Kerala-based startup is set to launch world’s first blockchain-powered satellite - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Kerala-based startup is set to launch world’s first blockchain-powered satellite.

Blockchain technology, which is being used extensively in safe transactions, data security, and a few other applications, is now being deployed in space. And Accubits, a startup based in Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala, has taken the lead. The developers claim that they are all set to launch the world’s first blockchain satellite, called Chainsat.

On the concept of blockchain-powered satellites, Aharsh MS, Chief Marketing Officer, Accubits, tells YourStory, “Chainsat will serve two purposes. One, it will act as one of the nodes of a private blockchain network or consortium blockchain. Second, it will enable a communication channel between different nodes of the blockchain network.”
The startup aims to send a low earth orbit satellite, weighing 12 kg, to space for establishing an enterprise blockchain ledger that can enable a secure transactional network for next-generation financial and IoT systems. It wishes to send it to the orbit by Q1 2021.
Besides, the startup will develop the software and firmware for the satellite while the hardware part will be collaboratively built by Accubits and a vendor. For this, the startup is in talks with multiple firms for collaboration.
One-of-its-kind solution :
Not all businesses are established in well-connected areas like Tier-I or Tier-II cities, but are set up across Tier-III cities. Today, companies have sprung in remote areas as well with dire connectivity issues.
Here, Chainsat will enable a secure communication channel for enterprises to use a blockchain network. According to Aharsh, Chainsat will enable businesses across the world to meet the specific requirements, as it acts as a blockchain node, or a point of contact for the enterprises.
For instance, for agro-related businesses, the production farms are remotely located and most of these places do not have internet accessibility. Here, Chainsat can help in establishing communication to access a blockchain ledger for applications like supply chain traceability and other crucial operations.
Besides, the satellites will be no different from the rest in the orbit in terms of its orbital presence, launch and operation. What differs is the software architecture and the internal hardware that is designed to host a blockchain node. (Source:defencenews.in)


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Kerala-based startup is set to launch world’s first blockchain-powered satellite.

3 of world’s 10 fastest-growing urban areas are in Kerala: Economist ranking - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

3 of world’s 10 fastest-growing urban areas are in Kerala: Economist ranking.

Cities from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat find a mention in the fastest-growing urban areas across the world in the last five years in the EIU survey.

Three cities in Kerala feature among the fastest-growing urban areas across the world, according to a ranking released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey. The three cities — Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kollam — are the only places from India to feature in the top 10 rankings.
While Malappuram is the fastest growing city over the past five years with a 44.1 per cent change, Kozhikode occupies the fourth slot with a change percentage of 34.5 per cent. Kollam, the third city, has jumped 31.1 per cent, the ranking says.
Thrissur from Kerala also finds a mention in the list at 13th position. Thrissur’s ranking has seen a 30.2 per cent jump between 2015 and 2020. Gujarat’s Surat comes in at 26th position with 26.7 per cent change, while Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur is ranked the 30th fastest growing city in the world in the last five years.

Other than India, the top 10 ranking includes three cities from China and one from Nigeria, Oman, UAE and Vietnam each.
In another ranking released by EIU in September last year, Vienna grabbed the top spot on the Global Liveability Index for 2019. The Austrian capital, which attracts tourists for its classical music scene and imperial history but also has abundant green spaces and excellent public services, last year ended Melbourne’s seven-year run at the top of the survey of 140 cities, helped by an improved security outlook across Europe.
The EIU is part of The Economist magazine and provides forecasting and advisory services through research and analysis. (Source: The Indian Express)


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3 of world’s 10 fastest-growing urban areas are in Kerala: Economist ranking.

Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, A.P. lead performers in Niti Aayog’s SDG India Index 2019 - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, A.P. lead performers in Niti Aayog’s SDG India Index 2019.

Bihar, Jharkhand and Arunchal Pradesh are the worst performing states in this year’s Index for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have emerged as top performing States in Niti Aayog’s SDG India Index 2019, which evaluates progress in social, economic and environmental terms, according to a report released on Monday.
Bihar, Jharkhand and Arunchal Pradesh are the worst performing States in this year’s Index for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The United Nations’ SDG target of 2030 can never be met without India... We are fully committed to achieving UN’s SDG target,” Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said at the launch of SDG India Index 2019.
According to the report, while Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim have shown maximum improvement, states like Gujarat have not shown any improvement vis-a-vis 2018 rankings.
India’s composite score also improved from 57 in 2018 to 60 in 2019.
The SDG India Index, developed by Niti Aayog, took into account 16 out of 17 goals specified by the United Nations as SDGs .
Under the Index, states were monitored on real time basis across 100 indicators out of 306 outlined by the United Nations.
The UN-SDGs have 17 goals, 169 targets and 306 national indicators. (Source: The Hindu)


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Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, A.P. lead performers in Niti Aayog’s SDG India Index 2019.

Kerala tops Niti Aayog’s School Education Quality Index; U.P. is worst performer - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Kerala tops Niti Aayog’s School Education Quality Index; U.P. is worst performer.

There are huge differences in the quality of school education across the country, according to the ranking.

There are huge differences in the quality of school education across the country, according to a Niti Aayog ranking released on Monday. Among 20 large States, Kerala was the best performer with a score of 76.6%, while Uttar Pradesh came in last with a score of 36.4%.
However, Haryana, Assam and Uttar Pradesh showed the most improvement in their performance in 2016-17, in comparison to the base year of 2015-16. The School Education Quality Index assesses States on the basis of learning outcomes, access, equity and infrastructure and facilities, using survey data, self-reported data from States and third-party verification.

Tamil Nadu was the top performer in access and equity outcomes, while Karnataka led in learning outcomes. Haryana had the best infrastructure and facilities.
Among smaller States, Manipur emerged as the best performer, while Chandigarh topped the list of Union Territories. West Bengal refused to participate in the evaluation process and has not been included in the rankings. (Source: The Hindu)


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Kerala tops Niti Aayog’s School Education Quality Index; U.P. is worst performer.

After Kerala, Punjab and Gujarat to get PMRU - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

After Kerala, Punjab and Gujarat to get PMRU.

It will monitor prices of medicines and ensure their availability

After Kerala, it is now the turn of Punjab and Gujarat to have Price Monitoring & Research Unit (PMRU), set up by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) in collaboration with the Department of Health and State Drug Controller.

The government has announced that more States are in the process of setting PMRUs.
Earlier this year, Kerala became the first State to set up a price monitoring and research unit to track violation of prices of essential drugs and medical devices under the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO). PMRU is aimed at monitoring the notified prices of medicines, detection of violation of the provisions of DPCO (revised from time to time), pricing compliance and ensuring availability of medicines, among other objectives.
The units will function under the direct supervision of the State drug controller, explained a senior official. He said the PMRU scheme had been in the pipeline for quite some time and the draft scheme was ready way back in 2015. According to the draft, “in the first year, 90 per cent of the non-recurring expenses and six months’ advance for recurring expenses would be released as first instalment to those States or UTs that desire to set up the PMRUs.”
Meanwhile, for the purpose of staffing and providing the required infrastructure to the PMRU, it has been proposed to categorise States/ UTs into three categories: States/ UTs having population of more than 3% of total population, States/ UTs having population of less than 3% but more than 1% of the total population; and those having a population of less than 1% of the total population, said the senior official.
He said each PMRU would have to get the audit done annually. Release of further grants would depend upon the performance, actual expenditure and production of utilisation certificate of funds received (duly signed by SDC in the format prescribed by the Government of India for this purpose) in the previous year. (Source: The Hindu)


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After Kerala, Punjab and Gujarat to get PMRU.

ICOMOS launches initiative to save cultural heritage damaged in flood-hit Kerala - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

ICOMOS launches initiative to save cultural heritage damaged in flood-hit Kerala.

The ICOMOS, a global monument conservation body, has launched an initiative to assess the damage to the rich cultural and built heritage in flood-devastated Kerala and set up an emergency response platform, an official said today.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is a prestigious non-government organisation dedicated to promoting the application of theory, methodology and scientific techniques for conservation of architectural and archaeological heritage across the world.
"We launched the Kerala Heritage Rescue Initiative yesterday as the heritage in the flood-ravaged state is indeed damaged. We are also seeking support from the state government, the NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) and reaching out to local conservation professionals," Vice President, ICOMOS, Rohit Jigyasu told PTI.
The initiative also aims at setting up a platform for emergency response to the cultural heritage damaged by the floods in Kerala.
"We have also set up a Facebook page to collect information on the damage to buildings, museum collections, cultural artefacts, libraries, archives, and even intangible heritage," he said.
Jigyasu, a conservation and disaster risk management professional, who also holds the post of ICOMOS-India president, said, "Letters have been sent to the Kerala government and various other stakeholders, the response has been positive so far."
Kerala is facing its worst floods in nearly a century that has left 223 dead in a fortnight and forced over 10 lakh people out of their homes. The Centre has declared this calamity of 'severe nature'.
"While in the immediate aftermath of this disaster, rescue and relief are the utmost priority, it is also important to start preparations for assessing the damage and risks to the rich tangible, intangible, movable and immovable heritage that has been adversely affected by these floods, including monuments, historic buildings, museum collections and artefacts of significance to the community," Jigyasu said.
He said as recalled in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, cultural heritage and its protection "helps build resilience" and enhances the ability of the affected population to participate in its own recovery.
"We want to prepare until the humanitarian response phase is over. We will then create a heritage response team and train its members to undertake damage assessment and emergency measures," the ICOMOS vice-president said.
"Meanwhile, we want to prepare the teams to undertake tasks on the ground. After the situation becomes better, we will send relevant experts to the affected areas as well," he said.
Jigyasu said ICOMOS has also approached various organisation seeking funds to carry out multiple activities as envisioned.
"One of the works includes creation of a rapid response team for heritage consisting of architects, engineers, conservators, historians, and all those who are concerned about heritage and willing to give a helping hand," he said.
The ICOMOS-India chief said it has also approached the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) to partner in the post-disaster work, Jigyasu said.
Rome-based ICCROM is an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide through training, information, research, cooperation and advocacy programmes.
"Meanwhile, we are spearheading action through our local members and associates in Kerala," he said.
Kerala is endowed with natural beauty, and is home to a number of iconic forts, palaces and other heritage buildings, which attract a huge number of tourists every year.
ICOMOS is also an advisory body to the UNESCO for cultural heritage, in particular for implementation of the World Heritage Convention. (Source: The Business Standard)


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ICOMOS launches initiative to save cultural heritage damaged in flood-hit Kerala.

Kerala to get cyclone warning centre, another Doppler radar - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Kerala to get cyclone warning centre, another Doppler radar.

At present, the India Meteorological Centre (IMD) has six cyclone warning centres in Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has announced it will set up a cyclone warning centre in Kerala and boost weather forecasting in the state with another Doppler radar.
The new centre will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram. At present, India Meteorological Centre (IMD) has six cyclone warning centres, four along the east coast at Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, and two along the west coast at Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
“In view of the recent heavy rainfall, and concerns over extreme weather activities in future, the ministry has decided to set up another centre, which will provide regular coastal bulletins and heavy rainfall alerts. This will enable the state to prepare better in case of developing low-pressure and further strengthen the present forecasting activity of the IMD’s existing office in Thiruvananthapuram,” said Kamaljeet Ray, scientist at the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
According to officials, the centre will be equipped with state- of-the-art forecasting tools to provide daily weather alerts and coastal warnings. It is expected to be functional within a month.
The ministry has also proposed setting up another C-band Doppler weather radar at Mangalore to provide “nowcast” alerts for severe weather, including thunderstorms triggered by heavy rain for the next 2-3 hours.
The radar, which costs Rs 3 crore, will cover northern Kerala and Karnataka and is expected to be installed by the end of next year.
Currently, there are two Doppler radars in the state, at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, which cover the central and southern districts, respectively. With the addition of another radar, the entire state will be covered for monitoring rainfall and severe weather events.
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IMD has developed many new models and tools right from nowcasts (2-3 hours) to extended range forecasts (15-20 days’ lead time).
“Thunderstorms are easily captured by radar. The track can be seen and warning can be issued three hours ahead. Since they are formed in association with heavy rains and cyclones, these radars are extremely useful links before severe weather affects the state,” said Ray. (Source: Livemint)


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Kerala floods: How Isro satellites are playing a key part in saving lives - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Kerala floods: How Isro satellites are playing a key part in saving lives.

Data provided by the satellites is helping experts to predict the level of rains till then, what to expect in the next few hours and even about the situation in the forests and the water reservoirs.

Even as the unprecedented floods and landslides have devastated most parts of Kerala in the last fortnight, technologically the most helpful support the authorities are getting in handling the situation was updates from Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and its various satellites which kept their eyes open up from the atmosphere.

A set of remote sensing satellites and radar satellites has been taking pictures of various aspects of the situation in the flood-hit state from a distance of 400-800 kilometres from the Earth and sending it back with supportive data, which once crunched, helped the experts to predict the level of rains till then, what to expect in the next few hours and even about the situation in the forests and the water reservoirs.
For instance, ResourceSat-2, launched on April 20, 2011, has proved to be helpful in taking pictures on the forestry and normal terrain and how the water bodies are while ScatSat-1 can track the wind, how it flows over the sea and over the land which helps to forecast the weather. Insat 3DR, another satellite together with others can communicate how clouds are positioned and with the help of ScatSat-1, experts can come to a conclusion on how fast they are moving considering the wind speed. Insat satellites, which are geostationary, would send data in every half an hour from the atmosphere, which can give an update to the ground station.
"Satellite plays important role in detection and monitoring of flood situations over large regions. Optical remote sensing from geostationary platform (Insat-3D/3DR) provides rapid and valuable information on cloud patterns and meteorological parameters (rainfall); however, unable to image the surface water conditions in presence of cloud," says Isro.
Microwave remote sensing techniques have a unique advantage in which electromagnetic radiation penetrate the clouds and senses the surface hydrological characteristics. The data from ScatSat-1 (launched by PSLV-C35 on September 26, 2016) was used for the detection of the flood situations over India. ScatSat-1 is a continuity mission for Oceansat-2 Scatterometer for Ocean weather forecasting, cyclone detection, and tracking.
ScatSat-1 observations in Ku-band for backscattering and brightness temperatures have been analyzed for flood detection and monitoring over India with special emphasis in Gujarat and southern parts of Rajasthan in the past. Merging of backscattering and brightness temperature data helped to delineate the regions, which were flooded, partially submerged or existed in different soil wetness conditions (saturated or dry).
Analysis showed the usefulness of ScatSat-1 mission in detecting and monitoring extreme events such as flood with high temporal resolution (daily).
"When we have good number of satellites, we know the situation yesterday and today. We will be able to assess the situation and come to an understanding about what to expect next. These periodical updates are helpful in situations like flood in Himalaya when we can forewarn the State governments about a likely flood once the water reaches down to the locations where people reside," said M Annadurai, who was the director of U R Rao Satellite Centre, Isro, till July 31, 2018. Oceansat-2, Insat 3DR, Cartosat 2 and 2A and Resourcesat-2 are some of the satellites that are helping the country to know about the changes happening in Earth and its atmosphere, periodically, over India and its neighbourhood.
While the remote sensing satellites could be supportive to predict the weather with the wind flow and speed, moisture, clouds and other parameters, the radar satellites help to see beyond the clouds, to the actual ground situation, giving a larger picture from hundreds of kilometers above the land. Oceansat, Resourcesat, and Cartosat are used to take pictures at a closer range, at a lower altitude. This is helpful in identifying forest fire and other natural calamities as they take better pictures than the satellites from the distance. The data sent from the remote terminals also help the scientists to come to a conclusion on the ground situation.
However, the challenge for the satellites closer to the Earth is that they require more power to operate and they are heavier considering they need to carry larger solar panels to meet the power requirement. This makes the life of these satellites shorter compared to those which are placed at orbits almost 800 kilometers away from the Earth. Isro has been working on technology to make these satellites less power consuming and thus smaller, so that these all weather satellites can live longer and serve the needs of the country. (Source: The Business Standard)


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Kerala floods: How Isro satellites are playing a key part in saving lives.

Andhra, Kerala, Maharashtra top energy efficiency index - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Andhra, Kerala, Maharashtra top energy efficiency index.

Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan have emerged as the 'front-runner' states as per an energy efficiency index.

Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan have emerged as the 'front-runner' states as per an energy efficiency index. "The 'Front runner' states in the inaugural edition of the State EnergyEfficiency Index are Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan," stated a report 'Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index 2018' released here today by Power Secretary A K Bhalla.
The State Energy Efficiency Index categorises states as 'Front runner', 'Achiever', 'Contender' and 'Aspirant'.
The index examines states' policies and regulations, financing mechanisms, institutional capacity, adoption of energy efficiency and energy savings achieved to identify gaps.
The index has 63 indicators in all -- 59 across buildings, industry, municipalities, transport, agriculture and Discoms; and 4 cross-cutting indicators.
The report is based on data collected by Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) from State Designated Agencies (SDA), and data available in state and central government reports, as on 14 May 2018. It has subsequently been reviewed by SDAs and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
The report stated that while most states have implemented one or more national programmes driven by BEE and EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd), the 'Front runner' and 'Achiever' states have several state initiatives as well.
In the building sector, most states have implemented UJALA for energy efficient lighting. However, less than half have notified the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and incorporated ECBC in municipal building bye-laws, it said.
In the Industry sector, BEE's PAT (Perform Achieve and Trade) programme is fairly well implemented, with SDAs supporting BEE's efforts.
Programmes for driving energy efficiency in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and other non-PAT industries are few and far between, it said.
In the municipal sector, most states have utilised EESL's Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) and a fair number have signed up for EESL's Municipal Energy Efficiency Programme (MEEP) for public water works and sewerage system retrofits.(Source: The India Times)


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Andhra, Kerala, Maharashtra top energy efficiency index.

Kerala Tops In Governance Index, Bihar Ranks The Lowest: Report - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Kerala Tops In Governance Index, Bihar Ranks The Lowest: Report.

Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat followed Kerala among the top five states delivering good governance, according to the report.

The report released annually since 2016 evaluates the states on a framework based on government data.
Kerala stands as the best governed state in the country and Karnataka is in the fourth position, said the Public Affairs Index 2018 released by the think tank Public Affairs Centre (PAC) in Bengaluru.
"Kerala has topped the Public Affairs Index (PAI) for 2018 as the best governed state for the third consecutive year since 2016 among large states," said Bengaluru-based PAC at an event in Bengaluru on Saturday evening to release its third annual PAI.
Released annually since 2016, the index examines governance performance in the states through a data-based framework, ranking them on social and economic development they are able to provide.
Founded in 1994 by renowned Indian economist and scholar late Samuel Paul, the think tank works to mobilise a demand for better governance in the country.
Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat followed Kerala among the top five states delivering good governance, according to the report.
Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar ranked the lowest on the PAI, indicating higher social and economic inequalities in the states.
Among smaller states (with population less than two crore), Himachal Pradesh topped the list, followed by Goa, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura which figured among the top five states with good governance.
Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya were ranked at the bottom of the index among small states.
As a young country with growing population, India needs to assess and address its developmental challenges, said the Chairman of PAC, K Kasturirangan, on the occasion.
"The PAI 2018 is one example of a data-based framework that provides some basis, even if rudimentary, to assess the performance of states in India," added Mr Kasturirangan, the former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The think tank has undertaken the study across all the Indian states considering them across 10 themes such as essential infrastructure, support to human development, social protection, women and children as well as law and order.
"The index provides a multi-dimensional and comprehensive matrix that attempts to capture the complexities of governing the plural and diverse people of this sub-continent," added Senior Fellow at PAC CK Mathew.
The states were divided into two categories, large and small, on the basis of their population. States with more than two crore population were considered large.
A total of 30 focus subjects and 100 indicators were measured to derive the PAI, relying solely upon government data.
The PAC said it was not keen to access private data sources that may be interpreted as "biased".
This year's PAI also included a separate index on the children of India, giving a measure of how child-friendly each of the states are.
Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram topped the index on being the states to provide better living conditions for all children.
The former chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Shantha Sinha, who was present on the occasion, delivered the Samuel Paul Memorial Lecture, drawing attention to children''s rights in the country.
"Children growing up in poverty cannot be blamed for their situation and it is the state''s responsibility to ensure that they are provided with opportunities for a better living," Ms Sinha said.


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Kerala Tops In Governance Index, Bihar Ranks The Lowest: Report.

Kerala, the first state in southern India, to be visited by 15th Finance Commission from 28th to 31st May 2018 - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis

Kerala, the first state in southern India, to be visited by 15th Finance Commission from 28th to 31st May 2018.

Kerala has performed well in social sector; however, social sector spending on ageing population will be a matter of concern.

The Fifteenth Finance Commission of the Government of India is visiting the state of Kerala from 28th to 31st May 2018. The Commission led by the Chairman Shri N.K.Singh, Members – Shri Shaktikanta Das, Dr. Anoop Singh, Dr. Ashok Lahiri, Dr. Ramesh Chand and Secretary Shri Arvind Mehta along with other officials will assess the state of the finances of Kerala and the progress made in socio-economic field. Ahead of this visit, Commission understood various aspects of it from Accountant General of Kerala in New Delhi.
Kerala is the 10th largest economy in India and contributes around 4.2% of India’s GDP. Its GSDP growth rate was around 7.4% at constant price in 2016-17. State has one of the highest per capita GSDP and per capita income. In the absence of a substantive pick up in agriculture and manufacturing, the Kerala economy is largely supported by a booming service sector. The high wages (above national average) (both male and female field labour) has a bearing on cultivation and other economic activities.
NRI remittances have a major role to play in Kerala’s economy. Emigration and emigrant’s remittances continue to sustain much of the Kerala economy. Other activities in the State, particularly, in the fields of trade, real estate, and construction are also weakened by any decline in foreign remittances.’
Kerala has been one of the most developed and progressive states in terms of development indicators like poverty ratio, health parameters, education parameters as well as per capita income. Kerala scores better in almost all aspects vis-à-vis national averages.
Population in the working age group 15-59 years have been growing at lower rate. Hence, due to increased life expectancy and better healthcare, population above 60 years of age will be larger in near future. Therefore, social security spending of the State government will be a matter of concern.
Kerala’s literacy level is the highest amongst all the states at 94% of the population. However, learning outcome is not commensurate.
Kerala is somewhat different from the other South Indian states in that the mainstay of the public transport system in the state is the private stage carriages (PSC). Whereas PSC is a very small percentage of the total number of stage carriages in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, it accounts for about three fourths of the total number in Kerala.
The Finance Commission needs to make an in-depth Study of the recent developments and future possibilities of economic growth and development of Kerala. This will be based on the various interactions and meetings that the Commission is scheduled to have in Kerala during its visit. Kerala is the first state in the southern India that will be visited by the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
The Commission will have meetings with Chief Minister, Ministers and other officials of the state. Detailed presentations will be made on the finances of the State Government. The Commission will also meet leaders of various political parties, Representatives of Trade and Industry. There will also be an interactive session with Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions. (Source: PIB)

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Kerala, the first state in southern India, to be visited by 15th Finance Commission from 28th to 31st May 2018.

Robots to soon clean up manholes in Kerala - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis

Robots to soon clean up manholes in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- In a first in Kerala, the state government will soon be utilising the services of Robots to clean sewer holes. The trial runs of the robot, developed by a startup company, Genrobotics, have been successfully held recently and the product will be launched next week, Kerala Water Authority (KWA) Managing Director, A Shainamol said.
"The Kerala government is very excited with the project," Shainamol told PTI.
The robot, equipped with Wi-Fi, Blue Tooth and control panels has four limbs and a bucket system attached to a spider web looking extension to scoop out the waste from sewers.
The project is supported by KWA, which has joined hands with Kerala start up mission to transform new ideas into practical technologies for addressing issues relating to pipe leakage and sanitation.
"Our intention is to promote local talent. Now the product, being fully funded by the government, is ready and it will be launched next week," she said.
Initially, the services of the robot, christened 'Bandicoot' will be utilised in Thiruvananthapuram, which has over 5,000 manholes.
The trial run of the robot, developed by the nine-member group of youngsters from varying engineering streams, had been conducted successfully in the state capital recently, CEO and Chief Product architect of Genrobotics, Vimal Govind said.
The youngsters have given up their steady jobs to find a solution to end manual scavenging in an effort to bring in some resemblance of dignity to the lives of these 'invisible' men who are paid a pittance between Rs 300-500 for their effort running into several hours.
According to Govind during the trials held near the Medical college here, about 30 kg of garbage was pulled out by the robot and they were shocked to find sanitary napkins, clothes, surgical blades among other stuff in the clogged manholes. (Source: The Times of India)


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Robots to soon clean up manholes in Kerala

Kerala tops health index, Uttar Pradesh worst performer -Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis

Kerala tops health index, Uttar Pradesh worst performer

As per the health index report for large states, Kerala was followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

Kerala has topped the health index report prepared by NITI Aayog while Uttar Pradesh appeared at the bottom among larger states, though it has shown improvement in the recent past.
As per the index report for large states, Kerala was followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Besides Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha are among the states that performed poorly in the health index.
According to the index, among large states, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh are the top three ranking states in terms of annual incremental performance. Among small states, Mizoram ranked first, followed by Manipur and Goa.
Releasing the report, NITI Aayog chief executive officer (CEO) Amitabh Kant said that NITI Aayog believes that the health index will act as a tool to leverage cooperative and competitive federalism, accelerating the pace of achieving health outcomes.
Speaking on occasion, NITI Aayog member Vinod Paul said that absolute and incremental changes in health outcomes, as measured by the health index, promotes cross-learning between states, capturing the very spirit of cooperative & competitive federalism.(Source: Livemint)


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Kerala tops health index, Uttar Pradesh worst performer