Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has instituted a scheme for the awarding of the “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training” to the trainers and other support staff working in Police Training Institutions of State and Central Police Forces.

The “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training” for the year 2017-2018 has been declared for the Police Officers and personnel who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of Police training at various Training Institutions of States/ UTs and CPOs/ CAPFs.

The objective of institution of the “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training” is to accord due recognition to the work of trainers in enhancing the quality and standard of training in Police Training Institutions in the States/ UTs and CPOs/CAPFs.

The nominations are received from States/ UTs and CPOs/ CAPFs after having been scrutinised by the Institution Level Committee and the Headquarters Level Committee of each Nominating Organisation. The final recommendation is made by the BPR&D Committee, which is then approved by the MHA.

For the year 2017-2018, a total number of 560 nominations were received out of which 245 nominees were recommended as eligible for the awarding of the “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training”.

Minister of Railways and Commerce &Industry,Shri Piyush Goyal launched CORAS (Commando for Railway Security) of Indian Railways and new establishment manual for Railway Protection Force today. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav, other Railway Board Members,DG, RPF, Shri Arun Kumar, General Manager, Northern Railway, Shri T.P.Singh, along with senior Railway officials were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry,Shri Piyush Goyalsaid, “Today we are committed to develop India as a Clean India, Healthy India, Prosperous and Secure India. Keeping in mind the threat from disruptive forces, induction of CORAS was planned in Railway Protection Force.

CORAS team will be provided best, most modern equipment and world class training. Lauding the efforts of RPF soldier Shivcharan Gurjar, who rescued eight lives in flood stricken areas of Gujarat, Shri Goyal appreciated the commendable work of RPF soldiers. Shri Goyal urged the people to crack down on touts and immediately inform the authorities so the menace of ticket touting may be eliminated permanently.”

Shri Goyal announced that a new state of the art commando training centre to beestablished in Jagadhri, Haryana. Shri Goyal added that a new network of CCTV cameras at every station will be set up to enhance the security of Railway passengers. The link of these cameras will be given to the local stations, GRP, RPF, Divisional office and to the Minister’s office.

Shri Goyal also congratulated RPF officers and each soldier for extending security to passengers and Railway property in far-flung areas round the clock. Shri Goyal thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for taking the concern about the safety of train passengers. Launch of CORAS is an important step in this direction. Shri Goyalalso conveyed his greetings to the Nation on Independence Day and Rakshabandhan.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, Railway Board,Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav said, “CORAS, a special Railway Unit is a result of detailed policy formulation. Railway Protection Force is always involved in protecting Railway passengers and Railway property in far and inaccessible threat prone areas. To meet the challenges to Railway security, CORAS, a separate Commando Unit of RPF hasbeen established. This special unit is given world class training and best facilities. This special unit will be able to meet any challenging situation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Director General, Railway Protection Force, Shri Arun Kumar said, “Railway plays an important role in connecting nook and corner of the country. To tackle the threats to Railway passengers or establishments, a special task force having trained manpower was required. Railway is currently carrying out projects, which are strategically and economically important. Commissioning of CORAS will address challenges to these ongoing projects as well as any challenging situation for Railway travellers. The commandos in CORAS are well trained in reputed institutions and are capable of meeting any precarious situation. This new unit will strengthen the Railway security.”

BACKGROUND OF CORAS (Commandos for Railway Security) VISION STATEMENT · To develop world level capabilities of specialized responder for any situation pertaining to damage, disturbance, disruption of train operations, attack/hostage/hijack, disaster situations in railway areas.

· Following the doctrine of graded response, minimum effective force shall be used for providing fool proof security to Indian Railways and its users.

SALIENT FEATURES · Carved out from motivated and willing young staff of RPF/RPSF. · With an average age between 30-35 years, CORAS will always be young and motivated staff.

· Very high physical standards to join CORAS. · Commando Coys shall be deployed in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)/Insurgency/Terrorism affected Railway areas.

India’s overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in April-July2019-20* are estimated to be USD 181.47billion, exhibiting a positive growth of 3.13per cent over the same period last year. Overall imports in April-July 2019-20* are estimated to be USD 214.37billion, exhibiting a negative growth of 0.45per cent over the same period last year.

*Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for June 2019. The data for July 2019 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release.

I. MERCHANDISE TRADE EXPORTS (including re-exports) Exports inJuly 2019 were USD26.33billion, as compared to USD25.75billion in July 2018, exhibiting a positive growth of 2.25per cent. In Rupee terms, exports were Rs. 1,81,190.34crore in July 2019, as compared to Rs. 1,76,914.60crore in July 2018, registering a positive growth of 2.42per cent.

In July 2019, major commodity groups of export showing positive growth over the corresponding month of last year are

Cumulative value of exports for the period April-July 2019-20 was USD107.41billion (Rs.7,45,174.85crore) as against USD107.81billion (Rs.7,26,842.89crore) during the period April-July 2018-19, registering a negative growth of 0.37per cent in Dollar terms (positive growth of 2.52per cent in Rupee terms).

Non-petroleum and Non Gems and Jewellery exports in July 2019 were USD19.70billion, as compared to USD18.72billion in July 2018, exhibiting a positive growth of 5.28per cent. Non-petroleum and Non Gems and Jewellery exports in April-July 2019-20 were USD79.81billion, as compared to USD78.41billion for the corresponding period in 2018-19, an increase of 1.79per cent.

IMPORTS Imports in July 2019 were USD39.76billion (Rs. 2,73,579.71crore), which was 10.43per cent lower in Dollar terms and 10.28per cent lower in Rupee terms over imports of USD44.39billion (Rs.3,04,916.76crore) in July 2018. Cumulative value of imports for the period April-July 2019-20 was USD166.80billion (Rs.11,57,232.64crore), as against USD173.08billion (Rs.11,67,617.41crore) during the period April-July 2018-19, registering a negative growth of 3.63per cent in Dollar terms (negative growth of 0.89per cent in Rupee terms).

Major commodity groups of import showing negative growth in July 2019 over the corresponding month of last year are:

CRUDE OIL AND NON-OIL IMPORTS: Oil imports inJuly 2019 were USD9.60billion (Rs. 66,056.77crore), which was 22.15 percentlower in Dollar terms (22.02percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD12.33billion (Rs. 84,707.59crore) in July2018. Oil imports in April-July 2019-20 were USD44.45billion (Rs. 3,08,455.32crore) which was 5.69per cent lower in Dollar terms (3.03percent lower in Rupee terms) compared to USD47.13billion (Rs. 3,18,091.98crore), over the same period last year.

In this connection it is mentioned that the global Brent price ($/bbl) has decreased by 14.02% in July 2019 vis-à-vis July 2018 as per data available from World Bank (Pink Sheet).

Non-oil imports inJuly 2019 were estimated at USD30.16 billion (Rs. 2,07,522.94crore) which was 5.92per cent lower in Dollar terms (5.76percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD32.06billion (Rs. 2,20,209.17crore) in July 2018. Non-oil imports in April-July 2019-20 were USD122.35billion (Rs. 8,48,777.32crore) which was 2.85per cent lower in Dollar terms (0.09percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD125.95 billion (Rs. 8,49,525.43crore) in April-July2018-19.

Non-Oil and Non-Gold imports wereUSD28.45billion in July 2019, recording a negative growth of 2.22per cent, as compared to Non-Oil and Non-Gold importsof USD 29.09billion in July 2018. Non-Oil and Non-Gold imports wereUSD109.19billion in April-July 2019-20, recording a negative growth of 4.67per cent, as compared to Non-Oil and Non-Gold importsUSD 114.54billion in April-July 2018-19.

II. TRADE IN SERVICES EXPORTS (Receipts) As per the latest press release by RBI dated 14thAugust 2019, exports in June2019 were USD 18.55 billion (Rs. 1,28,823.05 crore) registering a positive growth of 9.96per cent in dollar terms, vis-à-vis June 2018. The estimated value of services export for July 2019* is USD 18.76 billion.

IMPORTS (Payments) As per the latest press release by RBI dated 14thAugust 2019, imports in June 2019 were USD 11.76billion (Rs. 81,646.26 crore) registering a positive growth of 14.17per cent in dollar terms, vis-à-vis June 2018. The estimated value of service Import for July 2019* is USD 11.92 billion.

III.TRADE BALANCE MERCHANDISE: The trade deficit for July 2019 was estimated at USD13.43billion as against the deficit of USD18.63billion inJuly 2018. SERVICES: As per RBI’s Press Release dated 14thAugust 2019, the trade balance in Services (i.e. Net Services export) for June, 2019 is estimated at USD6.79billion.

OVERALL TRADE BALANCE: Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade deficit for April-July 2019-20* is estimated at USD32.90billion as compared to USD39.38 billion in April-July 2018-19. *Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for June 2019. The data for July 2019 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release.

Need: The unidentified vehicles are considered as a serious threat to security and safety of passengers and other stake holders of railways.

The scheme provides for a one-time partial credit guarantee to PSBs for purchase of pooled assets of financially sound NBFCs.

Objective: To address temporary asset liability mismatches of otherwise solvent NBFCs/HFCs without having to resort to distress sale of their assets for meeting their commitments.

Validity of the scheme: The window for one-time partial credit guarantee offered by GoI will open from the date of issuance of the Scheme by the Government for a period of six months, or till such date by which Rupees One lakh crore assets get purchased by banks, whichever is earlier.

Significance: The stress on NBFCs and HFCs is seen as a key reason for a slowdown in the economy, as it has caused reduced credit flow to small businesses and consumers.

The step would provide liquidity to NBFCs and enable them to continue to play their role in meeting the financing requirements of productive sectors of economy.

Notable facts: As per the guidelines of the scheme announced in the budget, the Department of Economic Affairs will provide government guarantee of up to 10% of the fair value of assets purchased by a bank from a stressed NBFC or HFC. The scheme is capped at Rs 1 lakh crore and will be open for up to six months.

The Department of Financial Services will obtain information on transactions in a prescribed format from PSBs and send a copy to the budget division of the Department of Economic Affairs. The government will settle claims by banks within five working days.

NBFCs will have to pay a fee to the government, at 0.25% per annum of the fair value of assets sold to banks. They will be able to sell 20% of standard assets, worth up to Rs 5,000 crore, as on March 31.

Assets sold must be at least AA or equivalent rated and the NBFC/HFC selling assets should have appropriate capital, net NPAs of less than 6% and been profitable for the last two financial years.

NBFCs will also have to rework the asset-liability structure within three months to have a positive asset liability management in each bucket for the first three months and on cumulative basis for the remaining period.

The one-time guarantee on the pooled assets will be valid for 24 months from the date of purchase and can invoked in specified circumstances. The guarantee shall cease earlier if the purchasing bank sells the pooled assets to the originating NBFC or HFC or any other entity before the validity of the guarantee period.

More than 4500 villages in Punjab and Haryana have been declared as Zero Stubble Burning Villages during 2018 as not a single crop burning incident was reported from these villages during the year.

What is stubble burning? Stubble burning is a common practice followed by farmers to prepare fields for sowing of wheat in November as there is little time left between the harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat. Stubble burning results in emission of harmful gases such carbon diaoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide along with particulate matter.

Concern of the Farmers: Why they opt for stubble burning? Even though farmers are aware that the burning of straw is harmful to health, they do not have alternatives for utilising them effectively. The farmers are ill-equipped to deal with waste because they cannot afford the new technologythat is available to handle the waste material. Experts say that with less income due to crop damage, farmers are likely to be inclined to light up their fields to cut costs and not spend on scientific ways of stubble management.

Advantages of stubble burning: It quickly clears the field and is the cheapest alternative. Kills weeds, including those resistant to herbicide. Kills slugs and other pests. Can reduce nitrogen tie-up.

What’s the issue? Stubble burning is adversely affecting environment and public health. The problem has not been fully tackled and the adverse impacts on the air quality and consequent impacts on the citizens’ health and lives are undisputed.

Alternative solutions that can avoid Stubble Burning: There is great potential for making investments in paddy straw-based power plants which can help avoid stubble burning to a large extent and also create employment opportunities.

Incorporation of crop residues in the soil can improve soil moisture and help activate the growth of soil microorganisms for better plant growth. Convert the removed residues into enriched organic manure through composting. New opportunities for industrial use such as extraction of yeast protein can be explored through scientific research.

Need of the hour: Unless Financial assistance is to be provided by the Centre for boosting farm mechanisation, it is difficult to completely stop stubble burning. States needs to make alternative arrangements for consumption of paddy straw into the soil as per the directions of the NGT.

What needs to be done- Supreme Court’s observations? The problem is required to be resolved by taking all such measures as are possible in the interest of public health and environment protection. Incentives could be provided to those who are not burning the stubble and disincentives for those who continue the practice.

The existing Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme must be so interpreted as to enable the States concerned to wholly or partly deny the benefit of MSP to those who continue to burn the crop residue.

Secretary, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has also been directed to be present to “find a lasting solution.” The Central government should convene a meeting with the States.

Why have some central banks adopted negative rates? To battle the global financial crisis triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, many central banks cut interest rates near zero. A decade later, interest rates remain low in most countries due to subdued economic growth.

With little room to cut rates further, some major central banks have resorted to unconventional policy measures, including a negative rate policy. The euro area, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Japan have allowed rates to fall slightly below zero.

How does it work? Under a negative rate policy, financial institutions are required to pay interest for parking excess reserves with the central bank. That way, central banks penalise financial institutions for holding on to cash in hope of prompting them to boost lending.

What are the pros of negative rates? Lowers borrowing costs. Help weaken a country’s currency rate by making it a less attractive investment than that of other currencies. A weaker currency gives a country’s export a competitive advantage and boosts inflation by pushing up import costs.

What are the cons? Negative rates put downward pressure on the entire yield curve. Narrow the margin financial institutions earn from lending. If prolonged ultra-low rates hurt the health of financial institutions too much, they could hold off on lending and damage the economy.

There are also limits to how deep central banks can push rates into negative territory – depositors can avoid being charged negative rates on their bank deposits by choosing to hold physical cash instead.

What is the Gulf War? The Gulf War, which lasted between August 1990 and February 1991, was an international conflict that erupted after Iraq, under dictator Saddam Hussain, invaded neighbouring Kuwait, claiming it as its “19th province”. After Hussain defied UN warnings, the US and its allies forced Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

What happened during the Gulf War? On August 2, 1990, Iraq annexed Kuwait, its south-eastern neighbour 25 times smaller in size. Although Hussain claimed Kuwait to be a part of Iraq, he invaded the region so that Baghdad could cancel a massive debt that it owed Kuwait, as well as acquire Kuwait’s large oil reserves. Hussain also sought to link the annexation with the Palestinian conflict.

Immediately after, the United Nations Security Council strongly reprimanded Iraq and warned of military action if its forces did not retreat by January 15, 1991.

As Hussain refused to pay heed to the UN’s many warnings, a US-led coalition, consisting of 7 lakh troops from 35 countries assembled in Saudi Arabia — Iraq’s neighbour also threatened by Hussain’s adventures in the region.

After the January 15 deadline was flouted by Baghdad, coalition forces first launched Operation Desert Storm, which destroyed Iraq’s air defences, oil refineries, and key infrastructure. This was followed by Operation Desert Sabre, a ground offensive that went on to free Kuwait. The war finally ended on February 28, 1991, when the US declared a ceasefire.

India during the Gulf War: New Delhi had been one of the first powers to recognise the Baathist regime when it came to power, and Baghdad, in turn, had consistently maintained a pro-India stance, especially during the era when the rest of the region was seen to have gravitated towards Pakistan.

When the Gulf War started, India, which at the time was led by PM Chandra Shekhar, maintained its signature non-aligned stance. However, it rejected Baghdad’s demand for linking the hostilities that were unfolding then with the Palestinian conflict.

Between August 13 and October 20 of 1990, India evacuated over 1,75,000 of its nationals from war-torn Kuwait, the biggest such operation by the Indian government. The feat has been mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest number of people being evacuated by a civilian airliner, and was depicted in the 2016 Hindi film ‘Airlift’.

The Tribunal is meant to adjudicate over the service matters of the state employees that earlier would be directly heard by the High Court.

What is Haryana Administrative Tribunal? The tribunal is a quasi-judicial body on the lines of Central Administrative Tribunal for redressal of the grievance of state employees concerning their employment. Tribunal orders can be challenged before the High Court.

Under which law are the Tribunals setup? Article 323-A, which came by way of 42nd constitutional amendment in 1976, enabled the Centre to enact The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 for setting-up the Tribunals for adjudication over “disputes and complaints with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of persons”.

The Centre under the Act can establish the Tribunal for its own employees and also has the power to establish one for a state after receiving a request from the state government. Two or more states can also agree for a single tribunal.

Composition: The Tribunal is to be headed by a Chairman or Chairperson – a retired High Court Judge, and a number of Judicial and Administrative Members. The Chairperson can be removed only by the President of India. The Tribunal can also have benches at different locations.

Need: In the absence of the Tribunal, the employees have no other option but to directly approach the High Court. The government’s decision to establish the Tribunal had been pending since 2015 and is aimed at reducing a large number of pending cases before the High Court and quick disposal of the grievances of employees, as per the state.

Why is bar association opposing this move? The Bar Association has been saying the decision encroaches upon the jurisdiction of the Court and is also aimed at circumventing the judicial independence.

They argue that Tribunal members do not enjoy powers like judges who hold constitutional posts. Tribunals are also seen as a means to encroach upon the jurisdiction and judicial independence of the High Court.

Key facts: RBI will launch the sandbox for entities that meet the criteria of minimum net worth of ₹25 lakh as per their latest audited balance sheet. The entity should either be a company incorporated and registered in the country or banks licensed to operate in India.

While money transfer services, digital know-your customer, financial inclusion and cybersecurity products are included, crypto currency, credit registry and credit information have been left out.

What is a regulatory sandbox? A regulatory sandbox is a safe harbour, where businesses can test innovative products under relaxed regulatory conditions. Typically, participating companies release new products in a controlled environment to a limited number of customers for a limited period of time.

Significance and benefits of a regulatory sandbox: The “regulatory sandbox” will help fintech companies launch innovative products at a lower cost and in less time. The sandbox will enable fintech companies to conduct live or virtual testing of their new products and services.

These companies will also be able to test the viability of the product without a wider and expensive rollout. It will help companies to experiment with fintech solutions, where the consequences of failure can be contained and reasons for failure analysed.

Need: According to NITI Aayog, India is one of the fastest growing fintech markets globally, and industry research has projected that $1 trillion, or 60% of retail and SME (small and medium sized enterprises) credit, will be digitally disbursed by 2029.

The Indian fintech ecosystem is the third largest in the world, attracting nearly $6 billion in investments since 2014. Fintech or financial technology companies use technology to provide financial services such as payments, peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding, among others.

Therefore, in order to protect customers and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders, and streamline their influence on the financial system, there is need for a regulatory and supervisory framework for fintech firms.

Way ahead: Regardless of their specific terms, structures or mandates, regulatory sandboxes clearly work. They act as an impetus to innovation, build trust among stakeholders, protect consumers and result in sensible and forward-looking regulations. By introducing a sandbox for payments, the RBI could achieve the much-needed balance between innovation and regulation and help the Indian fintech industry achieve its full potential.

Who are they? Boko Haram is a violent Islamist insurgent group that has spread from northeast Nigeria to neighbouring West African nations of Niger, Chad and Cameroon in the Lake Chad Basin.

Emergence: In the 2000s, Boko Haram emerged in Nigeria as a small Sunni Islamic sect advocating a strict interpretation and implementation of Islamic law. The group, officially called Jama’a Ahl as-Sunna Li-da’wa wa-al Jihad, is more commonly known as Boko Haram, a nickname given by the country’s local Hausa-speaking population, because of the group’s call for rejection of Western education and culture that it viewed as un-Islamic—haram or forbidden—guided by Salafism, a conservative interpretation of Islam.

Context: Data related to forest cover was recently shared in Parliament by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. These assessments are done by the Forest Survey of India, whose findings are published in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR). The last report was published in 2017.

Key facts: Total forest cover: A quarter of India’s geographical area (24.49 per cent) is under forest and tree cover.

The lowest forest and tree cover in the country is in Haryana, at 6.79 per cent of its geographical area. Punjab follows with 6.87 per cent. Rajasthan’s forest and tree cover is over 7.26 per cent of its geographical area while Madhya Pradesh’s is 27.73 per cent.

Highest: At 97 per cent, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is on top – its geographical area is only 30 square km. Among the six states with the highest forest and tree cover, four are in the Northeast – Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Goa and Kerala are two other states with more than 50 per cent of their geographical area under forest and tree cover. In terms of geographical area, the highest tree and forest cover is in Madhya Pradesh, with 85,487 sq km.

Context: Newly discovered Kajin Sara lake in Nepal is likely to set a new record of being the world’s highest lake. It is located in Nepal.

Context: The famous Palani panchamirtham, given as ‘prasadam’ at the Murugan temple at Palani has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

This is the first time a temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been given the GI tag.

The panchamirtham is a combination of five natural substances — banana, jaggery, cow ghee, honey and cardamom. Dates and diamond sugar candies are added for flavour.