GK and Current Affairs Updates

One-man committee is constituted by government to examine the wage structure and service conditions of gramin dak sevaks. Kamlesh Chandra constituted a board with the help of TQ Mohammad.

Focus areas

The committee will examin :a.  the system of branch post offices and engagement conditions.b. existing structure of wage and emoluments paid to gramin sevaks.c. existing facilities, the service discharge benefit scheme and other social security benefits of gramin dak sevaks.d. method of engagement, minimum qualification for engagement for gramin dak sevaks and their conduct and disciplinary rules, particularly keeping in view the proposed induction of technology in rural post offices.All these areas will be criticaly examine by the commitee members and recommendations will be given accordingly.

About Gramin Dak Sevak-They are the postal extra-departmental employees. They are recruited by the postal department to serve in rural areas.

Gram Sevak-Gram Sevak represent the voice and opinion of the village people on behalf of the Gram Panchayat to the Taluka and Zilla level by attending the meetings or sending the official records. Sarpanch and its members also perform the same function.

Prime Minister inaugurated the International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research and its Applications.,The conference has been organized at Jigani, Bengaluru.Medical professionals, Practitioners of Indian medicine (AYUSH),Yoga researchers and yoga therapists, Wellness and health industry persons and Policy makers participated in it.

Theme of the conference: Integrating Best of East with Best of West in Medical Practice.This theme addresses the urgent need for collaborative actions involving health professionals from conventional medicine and traditional medicine, policymakers, government organizations and Industries to deliver the best health care to public.

- Objectives of the conference:1. To disseminate the research findings in the field of integrative medicine and give directions to future research.

2. To translate the available research findings of integrative medicine into clinical practice.

3. To establish working groups comprising universities, health care providers and policy makers to initiate collaborative research programs.

4. To deliver cost effective mass health care means to address common ailments at urban and rural the primary health care level.

5. To have discussions on reforms in policies related to integrated health care system.

Importance of Yoga-Yoga is universal in character for practice and application irrespective of culture, nationality, race, caste, creed, sex, age and physical condition.Yoga advocate certain restraints and observances, physical discipline, breath regulations, restraining the sense organs, contemplation, meditation and samadhi.Yoga has the potential for improvement of physical health by enhancing circulation of oxygenated blood in the body, retraining the sense organs thereby inducing tranquility and serenity of mind.The practice of Yoga prevents psychosomatic disorders and improves an individual’s resistance and ability to endure stressful situations.

Founder of Yoga-Maharishi Patanjali is the ‘father of Yoga’ who compiled 195 Yoga Sutras that became the foundation of Yoga philosophy. The commentary on these sutras is called Bhasya. The core essence of Patanjali is the eightfold path of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) that focusses upon healthy living through Yoga.

International Day of Yoga-International Day of Yoga is the evidence of recognisation of yoga on the international platform. On 21^st June, the world celebrated the very first Yoga day.

The Prime Minister unveiled a plaque for the foundation stone of a new helicopter manufacturing unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Tumkur district of Karnataka.- This will promote the manufacturing of defence equipments, as this will reduce our dependence on foreign countries and in turn will provide us more security and independence.

- Advantages:1. 4000 families directly or indirectly will get livelihood due to this factory.

2. Will make country Independent in defence equipments.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL)

- HAL is a fully owned Government of India undertaking under the administrative control of Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production.- It is based in Bangalore, Karnataka.-Its principal business is design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft, helicopter, engines and related systems like avionics, instruments and accessories.  

- Major ongoing Indigenous development programs:

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), Light Combat Helicopter(LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Weapon System integration on ALH, Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA), Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), Basic Turboprop Trainer.

Prime minister has inaugrated the 103rd session of Indian Science Congress at University of Mysore.

- Theme: “Science and Technology for Indigenous Development in India.”

-Prime minister has talked about various issues that have to be resolved:

1. Innovation to combat climate change.2. Innovation to make clean energy technology 3. Innovation to make renewable energy much cheaper; more reliable; and, easier to connect to transmission grids.4. Tapping of new sources of renewable energy, from ocean waves to geothermal energy.5. Innovation to develop climate resilient agriculture.

About  Indian Science Congress Association

Establishment:The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) owes its origin to the foresight and initiative of two British Chemists, namely, Professor J. L. Simonsen and Professor P.S. MacMahon.

Objectives:(a) To advance and promote the cause of Science in India (b) To hold an annual Congress at a suitable place in India(c) To publish such proceedings, journals, transactions and other publications as may be considered desirable (d) To secure and manage funds and endowments for the promotion of Science including the rights of disposing of, or selling all or any portion of the properties of the Association (e) To do and perform any or all other acts, matters and things as are conducive to, or incidental to, or necessary for, the above objects.

Raminder Singh Ranger, chairman of Sun Mark Ltd, was awarded the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).He was felicitated for his outstanding services to business and community cohesion in the UK.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)This is awarded for having a prominent but lesser role at national level, or a leading role at regional level. It is also awarded for a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Other awards of UK

1. Companion of Honour-This is awarded for having a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time.

2. Knight/Dame-This is awarded for having a major contribution in any activity, usually at national level. Other people working in the nominee’s area will see their contribution as inspirational and significant, requiring commitment over a long period of time.

3. Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)-This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

4. British Empire Medal (BEM)Reintroduced in 2012, this rewards a sustained, local contribution or innovative, high-impact work of a relatively short duration (eg.- 3 to 4 years).

Centre announced a scheme to implement direct benefit transfers (DBT) for kerosene subsidies starting April 1 this year.DBT Scheme is already implemented for LPG users.Under the scheme, the consumer would be required to pay the full un-subsidised price of kerosene at the time of purchase. The subsidy amount will then be subsequently directly transferred to their bank account.
Targeted Eight states — Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Rajasthan — have already agreed to initiate direct cash transfers of kerosene subsidies in a few of their districts.
About Direct Benefit Transfer
The purpose of Direct Benefits Transfer is to ensure that benefits go to individuals' bank accounts electronically, minimising tiers involved in fund flow thereby reducing delay in payment, ensuring accurate targeting of the beneficiary and curbing pilferage and duplication.
Accounts are linked through UIDAI number.

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued draft guidelines for Allocation Criteria for Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant.
-Aim:  to encourage organ donation among the masses easing rules and procedures of donation.
- The draft guidelines include issues such as:
1. recipient registration, listing and scoring system in the waiting list 
2. scoring system for making priority
3. allocation principles
4. allocation algorithm, including  criteria for urgent listing, and
5. inter-state issues

Organ Donation Status in India
- Almost 1.5 lakh people in India need a kidney; however, only 3000 of them receive one.
- Only 1 out of 30 people who need a kidney receive one.
- 90% of people in the waiting list die without getting an organ.
- India’s annual liver transplant requirement is 25,000, but we manage only about 800.
- 70% liver transplants are taken care of by a live donor, but 30% are dependent on cadaver donations.

Key Reasons for Shortage of Organ donors in India
1. Ignorance and Lack of Knowledge about Organ Donation
2. Registering One’s Wish to Donate
A major reason for the shortage of organs is that many people have not recorded their wish about organ donation or discussed it with their families.
3. Myths and Beliefs
Myths and misconceptions about organ donation discourage potential donors from making the decision to donate organs or tissue after death.

World Kidney Day
World Kidney Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.World Kidney Day started in 2006 and has not stopped growing ever since. Every year, the campaign highlights a particular theme.
- 2015 Kidney Health for All
- 2014 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and aging
- 2013 Kidneys for Life – Stop Kidney Attack!
- 2012 Donate – Kidneys for Life – Receive
- 2011 Protect your kidneys: Save your heart
 

Famous bollywood singer Adnan Sami got Indian Citizenship.
- He is a Pakistan born singer.but stayed in India since 2001.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015-The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Haribhai Partibhai Chaudhary on February 27, 2015.  

The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955.-The Citizenship Act, 1955 regulates the acquisition and determination of citizenship after commencement of the Constitution.  It provides for citizenship by birth, descent, registration, naturalisation and by incorporation of territory.  In addition, it provides for renunciation and termination of citizenship under certain circumstances.  It also contains provisions regarding registration of Overseas Citizens of India and their rights.
-Citizenship by registration and naturalisation: The Act allows a person to apply for citizenship by registration or naturalisation if they fulfill certain qualifications.  For example, a person may apply for citizenship by registration if they or their parents were earlier citizens of India, and if they resided in India for one year before applying for registration.  Similarly, a person may apply for a certificate of naturalisation if they have resided in India or have served a government in India for a period of 12 months immediately preceding the date of application.  The Bill allows the central government to relax the requirement of 12 months stay or service if special circumstances exist.  Relaxation up to 30 days may be permitted.
-Overseas Citizen of India cardholders: The Act outlines certain qualifications for registering a person as an Overseas Citizen of India.  The Bill provides certain additional grounds for registering for an Overseas Citizen of India card.  These are: (i) a minor child whose parent(s) are Indian citizens; or (ii) spouse of foreign origin of an Indian citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder subject to certain conditions; or (iii) great-grandchild of a person who is a citizen of another country, but who meets one of several conditions (for example, the great-grandparent must be a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution or any time afterwards).  An Overseas Citizen of India is entitled to some benefits such as a multiple-entry, multi-purpose life-long visa to visit India.
-The Act also provides that any person who is/has been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh or any other country which is notified by the central government will be ineligible to apply for Overseas Citizenship of India.  The Bill extends this provision to cover persons whose parents/grandparents/ great-grandparents were citizens of any of the above countries.
-The Bill also introduces a new provision which allows the central government to register a person as an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder even if s/he does not satisfy any of the listed qualifications.This is permissible if special circumstances exist.
-Merger of Overseas Citizen of India and Persons of Indian Origin schemes: Currently, the central government provides for two schemes for Indian origin persons, and their families, the Persons of Indian Origin card and the Overseas Citizen of India card.  Persons of Indian Origin enjoy fewer benefits than Overseas Citizens of India.  For example, they are entitled to visa free entry into India for 15 years, while Overseas Citizens of India are provided a life-long visa.The Bill provides that the central government may notify that Persons of Indian Origin cardholders shall be considered to be Overseas Citizen of India cardholders from a specified date. 
-Renunciation and cancellation of overseas citizenship: The Act provides that where a person renounces their overseas citizenship, their minor child shall also cease to be an Overseas Citizen of India.  The Bill extends this provision to cover spouses of Overseas Citizen of India cardholders.  The Bill also allows the central government to cancel the Overseas Citizenship of India card where it is obtained by the spouse of an Indian citizen or Overseas Citizen of India cardholder, if: (i) the marriage is dissolved by a court, or (ii) the spouse enters into another marriage even while the first marriage has not been dissolved.

Union Minister for Road Transport &Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Capital Dredging of Navigational Channel at Cruise Berth at Mormugaon Port in Goa.Mormugao is going to be the first port in the country with a draft of 19.5 metres. On completion of dredging of the navigational channel, a 1,85,000 tonne vessel will be able to embark in the port. With this, the economy of the state will get a major thrust.

What is Dredging ?
- Dredging is an excavation activity usually carried out underwater, in shallow seas or freshwater areas with the purpose of gathering up bottom sediments and disposing of them at a different location.
- Uses
1. Capital: dredging carried out to create a new harbor, berth or waterway, or to deepen existing facilities in order to allow larger ships access. Because capital works usually involve hard material or high-volume works.
2. Preparatory: work and excavation for future bridges, piers or docks/wharves, often connected with foundation work.
3. Maintenance: dredging to deepen or maintain navigable waterways or channels which are threatened to become silted with the passage of time, due to sedimented sand and mud, possibly making them too shallow for navigation.
4. Land reclamation: dredging to mine sand, clay or rock from the seabed and using it to construct new land elsewhere. 
5. Beach nourishment: mining sand offshore and placing on a beach to replace sand eroded by storms or wave action. This is done to enhance the recreational and protective function of the beaches, which can be eroded by human activity or by storms. 
6. Harvesting materials: dredging sediment for elements like gold, diamonds or other valuable trace substances.
7. Seabed mining: a possible future use, recovering natural metal ore nodules from the sea's abyssal plains.
8. Construction materials: dredging sand and gravels from offshore licensed areas for use in construction industry, principally for use in concrete. 
9. Anti-eutrophication: Dredging is an expensive option for the remediation of eutrophied (or de-oxygenated) water bodies.
10. Contaminant remediation: to reclaim areas affected by chemical spills, storm water surges (with urban runoff), and other soil contaminations. Disposal becomes a proportionally large factor in these operations.
11. Removing trash and debris: often done in combination with maintenance dredging, this process removes non-natural matter from the bottoms of rivers and canals and harbors.
12. Flood prevention: this can help to increase channel depth and therefore increase a channel's capacity for carrying water.

National School Games to be Organised at Four to Five venues every year Union Government has decided to organise National School Games in a big way at four to five venues in the country every year. 
Objectives: to ensure proper promotion and development of various games at the school level with the twin objectives of early identification of talent and ensuring physical fitness of children. It will not only help in sports promotion but also national unity and harmony.
This initiative will start from Kerala. A request received in this regard from Govt. of Kerala to be host of these games has been accepted.