Daily PIB Analysis For UPSC/IAS | Free PDF Download -22th September 2018 -

Table of Contents

Reuse plastic for a smooth ride

In last 70 years we have generated 8.3 billion tons
Recycled so far: less than 10%
India generates about 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day, and only 7,000-9,000 tonnes is recycled.
To increase the recycling rates, in 2015, the central government made the use of plastic waste in road construction mandatory — shredded waste plastic is mixed with bitumen at high temperatures.
Not all plastic can be used
Plastic film, carry bags, cups, hard foam, soft foam and laminated plastics, packaging for biscuits, chocolates and chips.
Several Indian cities — Pune, Indore, Surat, Chennai — are already constructing roads using the plasticbitumen mix.
These roads are longer lasting, and do not develop cracks and potholes, which account for one-tenth of the road deaths in the country.
Depending on the quality of tar, plastic waste can replace 10-30% of conventional material.
Some municipalities such as Surat are now working on designs to increase the volume of plastic waste that is used.
More research and new products should be a focus, such as the prefabricated roads being tried out in the Netherlands.
New uses, such as railway platforms, must be explored.
There are multiple benefits to mixing plastic waste into bitumen.
Plastic gets recycled, instead of going into the stomachs of stray animals or the ocean bed, there is saving on the cost of bitumen, and roads enable smoother rides, reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while also becoming safer and more durable.
Once recyclable plastic finds a ready use, its value will go up and households will sort the stuff from other waste.

PMO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana from Ranchi in Jharkhand tomorrow.
Under the scheme, over 10 crore families will be provided health insurance of 5 lakh rupees each, every year.
The Health Ministry, in a release said, it is the world’s largest government funded health care programme targeting more than 50 crore beneficiaries.
The scheme will provide cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary.
The Ministry said, services will include 1350 procedures covering pre and post hospitalization, diagnostics and medicines.
CEO, Ayushman Bharat, Indu Bhushan said, it is the most ambitious health insurance scheme which will change the face of the health sector in the country.
Mr Bhushan said, so far, 31 states and Union territories have signed MoU to roll out the scheme.

Defence Ministry

Government has reiterated that it had no role in the selection of Reliance Defence as the offset partner by Rafale aircraft manufacturer – Dassault.
In a statement, the Defence Ministry said, unnecessary controversies are being created over media reports regarding a statement purportedly made by former French President, Francois Hollande, concerning selection of Reliance Defence.
The Ministry said, it has been reported that a Joint Venture between Reliance Defence and Dassault Aviation came into being in February, 2017.
It said, this is a purely commercial arrangement between two private companies. .
The Ministry said, as per Defence Offset Guidelines, the foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer is free to select any Indian company as its offset partner.

India and Neighbourhood

The Maldives will hold Presidential elections tomorrow amidst fears by Opposition and foreign monitors of rigging in the polls.
President Abdullah Yameen is in straight contest with Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who is the candidate for Joint opposition, comprising four parties.
The official declaration of results is expected by Monday.

GST Council

The new simplified GST returns form will roll out in another four to six months for the benefit of dealers paying GST.
Speaking to media persons after the 10th review meeting of Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Network in Bengaluru today, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Head of the GoM, Sushil Kumar Modi, informed that Infosys has been asked to design new forms on the lines of the recommendation made by GST Council.
This will further simplify filing of returns in GST network.
NIC software on e-way bill has helped states to easily track the goods that are moved in and out.
The states can now know which dealer has not filed returns in the GST network.
He said 23.61 crore e-way bills were issued since its inception in April.

Iran

In Iran, 29 people, including 12 Iranian Revolutionary Guards, were killed and 60 others wounded in a shooting claimed by Islamic State terror group during a military parade in the southwestern city of Ahvaz today.
The state-run IRNA news agency said gunmen were dressed in Guard uniforms and targeted a riser where military and police commanders were sitting.
The agency reported that two gunmen were killed and two others arrested.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter that Iran will respond swiftly and decisively in defence of Iranian lives. He held a US ally in the region responsible, without naming the country.