Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)
Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) Government introduces Bill to amend the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 through Finance Act, 2018. The Amendments aim at further enhancing the effectiveness of the Act, widen its scope and take care of certain procedural difficulties faced by the Enforcement Directorate in prosecution of PMLA cases. Measures to enhance effectiveness of PMLA: Amendment in definition of “proceeds of crime”: The definition of “proceeds of crime” in PMLA was amended in 2015 to include “property equivalent held within the country” in case proceeds of crime is taken out or held “outside the country”. Amendment in bail provisions: The applicability of bail conditions uniform to all the offences under PMLA, instead of only those offences under the schedule which are liable to imprisonment of more than 3 years Corporate frauds included as Scheduled offence: To strengthen the PMLA with respect to Corporate frauds. Measures to enhance effectiveness of investigations: The section is proposed to be amended to include the period of stay in this time limit of 180 days and also further period of not more than 30 days to take care of delays if any in communication of judicial orders. Measures for restoration of property of persons adversely affected by PMLA investigation:Distribution of confiscated property to the rightful claimants, only after the trial is complete. Money laundering Money laundering is the illegal process of making “dirty” money appear legitimate instead of ill-gotten. Criminals use a wide variety of money laundering techniques to make illegally obtained funds appear clean. Online banking and cryptocurrencies have made it easier for criminals to transfer and withdraw money without detection. The prevention of money laundering has become an international effort and now includes terrorist funding among its targets. process of laundering money Placement puts the “dirty money” into the legitimate financial system. Layering conceals the source of the money through a series of transactions and bookkeeping tricks. In the final step, integration, the now-laundered money is withdrawn from the legitimate account to be used for whatever purposes the criminals have in mind for it. Money Laundering Variants: Smurfing (also known as “structuring”) . Investing in commodities such as gems and gold. Electronic money laundering cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoins (Blackmail scheme). Preventing money laundering: Anti-money-laundering laws (AML)-to catch up cyber crime. The Group of Seven (G-7) formed an international committee called the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in an attempt to fight money laundering on an international scale. ED (Enforcement Directorate): It is responsible for enforcement of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and certain provisions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Functions: To collect, develop and disseminate intelligence relating to violations of FEMA, 1999, the intelligence inputs are received from various sources such as Central and State Intelligence agencies, complaints etc. To investigate suspected violations of the provisions of the FEMA, 1999 relating to activities such as “hawala” foreign exchange racketeering, non-realization of export proceeds, non-repatriation of foreign exchange and other forms of violations under FEMA, 1999. To adjudicate cases of violations of the erstwhile FERA, 1973 and FEMA, 1999. To realize penalties imposed on conclusion of adjudication proceedings. To handle adjudication, appeals and prosecution cases under the erstwhile FERA, 1973 To process and recommend cases for preventive detention under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) To undertake survey, search, seizure, arrest, prosecution action etc. against offender of PMLA offence. To provide and seek mutual legal assistance to/from contracting states in respect of attachment/confiscation of proceeds of crime as well as in respect of transfer of accused persons under PMLA. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help JOIN NOW
National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)
National Securities Depository Limited(NSDL) NSDL, one of the largest Depositories in the World. India had a vibrant capital market which is more than a century old, the paper-based settlement of trades caused substantial problems like bad delivery and delayed transfer of title, etc. The Reserve Bank has issued a license to the bank under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, to carry on the business of payments bank in India. NSDL Payments Bank Limited has commenced operations as a payments bank. Benefits of NSDL NSDL works to support the investors and brokers in the capital market of the country. It aims at ensuring the safety and soundness of Indian marketplaces by developing settlement solutions that increase efficiency, minimize risk and reduce costs. NSDL, we play a central role in developing products and services that will continue to nurture the growing needs of the financial services industry. In the depository system, securities are held in depository accounts, which is more or less similar to holding funds in bank accounts. Transfer of ownership of securities is done through simple account transfers. This method does away with all the risks and hassles normally associated with paperwork. Consequently, the cost of transacting in a depository environment is considerably lower as compared to transacting in certificates. NSDL provides bouquet of services to end investors, stock brokers, stock exchanges, custodians, issuer companies etc. Nachiket Mor Committee The Committee on Comprehensive Financial Services for Small Businesses and Low Income Households. The objective of the committee was to propose measures for achieving financial inclusion and increased access to financial services. One of the key suggestions of the committee was to introduce specialized banks or ‘payments bank’ to cater to the lower income groups and small businesses. Major recommendations of the Committee are Wide-spread payment network and universal access to savings. Sufficient access to affordable formal credit. Priority Sector Lending. Customer protection issues. Payment Banks The main objective of payments bank is to widen the spread of payment and financial services to small business, low-income households, and migrant labour workforce in secured technology-driven environment. They are banks offering most regular banking facilities such as remittance services, cash withdrawal/deposit, net banking, third-party fund transfers and mobile payments/transfers/purchases. Payments banks cannot offer any financial products, say credit cards, of their own. They have to tie-up with other financial services providers to offer third-party products like loans and insurance to their customers. Way forward NSDL has been able to win the trust of crores of investors and other intermediaries, thus standing true to its tag line −Technology, Trust and Reach. We at NSDL believe that ‘Every Indian should not only become an ‘Investor’ but a ‘Prudent Investor’ indeed. Vidhyalakshmi Portal for Education Loan(NSDLe-Governance). Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
Mission Karmayogi
Mission Karmayogi Mission Karmayogi – the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). Mission Karmayogi aims to prepare the Indian Civil Servant for the future by making him more creative, constructive, imaginative, innovative, proactive, professional, progressive, energetic, enabling, transparent, and technology-enabled. Features: The mission ‘Karmayogi’, government officials, and employees will get a chance to improve their performance. A council headed by the Prime Minister was approved for civil service capacity building schemes under Mission Karmayogi. The Chief Minister will be a member of this council. This will help in ending the individualized assessment of the employees and ensure their scientific and objective evaluation in a timely manner. To emphasize on ‘on-site learning’ to complement the ‘off-site’ learning, To create an ecosystem of shared training infrastructure including that of learning materials, institutions, and personnel, Principles of the program: Strengthen common foundations and remove department silos. Demonstrate learning to cover all categories. Setting an annual capacity building plan for all departments and services Will ensure efficient service deliveryPromote technology-inspired learning pedagogy Monitoring the implementation of the capacity building plan. Setting benchmarks in learning for public servants iGOT Karmayogi Platform: It brings the scale and state-of-the-art infrastructure to augment the capacities of over two crore officials in India. The platform is expected to evolve into a vibrant and world-class market place for content were carefully curated and vetted digital e-learning material will be made available. Besides capacity building, service matters like confirmation after probation period, deployment, work assignment and notification of vacancies etc. would eventually be integrated with the proposed competency framework. Objectives: It is proposed to set up a Capacity Building Commission, with a view to ensuring a uniform approach in managing and regulating the capacity building ecosystem on collaborative and co-sharing basis. Functions: To assist the PM Public Human Resources Council in approving the Annual Capacity Building Plans. To exercise functional supervision over all Central Training Institutions dealing with civil services capacity building. To create shared learning resources, including internal and external faculty and resource centers. To coordinate and supervise the implementation of the Capacity Building Plans with the stakeholder Departments. To make recommendations on standardization of training and capacity building, pedagogy and methodology To set norms for common mid-career training programs across all civil services. To suggest policy interventions required in the areas of HR Management and Capacity Building to the Government. Challenges: There is a tendency in the Bureaucracy to resist the change which challenges their status quo. online courses must not become another opportunity for the officers to go for the sabbatical leaves. This Mission is an effort to develop karmayogi government employees to serve the country as an ideal karmayogi so that they can be creative and creative and technically empowered. Read Full GS Notes Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help JOIN NOW
Green Delhi App
Green Delhi App Due to deterioration of air quality in the National Capital Region with the onset of winter, the government has released a seven-point action plan to fight air pollution. The mobile application is part of the government’s action plan. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced an action plan to fight air pollution. The government’s “Yudh Pradushan Ke Virudh” campaign, along with dust-control strategies, a tree transplantation policy and schemes to encourage electric vehicles, included the launch of the Green Delhi app. Citizens can take photos, videos and audio of local causes of pollution such as garbage burning, industrial pollution,stubble burning and construction dust among others and upload on the app. Constant monitoring will be done at the Delhi government’s Green War Room. Read Also Air Pollution & Concerted Efforts Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Ground Water Extraction Norms
Ground Water Extraction Norms India is the largest user of ground water in the world, extracting ground water to the tune of 253 bcm per year, which is about 25% of the global ground water extraction. Groundwater utilisation in India: Out of the total of 6584 assessment units, 1034 have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’ 253 as ‘Critical’, 681 as ‘Semi-Critical’ and 4520 as ‘Safe’ The remaining 96 assessment units have been classified as ‘Saline’ due to non-availability of fresh ground water due to salinity problem. Ground water extraction in India is primarily for irrigation in agricultural activities, accounting for nearly 228 BCM (Billion Cubic Meter), which amounts to 90% of the annual ground water extraction. The remaining 10% of extraction (25 BCM) is for drinking & domestic as well as industrial uses. Industrial use is estimated to account for only about 5% of the annual ground water extraction in the country. Regulation of Groundwater in India: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, has the mandate of regulating ground water development and management in the country. In 23 States/ Union Territories ground water development is being regulated by Central Ground Water Authority. The remaining States/ Union Territories are regulating ground water development through ground water legislation enacted by them or through Government Orders. CGWA has been regulating ground water development for its sustainable management in the country through measures such as issue of advisories, public notices, grant of No Objection Certificates (NOC) for ground water withdrawal. Central Ground Water Authority has framed guidelines for grant of NOC for withdrawal of groundwater, which have been revised from time to time. Salient features of the revised guidelines: Prohibition of industries: The new guidelines prohibit new industry and mining projects in over-exploited zones and makes it mandatory for existing industries, commercial units and big housing societies to take ‘no objection certificate’ (NOC). Exemption: The domestic consumers, rural drinking water schemes, armed forces, farmers and micro & small enterprises (that withdraw upto 10 m3 water per day) are exempted from the requirement of a no objection certificate from the CGWB. The guidelines have also encouraged the use of recycled and treated sewage water by industries, mentioned a provision of action against polluting industries and mandated the requirement of digital flow meters, piezometers and digital water level recorders Compensation: The guidelines notified by the CGWB under the Jal Shakti Ministry prescribes a minimum environmental compensation of ₹1 lakh on industrial, mining and infrastructure users for extracting groundwater without a no objection certificate (NOC). This can rise, depending on the quantum of water extracted and the duration of the breach. Abstraction charges: All residential apartments/ group housing societies/ Government water supply agencies in urban areas would be required to pay ground water abstraction charges. All industries/mining/ infrastructure projects drawing groundwater in safe, semi-critical and critical assessment units will have to pay groundwater abstraction charges based on the quantum of groundwater extraction and category of assessment unit. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): Sustainable Development and Management of Ground Water Resources of the Country. To Develop and disseminate technologies, and monitor and implement national policies for the Scientific and Sustainable development and management of India’s Ground Water Resources. including their exploration, assessment, conservation, augmentation, protection from pollution and distribution, based on principles of economic and ecological efficiency and equity. Government initiatives: The atal bhujal yojana Mission kakatiya, Telangana National acquifer mapping Jal Dal-Children’s Institutions for Water Management, Rajasthan Bulk Metering System, Bangalore, Karnataka Bamboo drip irrigation, Meghalaya. Project Bhujal, Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh. Issues involved: Water use efficiency is very low. Free electricity supply. Ground water extraction. Water is a state subject Impact of industry. Way Forward: Ground water management plan Micro irrigation Artificial recharge of groundwater Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Star campaigner
Star campaigner Persons who are nominated by parties to campaign in a given set of Constituencies. These persons are, in almost all cases, prominent and popular faces within the Party. However, there are no specific definitions according to law or the Election Commission of India. A recognized political party can have 40-star campaigners and an unrecognized (but registered) political party can have 20. The list of star campaigners has to be communicated to the Chief Electoral Officer and Election Commission within a week from the date of notification of an election. According to Section 77 (b) of The Representation of People’s Act, 1951 expenses incurred by the campaigner shall not be deemed to be an expenditure in connection with the election. In other words, the expenses will be borne by the respective political party The Model Code of Conduct states that if the star campaigner is a prime minister or a former prime minister, then expenses incurred for bullet-proof vehicles required by centrally appointed security personnel will be borne by the government. The manual to the Model Code of Conduct states that for the benefit of availing Section 77 (1) of The Representation of People’s Act, a permit for the mode of transport for every star campaigner will be issued centrally and against their name. It is also mandatory for this permit to be stuck on a prominent and visible place on the vehicle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJh8L3Ezodw Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
CSIRs Indigen Project
CSIRs Indigen Project It was implemented by the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. This has enabled benchmarking the scalability of genome sequencing and computational analysis at population scale in a defined timeline. The ability to decode the genetic blueprint of humans through whole genome sequencing will be a major driver for biomedical science. Benefits: Epidemiology of genetic diseases to enable cost effective genetic tests. Carrier screening applications for expectant couples. Enabling efficient diagnosis of heritable cancers. Pharmacogenetic tests to prevent adverse drug reactions Need for genome sequencing: Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—the order of As, Cs, Gs, and Ts that make up an organism’s DNA. The human genome is made up of over 3 billion of these genetic letters. The outcomes of the IndiGen will be utilized towards understanding the genetic diversity on a population scale, make available genetic variant frequencies for clinical applications and enable genetic epidemiology of diseases. It is important to ensure that India, with its unparalleled human diversity, is adequately represented in terms of genomic data and develops indigenous capacity to generate, maintain, analyse, utilize and communicate large-scale genome data, in a scalable manner. Contributions: To understanding the “Indian Genome Variation”. Pioneering collaborations in genomics has been fostered by CSIR both nationally and internationally. The first personal human genome in India and in understanding ancestral population in India and early migrations that led to what we know today on distinct ethnic groups. CSIR also pioneered the application of genomics in clinical settings in the area of rare genetic diseases in India by means of DNA/Genome based diagnostics and interaction with large number of clinical collaborators. Applications: CSIR conducts Whole Genome Sequencing of over 1,000 Indians for Biomedical Applications. predictive and preventive medicine with a faster and efficient diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. The whole-genome data and know-how for the analysis of largescale genomic data is expected to enable evidence and aid in the development of technologies for clinical and biomedical applications in India. Conclusion: The IndiGenome card and accompanying IndiGen mobile application that enables participants and clinicians to access clinically actionable information in their genomes. It ensures privacy and data security, which is vital for personal genomics to be implemented at scale. This is being pilot tested in individuals across India and has evinced interest from several Indian commercial organisations. Read Also Budget 2022-2023 Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
QUAD and India
QUAD and India The democratic nations of the world can use the Quad as an instrument to check China’s ambitions be it in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. It is of the opinion that China’s rise cannot be halted but can only be countered with an equally strong economic and security-oriented organisation and the Quad fits the setting. QUAD: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or the ‘Quad’ is an informal setup of Australia-India-Japan-United States. It aims to strengthen the defence and security cooperation amongst the four countries. The ‘quad’ has endorsed a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that isn’t monopolised by a single country. Securing a rules-based global order, liberal trading system and freedom of navigation are believed to the guiding principles. Opportunity for India under QUAD Agreement India has to have a more open approach towards the formation of the Quad and international relations in general. It has to map out a strategy of opening doors of cooperation in relation to its Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Australia. India perhaps can set up naval bases in Australian islands whereas the same can be offered by India to Australia. India can build around collective action in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, monitoring shipping for search and rescue or anti-piracy operations, infrastructure assistance to climatically vulnerable states, connectivity initiatives and similar activities. India holds a significant position in the Quad and if this organisation takes shape in reality it can also counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This way India can maintain peace and security in its Indian Ocean region. Issues related to QUAD: India’s Aversion of Alliance System. Maritime Dominated Undefined Vision Significance: It helps India and the other three nations to counter China’s OBOR It will provide a powerful platform to advance Indian interest in the region and strengthen the Act East policy. It will deepen India’s ties with US, Australia and Japan with benefits in diplomatic leverage and sharing of burden in defence. Tackle common challenges of terrorism and proliferation Cooperation “to curtail DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)’s nuclear and missile programmes and unlawful acts Free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large. Challenges: Strategic analysts argue that India is dragging itself into the US-China rivalry. India has impeded the Chinese desire to have a diplomatic mission in Bhutan, it would be a challenge if the US pursues the same China’s Closeness to ASEAN Economic Power of China QUAD may affect India-Russia relations and gave further impetus to improve China-Russia relations, which will impact India. Way Forward: The process of establishment of the Quad is the beginning of a new idea that is complex and multi-dimensional in nature It can be a possible way to build a liberal international order to counter China’s bold rise. The Quad will need to have a clearer vision for itself. The Quad should focus on building a robust regional consultation mechanism and coordinate with ASEAN nations on issues of regional importance. World Bank and Asian Development Bank must focus on infrastructure funding in the region that would promote economic growth. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
India’s Neighbourhood Diplomacy
India’s Neighbourhood Diplomacy India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ focuses on creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented, regional frameworks for stability and prosperity. Government is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. Policy Initiatives: India is an active development partner and is involved in several projects in these countries. India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ focuses on creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented, regional frameworks for stability and prosperity. Our engagement with these countries is based on a consultative, non-reciprocal and outcome-oriented approach, which focuses on delivering benefits like greater connectivity, improved infrastructure, stronger development cooperation in various sectors area, security and broader people-to-people contacts. With Pakistan, the Government desires normal neighbourly relations and is committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. Modi invited all the SAARC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony and on a subsequent day he held bilateral talk with all of them individually. Recently in a launch event at ISRO, Modi asked Indian scientists to take the endeavour to develop a dedicated SAARC satellite to share the fruits of the technology like tele-medicine, e-learning etc. with the people across South Asia to complement the currently operating Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme in the region. India First “India First” means that what India needs/wants from each economic and technology power will be expressed with greater clarity and specificity and these counties have to respond in the way think appropriate India’s decisions will then be based on the comparative benefit-cost ratio of dealing with different countries on a defined set of issues, not on philosophical and/or ideological consideration of (non-) alignment. Challenges: Closed Economic Mode Emergence of China Influence of Domestic Politics Divided Subcontinent on the Religious Lines Read GS Full Notes Way Forward: Establishing a Border Commission Focussing on Border states Multilateral engagements Soft power Improving Regional Connectivity Implementing Gujral’s Doctrine Policy Non-interference Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join now
Nyay Kaushal
Nyay Kaushal India’s first-ever e-resource centre and virtual court for traffic and transport to enable speedy justice for litigants, called ‘Nyay Kaushal’, at Nagpur. The e-resource Centre at Nagpur is meant to be a step at mitigating various inequalities, being connected to the Supreme Court, the High Courts and the Taluka Courts. The centre will provide the easiest way of filing court matters by utilising technology. It will provide benefits in saving time, avoidance of exertion, travelling long distances, and a saving in costs. The virtual court can deal with all traffic challan cases from every corner of Maharashtra online. It will be possible for the litigants to pay the fine and get the traffic challan case disposed of with the click of a button on a smartphone or a computer. The virtual court will be working from Katol in Nagpur district. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
