Knowracle Akhbaar Editorial

Volume 5 (31 October 2016)

Dear Aspirant Officers,
Honorary Editor
Ved Mahajan It gives me immense pleasure to present you guys the fifth
volume of the Knowracle Akhbaar and would take the
Editor opportunity to thank you once again for all your love and
Swati Mahajan support that you have shown to us all this while.
Executive Editor The Mains 2016 is approaching fast. Accordingly, the
Bhavana Chopra analytical and the editorial articles have been given more
Text Assitance stress in this issue. The issue particularly covers the G20
Aman Gill, Bhavna Mavotra meet and the various developments in the banking sector
in great depth.
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 CONTENTS
SECTION WISE INDEX v
HOW TO USE THIS AKHBAAR vii
HOCK TEST SERIES x
ENROLL FOR FREE URN CARD xi
KNOWRACLE ON WHATSAPP xii
1st September
1. Haji Ali Verdict.............................................................................. 1
2. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme................................ 1
3. Harvesting Solar Energy in Fields................................................. 2
4. Bill Targets Celebrities for Misleading ADs.................................. 2
5. Jain Leaders Address in Haryana Assembly................................. 3
6. India Egypt Relations..................................................................... 4
7. India Africa Health Cooperation.................................................... 5
8. India Heads to Erbil....................................................................... 6
9. Turkeys Move on Syria................................................................. 6
10. Niti Aayog Proposal to Boost Construction Sector Gets NOD...... 7
11. Foreign Investors can Get Permanent Residency for Rs10 Crore.7
12. Do We Need A Minimum Wage Law?........................................... 8
13. Different Types of Funds............................................................... 8
14. Advancing the Budget.................................................................... 9
15. Regional Air Connectivity Scheme ............................................... 9
16. Saving Indian Biodiversity............................................................ 9
17. Additional Facts........................................................................... 10
2nd September
18. Cyber Crimes on Rise.................................................................. 13
19. Issues Related with Maternity Leave .......................................... 13
20. National Medical Commission Bill............................................. 14
21. Reforming the Judiciary............................................................... 14
22. Egypt India Cooperation on Terror.............................................. 16
23. G20: India to Oppose US And China .......................................... 16
24. Dilma Rousseff Impeached.......................................................... 16
25. Minimum Wage: What it is, How it is Fixed............................... 17
26. What is Importance of Differential Voting Rights....................... 18
27. Indigenous LUH Set to Fly in a Week......................................... 18
28. Additional Facts........................................................................... 18
3rd September
29. Haryana in Rio............................................................................. 20
30. Millions at Risk Due to Dirty Water........................................... 21
31. Habitat III and Draft New Urban Agenda.................................... 21
32. The Affairs in the Philippines...................................................... 23
iii
33. After Silk Road, World Land Bridge?......................................... 24
34. Maharashtra Tops in Ease of Doing Business.............................. 24
35. India Faces Catch-22 on Steel Capacity at G20S China Meet... 24
36. Bank Strikes are Less Relevant Now........................................... 25
37. Mihir Shah Report ....................................................................... 25
38. Additional Facts .......................................................................... 26
4th September
39. Consumer Protection Bill: Various Provisions............................ 28
40. Controlling Noncommunicable Diseases..................................... 28
41. India Grants $500 MN to Vietnam for Defence Ties................... 29
42. US, China Ratify Paris Pact; India Non-Committal.................... 30
43. Challenges to G20........................................................................ 30
44. Robots Likely to Worsen Shortage of Good Jobs........................ 31
45. New Civil Aviation Rules............................................................ 32
46. JUNO Shows Jupiter Like Never Before..................................... 32
47. Additional Facts........................................................................... 32
5th September
48. Mother Teresa Declared a Saint................................................... 34
49. Mobile Access Scheme for Remote Areas .................................. 34
50. Govt May Engage India Inc Under CSR..................................... 34
51. Gap Between Rich and Poor States............................................. 35
52. Chikungunya, Dengue on Twin Peaks......................................... 35
53. PM Modi Pitches for Saudi, Australian Investment..................... 36
54. India US Strategic Relations and Geopolitical Changes.............. 36
55. G20 Summit Opens ..................................................................... 38
56. Unified Payments Interface System............................................. 38
57. Make Way for Insurance IPOS: IRDA......................................... 39
58. Over the Barrel: Pipelines Over Politics...................................... 39
59. Indian Scientists Unlock Preterm Birth Mystery......................... 40
60. Additional Facts........................................................................... 40
6th September
61. M-Sips Set for Revamp Over Subsidy Concerns......................... 41
62. Criticism without Incitement to Violation isnt Sedition............. 41
63. The Myth of Military Neutrality.................................................. 42
64. PM Modi at G20 ......................................................................... 43
65. G20 Agrees on Coordinated Policies........................................... 43
66. Saudi-Russia Crude Pact to Tackle Global Glut.......................... 44
67. PM Modi At G20......................................................................... 45
68. G20 Meet: Role of a Sherpa......................................................... 46
69. Make in India, But Not The ChinaWay.................................... 46
70. RBI Told to Share Black Money Data with Agencies................. 47
71. Independent Directors Back in Demand ..................................... 47
72. Spacexs Explosion Reverberates Across Industries.................... 48
73. Additional Facts........................................................................... 48
th
7 September
74. Being Human towards Animals................................................... 50
75. Electoral Reforms: Need for a Totaliser...................................... 50
76. Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950... 51
77. In Lower Courts, 21 % PostsVacant........................................... 51
78. India, Chile Expand Trade Pact .................................................. 52
79. China may allow Imports of Indian Non-Basmati Rice............... 52
80. India Russia Defence Cooperation............................................... 52
81. Obamas Efforts for a Nuclear Free World.................................. 53
82. ITC, L&T, Axis Stake Sale: Govt Eases Norms ......................... 54
83. FPIS Approach Govt to Iron out Singapore Treaty,
GAAR issues................................................................................ 55
84. How Banks can Reduce Loan Stress........................................... 55
85. India Will Soon be Zero Petroleum Import Country................... 56
86. Osiris-Rex And Asteroid Bennu .................................................. 56
87. Additional Facts........................................................................... 57
th
8 September
88. Entry into Haji Ali Dargah........................................................... 58
89. HP to bring Transgenders Under Social Security Net.................. 59
90. Bring Water Issues in Concurrent List, Says Minister................. 60
91. Copyright Act Applies to Digital Streaming Services................. 60
92. India Russia Defence Deals......................................................... 60
93. Balancing Asia............................................................................. 61
94. Turkey Willing to Cooperate With U.S. ...................................... 62
95. The Case for Cautious Optimism................................................. 62
96. The Foreign Investment isnt Enough.......................................... 63
97. IDs to Make Business More Transparent..................................... 64
98. FPIs Set Eyes on New Tax Havens.............................................. 65
99. Land Identity Number Solution for Farmers............................... 65
100. India France Defence Deal........................................................... 66
101. India to Place Order for Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer.................. 67
102. Additional Facts........................................................................... 67
9th September
103. Jumpstarting the Startups............................................................. 70
104. New Guidelines for Loss Making Units...................................... 71
105. Amending the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act...................... 71
106. India US Cooperation in Innovation............................................ 72
107. Boosting Trade in South Asia...................................................... 73
108. Centre to Popularise Municipal Bonds........................................ 74
iv
109. To Fix Bad Loans, Need More Than Growth.............................. 74
110. Challenges for RBI ..................................................................... 74
111. Solar Power Market..................................................................... 75
112. GSLV-F05 Successfully Launches Insat-3DR............................. 75
113. GM Mustard................................................................................. 76
114. INSAT-3DR.................................................................................. 77
115. Additional Facts........................................................................... 78
10th September
116. Aadhar and the PDs..................................................................... 80
117. Panel Seeks PDs Transfer within States, Better Data Collection.81
118. Engaging the World..................................................................... 82
119. Vietnam Ties Buddhism Knot with India, Not China.................. 82
120. US Wants India to Advance Phasing out of HFCs....................... 82
121. G20: India Sat on Paris Deal to Get Back at China Over NSG... 83
122. N Korea Conducts Fifth and Largest Nuclear Test...................... 83
123. Sustainable Real Estate................................................................ 83
124. Road Clear for Chandrayaan-2.................................................... 84
125. China's 2nd Space Lab to be Put into Orbit Soon......................... 84
126. Additional Facts........................................................................... 85
11th September
127. Heritage Circuits to Bump up Tourism........................................ 86
128. Generics are Lifeline.................................................................... 86
129. US, Russia Seal Syria Truce Deal................................................ 87
130. Chinas Brics Trade Pact Idea Finds No Takers........................... 88
131. The Automobile Industry............................................................. 88
132. Antimicrobial Agents: Pros And Cons......................................... 89
133. Embraer Aircraft Deal.................................................................. 90
134. Alternative Energy....................................................................... 90
135. Additional Facts........................................................................... 90
12th September
136. Task Force Moots New Panel on BPL......................................... 91
137. Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016: Concerns.............................. 92
138. Cabinet Approves Third Phase Teqip........................................... 92
139. Enemy Property Ordinance Promulgated for Fourth Time.......... 93
140. Need to Give Judiciary More Judges........................................... 94
141. US to Share Internet Information on TerrorFaster...................... 94
142. India Nepal Relations................................................................... 95
143. Government Thinking West..................................................... 95
144. India to Apprise OIC Partners of Stand on Kashmir.................... 96
145. On Suu Kyis Itinerary................................................................. 97
146. Chinese Working on CPEC in Pak............................................... 97
147. GSTN Ownership Issue............................................................... 98
148. Most Corporate Defaulters Fail to Meet S4AStandards............. 98
149. Labour in India............................................................................. 99
150. Helicopter Money and What it can do for Economy................... 99
151. Exploration of Polymetallic Nodules........................................ 100
152. Cheap Data can Usher in Green Revolution 2.0........................ 100
153. Systems to Detect a Nuclear Test............................................... 101
154. From Plate to Plough: Connecting the Drops............................ 101
155. Additional Facts......................................................................... 102
th
13 September
156. Jan Dhan Yojana Empowers, Thats Why the Red Flag............ 103
157. First Official Document Laying Standards of Alcoholic
Beverages................................................................................... 104
158. Govt Clears Agency to Boost Higher Education....................... 104
159. Why Healthcare Access Eludes India........................................ 105
160. India, Afghanistan Likely to Sign Extradition Treay................. 105
161. India Files Plaint at WTO Against The US................................ 105
162. Expanded Trade with China, Asia-Pacific Nations.................... 106
163. India Plays Warm Host to Good Neighbours............................. 106
164. Yudh Abhyas 2016..................................................................... 107
165. The Relevance of NAM............................................................. 108
166. Afghanistan India and Pakistan................................................. 108
167. Formal Panel to Decide Value of Rupee.................................... 109
168. Cabinet Clears GST Council ..................................................... 109
169. FCNR(B) Deposits Become a Worry Now................................ 110
170. Govt Focuses on Labour Reforms............................................. 110
171. Additional Facts......................................................................... 111
th
14 September
172. Infra Pool to Have two Separate Funds .................................... 111
173. Involve the States more in Higher Education............................ 112
174. Police Reforms........................................................................... 112
v
175. Who Got Padma and why? All Details Online.......................... 113
176. Jharkhand: ST Panel Urges President to Deny Nod to
Tenancy ActsOrdinance............................................................ 114
177. Accountability of Judiciary........................................................ 114
178. Approved Strength of Judges Enough: Law Panel Head........... 115
179. CJI Still to Convince Judge on Collegium Transparency.......... 115
180. The Ceasefire in Syria................................................................ 116
181. Should Prisoners be Allowed to Vote? EC Panel to
Seek Answer............................................................................... 116
182. African Oil Import may be put in Vostro Account..................... 117
183. Talgo Trials................................................................................ 117
184. Languishing Road Projects........................................................ 118
185. Villages Electrified, But Darkness Prevails .............................. 119
186. Government Plans Rs 3 Lakh Crore Corridor ........................... 120
187. Additional Facts......................................................................... 120
15th September
188. Doping Legally: Tue.................................................................. 122
189. Minimum Wages Bill in Winter Session.................................... 123
190. India-Afghanistan Joint Statement............................................. 123
191. India Raises Balochistan, POK at UN....................................... 124
192. India Afghanistan Friendship..................................................... 124
193. India Nepal Engagement ........................................................... 125
194. Indefinite Parking of Money in Schemes Impedes Growth....... 126
195. Where Liquid Funds Fit ............................................................ 126
196. India Wastes 15-20% of its Renewable Energy......................... 127
197. Lithium-Ion Batteries................................................................. 127
198. Less-Lethal Riot ControlTechnology........................................ 129
199. Additional Facts......................................................................... 129
Multiple Choice Questions.............................................................. 131
Descriptive Questions...................................................................... 147
 SECTION WISE INDEX
GS - I
(Indian Society)
1. Haji Ali Verdict.............................................................................. 1
18. Cyber Crimes on Rise.................................................................. 13
48. Mother Teresa Declared a Saint................................................... 34
74. Being Human towards Animals................................................... 50
136. Task Force Moots New Panel on BPL......................................... 91
188. Doping Legally: Tue.................................................................. 122
(Women & Related Issues)
19. Issues Related with Maternity Leave .......................................... 13
GS-II
(Government Programs/Poicies)
2. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme................................ 1
3. Harvesting Solar Energy in Fields................................................. 2
20. National Medical Commission Bill............................................. 14
29. Haryana in Rio.............................................................................. 20
49. Mobile Access Scheme for Remote Areas .................................. 34
50. Govt May Engage India Inc Under CSR..................................... 34
61. M-Sips Set for Revamp Over Subsidy Concerns......................... 41
89. HP to bring Transgenders Under Social Security Net.................. 59
99. Land Identity Number Solution for Farmers............................... 65
103. Jumpstarting the Startups............................................................. 70
104. New Guidelines for Loss Making Units...................................... 71
116. Aadhar and the PDs..................................................................... 80
117. Panel Seeks PDs Transfer within States, Better Data Collection.81
127. Heritage Circuits to Bump up Tourism........................................ 86
136. Task Force Moots New Panel on BPL......................................... 91
137. Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016: Concerns.............................. 92
138. Cabinet Approves Third Phase Teqip........................................... 92
156. Jan Dhan Yojana Empowers, Thats Why the Red Flag............ 103
157. First Official Document Laying Standards of Alcoholic
Beverages................................................................................... 104
158. Govt Clears Agency to Boost Higher Education....................... 104
172. Infra Pool to Have two Separate Funds .................................... 111
174. Police Reforms........................................................................... 112
189. Minimum Wages Bill in Winter Session.................................... 123
(Polity and Constitution)
4. Bill Targets Celebrities for Misleading ADs.................................. 2
5. Jain Leaders Address in Haryana Assembly................................. 3
51. Gap Between Rich and Poor States............................................. 35
62. Criticism without Incitement to Violation isnt Sedition............. 41
75. Electoral Reforms: Need for a Totaliser...................................... 50
76. Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950... 51
90. Bring Water Issues in Concurrent List, Says Minister................. 60
91. Copyright Act Applies to Digital Streaming Services................. 60
vi
105. Amending the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act...................... 71
139. Enemy Property Ordinance Promulgated for Fourth Time.......... 93
176. Jharkhand: ST Panel Urges President to Deny Nod to
Tenancy ActsOrdinance............................................................ 114
(Judiciary)
21. Reforming the Judiciary............................................................... 14
77. In Lower Courts, 21 % PostsVacant........................................... 51
140. Need to Give Judiciary More Judges........................................... 94
177. Accountability of Judiciary........................................................ 114
178. Approved Strength of Judges Enough: Law Panel Head........... 115
179. CJI Still to Convince Judge on Collegium Transparency.......... 115
(Social Justice)
173. Involve the States more in Higher Education............................ 112
175. Who Got Padma and why? All Details Online.......................... 113
(Health and Related Issues)
30. Millions at Risk Due to Dirty Water............................................. 21
40. Controlling Noncommunicable Diseases..................................... 28
52. Chikungunya, Dengue on Twin Peaks......................................... 35
128. Generics are Lifeline.................................................................... 86
159. Why Healthcare Access Eludes India........................................ 105
(Bilateral & International Relations)
6. India Egypt Relations..................................................................... 4
7. India Africa Health Cooperation.................................................... 5
8. India Heads to Erbil....................................................................... 6
9. Turkeys Move on Syria................................................................. 6
22. Egypt India Cooperation on Terror.............................................. 16
23. G20: India to Oppose US And China .......................................... 16
24. Dilma Rousseff Impeached.......................................................... 16
31. Habitat III and Draft New Urban Agenda..................................... 21
32. The Affairs in the Philippines....................................................... 23
33. After Silk Road, World Land Bridge?........................................... 24
41. India Grants $500 MN to Vietnam for Defence Ties................... 29
42. US, China Ratify Paris Pact; India Non-Committal.................... 30
43. Challenges to G20........................................................................ 30
53. PM Modi Pitches for Saudi, Australian Investment..................... 36
54. India US Strategic Relations and Geopolitical Changes.............. 36
55. G20 Summit Opens ..................................................................... 38
63. The Myth of Military Neutrality.................................................. 42
64. PM Modi at G20 ......................................................................... 43
65. G20 Agrees on Coordinated Policies........................................... 43
66. Saudi-Russia Crude Pact to Tackle Global Glut.......................... 44
67. PM Modi At G20......................................................................... 45
68. G20 Meet: Role of a Sherpa......................................................... 46
78. India, Chile Expand Trade Pact .................................................. 52
79. China may allow Imports of Indian Non-Basmati Rice............... 52
80. India Russia Defence Cooperation............................................... 52
81. Obamas Efforts for a Nuclear Free World.................................. 53
92. India Russia Defence Deals......................................................... 60
93. Balancing Asia............................................................................. 61
94. Turkey Willing to Cooperate With U.S. ...................................... 62
100. India France Defence Deal........................................................... 66
106. India US Cooperation in Innovation............................................ 72
107. Boosting Trade in South Asia...................................................... 73
118. Engaging the World..................................................................... 82
119. Vietnam Ties Buddhism Knot with India, Not China.................. 82
120. US Wants India to Advance Phasing out of HFCs....................... 82
121. G20: India Sat on Paris Deal to Get Back at China Over NSG... 83
122. N Korea Conducts Fifth and Largest Nuclear Test...................... 83
129. US, Russia Seal Syria Truce Deal................................................ 87
130. Chinas Brics Trade Pact Idea Finds No Takers........................... 88
141. US to Share Internet Information on TerrorFaster...................... 94
142. India Nepal Relations................................................................... 95
143. Government Thinking West..................................................... 95
144. India to Apprise OIC Partners of Stand on Kashmir.................... 96
145. On Suu Kyis Itinerary................................................................. 97
146. Chinese Working on CPEC in Pak............................................... 97
153. Systems to Detect a Nuclear Test............................................... 101
160. India, Afghanistan Likely to Sign Extradition Treay................. 105
161. India Files Plaint at WTO Against The US................................ 105
162. Expanded Trade with China, Asia-Pacific Nations.................... 106
163. India Plays Warm Host to Good Neighbours............................. 106
164. Yudh Abhyas 2016..................................................................... 107
165. The Relevance of NAM............................................................. 108
166. Afghanistan India and Pakistan................................................. 108
180. The Ceasefire in Syria................................................................ 116
190. India-Afghanistan Joint Statement............................................. 123
191. India Raises Balochistan, POK at UN....................................... 124
192. India Afghanistan Friendship..................................................... 124
193. India Nepal Engagement ........................................................... 125
GS-III
(Economy)
10. Niti Aayog Proposal to Boost Construction Sector Gets NOD...... 7
11. Foreign Investors can Get Permanent Residency for Rs10 Crore.7
12. Do We Need A Minimum Wage Law?........................................... 8
13. Different Types of Funds............................................................... 8
14. Advancing the Budget.................................................................... 9
25. Minimum Wage: What it is, How it is Fixed............................... 17
26. What is Importance of Differential Voting Rights....................... 18
34. Maharashtra Tops in Ease of Doing Business.............................. 24
35. India Faces Catch-22 on Steel Capacity at G20S China Meet... 24
36. Bank Strikes are Less Relevant Now........................................... 25
44. Robots Likely to Worsen Shortage of Good Jobs........................ 31
51. Gap Between Rich and Poor States............................................. 35
56. Unified Payments Interface System............................................. 38
57. Make Way for Insurance IPOS: IRDA......................................... 39
69. Make in India, But Not The ChinaWay.................................... 46
70. RBI Told to Share Black Money Data with Agencies................. 47
71. Independent Directors Back in Demand ..................................... 47
82. ITC, L&T, Axis Stake Sale: Govt Eases Norms ......................... 54
83. FPIS Approach Govt to Iron out Singapore Treaty,
GAAR issues................................................................................ 55
84. How Banks can Reduce Loan Stress........................................... 55
85. India Will Soon be Zero Petroleum Import Country................... 56
95. The Case for Cautious Optimism................................................. 62
96. The Foreign Investment isnt Enough.......................................... 63
97. IDs to Make Business More Transparent..................................... 64
98. FPIs Set Eyes on New Tax Havens.............................................. 65
104. New Guidelines for Loss Making Units...................................... 71
107. Boosting Trade in South Asia...................................................... 73
108. Centre to Popularise Municipal Bonds........................................ 74
109. To Fix Bad Loans, Need More Than Growth.............................. 74
110. Challenges for RBI ..................................................................... 74
147. GSTN Ownership Issue............................................................... 98
148. Most Corporate Defaulters Fail to Meet S4AStandards............. 98
149. Labour in India............................................................................. 99
150. Helicopter Money and What it can do for Economy................... 99
167. Formal Panel to Decide Value of Rupee.................................... 109
168. Cabinet Clears GST Council ..................................................... 109
169. FCNR(B) Deposits Become a Worry Now................................ 110
170. Govt Focuses on Labour Reforms............................................. 110
172. Infra Pool to Have two Separate Funds .................................... 111
182. African Oil Import may be put in Vostro Account..................... 117
194. Indefinite Parking of Money in Schemes Impedes Growth....... 126
195. Where Liquid Funds Fit ............................................................ 126
(Infrastructure)
3. Harvesting Solar Energy in Fields................................................. 2
15. Regional Air Connectivity Scheme ............................................... 9
31. Habitat III and Draft New Urban Agenda..................................... 21
37. Mihir Shah Report ........................................................................ 25
45. New Civil Aviation Rules............................................................ 32
49. Mobile Access Scheme for Remote Areas .................................. 34
58. Over the Barrel: Pipelines Over Politics...................................... 39
111. Solar Power Market..................................................................... 75
123. Sustainable Real Estate................................................................ 83
131. The Automobile Industry............................................................. 88
151. Exploration of Polymetallic Nodules........................................ 100
183. Talgo Trials................................................................................ 117
184. Languishing Road Projects........................................................ 118
vii
185. Villages Electrified, But Darkness Prevails .............................. 119
186. Government Plans Rs 3 Lakh Crore Corridor ........................... 120
196. India Wastes 15-20% of its Renewable Energy......................... 127
(Agriculture and Farmers Issues)
99. Land Identity Number Solution for Farmers............................... 65
152. Cheap Data can Usher in Green Revolution 2.0........................ 100
(Science & Technology)
52. Chikungunya, Dengue on Twin Peaks......................................... 35
59. Indian Scientists Unlock Preterm Birth Mystery......................... 40
113. GM Mustard................................................................................. 76
132. Antimicrobial Agents: Pros And Cons......................................... 89
153. Systems to Detect a Nuclear Test............................................... 101
197. Lithium-Ion Batteries................................................................. 127
(Defence)
27. Indigenous LUH Set to Fly in a Week......................................... 18
92. India Russia Defence Deals......................................................... 60
100. India France Defence Deal........................................................... 66
101. India to Place Order for Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer.................. 67
133. Embraer Aircraft Deal.................................................................. 90
viii
(Space)
46. JUNO Shows Jupiter Like Never Before..................................... 32
72. Spacexs Explosion Reverberates Across Industries.................... 48
86. Osiris-Rex And Asteroid Bennu .................................................. 56
112. GSLV-F05 Successfully Launches Insat-3DR............................. 75
114. INSAT-3DR.................................................................................. 77
124. Road Clear for Chandrayaan-2.................................................... 84
125. China's 2nd Space Lab to be Put into Orbit Soon......................... 84
(Environment & Disaster Management)
16. Saving Indian Biodiversity............................................................ 9
30. Millions at Risk Due to Dirty Water............................................. 21
37. Mihir Shah Report ........................................................................ 25
42. US, China Ratify Paris Pact; India Non-Committal.................... 30
120. US Wants India to Advance Phasing out of HFCs....................... 82
134. Alternative Energy....................................................................... 90
154. From Plate to Plough: Connecting the Drops............................ 101
(Internal Security)
18. Cyber Crimes on Rise.................................................................. 13
27. Indigenous LUH Set to Fly in a Week......................................... 18
70. RBI Told to Share Black Money Data with Agencies................. 47
198. Less-Lethal Riot ControlTechnology........................................ 129
 First things first. This is a magazine, but then why is it called as
Akhbaar?
A very valid question. So lets tell you the significance of this name. Actually Knowracle
Akhbaar is a magazine that is covering the leading newspapers and presenting to you them
in a manner which is from the perspective of the Civil Services Examination.
So simply put, it is a magazine covering the leading newspapers (Akhbaar)!

Which newspapers are these?

These are the most respected and credible newspapers which cover the TH
current affairs and events in the different fields around us. We are talking
about the big names like The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Times of TOI ET
India, The Economic Times and the Press Information Bureau. PIB
But why should I read the crux and not the entire stuff?
Ideally you should read all these insightful newspapers completely. But under the practical
circumstances, due to the heavy load of going through so many books and material, often
these newspapers go unread which costs you dearly in the exams.
So, Akhbaar is an attempt to present the material from these newspapers in a manner which is
tailor made for the requirements of the Civil Services Exam. Moreover, the text is presented in
bullet format and under proper subheads so that it becomes easy to go through it.

Sounds Great! So how is the Team Knowracle preparing this crux?

We are simply following one yardstick: the nature and scope of the General Studies of the
Civil Services Examination. So the things like hardcore political articles, highly technical
articles, literary articles etc are not being taken.
Secondly, considering the scope of the General Studies paper we have not gone into excessive
depths, which according to us fall within the domain of the concerned optional subject.
Thirdly, the articles or the portion of articles which we feel fall within this domain has been
presented to you as a Structured Write-up in Bullet and Point format with the Strategic
Bolding.

Huh! Wait wait! What are these terms???

Oh yes! It becomes imperative here to make you familiar with this lexicon
which we use frequently.

Structured Write-up to help in building your structure of success:

In the Civil Services Examination, what matters is not only what you have written but also
how you have written. In this context, the structure and the organization of the answer
become very important and this exactly has been given the top priority in the Akhbaar. All
the topics have been written in a proper and a sequential manner which makes the write-
up an organic write-up, an exact requirement for the examination. For all the topics, all
the possible dimensions (which were available in the original text) have been dealt with.
This will ensure that the structure of your answer will be the most holistic.

 Bullet and Point format to ensure that you hit all the bullets bang
on the point:
It is always easy to understand, memorise and recollect anything which is in point format
rather than in a paragraph. We have often seen the students reducing a big paragraph into the

ix
 point format. But we want to save your time, reduce your load and help you in achieving the success fast. Hence we
are presenting all the topics in bullet and point format so that the learning experience really becomes very simple
and easy for you.

Strategic Bolding to save your time:

Last minute revision of what you have read is of utmost importance but often not achieved because of the ocean
of information around. We have tried to solve this problem though our concept of Strategic Bolding. All
the topics have the strategic bolding in them. The term Strategic Bolding means that throughout a particular
topic; certain terms, words, phrases, facts etc. have been bolded in such a strategic manner, that if you only go
through these bolded terms, words, phrases, facts etc., you will be able to revise the entire topic at a later stage.
So, no need to prepare any synoptic notes or last-minute revision notes.

Really Cool! Anything else Team Knowracle has done?

Yes. Lot many features are there to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of your preparation.

Paper-wise arrangement of the topics so that your preparation looks wise:

We have arranged all the topics in the paper-wise format of the GS i.e. GS I, GS II, GS III and GS IV. The aim is
to make your preparation more systematic and according to the syllabus of the General Studies. It will also come
handy in syncing your preparation with the coaching institutions and your friends.
Star Rating to ensure that you become the most shining and inspirational star:
Though each and every topic that has been covered in this Akhbaar is quite important and stands a strong chance
as a potential question in the exam, yet we feel that even among these important topics are certain topics which
are very very important with high possibility of figuring in the exam. Hence we have given a star rating. More
the number of stars, more important the topic is.
Our logic behind this rating is that in case, due to paucity of time, you are not in a position to go through all the
topics, ensure that atleast you go through the more important ones.
Facto-Analytics Meter so that you can meter you preparation fully well:
The idea behind the Facto-Analytics Meter (FAM) is to give you an idea about the nature of contents of the article;
fact oriented, analysis oriented or a mix of both. One of the main benefits that you derive from this is that you can
choose the articles better as per the stage of the exam you are preparing for. Eg. If you are preparing for the Prelims,
you should first go through all those articles for which FAM reads more than 50% on facts.
Source for a particular write-up so that you can always refer the parent article:
As we have already suggested that ideally you should go through the original article from the newspaper. So
after going through a particular write-up if you feel that you still have the appetite of getting more about it your
precious time should not get wasted in finding the parent article.
Refer Also so that you can go through everything related in one go:
With the sign will be provided the link to all other related articles. The idea is that you can go through all the
similar articles simultaneously. Not only are the articles in the current issue mentioned here but also the ones in
previous issues of Knowracle Akhbaar and Knowracle Cruxzine.
Double Index so that your preparation is doubly loaded:
Apart from the conventional date-wise Index, we have also provided another Index in which all the topics are
arranged in the paper-wise format. So as per your convenience you can go through the topics.

Editorial Mark so that you champion the analysis of issues:

All the topics in which the editorial articles have also been used have been marked with the symbol .

x
The Name:
The term HOCK is a portmanteau of two words: HOme and moCK.

What it is?
It is a mock test series that you can take from your home.

The Idea:
This is where our relationship will be put to the biggest test. We, at
Knowracle, strongly believe that our relation is much more than a
seller-buyer relation. We are committed to help you achieve what you
have aspired for. We will ensure that money, lack of access to teachers
or your remote physical location should never act as an impediment in
your journey towards success.

How will it work?

You can take the HOCK Tests from your home and send them to us.
Our experts will evaluate your answers and provide you the feedback.
It is needless to say that we wont charge you anything for this! This is
not all. We will also provide you the idea that how others are scoring in
these tests so that you can find your relative standing. You can even talk
with our experts to get further clarity on how you have been evaluated.

xi
We, at KNOWRACLE, believe that our relationship is much more than that of seller-buyer
relationship. Infact it is our strong conviction that we all are stakeholders in the transformation
of this nation and its economy into a Knowledge Economy which is one of the most important
prerequisite for India to reach its just place in the international community. Hence a close
association between us becomes imperative. It is in this context that we would like to introduce
to you the KNOWRACLE WORLD; a platform where there is a seamless flow of information
and knowledge between the ones who want it and the ones who can provide it. KNOWRACLE
WORLD consists of the Knowracle Publications; our authors; eminent teachers and scholars;
serving and retired Civil Servants; members of the Civil Society; and of course You the
students.
Hence we would request you to come forward in great numbers and let us make this infinite
flow of knowledge possible. You need not to do much. Just enroll for free with us at the
contacts mentioned below. You will be provided with a Unique Registration Number (URN)
along with a URN Card. And you have entered into the KNOWRACLE WORLD.

Benefits of getting Unique Registration Number (URN) Card:

Direct interaction and counseling sessions with our authors. It will be FREE.
You can participate in our Workshops involving the authors, teachers, and Civil Servants
which will deal with various aspects of the examination and your preparation. Again it will
be FREE.
Book on Demand: Now here our partnership will be put to a real test. It means that if you
feel that there is any topic, portion or area where there is no good study material or book
in the market, just contact us. Our R&D team will revert to you. And then, based on your
idea and demand, our authors will start working on that book.
Prior information about the latest books. You will get to know about them even before
they enter the market. And not only that, if you desire, you can even get them before they
are launched in the market.
Free doorstep delivery in many cases.
Various types of discounts.
Attractive offers.
So friends please contact us at:
+91 9622 222 993, +91 9622 222 994, +91 9899 009 299, +91 9899 009 399
knowraclepublications@gmail.com
www.knowraclepublications.com
www.facebook.com/KNOWRACLEPUBLICATIONS
By joining our group Knowracle Publications at www.facebook.com

All the very best,

TEAM KNOWRACLE !

xii
In our endeavour of making the seamless flow of information, ideas and knowledge
between you and the Team Knowracle even better, we are now available on WhatsApp.
Kindly send us a message on our WhatsApp number 9622 222 993 with the following
details:

Name:

Address:

Exam preparing for:

and you will be added to the relevant groups where you can avail the following benefits
for free:
Direct interactive and doubt clearing sessions with our authors and subject experts.
Getting free enrollment for the Unique Registration Number (URN) card.
Heavy and special discounts on our products which are not available in the market.
Discussion with the students preparing for the same exam.
Getting in touch with others who are in the same city/town in which you are
preparing.
Free participation in our seminars and workshops in your city.
Prior information about the upcoming titles.

All the very best,

TEAM KNOWRACLE.

xiii
 Knowracle Akhbaar (Vol. 5)

1st September
1. HAJI ALI VERDICT
GS-I: Social Issues F 100 F A

The Bombay High Court gave the verdict upholding the constitutional right of women to enter the sanctum sanctorum
of the iconic Haji Ali Dargah in Worli.
Of the many reasons cited by the Haji Ali Dargah Trust in support of its 2011-12 decision to bar women from getting
close to the Sufi saints mazaar, the core issue before the court was the trustees case that restricting entry of women to the
sanctum sanctorum of the dargah is an essential and integral part of Islam and was therefore entitled to protection under
Article 25 (Right to freedom of religion) and Article 26(b) (Freedom of every religious denomination or any section
thereof to manage its own affairs in matters of religion).
In the light of the SCs rulings, the Bombay HC observed that in the Haji Ali case reference must be made to the Quran,
the fundamental Islamic text, to determine whether the recently enforced practice is essential to Islam.
It noted that the Quranic verses cited by the trustees do not in any way show that Islam does not permit entry of women
at all, in dargahs/mosques. Not only did the trustees fail the essential practices test, by their own admission, women
were allowed entry into the sanctum sanctorum until a few years ago.
The HC concluded that Article 26 cannot be seen to abridge or abrogate the right given under Article 25 of the
Constitution
Some legal experts maintain that the judiciary should avoid getting embroiled in the business of what is essential and what
is not and simply affirm that the freedom of religion is subservient to other fundamental rights.
Several petitions by Muslim women are currently pending in the SC, praying for an end to triple talaq, halala marriage
and polygamy.

2. NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROMOTION SCHEME

PIB GS-II: Govt Prog F 90 10 A

Government has notified National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme. It is for the first time a scheme has been notified to
offer financial incentives to employers.
The Scheme has an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore with a target of 50 Lakh apprentices to be trained by 2019-20.
Apprenticeship Training is considered to be one of the most efficient ways to develop skilled manpower for the country.
The National Policy of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015 launched by PM Modi focuses on apprenticeship
as one of the key components for creating skilled manpower in India. The policy proposes to work pro-actively with the
industry including MSME to facilitate tenfold increase opportunities in the country by 2020.
25% of the prescribed stipend payable to an apprentice would be reimbursed to the employers directly by the Government
of India.
The scheme also supports basic training.
All transactions including registration by employers, apprentices, registration of contract and payment to employers will
be made as online mode.
Eligible employers shall engage apprentices in a band of 2.5% to 10% of the total strength of the establishment.

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1st September

3. HARVESTING SOLAR ENERGY INFIELDS

GS-II: Rural Development GS- III*: Infrastructure (Energy) F 70 30 A
Also refer: Cruxzine Vol.2, T34; Vol.3, T6; Akhbaar Vol.3, T73; Vol.1, T63

Of its several new initiatives, theModigovernment has set out at least two very ambitious targets, which are also
quantifiable.
One is achieving 100 Giga-Watts (GW) of solar power generation capacity by the year 2022. The other is doubling
farmers income also by 2022, when India celebrates its 75th year of Independence.
The countrys current solar generation capacity of barely 8 GW and farmers real incomes have increased by a mere
3.5 % on a compounded annual growth basis during 2002-03 to 2012-13. If incomes were to, indeed, double in real terms
between now and 2022, the corresponding growth rate would work out to 12 % per annum!
The government can definitely make substantial progress in meeting both objectives, provided they are conceived and
implemented in unison.
The confidence in this stems primarily from the dramatically declining costs of solar power, globally as well as in India,
by almost 70 % since 2010-11.
There are two policy innovations needed now that can help unleash a simultaneous revolution in solar power and
doubling of farmers incomes. To start with, the government should have a guaranteed Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) for solar
energy produced in rural areas and sold to power distribution companies or discoms.
Secondly, the FIT or price paid to rural producers of solar power should be at least 10-15 % higher than that made to power
stations burning coal, so as to address the negative externalities from the latter on climate change and human health.
Solar panels can be installed on farmers fields at 15-20 feet height above the ground. It allows enough sunlight for the
plants growing below the panels. The farmers field would, then, look like a chessboard, growing two crops. The first is
a traditional one on the soil and the other a solar crop above the ground!
The major benefit to farmers from this is that they would get access to assured irrigation from solar power. It will replace
not just their diesel gen-sets, but also provide freedom from grid-linked electricity, which is highly uncertain and often of
poor quality.
If solar power from their own fields is combined with drip and fertigation, farmers can reduce water and fertiliser usage
by almost 50 % even while raising productivity by 25-40 %.
They can feed surplus power over and above their requirements to the grid. It can provide regular additional monthly
income, besides acting like an income insurance cover when their traditional crops fail on account of drought.
For the government, too, there can be huge savings on power subsidy bills that currently hover around Rs 70,000 crore
a year.
On-farm solar power generation can trigger all-round development activity in rural India.
There would be a boost to creation of cold chains, food processing and other small-scale industries that can produce
jobs, apart from setting up of social infrastructure in rural areas.
The technology for solar power generation on farms already exists. While countries like Japan, China and the UK have
demonstrated that it can be done, Germany is the unquestioned leader in the field today, with technologies where the
photovoltaic cells in solar panels can actually move like sunflowers following the direction of sun.

4. BILL TARGETS CELEBRITIES FOR MISLEADING ADs

GS-II: Polity Also refer: Akhbaar Vol.4, T170 F 80 20 A

THE PROPOSED LAW:

Decks have been cleared for making celebrity brand ambassadors accountable for endorsing products that make
unrealistic claims.
The Ministries of Consumer Affairs and Law have approved changes in the Consumer Protection Act to provide for a
jail term of up to 5 years, apart from a penalty of Rs 50 lakh for false and misleading ads.
The question of making brand ambassadors accountable has been in the spotlight since the alleged presence of

2
 Knowracle Akhbaar (Vol. 5)

monosodium glutamate and excess lead inMaggi noodles, which was endorsed by movie actors such asAmitabh
Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta.
This prodded the government into an exercise to ascertain the legal and professional liability of brand ambassadors
who, by endorsing a particular brand, bring to it attention, credibility and trust, and other intangible benefits in ways that
other types of advertising cant.
At a time when even companies are considered persons with corporate social responsibility, the law was bound to
evolve to regulate conduct of celebrities who are playing an ever wider role in modern culture and consumption patterns,
serving as arbiters of taste, style and public opinion the world over.

PROTECTION OF THE CELEBRITIES:

A scrutiny of the legislation should clarify why brand ambassadors may not have to worry too much as long as they
abide by the common law principles of due diligence and fair play.
While there are apprehensions that celebrities would have to take disproportionate flak for the products making claims that
they often have no way of verifying, the proposed Consumer Protection Bill also lays down the specific defence.
Section 75B seeks to penalise only reckless endorsements by brand ambassadors who proceed to exercise their
influence on consumers without paying heed to the veracity and truthfulness of claims made by the products.
The law does not make celebrities vicariously liable if something goes wrong with the product but fastens them with
a legal obligation to take all precautions and act with due diligence.
Again, a celebrity need not be wary of facing trial in a criminal court on a complaint by a consumer the proposed law
lays down that no court shall take cognisance of such an offence except upon a complaint made by an officer of the
Central Consumer Protection Authority, duly authorised by the Chief Commissioner. This Central Authority has
been proposed as a new executive.
Adding another layer of protection, the new law also allows for the compounding or settlement of the first offence
by brand ambassadors and the Central Authority, the governments department, has been empowered to do so. So, a
charge of false and misleading advertisement can be dropped if the brand ambassador shells out monetary damages.
If the prosecution has already begun in a trial court, the Central Authority could still seek exoneration of the brand
ambassador by moving an application before the court. If the court is satisfied, the accused may be discharged.
The Bill also lays down that no proceeding, judicial or otherwise, can be instituted against a brand ambassador if the
offence has been compounded under the law.
The power to commence prosecution of a celebrity brand ambassador will lie with an executive wing of the government,
and it would not be open to a consumer to independently press charges against the ambassador in a court for false and
misleading ads.
Also, a court would not be able to prosecute them without a complaint by the Central Authority, which is authorised to
settle the offence on the payment of a fee.
And these stringent conditions before the brand ambassadors can be prosecuted are in addition to the defence of due
diligence and sufficient precautions that celebrities shall have.

5. JAIN LEADERS ADDRESS IN HARYANAASSEMBLY

GS-II : Constitution F 80 20 A

A meeting of the Haryana assembly was addressed by Jain religious leader, Tarun Sagar, on August 26. Media reports say
that the monk who appeared in the nude was seated on a dais above the seat of the governor and speaker.
Apart from the questions of sanctity and propriety, the address by the religious leader in the Vidhan Sabha chamber
raises serious constitutional questions as well.
Under the Constitution of India, only the governor is authorised to address the legislative houses. According to Article
175, the governor can address either House of the state legislature or both the Houses assembled together. The
governor also makes a customary address to the members of the legislature at the commencement of the first session of
the year.
No other authority or individual can address the legislature when it is meeting in the Vidhan Sabha chamber. The
only exception is when the President of India addresses the members in the assembly chamber when he is on a visit

3
1st September

to the state.
But then the President of India is the head of the state and a part of Parliament. The Haryana Vidhan Sabha was summoned
by the governor to meet in the Vidhan Sabha chamber for its monsoon session. So, the constitutional provisions and the
rules of the House do not permit it to be addressed by anyone who is not constitutionally authorised to do so. The chamber
of a legislature is not permitted for use for any other purpose, even during the recess.
In all democratic countries, a legislative chamber is treated as a place of great sanctity and, therefore, is not put to any
other use. The traditions of Indian Parliament are very instructive in this respect. The chamber is not even photographed
or filmed.
All this points to the fact that a legislative chamber has, historically, been seen as a place of great sanctity. This practice
is followed by all the assemblies. In fact, when state legislatures do not have a rule on a particular matter, they follow the
Lok Sabha rules on that matter.
This is not to suggest that the members of the assembly should not be exposed to such soul-elevating discourses. The
government could, in fact, build an auditorium or a convention hall alongside the Vidhan Sabha Bhawan where eminent
religious leaders can address the members. But strangers entering the Vidhan Sabha and addressing the members has
serious constitutional implications.
The legislature is a proud symbol of the sovereignty of the nation. Its purity, sanctity and integrity cant be preserved and
protected if we are ignorant or careless about the historic traditions which give it pride of place in our constitutional set-up.

6. INDIA EGYPT RELATIONS

GS-II: Bilateral Relations F 90 10 A

INTRODUCTION:
The visit of Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi this week is part of Delhis unprecedented political and diplomatic
engagement with a volatile region that is so vital to Indias security and prosperity.
New Delhis approach to the region is shaped by the pragmatism. The intensity of this engagement stands in contrast to
the previous governments passivity in the region.
President Mukherjees visit to Israel at the end of 2015 was the first by an Indian president. In doing so, PM Modi has
also ended Delhis obsession of viewing the region solely through the prism of Arab-Israeli conflict. No nation in the Arab
world is making Israel the touchstone of relations with the rest of the world.
Over the last one year, the PM visited the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar and Turkey. Vice President Hamid Ansari,
External Affairs MinisterSushma Swarajand the newly appointed Minister of State, M.J. Akbar, are all contributing to
Indias new diplomatic activism in the Middle East.

BACKGROUND:
Indias relations with Egypt reflect the twists and turns in Indian foreign policy in the Middle East. Jawaharlal Nehru
unveiled an all-round outreach to the Middle East by signing a series of friendship treaties across the region, from Iran
to Turkey. It was Nehrus special bond with Egypts Gamal Abdel Nasser that captured the political essence of Indias
regional policy bilateral partnership, Arab solidarity and the construction of the non-aligned movement.
Nehrus support for Nasser on the nationalisation of the Suez Canal, so central to Egypts national identity and economy,
was critical in consolidating the partnership. It was also defined by Indias contribution to the construction of the
Aswan Dam on the Nile and in exploring joint defence projects like the building of a jet engine and a fighter aircraft.
After Nehru and Nasser, Indias bilateral relations with Egypt steadily declined as Delhi became increasingly defensive
in the Middle East.
If the impact of the Cold War, the regions shifting international relations and the rise of Islamist identity in the Middle
East produced new constraints on Delhi from the 1970s, Indias inward economic orientation, an ideological foreign
policy and the temptation to elevate domestic political considerations above national interest contributed to Delhis steady
marginalisation of the region.
Indias growing oil imports from the region and its manpower exports did generate greater economic interdependence,
but the political class was unwilling to build a strategic edifice on it.