Current Affairs October 2016 - Committees

News 1 - Mata Prasad committee appointed by CERC suggests overhaul in transmission planning

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) appointed committee, headed by power system expert Mata Prasad, has submitted its recommendations and suggested an overhaul in transmission planning to facilitate transfer of power on economic principles.

As per the report, transmission planning can be done based on the projected load of the states and anticipated generation. The committee also advised that in case of renewable energy sources, the transmission system may be planned by the central transmission utility (CTU) based on estimated capacity additions in perspective plan and renewable purchase obligations of each state.

News 2 - Finance Ministry constitutes committee to consolidate regulation of pension products

The Department of Financial Services in the Finance Ministry has set up a high-level committee to consolidate the regulation of pension products in the country and bring them in the preview of PFRDA.

The committee would have representatives from all financial sector regulators — Security Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

News 3 - KS Valdiya committee confirms the existence of Saraswati River

The KS Valdiya committee, constituted by the Union Government to study the existence of River Saraswati, has confirmed that the river did exist. So far the existence of the river was considered mythical. The panel was led by Professor K S Valdiya.

As per the committee, the river originated in the Himalayas and met gulf at the western sea. The river passed through Haryana, Rajasthan and North Gujarat. It passed through Pakistan before meeting Western Sea through Rann of Kutch and was approximately 4,000 km in length. One-third of the river stretch fell in present-day Pakistan.

News 4 - Centre constitutes Munialappa Committee for monitoring Bird Flu

The Centre has constituted a Committee headed by Munialappa, Joint Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries (DADF) to maintain constant vigil on the situation arising out of avian influenza (H5N8). Besides, monitoring the situation, the Committee will assist the State Government in taking steps to contain the spread of Avian Influenza. Munialappa will be the nodal officer and will be available to provide advice and help 24*7.

The Centre has also established a control room in DADF. Recently, some birds had died in the Delhi Zoological Park and six other areas due to which necessary advisories have been issued to all states to keep a vigil on areas frequented by birds.

News 5 - Justice Reddy committee on OROP submits report

The Justice L Narasimha Reddy committee on One Rank One Pension (OROP) submitted its report to the Defence Minister ShriManoharParrikar.

The judicial committee had held hearings at around 20 cities/towns across the country and interacted with cross sections of ExServicemen as well as their associations. The committee also received 704 representations from individuals and various Ex-Servicemen associations and had held extensive interactions with all stakeholders before submitting its report.