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The Gist of Kurukshetra : Rural Transformation : Some Recent Development - July - 2017

The Gist of Kurukshetra : Rural Transformation : Some Recent Development - July - 2017

One Crore MGNREGA Assets Geotagged

Mahatma Gandhi NREGS has reached a new milestone by geotagging one Crore assets and putting them in public domain. On an average, about 30 Lakh Assets are created annually which includes a variety of work such as water harvesting structures, plantations, rural infrastructure, flood control measures, individual assets for sustainable livelihood, community infrastructure and so on. GeoMGNREGA is a unique endeavor of the Ministry of Rural Development in association with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO and National Informatics Centre. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ministry of Rural Development with NRSC on 24th June 2016 for geo-tagging the assets created under MGNREGS in each Gram Panchayat. Training was imparted to around 2.76 Lakh personnel across the country with the help of National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR). The geotagging exercise started from 1st September, 2016. One Crore assets have been geotagged and put in public domain in the last seven months. It is expected that the exercise will lead to greater transparency and ensure accountability at field level. The process of geotagging is going on and all assets under MGNREGS will be geotagged. Special focus is being given to geotag Natural Resource Management works especially the water related works.

47,350 km of PMGSV road constructed in 2016-17

A record 47,350 km of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak yojana (PMGSY) road was constructed during 2016-17, which is the highest construction of PMGSY roads in a single year, in the last 7 years. While, 25,316 km of PMGSY roads were constructed in 2013-14, road construction in 2014-15 was 36,337 km and in 2015-16, it was 36,449 km. During the period 2011-14, the average rate of construction of PMGSY roads was 73 km per day, which increased to 100 km per day during 2014-15 and 2015-16. For the year 2016-17, a record of 130 km per day has been achieved, which is the highest average annual construction rate, in the last 7 years. 11,614 habitations were provided connectivity by construction of 47,350 km of PMGSY roads during 2016-17 (an average of 32 habitations being provided connectivity every day). In terms of number of habitations connected with PMGSY roads, 11,606 is highest ever number in the last 7 years.
With a view to reduce the "carbon footprint" of rural roads, reduce environmental pollution, increase the working season and bring cost effectiveness, PMGSY is aggressively encouraging use of "Green Technologies" and non-conventional materials like waste plastic, cold mix, geo-textiles, fly-ash, iron and copper slag etc. in rural roads. 4,113.13 km of PMGSY roads were constructed using "Green" technologies, in 2016-17.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Vojana-Gramin - From Houses to Homes

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in November 2016, the new Rural Housing programme is designed to meet the needs and aspirations of households. The beneficiaries under PMAY- Gramin have been selected up to 2022 based on the prioritisation and in a transparent manner. The three filters have ensured that the genuinely poor homeless and those living in dilapidated houses, have been selected. Large number of households from vulnerable groups and large number of women have been selected as beneficiaries. House design typologies incorporating disaster resilient features have been finalised and are being used by the State Governments under the programme. The workmanship and employability of trained Rural Masons is being improved by ensuring their assessment and certification as per the Qualification Pack endorsed by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).A total of 441akh houses were approved for 2016-17 and the Ministry of Rural Development is working hard to complete all of them by December 2017. A completion period of 6 to 12 months is being followed in PMAY-G.

States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Assam have taken the lead in the implementation of the PMAY-G. States like Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have done well in completing a very large number of incomplete Indira Awaas Yojana houses.

The Department of Rural Development plans to complete 51 lakh houses in 2017-18. An additional 33 lakh houses will be sanctioned for 2017-18 shortly. A similar number is proposed to be completed in 2018-19 making the completion during 2016-19 period of 1.35 crore houses. This will pave the way for Housing for All by 2022.

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The Gist of Kurukshetra : PM on Doubling Farmers' Income - July - 2017

The Gist of Kurukshetra : PM on Doubling Farmers' Income - July - 2017

  • The reduction of input costs is the first element towards raising farm incomes. Soil Health Card scheme, and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana are important steps towards reducing input costs.
  • He also called for raising farm incomes through diversification in farming activities. Along with crop growing, farmers could opt for timber plantation along the edges of their fields, and also begin animal husbandry.
  • The more the farmers are empowered, and financially enabled to stand on their own feet, the stronger the country will become, and the faster will be the pace of development.
  • Rabi sowing is up by 6 per cent compared to last year. Fertilizer off take is up by 9 per cent. During this period, the 'Government has taken care to ensure that farmers do not suffer for want of access to seeds, fertilisers and credit.
  • Farmers who have taken loans for the Rabi crop from District Cooperative Central Banks and Primary Societies, will not have to pay interest on such loans for a period of 60 days. Farmers who have paid interest during the last two months, will receive these amounts back, directly into their bank accounts.
  • Arrangements are being made to provide farmers even better access to loans from cooperative banks and societies. NABARD created a fund of 21,000 crore rupees. Government is adding 20,000 crore rupees more to it. The loss that NABARD suffers by giving loans to cooperative banks and societies at low interest rates, shall be borne by the Government of India.
  • The Government will be give 3 crore farmers who have Kisan Credit Cards, RuPay debit cards within three months. Kisan Credit Cards were launched in 1998, but so far, it was essential to go to a bank, to use them. Now, farmers will have RuPay Debit Cards, which they can use anywhere.
  • Government will focus its attention to proactively resolve the problems in rural and remote areas, in order to restore the banking system to normalcy in 2017.
  • BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) will connect the trading community, and farmers to connect with BHIM as much as possible.
  • The focus of the Budget 2017-18 is also on agriculture, rural development and infrastructure which is also a reflection of the Government's commitment to raise investment and create employment opportunities and therefore ,the allocation for the schemes in these categories has been hiked substantially.
  • The next revolution in Indian agriculture has to be built on technology and modernization, and the eastern part of India has maximum potential to achieve it. The Government is working towards this goal.

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The Gist of Kurukshetra : Swachh Swasth Sarvatra Launched - May - 2017

The Gist of Kurukshetra : Swachh Swasth Sarvatra Launched - May - 2017

'Swachh Swasth Sarvatra' is an inter-ministerial joint lnltiative between the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It was launched to commemorate the Good Governance Day 2016 in the presence of the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Human Resource Development, and Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Another joint initiative, 'Swasth Bacche Swasth Bharat', between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Human Resource Development was also launched on the occasion.

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has declared over 700 blocks as Open Defecation Free (ODF). Community Health Centres (CHCs) in ODF blocks of the country will be allocated Rs 10 lakhs under National Health Mission (NHM) to focus on sanitation and hygiene.

Under Kayakalp, one Primary Health Centre (PHCs) in each district is awarded for meeting quality standards including sanitation and hygiene. Under SBM, the Gram Panchayat in which the PHC which gets awarded under Kayakalp for that district will be noted, and special focus will be given to make it ODF at the earliest.
The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare said that this initiative would be a very important step towards convergence of various government schemes and programmes. By merging the goals of Swachh Bharat with his Ministry's focus on health, the two will be able to move the needle from hospital-care to healthcare, i.e. from treatment of diseases to prevention of diseases by focussing on improved overall health.

Union Minister of Human Resource Development called the power of children as agents of change. He said that Swachh Bharat focusses on mindset change - which does not need any big technological or infrastructural intervention - but a focussed behaviour change campaign. Educated children will be the best agents to spread the message of sanitation to their parents. By focusing on children, Swachh Swasth Sarvatra will lead to an ODF India by 2019.

Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, said that over 70 districts, over 700 blocks, and over 1.3 lakh villages of the country have achieved ODF status so far, and many others are very close to the target. He highlighted convergence across Ministries undertaken to launch Swachh Swasth Sarvatra as the perfect example of the Prime Minister's message to make SBM a jon aandolan, i.e. sanitation as everybody's business. He said that another collaboration is underway between Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Human Resource Development for focused action in the sector of school sanitation.

Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, spoke about how, the small cost of focusing on clean, sanitary and hygienic health centres in the country, will lead to huge health benefits in terms of avoidable communicable diseases through the initiative. He also lauded the commitment and dedication shown by SBM and health functionaries at grassroots, who are working on the frontlines to bring about this revolution in the country.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) Swachh Swasth Sarvatra Launched - May - 2017

(GIST OF YOJANA) Swachh Swasth Sarvatra Launched - May - 2017

'Swachh Swasth Sarvatra', an inter-ministerial joint initiative between the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was launched in the Capital recently. Another joint initiative, 'Swasth Bacche Swasth Bharat', between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Human Resource Development was also launched on the occasion.

The objective of the 'Swachh Swasth Sarvatra' initiative is to build on and leverage achievements of two complementary programmes - Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Kayakalp - of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, respectively. Under this initiative:

(a) Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has declared over 700 blocks as-Open Defecation Free (ODF). Community Health Centres (CHCs) in ODF blocks of the country will be allocated Rs 10 lakhs under National Health Mission (NHM) to focus on sanitation and hygiene.

(b) Under Kayakalp, one Primary Health Centre (PHCs) in each district is awarded for meeting quality standards including sanitation and hygiene. Under SBM, the Gram Panchayat in which the PHC which gets awarded under Kayakalp for that district will be noted, and special focus will be given to make it ODF at the earliest.

By merging the goals of Swachh Bharat with the Health Ministry's focus on health, the needle will move from hospital-care to healthcare, i.e. from treatment of diseases to prevention of diseases by focussing on improved overall health.

Over 70 districts, over 700 blocks, and over 1.3 lakh villages of the country have achieved ODF status so far, and many others are very close to the target.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) Demonestisation-Impacting Elections - May - 2017

(GIST OF YOJANA) Demonestisation-Impacting Elections - May - 2017

For far too long, Indian politics has seen extensive use of money power to influence the voters and win elections. Traditional wisdom with regard to polls in India has it that distribution of money and liquor on the night before polling decides the representatives of the people. There is a strong evidence that over the years free and fair elections have been sacked in bags of currency notes being peddled to the nation by our political parties.

An analysis by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) shows that among the affidavits declared by candidates in the 2011 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Puducherry and Assam, 576 candidates (16 per cent of the 3,547 analyzed), were crorepatis (multi- millionaires) and yet 50 per cent of the candidates had never filed income tax returns. The situation cannot be different in other states.

Not that political leaders are happy with rampant use of money in elections: They have expressed concerns about it. However, in the absence of a serious discussion to find a solution, it seems their concern is mere lip service. The problem has been discussed in parliamentary debates, committees have been constituted and the only refrain we hear is that there should be state funding of elections as a solution to the problem.

The most famous committee on this subject was the Indrajit Gupta ,Committee set up in 1999 which consisted of many political stalwarts like Dr Manmohan Singh, Mr Sornnath Chatterjee and the like. The committee suggested only partial state funding of elections and that too with a condition that there must be genuine inner party democracy which no party is willing to consider.

It is a fact that democracy cannot function without money to contest elections. However, money cannot be allowed to dominate the process so much that only the rich can contest and hijack the political system.

The law, therefore, prescribes a ceiling on expenditure of the candidates - though strangely not on the expenditure of the political parties. The absence of a ceiling on political parties' expenditure negates the whole logic of a ceiling and creates conditions of financial indiscipline. To outdo their rivals, all parties spend thousands of crores of rupees. In the 2014 general elections, the amount spent on campaigns was estimated at a staggering Rs 30,000 crore.

Where does this money come from? The sources could be: corporate funds, small donations, sale of coupons and membership fee, besides interest on deposits, rental and revenue income. There is no transparency in the source of most donations. As much as 75-80 percent of all funds are shown as cash donations without disclosing the source. This is a serious matter. It may be foreign money or from crime, drug or real estate mafia.

It has often been suggested that the: presence of black money in large quantities, especially in the real estate sector, prevented India from suffering many of the ill effects of the global financial crisis of 2008, but the pernicious effect of money power in elections in India has no such upside. The demonetisation of high denomination notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 announced by the Prime Minister came at the right time, just ahead of five state elections. Parties and candidates who were ready with the sackful of notes for public bonanza were fixed not knowing what to do with that money.

In the last set of Assembly polls concluded in May 2016, we saw an unprecedented step when the ECI was forced to cancel elections to two Tamil Nadu assembly seats, Aravakurichi and Thanjavur, for the uncontrolled use of money. The poll panel then wrote to the government seeking permanent legal powers to countermand polls on credible evidence of the use of black money.

Although the Law Ministry has rejected this proposal, I am hopeful the Prime Minister will consider it in pursuance of his war .against black money.

The BJP's economic affairs cell chief, Gopal Krishna Agarwal, said the demonetization drive would address, at least for the duration of this set of polls, the problem of electoral financing from the supply side. "Till now, there was pressure on political parties to give an account of their spending in polls, but on circulation of this money, regulation was not effective. This will hit the supply side and will bring down the volume of spending quite significantly," he said.

These claims will be proved right only if the follow up action on the long pending electoral reforms proposals is taken without further delay.

Demonetisation and the subsequent developments, even if not originally intended, have a bearing on electoral reforms. After demonetisation threw up huge logistical challenges, the government's campaigns to promote e-banking, e-wallet etc have come on everybody's lips. This, again, is a positive development to end black economy. When even a rickshaw puller or vegetable seller is told to stop cash transactions, this will lead to establishment of a stronger banking system and higher level of financial inclusion.

However, this has led to an inevitable demand that exemption of cash donations to political parties below Rs 20,000 must also be dispensed with straight away. This will take care of the non-transparency of 80 per cent of political funding which all political parties have shown as cash donations. This amounts to an average Rs 1,000 crore per year.

Another development is the Prime Minister's directive to his party legislators to disclose all their bank transactions since November 8. Many questions were raised. My reaction is that instead of criticising it and suggesting what the PM could have done better, why not welcome it as a first positive step towards the financial transparency of politicians? Another great move of the government is to pass an Act to curb benami property deals and the subsequent crackdown. This should also have a salutary effect on the black money in elections as this is the biggest source of illicit election funding.

The unprecedented step of demonetization may hopefully turn out to be a blessing in disguise for conducting free and fair elections, where cashless transactions will ensure higher level of transparency and scrutiny. I hope the time for long-pending electoral reforms has finally come.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) ESAMPARK - JULY- 2017

(GIST OF YOJANA) ESAMPARK - JULY- 2017

e-Sampark is a mechanism to connect the government directly with citizens across India by running mailer, outbound dialing and SMS campaigns. e-Sampark portal was launched in May 2016 by Government of India. It works as a platform to pass on messages to the people and also receive messages from people. The Portal is aimed to improve government communications with citizens. Till date, 404 campaigns have already been conducted and more than 230 crore emails have also been sent through e-Sampark.

The concept of e-Sampark has been introduced to establish proactive communication by digitisation of campaigns. The multi- I faceted platform facilitates not only seamless communication between the government and citizens, but also maintains a database of contacts of the nodal officers, representatives and citizens. In addition, users can also view the previous campaigns conducted. e-Sampark signifies the essence of Digital India. It enables the government to communicate with the citizens about several programmes and initiatives. Recent campaigns include Transforming India through Risk Management and Encouraging citizens to avoid petrol and diesel vehicles or a day in a week. It also provides the views of the Prime Minister shared by him in the popular programme 'Man Ki Baat' on radio. The features of the e-Sampark portal are as follows- "Provision for sending informational and public service messages in the form of mailers, SMSs and outbound dialing to citizens, elected representatives and government employees through customised user lists. "Similarly, SMSs can also be sent to a customised user-base using the application "Extensive database of elected representatives and government officials that is updated periodically.. Provision for updating the database either individually or through bulk upload. "Provision of a Dashboard showing nodal officers the campaign analytics i.e. number of mailers and SMSes sent, percentage read, percentage of forwards, URL clicks etc.

"Provision for individual users to subscribe to the "e-Sampark" database. By subscribing to a list, a user gives his/her consent to receive mailers and SMSes from the Government. The user can unsubscribe from the list at any time. One can ensure following benefits - "Extensive structured database of government officials (of both Central and State governments) for sending official information. "Information, alerts about the existent policies or proposed policies, decision of the Government and new schemes to be launched can be shared with customised user base. This will improve the efficiency of communication .o Increased awareness among the citizens by sharing urgent alerts of national or public interest and government updates so he or she can take benefit of schemes and programmes timely.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) FOWARDS CLEANER COOKING FUEL - JULY- 2017

(GIST OF YOJANA) FOWARDS CLEANER COOKING FUEL - JULY- 2017

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by the Prime Minister on May 1st, 2016 in Bal1ia, Uttar Pradesh to safeguard the health of women and children by providing them with a clean cooking fuel - LPG, so that they do not have to compromise their health in smoky kitchens or wander in unsafe areas col1ecting firewood. Under this scheme, 5 Cr LPG connections were to be provided to BPL families with a support of Rs.1600 per connection within 3 years. Ensuring women's empowerment, especially in rural India, the connections is issued in the name of women of the households. Rs. 8000 Cr. was allocated towards the implementation of the scheme. Identification of the BPL families is done through Socio Economic Caste Census Data. An adult woman member of BPL family identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data is given a deposit free LPG connection with financial assistance of Rs. 16001- per connection by Government ofIndia.

PMUY was expected to result in an additional employment of around 1 Lakh and provide business opportunity of at least Rs. 10,000 Cr. over the 3 Years of the programme to the Indian Industry. Launch of this scheme will also provide a great boost to the 'Make in India' campaign as all the manufacturers of cylinders, gas stoves, regulators, and gas hose are domestic. 14 State s/U'Is having LPG coverage less than the national average, hilly states of J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and all North-East States were identified as priority states for implementing the scheme.

The top five States with maximum connections are UP (46 lakh), West Bengal (19 lakh), Bihar (19 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (17 lakh) and Rajasthan (14 lakh). These States constitutes nearly 75 per cent of the total connections released. The households belonging to SC/ST constitute large chunk of beneficiaries with 35 per cent of the connections being released to them. India is home to more than 24 Crore households out of which about 10 Crore households are stil1 deprived of LPG as cooking fuel and have to rely on firewood, coal, dung - cakes etc. as primary source of cooking.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) REGISTERING A ROBUST GROWTH - JULY- 2017

(GIST OF YOJANA) REGISTERING A ROBUST GROWTH - JULY- 2017

India is one of the bright spots among the major countries in the subdued global economic context. India recorded a growth of 7.9 per cent in 2015-16, as compared to 7.2 per cent in 2014- 15 and 6.5 per cent in 2013 14. The growth pickup in 2014-15 and 2015-16 was remarkable despite below-normal monsoons. India is estimated to register a robust growth of 7.1 percent in 2016-17, despite the demonetisation of high denomination currencies that aimed at substantive medium to long-term economic benefits. Predictions by expert agencies suggest that India's growth rate is set to improve further in 2017-18. In terms of the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) prepared by World Economic Forum for 138 countries, India ranked 39 in 2016-17, as compared to India's rank in GCI of 60 (among 148 countries)in 2013-14.

The present Government took charge in May 2014 in the backdrop of persistently high inflation, particularly food inflation. Astute food management and price monitoring by the Government in the last three years helped control the stubbornly persistent inflation. CPI inflation remained under control for the third successive financial year. The average CPI (combined) inflation declined from 9.5 per cent in 2013-14 to 5.9 per cent in 2014-15 and 4.9 per cent in 2015- 16. It declined further to 4.6 per cent in the current financial year, upto February 2017 and stood at 3.7 per cent in February 2017 backed by sharp fall in food inflation.

In line with subdued global growth an trade, India s exports declined by 1.3 per cent and 15.5 per cent in 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively. The trend of negative growth was reversed somewhat during 2016-17 (April-February), with exports registering a growth of 2.5 per cent to US$ 245.4 billion from US$ 239.4 billion in 2015-16 (April- February). Monthly export growth rates have been in positive territory since September 2016.

During 2015-16, India's import declined by 15.0 per cent to US$ 381. 0 billion, mainly due to fall in international crude oil prices, as compared to US$ 448.0 billion in 2014-15. During 2016-17 (April-February), imports declined by 3.7 per cent to US$ 340.7 billion as compared to 353.7 billion in the corresponding period of previous year.

In f low of foreign direct investment increased from US$ 43.6 billion 2013-14 to US$ 51.8 billion in 2014-15 and further to US$ 59.5 billion in 2015-16. During 2016-17 April- December), net FDI was US$ 31.2 billion as compared to US$ 27.2 billion in 2015-16 (April- December). Foreign portfolio investment (net) increased to US$ 8".2 - billion in the first half of 2016-17 from US$ (-) 3.5 billion in the first half of 2015-16. However, net foreign portfolio outflow in the month of December 2016 and January 2017 were at US$ 5.8 billion and US$ 0.5 billion respectively-largely as a result of the Fed Policy with US Federal Reserve raising interest rates. The FPI outflow was not a phenomenon associated with Indian markets alone as FPIs pulled out of most EMEs due to hi her returns in advanced economies.

Foreign exchange reserves touched an all time high level of US$ 371.9 billion in end- September 2016. However, it declined to US$ 361.1 billion at end-November 2016 due to intervention by RBI in forex exchange market to stabilize the rupee and partly because of repayment of maturity amount of FCNR (B) deposits accrued between September-November 2013 during the special swap window opened for NRIs. Foreign exchange reserves stood at US$ 363.0 billion at end-January 2017 as against US$ 358.9 billion at end-December 2016. The current position is at a comfortable level to cushion the exchange rate volatility from any international macroeconomic uncertainty.

Exchange Rate of Rupee

The average monthly exchange rate of rupee for 2016-17 (April- February) was Rs.67.2 per US dollar, indicating a depreciation of 2.8 per cent over the corresponding period of the previous year. This was mainly due to strengthening of the US dollar globally following the US presidential election results and tightening of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. Nevertheless, in 2016-17 so far, the rupee has performed better than most of other EMES.

At end-September 2016, India's external debt stock stood at US$ 484.3 billion, recording a decline of US$ 0.8 billion (0.2 per cent) over the level at end-March 2016.

Most of the key external debt indicators show an improvement in September 2016. The share of short-term debt in total external debt decreased to 16.8 per cent at end-September 2016 from 17.2 per cent at end-March 2016. India's foreign exchange reserves provided a cover of 76.8 per cent to the total external debt stock at end-September 2016 vis-it-vis 74.3 per cent at end-March 2016.

India continues to be among the less vulnerable nations in terms of its key debt indicators which compare well with other indebted developing countries. According to the World Bank's "International Debt Statistics, 2017"
which gives external debt data of developing countries for 2015, the ratio of India's external debt stock to gross national income (GNI) at 23.4 per cent was the fifth lowest. In terms of the cover provided by foreign exchange reserves to external debt, India's position was sixth highest at 69.7 per cent.

Agriculture and Food Management

 As per the Second Advance Estimates of National Income released on 28th February 2017, the growth rates in Gross Value Added (GVA) of the agriculture and al1ied sectors were at 4.4 per cent in 2016-17,0.8 per cent in 2015-16, (-) 0.2 percent in 2014-15 .As per the second Advance Estimates of production of foodgrains released by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on 15th February 2017, production of total foodgrains during 2016-17 is estimated at 271.98 million tonnes compared to 251.57 million tonnes in 2015-16 (Final) and 252.02 million tonnes in 2014-15.

As per the Second Advance Estimates of National Income 2016-17 released by CSO on 28th February 2017, the growth rates in Gross Value Added (GVA) of the industrial sector were 5.8 per cent in 2016-17, 8.2 per cent in 2015-16 and 6.9 per cent in 2014-15. The growth in the GVA from 'manufacturing' sector was 7.7 percent in 2016-17 as compared to growth of 10.6 percent in 2015-16 and 7.5 per cent in 2014-15.

The index for eight core industries (comprising crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, coal, electricity, cement, steel, and fertilizers) registered 4.8 per cent growth in 2016-17 (April-January) as compared to 3.4 percent in 2015-16 and 4.5 per cent in 2014-15.

With the introduction of UDAY scheme in the power sector in 2015, most of the States have made significant efforts to reduce AT &C losses. The scheme has already addressed 62 per cent of the DISCOMs' debt that existed at the end of 2014-15.

As per the Year End Review-2016 released by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the total length of highways awarded up to November, 2016 was 5688 Ian and total length of highways constructed up to November, 2016 was 4021 Ian as against 6029 km in 2015-16 and 4410 km in 2014-15.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) FIRST LARGEST PRIVATE INVESTMENT INITIATIVE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING - JULY-2017

(GIST OF YOJANA) FIRST LARGEST PRIVATE INVESTMENT INITIATIVE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING - JULY-2017

Over 352 housing projects in 53 cities in 17 States across the country with an investment of over Rs.38,000 cr to build over two lakh houses were launched at and hinagar, Gujarat recently. These housing projects to be taken up by the members of Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) across the country is the first major private investments initiative into affordable housing. The event was held in the backdrop of several initiatives by the Government of India to promote affordable housing for Economically Weaker Sections, Low and Middle Income Groups including sanction of 'infrastructure status' for the housing sector. Since the launch of PMAY (Urban) in June, 2015, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has approved construction of 17.73 lakh affordable houses for urban poor with an investment of Rs.95,660 cr in 30 States and Union Territories. For building these houses, central assistanc of Rs. 27,879 cr has also been approved. PMAY (Urban) was launched by the Prime Minister on June 25, 2015.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) THE STORY OF A NEW INDIA-JULY-2017

(GIST OF YOJANA) THE STORY OF A NEW INDIA-JULY-2017

India is rewarding its growth story in the global geopolitical economic landscape, charting new courses in its governance paradigm and striving to demolish the old images and impressions as viewed through coloured lenses in the comity of nations to evolve into a 'New India'.

Let us start with the most recent announcement of demonetisation of RS.500 and Rs.1000 notes, one of the most impactful steps taken to curb the three pronged menace of black money, counterfeit currency and corruption. It provided a logical climax to the series of initiatives taken towards this of the government which include closely collaboration with the Swiss bank officials, setting up of an SIT to deal with investigations on individual cases of tax evasion and Income Declaration Scheme, which mobilised tax revenue of nearly Rs. 65,000 cr. A move to purge the economy of the toxic black cash not only induces more efficiency and reduces corruption, but also gives room for the government and the central bank to cut tax rates and interest rates respectively, spurring up investments while being on track to attain the fiscal deficit and growth targets. This is the story of a Resurgent India.

India's digital leadership was clearly visible post demonetisation when the effort to boost the Digital Payments ecosystem received a much needed fillip. The aim was to inculcate a behaviour change in promoting cashless transactions and converting India into a lesscash society, thereby seeking to increase transparency and accountability. It is heartening to note that about 1.5 crore people have adopted the BHIM app so far in just over 2 months time of its launch. To facilitate digital transactions, over 30 crore Rupay debit cards had been issued by the government including those issued to Jan Dhan account holders. Around 12.51akh people have won under the Lucky Grahak Yojana and 70,000 traders bagged prizes under the Digidhan Vyapar Yojana. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana provided the last chance to tax evaders to declare their income, the funds of which would be channelized for the benefit of the poor. Demonetization gives us a unique opportunity to harness this digital revolution to deal a mortal blow to corruption and black money. Payment through online channels significantly reduces the need for cash and brings about transparency in financial dealings. It is the responsibility of those who are well-versed in the use of digital channels for payments etc to teach those who are new to it, The fight to improve people's living standards and weed out corruption and black money has to be a collective, societal effort. This is the story of a Digital India.

Demonetisation and other decisions taken in the economic sphere have gone hand in hand with the aggressive drive towards achieving universal financial inclusion and bringing every citizen into the formal banking net, Nearly 28.13 cr accounts have been' opened so far under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) which gives a much needed fillip to move towards a cashless economy, and realise the dream of
'financial untouchability'. The scheme has managed to open more bank accounts in the last two years than in the all the years since India's independence to August 2014 combined. This is the story of an Inclusive India.

The 'Make in India' Campaign is one of the flagship schemes of the government that aims at making India a global manufacturing hub and reaping the economic spin offs thereon in terms of better infrastructure" better employment opportunities and leveraging on India's massive demographic dividend. The net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have hit an all-time high in early 2017 of the order of $3.35 bn and have more than financed the current account deficit. Foreign investment has increased by nearly 46 per cent since the launch of Make In India. This is the story of a Investor-friendly India.

The passage of the historic GST legislation is set to simplify the tax regime, create a nation wide market for goods and services and broaden the tax base giving a fillip to economic growth. Government revenues are set to rise, Logistics, Inventory costs, tax evasion will fall and manufactured goods would be cheaper. The dream of One nation, One tax is now a reality. This proves beyond doubt the decisiveness of the government. Manufacturing will get more competitive as GST addresses "cascading of tax, inter-state tax, high logistics costs and fragmented market. There will be increased protection from imports as GST provides for appropriate counter veiling duty. This is the story of a Transformational India.

On the skill development front, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the flagship scheme of the government launched with the objective of enabling a large number of Indian youth to take up industry- relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood. With the slogan of "Kaushal Bharat, Kushal Bharat", a total of 19.85 lakh youth have been trained and 2.49 lakh placed in FY 16, while 8479 training centers have been opened in 596 districts. This is the story of a Skill India.

The schemes in the agriculture sector such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojaiia, Soil Health Card scheme, Neem coated urea, augmenting the minimum support prices among other initiatives have served the 'Kisans' of our nation in good stead even in the face of vagaries of the monsoon. Nearly, 15.86 lakh hectares brought under micro irrigation from 2014-17 under 'Per Drop More Crop' for micro irrigation, while 6.20 crore soil health cards have been distributed so far. On the insurance coverage front, 23 States during Kharif 2016; 390 lakh farmers covered and 386.75 lakh hectares have been insured to the tune ofRs.1,41,883.30 crores. During Rabi 2016-17, as of now, 167 lakh farmers have been covered and about 193.35 lakh hectares insured over the sum insured of Rs. 71,728.59 crores. These numbers speak volumes about the government's commitment towards the welfare of the 'Annadaatas' of the nation.

On; the infrastructure front, initiatives such as the Smart Cities project, AMRUT Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, passage of RERA among others have enhanced the performance of the sector.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Atal Pension Yojana, Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Krishi Sinchai Yojana, MUDRA Bank Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Nayi Manzil Yojana among others try to ensure a well balanced development of all sections of the society, be it the girl child, senior citizens, farmers, minorities, urban house dwellers or rural villagers. The schemes of the government have touched all sections of the society and have simplified their lives. This is the story of the Garib, Kisan and Mahila who are reaping the benefits of a Transforming India.

India's stance has changed from that of strategic restraint to greater assertion in response to terrorism from Pakistan. It has been made amply clear that India wants pure bilateralism and will not accept Islamabad's talks with separatists as demonstrated by calling off foreign secretary level talks and walking out of regional summits (SAARC summit in Pakistan). The attack on the Indian army retaliated through surgical strikes further reinforced this position. Also, by boycotting the SAARC summit, India sent out a stem message to the extent of major world powers considering motions to declare Pakistan as terror state.

In her multilateral engagements, India's bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council found many backers and significant progress has also been made for entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. India's engagement in regional groupings such as BRICS, SAARC, BIMSTEC has been fruitful. India has also been able to lead the cause of the developing nations in multilateral negotiations on climate change (in Paris Summit) and trade negotiations in WTO.

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Science Reporter (June 2017)

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UPSC Advertisement Number 11/2017

Advertisement Number Documents 11 - 2017

VACANCY DETAILS

(Final Result) NDA-NA (II) Exam 2016

(Final Result) National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination(II) 2016

The following is the  list, in order of merit of  548  candidates, who have qualified on the basis  of  the results of the  Written  Examination held by the Union Public Service Commission on  18th  September, 2016 and the subsequent Interviews held by the Services Selection Board, of the Ministry of Defence  for admission to the  Army, Navy and  Air Force wings  of National  Defence Academy for the 138th Course and Naval Academy  for the 100th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from July, 2017.  For detailed information regarding the actual date of commencement of the above courses, please visit the websites of Ministry of Defence. 

2. The results of Medical Examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.

3. The candidature of all the candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth and educational qualifications etc. claimed by them directly to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting, Adjutant General's Branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army), West Block No. III, Wing‐1, R. K. Puram, New Delhi‐110066 wherever this has not already been done, and NOT to U.P.S.C.

4. In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarters at the address given above.  

5. The result is also  available on the UPSC Website at http:// www.upsc.gov.in. However, marks of the candidates will be available on the Website after 15 days from the date of declaration of final results.

6. For any further information, the candidates may contact  Facilitation Counter  near Gate 'C' of the Commission, either in person or on Telephone Nos.011‐  23385271/ 11‐23381125/011‐23098543 between 10:00 Hours to 17:00 Hours on any working day.    

MOBILE PHONES ARE BANNED IN THE CAMPUS OF UPSC EXAMINATION HALLS

S.NO.  ROLL NO         NAME

1        001669     SHASHANK SHARMA
2        102365     SAMEER SHARMA
3        072959     SANGRAM
4        127050     GURUPRASAD VEERANNAVARU
5        013352     PARITOSH ASHUTOSH SHARMA
6        044775     ISHAN TRIVEDI
7        132038     PAARTH GUPTA
8        055084     ARMAANDEEP SINGH
9        109233     SHEEL LOHIA
10        070258     RITWIC MISHRA
11        056620     VAIBHAV CHAUHAN
12        050576     RAUSHAN KUMAR
13        239316     ROHAN KUMAR MOHAPATRA
14        081447     SUMIT DHAKA

CONCLUSIONS : Civil Service Ethics for UPSC Exams

 

CONCLUSIONS : Civil Service Ethics for UPSC Exams

CONCLUSIONS

7.1 Starting points

The starting points of the conclusions and proposals of the Working Group are,

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