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For free URN Card & Student Queries: 9622222993. ................... 4 43..... 32 10............................... 28 4..................... 39 22............... 2 41........... 41 28....... But Not The ‘China’ Way.... 28 3........................... National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme .... Indigenous LUH Set to Fly in a Week. Govt May Engage India Inc Under CSR............ 43 3rd September 65.......... 5 44........ Consumer Protection Bill: Various Provisions..... G20 Summit Opens ................. PM Modi Pitches for Saudi.............................................................................. 46 iii ........................... Mihir Shah Report ............ The Myth of Military Neutrality..... Criticism without Incitement to Violation isn’t Sedition........ Controlling Noncommunicable Diseases............................................................ 30 6.............. Additional Facts............... Saudi-Russia Crude Pact to Tackle Global Glut................................................ Indian Scientists Unlock Preterm Birth Mystery....................... What is Importance of Differential Voting Rights...................... Saving Indian Biodiversity..................................... 26 1st September 1... Foreign Investors can Get Permanent Residency for Rs10 Crore.................... 8 48............................. 46 32............. US.................................................................................................... Haji Ali Verdict.............................................. 9 49......... 35 17.................................................................. Reforming the Judiciary......... Make Way for Insurance IPOS: IRDA............................................. 21 67........ 16 25............................ Robots Likely to Worsen Shortage of Good Jobs.......................................... 18 61............................................................... How it is Fixed.. 18 63............ 41 27........... PM Modi at G20 . 16 60............................................ 29 5...................... India Non-Committal............................................... 40 23.. The Affairs in the Philippines............ M-Sips Set for Revamp Over Subsidy Concerns.. Dengue on Twin Peaks....... Niti Aayog Proposal to Boost Construction Sector Gets NOD............................... Chikungunya.................... 21 68.............. 30 7........................................ 44 30... Challenges to G20. Australian Investment.. China Ratify Paris Pact............. 32 9......... 6 45................ 32 11.7 12..................... 2 40....................................... G20: India to Oppose US And China .... Different Types of Funds........ India Grants $500 MN to Vietnam for Defence Ties................................. 40 24............. Mother Teresa Declared a Saint...... Over the Barrel: Pipelines Over Politics................................. JUNO Shows Jupiter Like Never Before......... 43 29............................. 31 8............................. 39 21. 34 15................ 1 39.................................... Issues Related with Maternity Leave ...... 1 4th September 2.......... 25 KNOWRACLE ON WHATSAPP xii 37.................. Cyber Crimes on Rise............................................ G20 Meet: Role of a Sherpa........................................................................ PM Modi At G20..... Maharashtra Tops in Ease of Doing Business................. 20 66.................................................. Additional Facts.................. Minimum Wage: What it is................................... Unified Payments Interface System...... Haryana in Rio.......... Additional Facts ..................................... 13 55......... India Faces Catch-22 on Steel Capacity at G20’S China Meet. Egypt India Cooperation on Terror.. India Africa Health Cooperation.......................... 38 19...................... 18 62........................................... 14 57............ 38 20.......... 16 59........................... Additional Facts.................. India Heads to Erbil.. 8 5th September 13........... Additional Facts.. 24 HOW TO USE THIS AKHBAAR vii 34......................... Bank Strikes are Less Relevant Now............. 3 42...... 24 ENROLL FOR FREE URN CARD xi 36.................. New Civil Aviation Rules.................... Millions at Risk Due to Dirty Water................................. 13 56........................................................................................................... 42 64... After Silk Road........................................ 36 2nd September 54................................. Dilma Rousseff Impeached.. Mobile Access Scheme for Remote Areas ......................... 17 6th September 26........... 34 16......... Habitat III and Draft New Urban Agenda. Turkey’s Move on Syria......... G20 Agrees on Coordinated Policies.................. 36 18. Harvesting Solar Energy in Fields................. 34 14.... 14 58........................................................ Do We Need A Minimum Wage Law?........ Make in India.......................................... Jain Leader’s Address in Haryana Assembly................................................................................ 45 31... 9 51...................................... Advancing the Budget........... 6 46........ India Egypt Relations....... National Medical Commission Bill............................................................. CONTENTS SECTION WISE INDEX v 33............................. 35 53............ 25 38................................................. 9 50............... World Land Bridge?............................................................................................... 24 HOCK TEST SERIES x 35............................... 23 69......... Regional Air Connectivity Scheme .... Gap Between Rich and Poor States..................................... 10 52...................... 7 47......... India US Strategic Relations and Geopolitical Changes..................... Bill Targets Celebrities for Misleading ADs............................................................ .. Additional Facts...................... 59 129................................................................................................................. 122.........................81 79. Need to Give Judiciary More Judges.... 89 93.. To Fix Bad Loans............. RBI Told to Share Black Money Data with Agencies.............. 88 91.... 61 133................. Additional Facts. 74 148..... 92 100................ 82 81............................................................................... 50 115................................................. 98 iv ....... 67 139........................ 56 126........................................................ The Case for Cautious Optimism.... 60 130......................... 78 75................. 71 145..... 55 124................... US Wants India to Advance Phasing out of HFCs.............. 75 113....................................................... Additional Facts........................................ IDs to Make Business More Transparent... China's 2nd Space Lab to be Put into Orbit Soon............. HP to bring Transgenders Under Social Security Net. Osiris-Rex And Asteroid Bennu .................................................................................... GSTN Ownership Issue.................................................... 74 72...................................................................................... Axis Stake Sale: Govt Eases Norms . New Guidelines for Loss Making Units.... The Foreign Investment isn’t Enough........... ................ 77 74. 65 136............ Generics are Lifeline...... Additional Facts............................. 91 99........................ 48 112.... 86 88........................ 84 85................. 54 121.... 90 96........................... Antimicrobial Agents: Pros And Cons................. Turkey Willing to Cooperate With U........................ 66 138................................. India to Place Order for Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer...................... Bring Water Issues in Concurrent List.... Panel Seeks PDs Transfer within States......... Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill............. 98 108... 92 101......................................................................................................................................... 53 120...................... Chinese Working on CPEC in Pak......................................................................... Solar Power Market............ 83 83.... Cabinet Approves Third Phase Teqip....... Amending the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act....... 71 144. Spacex’s Explosion Reverberates Across Industries.......................... US to Share Internet Information on Terror Faster.................... How Banks can Reduce Loan Stress......... Road Clear for Chandrayaan-2.......S........ 67 140................... N Korea Conducts Fifth and Largest Nuclear Test...... India US Cooperation in Innovation...................................................... 62 135....................... 87 90. Entry into Haji Ali Dargah............................ Boosting Trade in South Asia... 85 87......................................... 74 71................................. 84 86... India Russia Defence Deals... 52 119.................................... G20: India Sat on Paris Deal to Get Back at China Over NSG........................... FPIs Set Eyes on New Tax Havens........... Chile Expand Trade Pact ........ 55 123................................... 86 89.................................... 88 92..... 94 141.............. Additional Facts........................... China’s Brics Trade Pact Idea Finds No Takers.. In Lower Courts....................... 21 % Posts Vacant. Government “Thinking West”........... 90 94.......... 47 110............. US............................................................................................ 1950.... 70 143......... 56 125.............. Obama’s Efforts for a Nuclear Free World........................................... L&T... Additional Facts........... 47 109....................70.................. Russia Seal Syria Truce Deal........ 95 103..... The Automobile Industry...... INSAT-3DR.. India Will Soon be Zero Petroleum Import Country........ Jumpstarting the Startups......... GSLV-F05 Successfully Launches Insat-3DR.............. Balancing Asia................. 52 117....................... 51 10th September 77.... China may allow Imports of Indian Non-Basmati Rice....... 95 104.. 62 134...................................... Aadhar and the PDs.................... GM Mustard..................................................................................... On Suu Kyi’s Itinerary....... 82 82........ India France Defence Deal.......... 60 131... 60 132......................... Not China................................................ 64 12th September 98........ 52 118...... India to Apprise OIC Partners of Stand on Kashmir....................... Land Identity Number Solution for Farmers.. India Nepal Relations....... Alternative Energy.... 83 GAAR issues............................................... 75 73....... India Russia Defence Cooperation. 82 80... 90 95............................................................... 58 128..................................................................... Task Force Moots New Panel on BPL........ 73 147.... 48 111......................... Embraer Aircraft Deal................. Independent Directors Back in Demand ................ FPIS Approach Govt to Iron out Singapore Treaty........ 57 th 11th September 8 September 127......... 50 76..... Copyright Act Applies to Digital Streaming Services......... 97 107................... 96 105................................... 97 106................................... Vietnam Ties Buddhism Knot with India................. Heritage Circuits to Bump up Tourism............... Sustainable Real Estate.......... ITC...................... Enemy Property Ordinance Promulgated for Fourth Time......................................................... 94 9th September 142............................................................................................ Challenges for RBI ... Electoral Reforms: Need for a Totaliser................................. 80 78. 51 116............................................................................... 76 th 7 September 114............................. Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act........ Engaging the World.......................... Says Minister... 65 137................ Need More Than Growth......................................... 72 146............... 63 97..................... 2016: Concerns..... 83 84...... 93 102.. Most Corporate Defaulters Fail to Meet S4A Standards........ Being Human towards Animals...... India....................................... Centre to Popularise Municipal Bonds.................. Better Data Collection..................................... ................................................ Should Prisoners be Allowed to Vote? EC Panel to th Seek Answer.. 112 Multiple Choice Questions..... Doping Legally: Tue........................................................................... Less-Lethal Riot Control Technology................... Cabinet Clears GST Council ........ 104 186............... FCNR(B) Deposits Become a Worry Now.. 110 195.................. 108 191.......................................... Involve the States more in Higher Education.......... 126 171............ Languishing Road Projects................................. Yudh Abhyas 2016................................................................................................. 101 178.......................... Accountability of Judiciary....... 107 189................. Police Reforms.................. India Afghanistan Friendship......................................... 103 183................................................ 117 157. The Relevance of NAM..................................... Helicopter Money and What it can do for Economy......... The Ceasefire in Syria.............................. Jan Dhan Yojana Empowers.......... 147 v .............. First Official Document Laying Standards of Alcoholic 184. 114 152............................. Approved Strength of Judges Enough: Law Panel Head............................ Where Liquid Funds Fit ............................. Afghanistan India and Pakistan......................................... 111 196................................... Govt Focuses on Labour Reforms....................................... 101 179.............................................................................................................. Asia-Pacific Nations........... Cheap Data can Usher in Green Revolution 2............ Infra Pool to Have two Separate Funds .. India........ Why Healthcare Access Eludes India... 100 Tenancy Acts Ordinance.............. 129 172..... Additional Facts.............. 99 176. POK at UN. 122 164.............. 108 190...... 99 175...................... CJI Still to Convince Judge on Collegium Transparency......................... 127 th 198.. 106 15th September 163...... 104 185..............0................................. 123 166... Afghanistan Likely to Sign Extradition Treay....................... Lithium-Ion Batteries.............149.................................... That’s Why the Red Flag.................................... 113 150............ African Oil Import may be put in Vostro Account............... 109 193.. 105 187......................................................... Formal Panel to Decide Value of Rupee.................................... Exploration of Polymetallic Nodules ....................... 110 194....................................... Additional Facts................. 116 13 September 182................................... 124 168................ 106 188... 116 181.. 112 Descriptive Questions............................... Govt Clears Agency to Boost Higher Education....................... 114 153.... India-Afghanistan Joint Statement............... But Darkness Prevails ........... Jharkhand: ST Panel Urges President to Deny Nod to 151.... 115 155.............. 126 170........... 111 173..... 129 14 September 199....... 109 192... India Raises Balochistan............ 123 165.... Who Got Padma and why? All Details Online.................................................. From Plate to Plough: Connecting the Drops............................................................... 120 160................................................................................................................ 117 156.................................................. India Plays Warm Host to Good Neighbours............ 102 180.. 115 154..................................................................... India Wastes 15-20% of its Renewable Energy.......... Expanded Trade with China...... India Nepal Engagement .................. Systems to Detect a Nuclear Test................................ Minimum Wages Bill in Winter Session...... Talgo Trials.............. 118 Beverages.... 125 169............................................. 131 174.................... 120 159.......................... Indefinite Parking of Money in Schemes Impedes Growth................................ Labour in India....................................... Additional Facts............................. 105 161.............. Additional Facts................................. India Files Plaint at WTO Against The US................................. Villages Electrified..... 119 158........................ Government Plans Rs 3 Lakh Crore Corridor ........ 100 177.... 105 162. 124 167... 127 197............................................... ............ 71 8.. Task Force Moots New Panel on BPL..... 13 178.......... 1 176..... Being Human towards Animals.... 112 54....................... First Official Document Laying Standards of Alcoholic 41................. Cabinet Approves Third Phase Teqip......... India.......................... Land Identity Number Solution for Farmers................... Aadhar and the PDs.............. That’s Why the Red Flag.................................. HP to bring Transgenders Under Social Security Net...... 105 89.......................................... Gap Between Rich and Poor States........... 43 5..... Issues Related with Maternity Leave .......................................... 21 138......................................... Challenges to G20........... Why Healthcare Access Eludes India............ Criticism without Incitement to Violation isn’t Sedition....................... Dengue on Twin Peaks......................................... 6 117.. 46 76................... Millions at Risk Due to Dirty Water...... 29 Beverages.. Turkey’s Move on Syria..... Govt May Engage India Inc Under CSR.... 51 188............... 44 62........................................ 20 40......................................................... 103 33.. 34 52. Dilma Rousseff Impeached........... 14 136................. Better Data Collection.......... 3 65.......................................... In Lower Courts....... 21 % Posts Vacant.............. CJI Still to Convince Judge on Collegium Transparency.. 52 90.................................. US............................. 91 77....................... 16 137......... India Grants $500 MN to Vietnam for Defence Ties........................ 41 159.... Reforming the Judiciary.. 50 21.................................. Panel Seeks PDs Transfer within States........................... 50 68....................... Harvesting Solar Energy in Fields.. PM Modi At G20.... 2 64................................... 59 (Bilateral & International Relations) 99............. 43 51.. 60 79............................ G20 Agrees on Coordinated Policies...................................................................................... PM Modi Pitches for Saudi.. Who Got Padma and why? All Details Online............................... 80 9...................................................... 2 (Health and Related Issues) 20.. 93 1............................................ SECTION WISE INDEX GS ...................................... 111 53............................................. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme .. China may allow Imports of Indian Non-Basmati Rice................................... PM Modi at G20 ........ Cyber Crimes on Rise....... Infra Pool to Have two Separate Funds .......... 60 vi .............. Jain Leader’s Address in Haryana Assembly............ 36 189........................................................ 5 104... 112 2................... Approved Strength of Judges Enough: Law Panel Head......... Electoral Reforms: Need for a Totaliser....... 104 42................. 24 157............. 71 (Indian Society) 139........................... Haryana in Rio....... 91 24................................. Saudi-Russia Crude Pact to Tackle Global Glut.................... 13 Tenancy Acts Ordinance...................................................... India Non-Committal.................... 122 140..........................................I 105............... The Affairs in the Philippines...... The Myth of Military Neutrality.81 22... 114 48.................. India Heads to Erbil...... Doping Legally: Tue.......... 115 179. 16 127................. 123 55..................... 28 49........ Jharkhand: ST Panel Urges President to Deny Nod to 18... Amending the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act................. Chile Expand Trade Pact .......................... 86 61...... 115 GS-II (Social Justice) (Government Programs/Poicies) 173.............................. Police Reforms...................... 51 78................................. M-Sips Set for Revamp Over Subsidy Concerns........... Involve the States more in Higher Education............. Accountability of Judiciary.... Task Force Moots New Panel on BPL.............................................. 86 23.................... 70 7....... China Ratify Paris Pact.......................... 30 172. Heritage Circuits to Bump up Tourism................................................ 92 32....... Bill Targets Celebrities for Misleading ADs.......................... Chikungunya......... Need to Give Judiciary More Judges..... 36 174.......... 113 3......... Jumpstarting the Startups.... 21 29.... Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act.............. India Egypt Relations................ Egypt India Cooperation on Terror........... Mobile Access Scheme for Remote Areas ...... 92 31............................. 23 156............... Generics are Lifeline.......................................... 4 103.. 38 (Polity and Constitution) 63................................. National Medical Commission Bill............................. 94 (Women & Related Issues) 177........................................................ 114 19.............................................................................. 65 6................. India US Strategic Relations and Geopolitical Changes.......................... India Africa Health Cooperation....... Says Minister........ 41 67............................................ 45 75............................... 30 158....... Enemy Property Ordinance Promulgated for Fourth Time............. New Guidelines for Loss Making Units....... 2016: Concerns........ 16 136......................................................... G20 Summit Opens ....................... Govt Clears Agency to Boost Higher Education....... 34 128. Mother Teresa Declared a Saint.... Controlling Noncommunicable Diseases................................................ Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill......................... Copyright Act Applies to Digital Streaming Services............................................................. Minimum Wages Bill in Winter Session........ 14 30........................................ 6 116....... 1950................................ 35 50...... 35 66.................. 104 43............... Bring Water Issues in Concurrent List. 42 4............................... G20: India to Oppose US And China ..... Jan Dhan Yojana Empowers.................... Habitat III and Draft New Urban Agenda... After Silk Road................................................... Haji Ali Verdict............................................................................. G20 Meet: Role of a Sherpa....... 34 (Judiciary) 74............................................................... Australian Investment......................................... World Land Bridge?................. 52 91...... 1 175..................... ................................................................................. Centre to Popularise Municipal Bonds... 65 142................. 46 100.......... Boosting Trade in South Asia...... Robots Likely to Worsen Shortage of Good Jobs................ 39 94.............. 108 170... 98 160................ 125 (Infrastructure) 3............................................. 62 129....... 83 95........................ 2 GS-III 15................. 47 107................. Independent Directors Back in Demand ............ 105 148........................... 126 192........................................... ITC....... Balancing Asia.................................... 61 57...... Niti Aayog Proposal to Boost Construction Sector Gets NOD................. FPIs Set Eyes on New Tax Havens. 73 144...................................... 82 84........... Most Corporate Defaulters Fail to Meet S4A Standards.. The Relevance of NAM....... Advancing the Budget............. 88 34.... N Korea Conducts Fifth and Largest Nuclear Test....... 83 85....................................... 25 184........................................ 116 172.... Labour in India.... 105 149.................. 83 26............................... Maharashtra Tops in Ease of Doing Business...... 106 167..................................... Make Way for Insurance IPOS: IRDA. Axis Stake Sale: Govt Eases Norms .................... India Russia Defence Cooperation................. 32 12............ 54 118.. L&T.............................................. The Ceasefire in Syria...... 95 107................. India Russia Defence Deals................... 31 81....... China’s Brics Trade Pact Idea Finds No Takers.................. US.................. Afghanistan Likely to Sign Extradition Treay..... Yudh Abhyas 2016................. Talgo Trials.. 34 13...... RBI Told to Share Black Money Data with Agencies........... 71 143...................... 124 195........................ Bank Strikes are Less Relevant Now......................................... 60 56..................................................... African Oil Import may be put in Vostro Account.. India to Apprise OIC Partners of Stand on Kashmir................................ India France Defence Deal............................ Indefinite Parking of Money in Schemes Impedes Growth.... 72 71. Govt Focuses on Labour Reforms.... What is Importance of Differential Voting Rights.......................................................... 74 153......................... 95 104...... 109 165.......................................................................................................................................................................... 100 35..................... Sustainable Real Estate......... 87 96........... Exploration of Polymetallic Nodules ............................................... 24 183............................... 74 146........................ 66 70................................. 110 166............................. 82 83................ Habitat III and Draft New Urban Agenda... 118 vii ........ India Faces Catch-22 on Steel Capacity at G20’S China Meet...................... Afghanistan India and Pakistan......................... To Fix Bad Loans.................. 39 14... 82 GAAR issues................... New Civil Aviation Rules............. Cabinet Clears GST Council .................................... India-Afghanistan Joint Statement.................................................. 38 93.... 73 82........................................................................... 96 108...... 64 141.............................................. 53 51........... Expanded Trade with China.............................. 24 151............. 106 150................ 52 44................ Foreign Investors can Get Permanent Residency for Rs10 Crore........................ IDs to Make Business More Transparent............. 56 122................... Infra Pool to Have two Separate Funds .............................. 74 145........ 98 161........................... G20: India Sat on Paris Deal to Get Back at China Over NSG............. 35 92..................................... 110 180....... US to Share Internet Information on Terror Faster. Not China........................ Asia-Pacific Nations................... Mobile Access Scheme for Remote Areas ................ Formal Panel to Decide Value of Rupee..................................................... India Will Soon be Zero Petroleum Import Country.................... 99 163.............. India Nepal Engagement ............... Make in India...................... 97 109....................................... 9 (Economy) 31............... 75 25...................... 47 106....80................ How it is Fixed.... 8 49.................................. 17 123................. Harvesting Solar Energy in Fields........................ Obama’s Efforts for a Nuclear Free World..... India.. New Guidelines for Loss Making Units. Chinese Working on CPEC in Pak.............. 99 162.. How Banks can Reduce Loan Stress............................... Solar Power Market........ On Suu Kyi’s Itinerary.... 108 169................................................. 119.. Gap Between Rich and Poor States............................. Different Types of Funds.................. Languishing Road Projects........... 97 110.... 124 194........................................ 21 10......... 62 69............................................... 126 193............................. Regional Air Connectivity Scheme ........................ GSTN Ownership Issue........ ............. Boosting Trade in South Asia...................... US Wants India to Advance Phasing out of HFCs.............. 7 37....... 25 11.......... 117 36....... POK at UN.......... 117 191.. 18 131.......................... Turkey Willing to Cooperate With U.................... 63 130........ Where Liquid Funds Fit ................... 111 190........ Need More Than Growth............ Engaging the World.. Unified Payments Interface System............................................. Challenges for RBI ................................... India Raises Balochistan..... 101 147.................................................................. The Case for Cautious Optimism..................... India Afghanistan Friendship.......................................................................................................................... 55 121.... But Not The ‘China’ Way......................................................... 109 164..... Systems to Detect a Nuclear Test........................................ 9 111.......... FPIS Approach Govt to Iron out Singapore Treaty... India Files Plaint at WTO Against The US.... Government “Thinking West”.................... 123 182.................. FCNR(B) Deposits Become a Worry Now.............. India US Cooperation in Innovation.....7 45................................ Russia Seal Syria Truce Deal....................................... India Plays Warm Host to Good Neighbours........... India Nepal Relations...... 55 120......................... Vietnam Ties Buddhism Knot with India.................. The Automobile Industry......................S....... The Foreign Investment isn’t Enough............................ 88 97........ 107 168......... Helicopter Money and What it can do for Economy...... Mihir Shah Report ................ Minimum Wage: What it is......................................... 8 58........... 94 98......................... Over the Barrel: Pipelines Over Politics............................ Do We Need A Minimum Wage Law?... ... 77 124............................ 127 72. China Ratify Paris Pact.............. From Plate to Plough: Connecting the Drops................................... 48 86............ Less-Lethal Riot Control Technology.......... Land Identity Number Solution for Farmers........................................ Road Clear for Chandrayaan-2...... US............. 32 196............. China's 2nd Space Lab to be Put into Orbit Soon...................... Indian Scientists Unlock Preterm Birth Mystery.................. 25 197.............. Alternative Energy.................. 119 (Space) 186............... 66 (Internal Security) 101........ India Russia Defence Deals........................................ GSLV-F05 Successfully Launches Insat-3DR...... Millions at Risk Due to Dirty Water.. India France Defence Deal....... Lithium-Ion Batteries............................. Cyber Crimes on Rise......... 82 (Defence) 27.......0............ 13 133.. 76 16................ Systems to Detect a Nuclear Test.......... 67 18......................... 129 viii ........................... JUNO Shows Jupiter Like Never Before... US Wants India to Advance Phasing out of HFCs.. 90 92........ India to Place Order for Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer........... 30 120. 56 (Agriculture and Farmers’ Issues) 99....... 18 134...................... Dengue on Twin Peaks.... INSAT-3DR........... 60 154............... 65 112............. Indigenous LUH Set to Fly in a Week..................... 9 132. 84 (Science & Technology) 52.. 90 27............. RBI Told to Share Black Money Data with Agencies............... 75 152............. Embraer Aircraft Deal... 35 125.... But Darkness Prevails ......... 21 153........................... Government Plans Rs 3 Lakh Crore Corridor .......................................................... 100 114....... 47 198.................................................................................................... 101 100..................................... Antimicrobial Agents: Pros And Cons.. 101 37.........185........ 84 59........................................ Osiris-Rex And Asteroid Bennu ...................................................... Saving Indian Biodiversity.. 127 42....................... 18 70......................................................... 40 (Environment & Disaster Management) 113...... 120 46..................... India Wastes 15-20% of its Renewable Energy..................... Indigenous LUH Set to Fly in a Week............................................................................................... 89 30........................................................................................... Cheap Data can Usher in Green Revolution 2..................... GM Mustard.............................................. India Non-Committal....... Villages Electrified..................................................... Mihir Shah Report .......... Chikungunya........................................................ Spacex’s Explosion Reverberates Across Industries..... So the things like hardcore political articles. Thirdly. Moreover. considering the scope of the General Studies paper we have not gone into excessive depths. 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”. Secondly. all the possible dimensions (which were available in the original text) have been dealt with. In this context. due to the heavy load of going through so many books and material. 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. often these newspapers go unread which costs you dearly in the exams. “Structured Write-up” to help in building your structure of success: In the Civil Services Examination. The Indian Express. The Times of TOI ET India. So let’s tell you the significance of this name. 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. 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 simply put. highly technical articles. the “structure” and the “organization” of the answer become very important and this exactly has been given the top priority in the Akhbaar. memorise and recollect anything which is in point format rather than in a paragraph. This is a magazine. First things first. but then why is it called as ‘Akhbaar’? A very valid question. The Economic Times and the Press Information Bureau. So. We have often seen the students reducing a big paragraph into the ix . We are talking about the big names like The Hindu. the text is presented in ‘bullet format’ and under proper subheads so that it becomes easy to go through it. “ Bullet and Point format” to ensure that you hit all the bullets bang on the point: It is always easy to understand. Huh! Wait wait! What are these terms??? Oh yes! It becomes imperative here to make you familiar with this lexicon which we use frequently. This will ensure that the structure of your answer will be the most holistic. 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. what matters is not only “what” you have written but also “how” you have written. But under the practical circumstances. For all the topics. PIB But why should I read the crux and not the entire stuff? Ideally you should read all these insightful newspapers completely. 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. literary articles etc are not being taken. which according to us fall within the domain of the concerned optional subject. phrases. Not only are the articles in the current issue mentioned here but also the ones in previous issues of Knowracle Akhbaar and Knowracle Cruxzine. “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. you will be able to revise the entire topic at a later stage. due to paucity of time. The term “Strategic Bolding” means that throughout a particular topic. GS I. ensure that atleast you go through the more important ones. Really Cool! Anything else Team Knowracle has done? Yes. So. Eg.e. “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. GS III and GS IV. Lot many features are there to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of your preparation. have been bolded in such a “strategic” manner. facts etc. All the topics have the strategic bolding in them.. that if you only go through these bolded terms. Our logic behind this rating is that in case. The idea is that you can go through all the similar articles simultaneously. Hence we have given a star rating. “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. The aim is to make your preparation more systematic and according to the syllabus of the General Studies. If you are preparing for the Prelims. More the number of stars. words. But we want to save your time. certain terms. 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. 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. It will also come handy in syncing your preparation with the coaching institutions and your friends. x . words. analysis oriented or a mix of both. point format. you are not in a position to go through all the topics. we have also provided another Index in which all the topics are arranged in the ‘paper-wise format’. more important the topic is. GS II. So as per your convenience you can go through the topics. facts etc. fact oriented. “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. We have tried to solve this problem though our concept of “Strategic Bolding”. no need to prepare any “synoptic notes” or “last-minute revision notes”. “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. 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. “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 . reduce your load and help you in achieving the success fast. “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. you should first go through all those articles for which FAM reads more than 50% on facts. “Double Index” so that your preparation is doubly loaded: Apart from the conventional date-wise Index. phrases. at Knowracle. strongly believe that our relation is much more than a “seller-buyer” relation. We. Our experts will evaluate your answers and provide you the feedback. We will ensure that money. What it is? It is a mock test series that you can take from your home. 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It is for the first time a scheme has been notified to offer financial incentives to employers. to determine whether the recently enforced practice is “essential to Islam”. in dargahs/mosques”. praying for an end to triple talaq. • In the light of the SC’s rulings. women were allowed entry into the sanctum sanctorum until a few years ago.000 crore with a target of 50 Lakh apprentices to be trained by 2019-20. • 25% of the prescribed stipend payable to an apprentice would be reimbursed to the employers directly by the Government of India. Knowracle Akhbaar (Vol. “the fundamental Islamic text”. • 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. • 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.5% to 10% of the total strength of the establishment. 1 . apprentices. 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. halala marriage and polygamy. 5) 1st September 1. • The Scheme has an outlay of Rs. the Bombay HC observed that in the Haji Ali case reference must be made to the Quran. 2. The policy proposes to work pro-actively with the industry including MSME to facilitate tenfold increase opportunities in the country by 2020. registration of contract and payment to employers will be made as online mode. • The scheme also supports basic training. • The National Policy of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. • All transactions including registration by employers. • Several petitions by Muslim women are currently pending in the SC. by their own admission. • 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 saint’s mazaar. Not only did the trustees fail the “essential practices” test. 2015 launched by PM Modi focuses on apprenticeship as one of the key components for creating skilled manpower in India. NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROMOTION SCHEME PIB GS-II: Govt Prog F 90 10 A • Government has notified National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme. 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). look like a chessboard. Vol. • There would be a boost to creation of cold chains. To start with. globally as well as in India. double in real terms between now and 2022. provided they are conceived and implemented in unison. farmers can reduce water and fertiliser usage by almost 50 % even while raising productivity by 25-40 %. apart from setting up of social infrastructure in rural areas. While countries like Japan. • They can feed surplus power over and above their requirements to the grid. • Solar panels can be installed on farmers’ fields at 15-20 feet height above the ground. besides acting like an income insurance cover when their traditional crops fail on account of drought. T73. with technologies where the photovoltaic cells in solar panels can actually move like sunflowers following the direction of sun. China and the UK have demonstrated that it can be done. • The technology for solar power generation on farms already exists.III*: Infrastructure (Energy) F 70 30 A Also refer: Cruxzine Vol. • Secondly.3. • The country’s current solar generation capacity of barely 8 GW and farmers’ real incomes have increased by a mere 3. 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. If incomes were to. • 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. the corresponding growth rate would work out to 12 % per annum! • The government can definitely make substantial progress in meeting both objectives. • The question of making brand ambassadors accountable has been in the spotlight since the alleged presence of 2 . • The confidence in this stems primarily from the dramatically declining costs of solar power. T6. 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.3. by almost 70 % since 2010-11. HARVESTING SOLAR ENERGY IN FIELDS GS-II: Rural Development GS. It will replace not just their diesel gen-sets. T63 • Of its several new initiatives.1st September 3. indeed. It can provide regular additional monthly income.4. 4.000 crore a year. but also provide freedom from grid-linked electricity. • On-farm solar power generation can trigger all-round development activity in rural India.5 % on a compounded annual growth basis during 2002-03 to 2012-13. 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. BILL TARGETS CELEBRITIES FOR MISLEADING ADs GS-II: Polity Also refer: Akhbaar Vol. • There are two policy innovations needed now that can help unleash a simultaneous revolution in solar power and doubling of farmers’ incomes.2.1. the Modi government has set out at least two very ambitious targets. Akhbaar Vol. • For the government. food processing and other small-scale industries that can produce jobs. It allows enough sunlight for the plants growing below the panels. apart from a penalty of Rs 50 lakh for false and misleading ads. too. which are also quantifiable. T34. then. which is highly uncertain and often of poor quality. growing two crops. so as to address the negative externalities from the latter on climate change and human health. 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 farmers’ field would. • One is achieving 100 Giga-Watts (GW) of solar power generation capacity by the year 2022. Vol. • If solar power from their own fields is combined with drip and fertigation. there can be huge savings on power subsidy bills that currently hover around Rs 70. The other is doubling farmers’ income also by 2022. when India celebrates its 75th year of Independence. Germany is the unquestioned leader in the field today. and it would not be open to a consumer to independently press charges against the ambassador in a court for false and misleading ads. the government’s department. the Central Authority could still seek exoneration of the brand ambassador by moving an application before the court. 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. • 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. a court would not be able to prosecute them without a complaint by the Central Authority. 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. JAIN LEADER’S ADDRESS IN HARYANA ASSEMBLY GS-II : Constitution F 80 20 A • A meeting of the Haryana assembly was addressed by Jain religious leader. • 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. only the governor is authorised to address the legislative houses. The only exception is when the President of India addresses the members in the assembly chamber when he is on a visit 3 . • This prodded the government into an exercise to ascertain the legal and professional liability of brand ambassadors who. the new law also allows for the compounding or settlement of the first offence by brand ambassadors and the Central Authority. style and public opinion the world over. which is authorised to settle the offence on the payment of a fee. This Central Authority has been proposed as a new executive. • No other authority or individual can address the legislature when it is meeting in the Vidhan Sabha chamber. and other intangible benefits in ways that other types of advertising can’t. • 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. judicial or otherwise. the address by the religious leader in the Vidhan Sabha chamber raises serious constitutional questions as well. • The Bill also lays down that no proceeding. credibility and trust. by endorsing a particular brand. The governor also makes a customary address to the members of the legislature at the commencement of the first session of the year. which was endorsed by movie actors such as Amitabh Bachchan. the accused may be discharged. the law was bound to evolve to regulate conduct of celebrities who are playing an ever wider role in modern culture and consumption patterns. According to Article 175. • Under the Constitution of India. • If the prosecution has already begun in a trial court. the proposed Consumer Protection Bill also lays down the specific defence. If the court is satisfied. 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. 5) monosodium glutamate and excess lead in Maggi noodles. 5. Tarun Sagar. Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta. • At a time when even companies are considered ‘persons’ with corporate social responsibility. the governor can address either House of the state legislature or both the Houses assembled together. has been empowered to do so. • Adding another layer of protection. a charge of false and misleading advertisement can be dropped if the brand ambassador shells out monetary damages. • Again. So. • Apart from the questions of sanctity and propriety. Knowracle Akhbaar (Vol. • The power to commence prosecution of a celebrity brand ambassador will lie with an executive wing of the government. can be instituted against a brand ambassador if the offence has been compounded under the law. • Also. bring to it attention. serving as arbiters of taste. duly authorised by the Chief Commissioner. 1st September to the state. sanctity and integrity can’t 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. 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. they follow the Lok Sabha rules on that matter. It was also defined by India’s 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. • Over the last one year. so central to Egypt’s national identity and economy. The traditions of Indian Parliament are very instructive in this respect. build an auditorium or a convention hall alongside the Vidhan Sabha Bhawan where eminent religious leaders can address the members. • India’s growing oil imports from the region and its manpower exports did generate greater economic interdependence. • President Mukherjee’s visit to Israel at the end of 2015 was the first by an Indian president. It was Nehru’s special bond with Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser that captured the political essence of India’s regional policy — bilateral partnership. • New Delhi’s approach to the region is shaped by the pragmatism. is not put to any other use. The government could. Qatar and Turkey. 4 . The chamber of a legislature is not permitted for use for any other purpose. No nation in the Arab world is making Israel the touchstone of relations with the rest of the world. are all contributing to India’s new diplomatic activism in the Middle East. when state legislatures do not have a rule on a particular matter. been seen as a place of great sanctity. In doing so. PM Modi has also ended Delhi’s obsession of viewing the region solely through the prism of Arab-Israeli conflict. a legislative chamber is treated as a place of great sanctity and. but the political class was unwilling to build a strategic edifice on it. • The legislature is a proud symbol of the sovereignty of the nation. So. • After Nehru and Nasser. • Nehru’s support for Nasser on the nationalisation of the Suez Canal. 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 Delhi’s unprecedented political and diplomatic engagement with a volatile region that is so vital to India’s security and prosperity. the region’s shifting international relations and the rise of Islamist identity in the Middle East produced new constraints on Delhi from the 1970s. • If the impact of the Cold War. was critical in consolidating the partnership. This practice is followed by all the assemblies. historically. India’s inward economic orientation. • But then the President of India is the head of the state and a part of Parliament. Akbar. Arab solidarity and the construction of the non-aligned movement. from Iran to Turkey. an ideological foreign policy and the temptation to elevate domestic political considerations above national interest contributed to Delhi’s steady marginalisation of the region. therefore. BACKGROUND: • India’s relations with Egypt reflect the twists and turns in Indian foreign policy in the Middle East. • This is not to suggest that the members of the assembly should not be exposed to such soul-elevating discourses. in fact. Jawaharlal Nehru unveiled an all-round outreach to the Middle East by signing a series of friendship treaties across the region. The Haryana Vidhan Sabha was summoned by the governor to meet in the Vidhan Sabha chamber for its monsoon session. • In all democratic countries. The intensity of this engagement stands in contrast to the previous government’s passivity in the region.J. India’s bilateral relations with Egypt steadily declined as Delhi became increasingly defensive in the Middle East. In fact. Iran. the PM visited the UAE. M. Vice President Hamid Ansari. But “strangers” entering the Vidhan Sabha and addressing the members has serious constitutional implications. Saudi Arabia. • All this points to the fact that a legislative chamber has. 6. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and the newly appointed Minister of State. The chamber is not even photographed or filmed. Its purity. even during the recess.