This page contains "17th August 2018" current affairs analysis from different newspapers and magazines like The Hindu, Indian express, PIB and Yojna.
Quality and relevance are two key features considered while writing the content, all the topics are based on the pattern of previously asked questions in exams like UPSC CSE, IAS, State PCS, SSC, Banks PO and likewise competitive exams.
Creamy layer cannot apply to SCs/STs
The government informed the SC about its stand on creamy layer concept in SCs/STs reservation saying, "The 'creamy layer' concept cannot be applied to the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe communities, who have suffered for centuries."
According to government a total of 22.5 per cent (15 per cent for SC+7 per cent for ST) posts should be reserved for promotion for SC/ST in public employment under Article 16 (4A) of the constitution.
Why creamy layer should not apply to SCs/STs ?
Introducing creamy layer in SCs/STs based on their economic condition and social advantages will regroup them, that is not appropriate and is against their homogeneous character.
Traditional practice of untouchability, was one of the major factor considered when communities were inlcuded in the list of SCs/STs. Centuries old practice of untouchability can not be justified on the basis of economic and social advantages.
Under Articles 341 and 342 the constitution itself creates a presumption, that SCs and STs are backward classes of citizens and no new parameter is needed for their classification.
Current situation
In a previous Nagaraj case, the Supreme Court has restricted the government to introduce quota for SCs and STs in reservation for promotion.
SC told that such a quota will only be justified, if a particular dalit community is backward or inadequately represented and such a reservation in promotion would not affect the overall efficiency of public administration.
Additionally, while doing so the opinion of the government should be based on quantifiable data, too.
What is Gaganyaan mission (Human Space Flight Programme (HSP))
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) believes in the doability of "Gaganyaan mission", that aims for "Human Space Flight Project" by 2022.
What is Gaganyaan mission (Human Space Flight Programme (HSP))
The Gaganyaan mission, is a "Human Space Flight Project" to be completed by 2022 with a total corpus of 9000 crore rupees. Most of the critical technologies and hardware required for the project are ready and have been tested by its centres.
Once achieved the project will make India the fourth nation to circle earth after the Soviets, the Americans and the Chinese.
A "Pad Abort Test", is also developed by ISRO to help astronauts in emergency escape, the rest of the technologies are getting ready and will be completed in time.
"Environment Control and Life Support System" is the most important part of the mission, it makes the crew capsule liveable and the flight safe for the astronauts.
There will be 24/7 monitoring for the spacecraft from Tracking and Command Centre in Peenya. A new dedicated control centre for the mission would be set up at ISTRAC. The spacecraft will be tracked globally through stations of ISRO and other countries.
The launchpad at the Sriharikota spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and the Space Applications Centre which makes electronic devices and instruments would be enhanced for the Gaganyaan human mission.
To train astronauts ISRO will collaborate with the Indian Air Force and its Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bengaluru.
The project, as the pride of India will raise scientific and technological temper across the country and inspire youngsters.
Mobile apps for e-filing of cases, launched by CJI
In a bid to promote litigant-friendly court system the CJI launched a host of smartphone apps including e-filing to help litigants and convicts in filing cases and make e-payments to courts from any part of the country.
e-filing of cases in SC
These apps will do away the need for physical presence of litigants and lawyers by enabling them to file cases and submit documents online in the apex court.
Now various fine, penalty and court fees can be submitted online through e-payment application, and summons will be available on mobile phones.
The mobile apps are expected to provide services like e-filing with user manual, e-payment options, National Service and Tracking of Electronic Processes (NTSEP), Supreme Court Legal Services Committee and awareness guide for services offered by the e-courts programme.
These apps will be crucial in preventing pendency to bring justice to the litigant, by reducing the years long burden of suffering and monetary loss for them.
16,000 plus district and taluka courts would be connected by these apps to save the over 1,600 crore rupees while reducing the pendency by 25 to 30 per cent.
Recommended books for UPSC/CSE IAS and State PSCs, click to purchase.