 2017. New crime
heads such as cyber blackmailing, cyber stalking, and dissemination of fake news were
introduced in the 2017 NCRB report.
 Crime against Children: Compared to 2016 crimes against children increased by nearly
28% in 2017. In this case, UP ranks first, where such cases are registered 19% more than in
2016.
 Against Dalit: Countrywide, 43,203 cases of atrocities against Dalits (including IPC and
SC/ST Act cases) were reported in 2017, about 6% more than in the previous year.
 Reliability of data: The information published in NCRB report has been obtained from
States/UTs Police and Central Law Enforcement Agencies/CAPFs/CPOs. NCRB has only
compiled and collated the data and presented it in the form of this report. There also has
been a delay of 2 years in publishing of the report.
 Underreporting of cases: Many offences registered in a single FIR case, only most heinous
crime (maximum punishment) will be considered as counting unit. For example, Murder
with Rape is accounted as Murder; Dowry Prohibition Act when applied along with Dowry
Death (304B of IPC) will be counted as Dowry Death only.
 Socio economic factor not recorded: The Socio-economic causative factors or reasons
of crimes are not being captured by the NCRB data.
 Omission of data: The report omits data on mob lynchings, khap killings, murder by
influential people and killings for religious reasons. The Union Home Ministry clarified that
data received by the NCRB on certain crimes like lynching and attacks on journalists were
“unreliable and their definitions are also prone to misinterpretation”.
Citizenship Amendment Act
 Article 11 of Indian constitution empowers Parliament to make any provision with respect
to the acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to citizenship.
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 provided that ‘illegal migrants’ will not be eligible to
apply for citizenship by either registration or naturalization.

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Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019
 The amendment provides that illegal migrants who fulfil four conditions will not be treated
as illegal migrants under the Act.
 The conditions are:
 They are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis or Christians
 They are from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan
 They entered India on or before December 31, 2014they are not in certain tribal
areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, or Tripura included in the Sixth Schedule to
the Constitution, or areas under the “Inner Line” permit, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram, and Nagaland.
 These tribal areas include Karbi Anglong (in Assam), Garo Hills (in Meghalaya),
Chakma District (in Mizoram), and Tripura Tribal Areas District.
 All legal proceedings against above category of migrants in respect of their illegal
migration or citizenship will be closed.
 The period of naturalisation has been reduced from 11 years to 5 years for above
category ofmigrants.
Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS)
 It will be implemented through an online portal to facilitate tracking of status of application.
 The applicant is required to provide contact mobile number and email address of the party
/ applicant in application if wishes to track the progress of the application.
 The Election Commission registers political parties for the purpose of elections and grants
them recognition as national or state parties on the basis of their poll performance.
 The other parties are simply declared as registered-unrecognized parties.
 Registration of political parties is governed by the provisions of section 29A of the
Representation of the People Act, 1951. A party seeking registration has to submit an
application to the Election Commission within a period of 30 days following the date of its
formation of party with certain basic particulars such as name, address, membership
details, names of office bearers etc.
 After submitting the application applicant party is required to get an advertisement
published in two National and two Local Dailies giving the name and address of the party
and its office bearers.
 Name of political parties seeking registration should not have religious connotation and
name should not be similar to existing political parties. Also, names which are translated
version of existing political parties (either in Hindi, English or regional language) shall not be
granted registration under section 29A of RPA 1951. The party must declare in its
constitution that it must contest an election conducted by EC within 5 years of its
registration (it will be taken off the list of registered parties if it fails to do so).
 There should be a specific provision of the rules/constitution of the party regarding internal
democracy, organizational elections at different levels etc. If anyone has any objection to
the Party being registered, they can place their objections before the Election Commission.

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Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland
 The Government of Nagaland has decided to set up a
Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
 The aim is to prevent fake indigenous inhabitants
‘certificates.
 The RIIN will be the master list of all indigenous
inhabitants of the state.
 The process will be conducted across Nagaland and will
be done as part of the online system of Inner Line Permit (ILP), which is already in force in
Nagaland.
 The entire exercise will be monitored by the Commissioner of Nagaland.
 In addition, the state government will designate nodal officers of the rank of a Secretary to
the state government.
 Their role will be to monitor the implementation, and will have no say in the adjudication
process.
 Survey - The RIIN list will be based on ―an extensive survey. The preparation of the list will
start from July 10, 2019, and the whole survey process will be completed within 60 days
from the start.The list would be prepared under the supervision of the district
administration.It will involve official records of indigenous residents from rural and (urban)
wards.
 Provisional list - The database will note each family‘s original residence, current residence
as well as the concerned Aadhaar numbers.This provisional list will then be published in all
villages, wards and on government websites. Review procedure - Over the next 30 days
(from provisional list), claims and objections can be made. Respondents will be given an
opportunity to make their case before the authorities. Eventually, respective Deputy
Commissioners will adjudicate on the claims and objections based on official records and
the evidence produced. This process will be completed before December 10, 2019.
 RIIN - Based on the adjudication and verification, a list of indigenous inhabitants will be
finalized.
 The final list or the RIIN will be created and its copies will be placed in all villages and
ward. Electronic copies of the list will also be stored in the State Data Centre.
 A mechanism or electronic and SMS-based authentication will be put in place.
 Each person will be given a unique ID. All indigenous inhabitants of the state would be
issued a bar-coded and numbered Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate.
 Updation - Once the RIIN is finalised, no fresh indigenous inhabitant certificates will be
issued.
 The only exception is newborn babies of the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland.
 Those left out of the RIIN will have to file an application before Home Commissioner.
 S/he will get the matter verified and take necessary action for updating the RIIN if
needed.

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Article 370 Scrapped
 The Government of India ended the Jammu & Kashmir‟s special status in the Indian Union.
 It was done by scrapping off Article 370 of our Constitution.
 This extended all provisions of the Constitution to the State in one go and allowed all
citizens to buy property and vote in the State.
 It divided the region into two Union Territories are — Jammu and Kashmir with legislature
and Ladakh without legislature.
 The government has adopted a highly militarist approach to separatism.
 In the present scenario, J&K has been represented by an unelected Governor appointed by
the Centre.
 The Parliament has ventured to ratify the conversion of a State into 2 Union Territories
without any recommendation from the State.
 In sum, the process to change the constitutional status of a sensitive border State has been
achieved without any legislative input or representative contribution from its people.
 It will not only strain the social fabric in Jammu and Kashmir but also affects the principles
of federalism, parliamentary democracy and diversity.
 The founding fathers recognised that Article 370 was a transitional or temporary provision.
 There was a clear subtext in it that says its revocation would only happen once the consent
of the people of the State was obtained.
 The move will be legally challenged on grounds of procedural infirmities and, that it
undermines the basic feature of the compact between Delhi and Srinagar that was agreed
upon in 1947.
 The challenge would centre on the question whether such step could be achieved in the
absence of a representative government.
 The real test will be on the streets of Srinagar, Jammu and Delhi once the security cordon
is lifted from the State.
 The unwillingness to enter into consultation with the mainstream political leaders was
inappropriate.
 The move is clearly embedded in the larger geopolitics of the region.
 The mutual trust and friendship among U.S. and Pakistan is growing.
 There is repeated offer‘by the U.S. President to meditate in Kashmir may have precipitated
the decision.
 Regional alliances were also marginalizing Indian interests in the heartland of the region. e.g
Belt Road Initiative.
 These suggested that Kashmir could become even more vulnerable to external elements
than it was in the past.
 So the government believed that a settlement in Jammu and Kashmir and its
pacification‘was vital for India‘s national security.
 The new doctrine will have to persuade the Jammu and Kashmir people that greater
integration with India will,
 Provide them with more opportunities,

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 Provide more freedom and space, and
 Strengthen their rights much more than the alternatives proposed by other
mainstream parties or separatists.
 If this plan to bring harmony between New Delhi and Srinagar works, it will have
performed an extraordinary national service Democratic framework.
Fast Tack Courts in India
 The government has proposed to set up 1,023 fast-track courts (FTCs) to clear the
cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
 Fast-track courts (FTCs) are created primarily to deal with the judicial backlog.
 [A special court is one which is to deal with special types of cases under a shortened and
simplified procedure.]
 Fast-track courts (FTCs) have been around for a long time, with the first ones being
established in the year 2000.
 At the end of March, 2019 there were 581 FTCs operational in the country, with
approximately 5.9 lakh pending cases.
 Uttar Pradesh has the most number of cases.
 However, 56% of the States and Union Territories, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh
and Gujarat, had no FTCs.
 In terms of money, Rs. 870 crore was released by the Centre between 2000-2001 and
2010-2011 towards these FTCs.
 Variations - With all these years of experience and money spent, there is a decline of FTCs
across the country.
 Besides, systemic issues prevail in the States that have the courts.
 There is a huge variation in the kinds of cases handled by these courts across States.
 Certain States primarily allocate rape and sexual offence cases to FTCs and other States
allocate various other matters.
 Further, several FTCs lacked technological resources to conduct audio and video
recordings of the victims and many of them did not have regular staff.
 Recently, the Supreme Court in a suo motu petition had issued directions in this regard.
 It stated that districts with more than 100 cases pending under the POCSO Act need to set
up special courts that can deal specifically with these cases.
 A mere increase in the number of judges may not necessarily lead to a direct reduction in
pendency of cases.
 Increasing the number of courts as a recourse to deal with the mounting backlog has been
a common practice.
 In this line, large sums of money and attention are being devoted to creating additional
posts.
 However, little is being done to identify and address the prevalent systemic issues.
 Without fully optimising the current mechanisms and resolving the problems, sanctioning
more judges may not provide the intended results.
 Identifying systemic issues and addressing the concerns is as important for timely disposal
of cases as increasing the number of judges.

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 The factors that have an impact on disposal of cases in judiciary include -
 Inadequate staff and IT infrastructure
 Delay in getting reports from the understaffed forensic science laboratories
 Frivolous adjournments
 Over-listing of cases in the cause list
 Also, given the vacancies in subordinate courts, it is to be seen if States would hire
additional judges or appoint FTCs from the current pool of judges.
 The latter could prove to be problematic as it would increase substantially the workload of
the remaining judges.
 For the FTCs to become successful, States will need to take stock of the issues at the
ground level.
 States should engage with the principal and senior district judges to get a sense of issues
the courts are facing in various districts.
 Equal attention must be paid to both the metropolitan and far-flung non-metropolitan
areas.
 For the overall system to work productively, it is important to ensure that its various
components work efficiently and without any hindrance.
Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure
 Section 144 CRPC is a law retained from the colonial era.
 It empowers certain functionaries to issue orders to prevent and address urgent cases of
apprehended danger or nuisance.
 These include district magistrate, sub-divisional magistrate or any other executive
magistrate specially empowered by the state government in this regard.
 The magistrate has to pass a written order which may be directed :
 Against a particular individual, (or)
 To persons residing in a particular place or area, (or)
 To the public generally, when they frequent or visit a particular place or area
 In emergency cases, the magistrate can pass these orders without prior notice to the
individual against whom the order is directed.
 The magistrate can direct any person to abstain from a certain act or to take a certain order
with respect to certain property in his/her possession or management.
 This usually includes restrictions on movement, carrying arms and from assembling
unlawfully.
 It is generally believed that assembly of three or more people is prohibited under Section
144. However, it can be used to restrict even a single individual.
 This is done when the magistrate considers that it is likely to prevent, or tends to prevent,
obstruction, annoyance or injury to any person.
 It is also employed to prevent danger to human life, health or safety, or a disturbance of the
public tranquility, or a riot.
 But, no order passed under Section 144 can remain in force for more than 2 months, unless
the state government considers it necessary.
 Even then, the total period cannot extend to more than 6 months.

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Bru-Reang Agreement
 The Bru or Reang are a community indigenous to Northeast India, living mostly in Tripura,
Mizoram, and Assam.
 In Tripura, they are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
 Over two decades ago, a few ethnic social organizations of Mizoram who demanded that
the Bru be excluded from electoral rolls in the state.
 In October 1997, following ethnic clashes, nearly 37,000 Bru fled Mizoram’s Mamit, Kolasib,
and Lunglei districts to Tripura, where they were sheltered in relief camps.
 Since then, over 5,000 have returned to Mizoram in nine phases of repatriation, while
32,000 people from 5,400 families still live in six relief camps in North Tripura.
 Apart from their own Kaubru tongue, the Bru speak both Kokborok and Bangla, the two
most widely spoken languages of the tribal and non-tribal communities of Tripura, and have
an easy connection with the state.
 The Bru-Reang is a tripartite agreement is signed between the Government of India,
Governments of Tripura and Mizoram and Bru-Reang representatives in New Delhi on 17
January, 2020.
The agreement mentions the following
 About 34,000 Bru refugees will be settled in Tripura.
 Centre will provide help to these tribes for their all-round development and for this around
Rs 600 crores were sanctioned.
 Each displaced family would be given 40X30 sq.ft. Residential plots.
 For 2 years, they will be given the aid of Rs 5000 per month.
 Free ration for 2 years
 About Rs 1.5 lakh aid to build their house.
 The Tripura Government would provide the land.
Scientific Social Responsibility
 Union government is planning to implement scientific social responsibility (SSR) policy.
 Under the programme, researchers who are working on a science project funded by any of
the Ministries under the Central government will have to undertake activities to popularize
science and make it more accessible to the public.
 List of activities would be taken up under the Scientific Social Responsibility programme
that was similar to Corporate Social Responsibility.
 This could range from going to colleges delivering lectures, writing an article in a magazine
or doing something beyond the curriculum.
 The science outreach would be mandatory and researchers had to include this as part of
their outcome report.
 It will be implemented this year after a consultation meeting with all stakeholders.

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National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP)
 NITI Aayog has released vision plan for the National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP).
 The platform aims to democratize access to publicly available government data.
 The NDAP proposes a simple, interactive, visual, and robust platform that will host various
Central and state government datasets.
 It will host the latest datasets from various government websites, present them coherently,
and provide tools for analytics and visualization.
 NDAP will cater to a wide audience of policymakers, researchers, innovators, data
scientists, journalists and citizens.
 An inter-ministerial committee will oversee the progress of the development of platform,
which will take place over a period of one year.
 The first version of the platform is expected to be launched in 2021.
 The process will follow a user-centric approach, and will incorporate feedback received
from various users and stakeholders throughout the course of its development.
National Informatics Centre
 National Informatics Centre (NIC) is an attached office under Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
 National Informatics Centre (NIC) as a premier technology advisor and ICT solution
provider to Government at all levels.
 NIC provides infrastructure to help support delivery of Government IT services and
delivery of some of the initiatives of Digital India.
 Earlier, NIC has also established NICNET or National Knowledge Network (NKN).
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
 NCCRP is a citizen-centric initiative that will enable citizens to report cybercrimes online
through the portal.
 All the cybercrime related complaints will be accessed by the concerned law enforcement
agencies in the States and Union Territories for taking action as per law.
 This portal enables filing of all cybercrimes with specific focus on crimes against women,
children, particularly child pornography, child sex abuse material, online content pertaining
to rapes/gang rapes, etc. So far, more than 700 police districts and more than 3,900 police
stations have been connected with this Portal.
 After successful completion, this portal can improve the capacity of the law enforcement
agencies to investigate the cases and will improve success in prosecution.
 This portal also focuses on specific crimes like financial crime and social media related
crimes like stalking, cyber bullying, etc.
 This portal will improve coordination amongst the law enforcement agencies of different
States, districts and police stations for dealing with cybercrimes in a coordinated and
effective manner.

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NEST
 The external affairs ministry has announced the setting up of New, Emerging and Strategic
Technologies (NEST) division.
 NEST will act as the nodal division within the ministry for issues pertaining to new and
emerging technologies.
 It will help in collaboration with foreign partners in the field of 5G and artificial intelligence.
 Its mandate shall include, but not be limited to, evolving India’s external technology policy
in coordination with domestic stakeholders and in line with India’s developmental priorities
and national security goals.
 It will also help assess foreign policy and international legal implications of new and
emerging technologies and technology-based resources, and recommend appropriate
foreign policy choice.
 NEST will negotiate technology governance rules, standards and architecture, suited to
India’s conditions, in multilateral and plurilaterals frameworks.
 It will also undertake creation of HR capacity within the ministry for technology diplomacy
work by utilizing the existing talent-pool and facilitating functional specialization of Foreign
Service officers in various technology domains.
Tulu in VIII Schedule
 Tulu is a Dravidian language whose speakers are
concentrated in two coastal districts of Karnataka and in
Kasaragod district of Kerala.
 The Census reports 18, 46,427 native speakers of Tulu in
India.
 The Tulu-speaking people are larger in number than
speakers of Manipuri and Sanskrit, which have the Eighth
Schedule status.
 Robert Caldwell, in his book, called Tulu as one of the most highly developed languages of
the Dravidian family. The cities of Mangaluru, Udupi and Kasaragod are the epicentres of
Tulu culture. At present, Tulu is not an official language in India or any other country.
 Efforts are being made to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
 There is a strong case for adding Tulu, among other languages in the Eighth Schedule of
the Indian Constitution.
 Placing all deserving languages in the Constitution on an equal footing will promote social
inclusion and national solidarity.
 According to the 2001 Census, India has 30 languages that are spoken by more than a
million people each.
 Additionally, it has 122 languages that are spoken by at least 10,000 people each.
 It also has 1,599 languages, most of which are dialects.

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 These are restricted to specific regions and many of them are on the verge
of extinction. India must accommodate this plethora of languages in its cultural
discourse and administrative apparatus.
Report on Black Money
 Standing Committee on Finance has submitted a report titled, ‘Status of Unaccounted
Income/Wealth Both Inside and Outside the Country - A Critical Analysis’.
 Although there is no uniform definition of unaccounted income or black money, but on
a general basis it can be said it is the income from those economic activities that
circumvent or otherwise avoid government regulation and taxation.
 It includes all illegal economic activities as well as the income from legal economic activities
where the tax is evaded.
 There has been widespread discussions and debate over the existence of unaccounted
income, its estimates, reasons and steps, which need to be taken to tackle this menace.
 According to the Standing Committee’s report, the sectors that see the highest
incidence of black money include real estate, mining, pharmaceuticals, pan masala, the
gutkha and tobacco industry, bullion and commodity markets, the film industry, and
educational institutes and professionals.
 The committee has submitted this preliminary report, as it is yet to examine all the aspects
and stakeholders related to this matter.
 The unaccounted economy reduces the size of potential state revenue.
 The result can be a vicious circle of an increase in the budget deficits or tax rates, additional
growth of the shadow economy, and may impact social welfare in general.
 To formulate effective monetary, labor and fiscal policy, it is crucial to know the level of
precision in the estimates of key statistics of the economy, such as, output, price-level and
unemployment.
 Thus, it is crucial to supplement official national accounts statistics with estimates of
unaccounted economic activity.
 Some unaccounted economy activities, i.e., illicit trade in narcotics and arms trading, are
hurtful not only for economy, but also hazardous for society.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
 Government made the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 law stricter via a recent
amendment made to the Act through the Finance Act of 2019.
 The definition of “proceeds of crime” has been widened which now includes properties and
assets created through any criminal activity even if it is not under the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA) and it will now be considered as “relatable offence”.
 Other amendments have also been brought in to remove the grey areas and ambiguity in
PMLA Act.
 Statutory framework: It includes enactment of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act
(PMLA) 2002
 Institutional framework: It involves mainly two bodies:
 Enforcement Directorate for investigation and prosecution of cases under the PML.

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 Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU- IND) for receiving, processing,
analyzing and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions
as well as for coordinating and strengthening efforts of national and international
intelligence, investigation and enforcement agencies against money laundering.
 Financial Action Task Force (FATF): It is an inter-governmental body established with the
objective to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and
operational measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing and other
related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
 Asia Pacific group: It works with countries in the Asia-Pacific to generate wide regional
commitment to implement anti-money laundering policies and initiatives and secure
agreement to establish a more permanent regional anti-money laundering body.
 Basel Committee on Banking Regulations and Supervisory Practices issued a statement of
principles which aims at encouraging the banking sector to adopt common position in
order to ensure that banks are not used to hide or launder funds acquired through criminal
activities.
 India is also signatory to the International Convention for Suppression of Financing of
Terrorism (1999); the United Nation Convention against Transnational Organized Crime
(2000); and United Nation Convention against Corruption (2003).
Critical Information Infrastructure Security in India
 Cyber-attacks on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP).
 National Cyber Coordination Centre received intelligence from a US- based cyber security
firm that a ‘threat actor’ had breached and intercepted the “domain controllers” at the
KKNPP and at ISRO.
 This spyware identified as ‘Dtrack’ is programmed to steal data and give the hacker or the
‘threat actor’ complete control over all the infected devices by exposing its credentials and
passwords.
 These two incidents cast serious doubts on the Indian state’s claims to being a legitimate
power in cyberspace, both due to the vulnerability of its critical information infrastructure.
 Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) is defined as “those facilities, systems or functions
whose incapacity or destruction would cause a debilitating impact on national security,
governance, economy and social well-being of a nation”.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
 Ministry of Defence (MoD) created the post of Chief of Defence
Staff (CDS) to provide “effective leadership at the top level” to the
three wings of the armed forces.
 The outgoing Army chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat has been appointed as
the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
 The first proposal for a CDS came from the Kargil Review
Committee (KRC), set up in 2000. Later, the Group of Ministers
Task Force that studied the KRC Report and recommendations,

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proposed to the Cabinet Committee on Security that a CDS would be created.
 In 2011, the Naresh Chandra Committee on defence and security also suggested a
watered-down version of the CDS proposal.
 Shekatkar Committee which submitted its report in 2016 also opined for CDS, having
recommendations pertaining to tri-service integration.
 The post of Chief of Defence Staff created in the rank of a four-star General with salary
and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief.
 The post is created to promote jointness in procurement, training and staffing for the
Services through joint planning and integration of their requirements.
 Facilitate restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by
bringing about jointness in operations, including through establishment of joint/theatre
commands.
 Promote use of indigenous equipment by the Services.
 Central government has set 65 as the maximum serving age for the CDS.
 The Chief of Defence Staff will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), created
within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary.
 He would be primus inter pares or first among equals. He is also vested with the authority
to provide directives to the three chiefs.
 CDS will act as the principal military adviser to the defence minister on all tri-services
matters.
 The three Chiefs will continue to advise Defence Minister on matters exclusively
concerning their respective Services.
 CDS will not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so as
to be able to provide impartial advice to the political leadership.
 He will serve as the permanent chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) which
comprises the three service chiefs.
 As the Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, CDS will perform the following
functions:
 CDS will administer tri-services organizations including those related to Cyber and
Space.
 Be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by the Defence
Minister and the Defence Planning Committee headed by National Security
Advisor
 Function as the Military Adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority.
 Implement the five-year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan (DCAP) and the two-
year roll on Annual Acquisition Plans as a follow up of the Integrated Capability
Development Plan.
 Assign inter-Services prioritisation to capital acquisition proposals based on the
anticipated budget.
 Bring about reforms in the functioning of three Services aimed at augmenting
combat capabilities of the Armed Forces by reducing wasteful expenditure.

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US withdraws India’s GSP benefits
 The United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump terminated India’s designation
as a beneficiary developing nation under the GSP (Generalized System of Preference)
trade program
 The step was taken on determining that India has not committed to provide “equitable and
reasonable access to its markets” for the US.
 Under the US’s oldest preferential trade scheme called GSP, India is the largest beneficiary
nation and exported goods worth $6.35 billion under the scheme in 2018.
 Reasons given by trump administration are trade imbalance with India, no access to Indian
market for US dairy, medical device industry and issues related to data localization norms.
 As per the traders, exports are likely to become costlier, even less competitive in specific
sectors, but the overall impact would be minimal on India’s outbound trade with US.
 But, some specific exports from India in sectors like leather, jewellery, agricultural products
chemicals and pharmaceuticals are set to face higher costs and competition.
 The Generalized System of Preferences are unilateral, non-reciprocal and non-
discriminatory benefits extended by some developed nations to developing countries.
IAEA confirms Iran breached enriched Uranium Stockpile limit
 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ atomic watchdog has
confirmed that Iran has exceeded limit on amount of enriched uranium in its stockpile set
out in 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. This marks the 1st major departure by Iran from
unraveling agreement a year after U.S. unilaterally withdrew from Joint Comprehensive
Plan of Action (JCPOA) accord.
 The initial announcement about Iran had broken limit set on its stockpile of low-enriched
uranium by 2015 nuclear deal were made by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad
Zarif.
 Limit Breached: Later IAEA inspectors verified and confirmed that the country has
exceeded 300- kilogramme limit on its enriched uranium reserves.
 Iran has threatened that country is planning to increase its enrichment of uranium closer to
weapons-grade levels by July 7 and to suspend its other commitments under JCPOA deal
in 10 days unless European powers took steps to implement their new mechanism called
INSTEX for facilitating trade.
 Iran also announced that it is planning to suspend other commitments also. INSTEX stands
for Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges. It is a special-purpose vehicle established in
January 2019 by E3 i.e. France, Germany and United Kingdom to facilitate non-dollar trade
with Iran amid US unilateral withdrawal from JCPOA.
 This new trading system is designed to circumvent sanctions on Iran Motihari.

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Amlekhgunj Oil Pipeline ready for commercial operation
 The landmark Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Products Pipeline between India and Nepal
is now completed and is ready for commercial operation.
 The testing transfer of the pipeline was successfully completed by Indian Oil Corporation
(IOC) and Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC).
 Motihari-Amlekhgunj Oil Pipeline It is a 69 kilometre-long pipeline that will run from Motihari
in Bihar to Amelkhgunj in Nepal.
 It has been constructed by India in just 15 months, which is half of its 30 months deadline.
 The prestigious project is the 1st oil pipeline in Nepal, 1st transnational petroleum pipeline
from India as well as 1st South Asian oil pipeline corridor.
 Since 1974, Nepal has been importing its entire major petroleum products including petrol,
diesel, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from India.
 Annual export worth of these products is more than Rs.8500 crore thus this new oil pipeline
will be a game-changer for Nepal as it will ensure smooth, cost effective and eco-friendly
supply of petroleum products to Nepal.
 It will help in tackling oil storage problem in Nepal and doing away with transportation of
petroleum products via tankers.
India-Nepal Logistics Summit organized in Kathmandu
 Participants: included Government representatives and trade community from India and
Nepal.
 Logistics: Nepal’s Prime Minister stressed upon smooth and quality logistics between India
and Nepal.
 He emphasized that smart logistics plays a crucial role in making trade and transit
arrangements easy, hassle-free and cost-effective.
 Since India and Nepal have significant volume of tourism, trade, investment, and cross
border people-to-people movement therefore smooth and quality logistics including easy
transit facilities is very essential.
 Connectivity remains another topmost agenda in bilateral cooperation and many initiatives
have been taken by both the neighbouring countries on crucial components of road, rail,
inland waterways and air connectivity.
 India also showed its full commitment to providing all necessary support to Nepal in
achieving its goal of prosperity.
 Assuring a conducive environment for trade and investment as well as enhanced
investment and trade relationship with India is crucial not just because India is Nepal’s
biggest trade and investment partner, but also an important route for Nepal for third-
country trade.

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Kajin Sara Lake set to be world’s highest lake
 Newly discovered Kajin Sara Lake in Nepal is likely to set a
new record of being the world’s highest lake. It is located
at Singarkharka area of Chame rural municipality in Manang
district of Nepal. It is called Singar locally. It was discovered
about a few months ago by team of mountaineers.
 As per measurement of lake taken by this team, it is located
at an altitude of 5,200 metres.
 This measurement is yet to be officially verified.
 It is estimated to be 1,500-metre-long and 600-metre-
wide. It is said to have formed out of the water melted from the Himalayas.
 Once it is location and measurement is officially verified, it will be the world’s highest lake
if its altitude of 5000-plus metres.
 Current world’s highest lake: It is Tilicho Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres in
Nepal. It is 4 km long, 1.2 km wide and around 200 metres deep.
India signs UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements
 46 countries have signed this international treaty on settlement agreements.
 It is particularly important for the growth of mediation in India and enhancing the ease of
doing business in India particularly in the legal front.
 It will help to boost confidence of investor’s especially foreign investors investing in India.
 It will provide positive signal to foreign investors about India’s commitment for adhering to
international practice on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or external dispute
resolution (EDR).
 It aims to become essential instrument that facilitates international trade and in promotion
of mediation as alternative and effective method of resolving trade disputes.
 It also seeks to contribute to strengthening access to justice, and to the rule of law.
India, Nepal launch Kathmandu-Siliguri bus service
 India and Nepal have launched Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and Siliguri in West Bengal.
 The first bus service on this route was flagged off by Nepal’s Minister for Physical
Infrastructure and Transportation Raghubir Mahaseth and Indian Ambassador Manjeev
Singh Puri rom Kathmandu. It is overall 11th route for bus service between Nepal and India,
of the total 13 routes that have been approved for operating regular bus services between
the two countries.
 It will operate on a daily basis. On this 650 kilometre long route, 44-seater air conditioned
deluxe bus will be operating and cover this distance in 18 hours.
 The direct bus service will benefit visitors of two countries and also help to expand trade
links and connectivity. It will further strengthen people-to-people links between the two
countries.

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Howdy Modi event held in Houston, Texas
 ‘Howdy Modi: Shared Dreams, Bright Futures’.
The mega ‘Howdy, Modi’ gala event saw around
50,000 Indian-Americans in attendance.
 Before this event, no US President has ever
addressed a community event along with an Indian
Prime Minister.
 The event highlighted the sharp shift in Indian
diplomacy and new levels of India-US bilateral
relations.
 It also sent out a very strong message- that US-led by Donald Trump is standing firmly with
India in its fight against terrorism.
 PM Modi and Trump went way out of way to show their unparalleled camaraderie.
 The event showcased heightened friendship and warmth between India and leader of one
of the most powerful nations in world.
 It also showed how US is interested in exploring new avenues of cooperation with India.
 As per Pew Research Center analysis of US Census data, the US is home to nearly 4 million
Indian-Americans, including about 300,000 in Houston and nearby Dallas.
Gandhi Peace Garden inaugurated at UN HQ in New York
 The inauguration was held during a special
commemorative event on that marked Mahatma
Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
 It is an innovative initiative under which Consulate
General of India (in New York), Shanti Fund (a Long
Island-based NGO) and State University of New York-
Old Westbury have entered into an agreement for
planting 150 trees.
 It is a crowd sourced project, with people adopting trees in memory of their loved ones at
the State University of New York-Old Westbury campus.
 The garden is in an open site within 600 acres campus of the University.
 The garden is dedicated in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and seeks to underline that his
principles act as a moral compass as world grapples with challenges of climate change,
terrorism and corruption.

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