Where the mind is without fear-Tagore

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

PIB 9

1. Signing of a treaty between India and Maldives on Mutual Legal Assistance in criminal matters. The Treaty aims to enhance effectiveness of both countries in investigation and prosecution of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. transnational crime and its linkages to terrorism, funds meant to finance terrorist acts.

2. The amendment has been made recently in the Central Order under Essential Commodities Act to enable States to impose stock limits on pulses sourced from imports, held by exporters, large food processing units as well as large departmental retailers.

3. Corruption affects the growth of a nation, reduces the Government’s income and creates inequalities in distribution of income and wealth. It is a major factor hindering development. Corruption needs to be treated like a disease and focus should be on prevention. Commission has adopted the theme of “Preventive Vigilance as a tool of Good Governance” for the current year. The measures adopted for Preventive Vigilance would help not only reduce corruption but also contribute towards good governance by way of increasing efficiency, transparency and adherence to rule of law.

4. Indian Navy’s continuous presence and pro-active focussed operations in deterring piracy attempts off the Gulf of Aden which resulted in the recent decision by CGPCS to shift the eastern limit of High Risk Area from 78 Degrees East to 65 Degrees East. Incidentally there has been no hijacking of Indian owned ship since 2008, indigenous component in fight category needs to be increased esp. in submarine construction. Challenges pertaining to human resource development in the Navy, which are unique due to high levels of technical skills required to operate complex, state-of-the-art ships, submarines and deck launched fighter aircraft,

5. developed world had pledged $100 billion (Green Climate Fund), but that has not materialised. “Now the developed world is presenting that they have mobilised $62 billion. But Shri Arun Jaitley was forthright in Lima by telling them that this was double accounting and that this was not acceptable.

6. the ‘right to be forgotten’ incorporated by the European Court of Human Rights, which empowered the state authority to remove the reference of the aggrieved person from internet citing citizen’s right to privacy.

7. the biggest hurdle in attracting investments, tourism and entrepreneurship in Northeast is the lack of adequate connectivity.

8.Police reforms: Increase in the number of specialized in-service training courses especially related to cyber-crimes, terrorism, financial frauds, use of technology in investigations etc. Indian Police to meet the challenges of the increasing diversity of crimes on the one hand and the rising public expectations on the other. This is sought to be achieved through training, research, and modernisation of the police forces.

9. 85 urban local bodies have developed their own websites and 30 have launched Face Book pages besides being active on MyGov.in to enlist ideas from citizens for formulation of smart city plans. “This is clearly a leap forward on the part of the urban local bodies which were known for their isolated, insulated, non-responsive, non-interactive and non-citizen friendly governance till recently”

10. key challenges in promoting housing stock in urban areas : shortage of land supply in urban areas, stringent land use regulations, inadequate infrastructure to support high density, high cost of construction materials, insufficient financing, restricted mortgage financing and rent control laws. The Minister urged the states to consider waiving or reducing stamp duty, registration fees, land conversion fee and other such duties to promote affordable housing projects.

11. He said that Affordable Housing and Habitat Policies of states should focus on: -Evolving state specific models since one size fits all policy does not work; -Affordable housing as a part of larger eco-system (habitat); -Ensuring required social and physical infrastructure connectivity; -Providing linkages with transportation and livelihoods; -Promoting private sector investments in a big way; -Availability of land and finance and -Promotion of appropriate cost effective and sustainable construction technologies. Shri Venkaiah Naidu gave a detailed account of initiatives by the government for developing construction industry including tax incentives, Credit Risk Guarantee Fund for low income housing, relaxation of FDI norms, allowing External Commercial Borrowings for affordable housing, setting up Real Estate Investment Trusts etc. t over 31 % of country’s population is living in urban areas which account only for 3.10% of country’s geographical areas making land in urban areas a scarce resource.

12. HRIDAY:The action plans approved broadly seek to conserve and develop core heritage assets of respective cities besides improving sanitation through solid waste management, easy access through signages and better mobility, interpretation centres, landscaping, provision of green spaces etc.

Famous Quotes 7

 Forgveness does not change our past, but it relieves our future-Anonymous

 My attitude to peace is not just end to violence but an end to inequality, poverty and all other factors  that threaten peace-Aang Suu Kyi

 Too much self-centred attitude brings loneliness, fear, anger and suffering-The Dalai Lama

 The true measure of a society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members-Gandhi

 When in despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won-Gandhi

 Foreign and defence policy essentially has to be about the obtaining and management of influence-Lord   Carrington

 Niskham Karmayoga, Karmaphala siddhanta, Indriya nigraha, Sarva Dharma Sambhava, Vashudheva Kutumbakam, Atithi devo bhava, stithaprajnata(in Gita)

 No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of members are poor and miserable-Adam Smith

While addressing the constituent assembly in 1947, Nehru had said “ This achievement (independence) is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the great triumphs and achievements that await us…the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity

Vruksh ho bhale khade,
ho ghane ho bade,
Ek Patra chhah bhi mang mat, mang mat, mang mat,
Agnipath, Agnipath Agnipath;

Tu naa thakega kabhi,
Tu naa thakega kabhi,
Tu naa thakega kabhi,
Kar sapath,kar sapath,kar sapath,
Agnipath,agnipath,agnipath!!!!!!!!!
(There may be huge, warm and shady trees all around)
(Don't even ask the shade of a single leaf)
(Walk on the Path of Fire, Walk on the Path of Fire)

PIB 8

1. the impacts of climate change are not just global in scope and unprecedented in scale but more severely affect poor & marginalized people.

2. increasing burden of frivolous RTIs need to be addressed. Many states including the North East states stated that training is required for the staff in the public authorities who have to handle the RTI applications. The infrastructure support to bridge the digital divide is required to achieve the aim of transparency through technology. lack of clarity of the legal standing of the right to privacy, a balance is needed between the public domain and the privacy issue while implementing the RTI Act.

3. two major developments, which has impacted the promotion of handicrafts: The level of education has gone up, there being educated youth in most artisan families,Internet and other IT based interventions have bridged the gap between urban and rural areas with digital connectivity. a new strategy, which has four broad components:

        i.  Infrastructure development, such as a Common Facility Centre in every cluster

      ii.  Development of design and training, through schemes under Office of DC (Handicrafts)

    iii.  Direct assistance to artisans, such as online assistance through their bank accounts

    iv.   Linking up with market with participation of private sector

efforts are on to provide more financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs and to link Self-Help Groups with export groups. He also spoke about the efforts to link handicrafts with tourism and fashion.

4. the steps already taken and those underway by the Center and states to improve investment climate in the country. the emphasis mainly was on the measures to improve the Ease of Doing Business, opening up of the economy, the FDI in insurance and defence, auctions in coal and mineral mines, skill development, infrastructure, labour market reforms and modern bankruptcy law.

5. the government has accepted the recommendations of the Finance Commission on increased devolution of funds to the States in the hope that the states will be able to commit necessary additional resources for meeting the objectives of the social sector schemes. However, clarity is needed on the cost-sharing pattern for various social sector schemes  so that the contribution of central and state share to all schemes could be suitably rationalised in view of the increased devolution.

6.research and evidence–based policing in India and to avoid subjectivity, personal biases and errors in decision-making. Inauguraton of the Indian Police Foundation and the Indian Police Institute

7. 70% of its total population below the age of 35 years,Udaan, the Special Industry Initiative (SII) for J&K is funded by Ministry of Home Affairs and implemented by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). training in local surveys and mapping which could make these youth employable by a host of different hydro and power projects running in the Doda district.

8. Swacchh Bharat Campaign cannot Happen without Wholehearted Participation of Municipal/Civic Corporations, Gram Panchayats. In case of disposal of effluents on land or river or any water body including coastal water / creek or a drain, the treated effluents shall meet the standards. At the inlet and outlet of the sewage treatment plant, online monitoring devices should be installed to monitor the consented parameters.

PIB 7

1. The Commission had also stated that expenditure sensitive areas and persons likely to be associated with such Hawala operations must be identified and mapped.

2. Indian Navy has also been involved in capacity building and capability enhancement of friendly navies in the Indian Ocean Region, besides providing assistance in hydrographic survey, search and rescue and improving maritime domain awareness. evacuation of over 3000 Indians and citizens from 35 other countries from strife-ridden Yemen in April this year.

3. GST seeks to subsume many indirect taxes at the Central and State level. The proposed dual GST envisages taxation of the same taxable event, i.e., supply of goods and services, simultaneously by both the Centre and the States.

4. GIM, one of the eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), acknowledges the influence that forests have on environmental amelioration though climate change mitigation, food security, water security, biodiversity conservation and livelihood security of forest dependent communities.

5. The Commission is addressing the emerging issues of human rights violations relating to bonded and child labour, right to clean environment, right to health, rights of prisoners and rights of women among other related human right issues.

6. Central Government has provisioned Rs.50,000 cr towards central assistance under Atal Mission for five years. state governments and urban local bodies are required to contribute equal amount as their share with States making a minimum contribution of 20% of project costs.

7. The Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) will cover the operators’ liability under the CLND Act, 2010 and adequately address the liability related concerns of national as well as international suppliers,

8. The Ministry has so far identified 497 cities and towns under Atal Mission under which basic infrastructure is to be developed in 500 cities and towns.

9. The Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project was jointly identified by the India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal mode of transport for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar as well as to the North-Eastern part of India through Myanmar. expected to contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern States of India, by opening up the sea route for the products. It also provides a strategic link to the North-East, thereby reducing pressure on the Siliguri Corridor.

10. the Ministry of Power has taken up village electrification programme on Mission mode under the flagship scheme of Government of India 'Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana' (DDUGJY).

11. India has always stood beside Palestine. India's policy on Palestine has three core dimensions: solidarity with the Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and, partnership in Palestine's nation and capacity building efforts. India would like to see the people of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

12. "Right To Information" Act as a tool through which the common man has got not just the right to know, but also the right to question those in power. "Digital India" initiative is complimentary to RTI, because putting information online brings transparency, which in turn, builds trust. administrative processes should be run based on trusting the people, rather than doubting the people.

PIB 6

1. We must remain true to our core civilizational values, says President-plurality, diversity and cultivating tolerance.

2. various sensitization projects launched by RAF on Swachh Bharat, ecological preservation,communal peace and social harmony and various other innovations on renewable energy and environmental education etc,apart from tackling various communal riots, riotous situations securing various mammoth religious congregations, rescue and relief operations.

3. The purpose of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is to (i) ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection; (ii) increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces (parks); and (iii) reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). Under Atal Mission, central government provides assistance up to 50% of projects for cities with a population of up to 10 lakhs and one third of project cost for cities with population of above 10 lakhs.

4. India remains committed to ensuring freedom of navigation in the global commons and strengthening maritime security in the region especially in the East Arabian Sea. Towards this, Indian Naval ships and aircraft continue to escort merchant ships of all nations in the Gulf of Aden.

5. Recalling former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee’s famous remarks that we can change friends but not our neighbours, Shri Rajnath Singh said the Government in the very beginning extended a hand of friendship by inviting leaders of all SAARC countries for the swearing in ceremony.

6. resource flow under ODA should not be counted against climate change finance and any form of double counting under both climate finance and ODA should be avoided. IMF would be constrained in meeting its obligations if the IMF Quota and governance reforms are not implemented.

7. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been organizing National Lok Adalats. that are at pre-litigation stage and also those pending in courts for their settlement.

8. Shri Pradhan launched two very important Digital India initiatives which will truly empower consumers and bring much needed convenience. These are ‘online booking’ of LPG cylinders with ‘online payment’ facility for those who want to use the web and for those who wish to pay at the time of delivery, option to pay by debit/credit card through POS available with the deliveryman. These initiatives will truly help consumers when carrying cash is becoming a thing of the past.

PIB 5

1. India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution: To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level. India to create additional Carbon Sink of 2.5 to 3 Billion Tonnes of Co2 Equivalent through Additional Forest and Tree Cover by 2030. India to Anchor a Global Solar Alliance

2. Urban transport policy-focus on Mass Rapid Transit Systems, The switch from Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) to Bharat Stage V (BS V) and Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) to improve fuel standards across the country is also planned for the near future.

3. The range of ecosystem goods and services provided by forests include carbon sequestration and storage. Despite the significant opportunity costs, India is one of the few countries where forest and tree cover has increased in recent years and the total forest and tree cover amounts to 24% percent of the geographical area of the country. Over the past two decades progressive national forestry legislations and policies of India have transformed India’s forests into a net sink of CO2. With its focus on sustainable forest management, afforestation and regulating diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose, India plans to increase its carbon stock. Government of India’s long term goal is to increase its forest cover through a planned afforestation drive which includes number of programmes and initiatives like Green India Mission, green highways policy, financial incentive for forests, plantation along rivers, REDD-Plus & Other Policies and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. For the first time devolution of funds to states from the federal pool will be based on a formula that attaches 7.5 % weight to the area under forest.

4. The prime objective of the Sagarmala project is to promote port-led direct and indirect development and to provide infrastructure to transport goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

5. KISAN Project-envisages use of Space Technology and geoinformatics (GIS, GPS and Smartphone) technology  needed for crop insurance programme-a pilot project in select districts.

6. Despite the uncertain Monsoon, Government food management, including use of the price stabilization fund to augment domestic supplies with imports, will ensure that food inflation is contained. We are in the process of setting-up a National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) that will channelize both domestic and foreign resources to satisfy the infrastructure needs of our economy.

7. Union Health Minister launches phase-2 of Mission Indradhanush in 352 districts targeting full immunization

8. Government to train 10,000 “barefoot” technicians in civil engineering for better execution of MGNREGA works in 2,500 most backward blocks: Birender Singh. Similarly, to improve maintenance of the large PMGSY rural roads network

9. unauthorized mining activities going on in river Ganga at Bijnor leading to change in river hydrology and resulting in soil erosion as well as impinging upon the conservation of endangered aquatic species.

PIB 4

1. the primary goal of India’s external engagement has been to seek peace and stability, enabling a supportive environment for pursuing our nation’s multifarious development needs. This approach of foreign policy for economic progress and development is nowhere more relevant than in our South Asian neighbourhood and the extended neighbourhood, including Central Asia. The President said South Asian neighbours are India’s highest priority in keeping with its neighbourhood first policy. Our approach to South Asia has always been one of seeking shared prosperity and security. three Cs – greater connectivity, closer cooperation and broader contacts. Despite geographical contiguity, the promise of regional integration has eluded us and undermined the goals of SAARC, solemnly adopted at Summit level meetings. Hence, India must push ahead with sub-regional cooperation such as through the BBIN Growth Quadrangle and pursue its bilateral ties with like-minded countries in the region in areas such as Road Transport, Energy and Water Resources.

2. India needs to make full use of the opportunities offered by the recent Iranian nuclear deal which opens the possibility of establishing connectivity with the region through the development of Chahbahar Port in Iran. This also opens up the possibility of implementing the International North South Corridor for a competitive and quick route to Eurasia for India.

3. India’s future dependence on imported energy, mainly oil and gas, is a stark reality that will also require creative and diversifying sources of supply. The Central Asian States have considerable surplus and the TAPI pipeline project is worth pursuing both for sourcing energy supplies and its collateral geo-strategic benefits. The Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline can also be revived since Iran has already built the section of the pipeline in its territory. Such energy projects could also prove to be game changers for geo-strategic stability.

4. . Shri Parrikar said while we have achieved significant indigenisation in ‘Float’ component of warships, we are lacking in the indigenization of the high-end Fight components.

5. All countries need to respect differentiation as a principle to deliver climate justice to the developing world. The genesis of Differentiation lies in principle of historical responsibility, polluter pays, and equity.

6. There is a need to sensitize various strata of the society towards the challenges being faced by the elderly people. It is important that institutions to provide geriatric care be established, strengthened and made more affordable for the common man. we must encourage in the younger lot the ability and keenness to facilitate ageing in their own homes. in India, the problem is compounded by two issues. One, the Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization and globalization. Consequently, the traditional values and institutions are changing, resulting in the weakening of inter-generational ties. The second issue is that nearly 90 percent of the elderly have worked in the informal sector and do not receive any post–retirement social security coverage, like pensions and medical assistance. Well-being of older persons has been mandated in the Constitution of India. Article 41, a Directive Principle of State Policy, provides that the State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right of public assistance in cases of old age. Social security has been made the concurrent responsibility of the Central and State Governments. Very few Government hospitals in India that have specialized geriatrics facilities. Bolivia, a country with resource constraints, ranks much higher than India in the global index for elderly careWhile Government supported public social networks and safety nets are essential, we also need to look at how the elderly can continue contributing to the society longer. New research on productivity of elder workers shows that while the older workers were as productive in similar tasks as their younger colleagues, they actually commanded a higher premium price in certain skill based jobs. The thrust should be to identify the more vulnerable among the older persons - the poor, the disabled, the infirm, the chronically sick and those without family support, and provide welfare services to them on a priority basis. Voluntary organizations, such as HelpAge India, need to be encouraged and assisted.

7. The Minister also suggested to the Chief Secretary to examine the Japanese model of burning municipal solid waste without environmental consequences in view of limited availability of land for dumping such waste.