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  • W.B.C.S Current Affairs 07 July 2018 to 13 July 2018
    Posted on August 7th, 2018 in Weekly Current Affairs
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    W.B.C.S Current Affairs 07 July 2018 to 13 July 2018

    The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 7 July 2018 to 13 July 2018.

    1) India was formally inducted as 69th shareholder of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This comes after entire membership process completed recently and after EBRD’s board of governors, which represents all existing shareholders voted unanimously in favour of India’s application in March 2018. India had applied for EBRD membership in December 2017. Key Facts: India being shareholder, will only take shareholding in EBRD and will not be recipient of EBRD financing. But it may benefit India indirectly through EBRD projects or if Indian companies invest alongside the bank. It will pave way for more joint investment with Indian companies across EBRD’s regions of operation. It opens up further joint investment prospects for India in markets such as Central Asia, Egypt and Jordan. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)- EBRD is a multilateral developmental investment bank. It was established in 1991 after fall of Berlin wall to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in emerging Europe. It is owned by 65 countries and two EU institutions. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It initially focused to help former Communist states build their economies after the Cold War. Later it expanded to support development in more than 30 countries from central Europe to central Asia. Now it works only in countries that are committed to democratic principles using investment as tool to build market economies. It invests in 38 emerging economies across three continents (North America, Africa, Asia and Australia) with predefined set of criteria that aim to make its countries more competitive.

    2) The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has included entire Men’s Hockey team of India under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This is first instance that entire team has been made beneficiary of the scheme as earlier only individual athletes from different sports were included as beneficiaries of the scheme. Key Facts: The decision to include hockey was taken after India’s performance had improved as they had finished runners up in Champions Trophy in Netherlands. The 18 team members will be provided with monthly allowance of Rs. 50,000 each under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The women’s team may be also included in the TOPS after reviewing its performance in the upcoming World Cup and following Asian Games. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): TOPS was launched by Ministry of Sports within the ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). It aims at identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for upcoming Olympic Games. It will provide selected sportspersons customized training at institutes having world class facilities and also other necessary support is being provided to the elite athletes. It will also provide a benchmark for selection of athletes on par with international standards. Under it, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and federations, which are members of Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), will be nodal agencies for disbursal for fund. They will make payments directly to beneficiary person and institution concerned on behalf of athletes. Abinav Bindra Committee was constituted to identify and support potential medal prospects for 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games under the scheme.

    3) Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has launched fortnightly video contest “Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puruskar Pao”. The contest aims to engage with people of the country on the important issues of water conservation and water management. For running this contest, Ministry has joined hands with MyGov portal (www.mygov.in). The contest will last till 4th November 2018 and three winners will be chosen every fortnight. Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puruskar Pao: In this contest, participants can make and upload videos by capturing efforts, significant contributions, best practices in the field of water conservation, water resource development and management and optimum water utilization in different parts of the country. They can also submit any innovative advertisement or commercial on water Conservation. It should be uploaded on YouTube and share publicly accessible link of it on video link section of MyGov contest page. The duration of video should be minimum 2 minutes and up to 10 minutes. It should be either in Hindi, English or any other regional language. It must not violate any provision of Copyright Act, 1957 or Intellectual Property Rights of any third party. The participants will be judged on basis of elements of creativity, originality, composition, technical excellence, artistic merit, quality of video, content and visual impact. The prize amount for first, second and third positions is Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.

    4) According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) latest ‘Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/ GM Crops in 2017’ report, India with 11.4 million hectares (mh) has world’s fifth largest area cultivated under genetically modified (GM) crops in 2017. India’s entire GM crop area is under single crop BT Cotton incorporating genes from Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt soil bacterium coding for resistance against heliothis bollworm insect pests. Key Highlights of report: United States has highest area under transgenic crops, at 75 mh. It is followed by Brazil (50.2 mh), Argentina’s (23.6 mh) and Canada (13.1 mh). In 2017, farmers across the world have planted 189.8 mh under transgenic crops. This is as against 1.7 mh in 1996, the year when transgenic crops were grown commercially for the first time.
    The highest share in world’s total 189.8 mh GM crop area in 2017 is of soyabean (94.1 mh), followed by maize (59.7 mh), cotton (24.1 mh), canola (10.2 mh), alfalfa (1.2 mh) and sugar-beet (0.50 mh). The GM traits of these crops (due to introduction of alien genes into host plants) included both insect-resistance and tolerance for application of glyphosate herbicide.

    5) According to updated World Bank figures on GDP of countries for 2017, India has become world’s sixth-biggest economy surpassing France to seventh place. India’s gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to $2.597 trillion at the end of 2017, as against $2.582 trillion for France. Key Facts: Top largest economies: At end of 2017, United States was world’s largest economy with size of US $19.39 trillion, followed by China (US $12.23 trillion) at the second place. Japan (US $4.87 trillion) and Germany (US $3.67 trillion) are at third and fourth places, respectively. Britain is still world’s fifth-biggest economy with a GDP of $2.622 trillion. Per capita GDP: India, with population of around 1.34 billion is poised to become world’s most populous nation, whereas France’s population stands at 67 million. This means India’s per capita GDP will continue to amount to just fraction of that of France which is still roughly 20 times higher. India’s economy Growth: India has grown at seven-quarter high of 7.7% in the three months ended March 2018, helped by higher government spending and investment. Manufacturing and consumer spending were main drivers of Indian economy in 2017. 5th largest economy: India has doubled its GDP within decade and is expected to power ahead as key economic engine in Asia, even as China economy is slowing down. In near future India is also expected to surpass fifth largest economy United Kingdom. Background: According to International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is projected to grow at 7.4% in 2018 and 7.8% in 2019, mainly boosted by household spending and tax reform. This compares to world’s expected average growth of 3.9%. Besides, London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research has predicted that in future, India will overtake both Britain and France in terms of GDP and has good chance of becoming world’s third-biggest economy by 2032.

    6) Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoUHA) has launched Technology Challenge: Identifying solutions for cleaning of Sewerage Systems and Septic Tanks to promote suitable techniques for cleaning sewers and septic tanks it to eliminate need for human entry in them. Key Features of Challenge: The main objective of the challenge is to eliminate human intervention in cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. It also aims to identify technological as well as business process innovations to avoid human intervention in cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. It will also endorse viable business models that are suitable for different size, geographies, and class of cities. The challenge will be conducted for two separate categories. Category A: technological solutions for cleaning and maintenance of sewerage systems to eliminate need for human entry, Category B: technological solutions for cleaning and maintenance of septic tanks to eliminate need for human entry. The challenge will be part of Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention that will be held on October 2, 2018. Individual innovators, consortium partners, companies, academic institutions, R&D centers, NGOs, Parastatal and municipal bodies can participate in this challenge. Special jury comprising experts from MoUHA, faculty from IITs/IIMs and representatives of leading civil society groups will evaluate and scrutinize the technological solutions submitted by participants. They will broad criteria for evaluation of proposals will take into considerations, operational effectiveness of technology, life or durability of machinery, ease of use (automation), ease of availability and economies of scale, adaptability and Versatility, made in India and lastly environmentally sustainability.

    7) State-run telecom firm BSNL through its mobile app ‘Wings’ launched India’s first internet telephony service. Through this app, BSNL customers will be able to make calls to any phone number, domestic or international. Before this service, phone calls on mobile apps were possible within users of particular app (such as Whatsapp, Duo etc) and not on telephone numbers. Key Facts: The Wings service will allow calls from mobile phone to any number, domestic or international using internet. It requires mobile data of any operator or wifi services. It will allow customers to make video or audio calls by paying fee and also send SMSs. This service will use mobile numbering scheme, provided using IP based access network of IMS NGN Core switches to allow users to make and receive calls over the Internet via their landline or mobile phone. Background: This comes after Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had refreshed VoIP guidelines in October 2017 and that was approved by Telecom Commission in May 2018. It allowed full-fledged internet telephony by telecom operators which will enable calls from app to app of licensed service providers as well as on phone numbers. It only allows authorised licensed holders to provide full-fledged internet telephony and not over-the-top players like Google Duo, WhatsApp that allow only app-to-app calling. In effect, telcos have been allowed to piggyback on each other’s data networks in case of voice calls over WiFi and these calls can terminate on mobile or landline networks.

    8) India and United Kingdom has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the sphere of Law & Justice and establishing Joint Consultative Committee. The MoU was signed by Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and UK’s Secretary of State for Justice David Gauke in London. Key Facts: The MoU aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in legal affairs which would provide framework for promoting greater cooperation between judicial and legal professionals in both countries through exchange of expertise and training. It takes care of concerns and requirements in field of exchange of experience by legal professionals, government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid mechanism for resolution of disputes before various courts, tribunals, etc. It also proposes establishment of Joint Consultative Committees.

    9) Andhra Pradesh Government has launched 60 Anna Canteens across the state in the first phase to provide subsidised food to urban poor. These canteens aim to tackle hunger in urban areas. They will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner at Rs 5 a meal. They will be run by Akshaya Patra Foundation. Key Facts: The first Anna Canteen named former undivided Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N T Rama Rao was launched in March 2016. It was opened on pilot basis close to Government Transitional Headquarters at Velgapudi in Amaravati. Later, only three more canteens were opened at other places. Now State Government has come out with plan to set up 203 ‘Anna Canteens’ across the state. Other States having subsidised food canteens are: Tamil Nadu is first state of launch ‘Amma’ canteens in February 2013 in Chennai. It success had inspired other states to adopt the concept of subsidised food canteens. Rajasthan (Annapurna Rasoi Yojana), Madhya Pradesh (Deendayal canteens), Delhi (Aam Aadmi canteens), Odisha

    10) The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted Resolution 2427 aimed at providing legal framework for mainstreaming protection, rights, well-being and empowerment of children throughout the conflict cycle. The resolution has won unanimous approval of the 15 members of the council. Resolution 2427: The resolution strongly condemns recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts as well as their re-recruitment, killing and rape, maiming and other forms of sexual violence and abductions. It also condemns attacks against schools and hospitals and denial of humanitarian access by parties to armed conflict and all other violations of international law committed against children in situations of armed conflict. It demands that all relevant parties immediately put end to such practices and take special measures to protect children. It also emphasizes responsibility of all states to put end to impunity and investigate and prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children. It reiterates UNSC’s readiness to adopt targeted and graduated measures against persistent perpetrators of violations and abuses committed against children. It calls on member states and UN to mainstream child protection into all relevant activities in prevention of conflict, during conflict and post-conflict situations with aim of sustaining peace and preventing conflict. It recalls importance of ensuring that children continue to have access to basic services during the conflict and post-conflict periods, including education and health care and urges UN member states and bodies and civil society to take specifically into account girls’ equal access to education. It also stresses importance of long-term and sustainable funding for mental health and psychosocial programming in humanitarian contexts and ensuring all affected children receive timely and sufficient support and encourage donors to integrate mental health and psychosocial services in all humanitarian responses. Background: According to annual report of UN Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, over 21,000 cases of grave violations of children’s rights in armed conflict were verified in 2017. It is drastic increase from previous year (2016) with 15,500 violations. Among the violations in 2017, over 15,000 violations were perpetrated by non-state armed groups and about 6,000 were committed by government forces. UN Security Council (UNSC): UNSC is most powerful and one of the six principal organs UN. Under, UN Charter it has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 members, including five permanent ones with power of veto. The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, UK and US. 10 non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms each. Its powers include establishment of peacekeeping operations, establishment of international sanctions, and authorization of military action through UNSC resolutions. It is only UN body with authority to issue binding resolutions to member states. Functions of UNSC: It is responsible for determining existence of threat against peace and to respond to act of aggression. It is also responsible for finding peaceful means to settle conflict or dispute between states. In some cases, it resorts to sanctions or even authorise use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security. It also recommends to UNGA appointment of UN Secretary General and admission of new members to the UN.

    11) In recently released Global Innovation Index (GII) 2018, India was ranked 57th among 130 countries. It was 11th edition of GII and was jointly released by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). This year, India has moved up 3 places as compared to 60th rank in GII 2017 and emerged as top-ranked economy in Central and South Asia. Key Highlights: India- India has maintained its top place in central and south Asia region. It has consistently moving up on global ranking from 81st in 2015 to 57th this year. In fact, it has climbed up the list third year in row. It ranked at 66th position in 2016 and 60th last year. Strengths: These indicators have helped India to improve its ranking. It includes India’s human capital (graduates in science & engineering), growth rate of GDP per worker, exports of information and communication technology (ICT) and services, productivity growth and creative goods exports etc. Weakness: India has fared badly on indicators such as ease of starting business, political stability and safety, overall education and environmental performance Global Innovation Index (GII): The GII global ranking is published by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) – a specialized agency of United Nations in association with Cornell University and graduate business school INSEAD. It ranks nations based on 80 indicators, ranging from intellectual property filing rates to R&D, online creativity, mobile application creation, computer software spending, education spending, scientific & technical publications and ease of starting business. India’s Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is one of the knowledge partners which assists GII team in bringing out the annual ranking. GII is published annually since 2007 and is considered leading benchmarking tool for business executives, policy makers and others seeking insight into state of innovation around the world. It is being used by them to evaluate progress on continual basis.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 7 July 2018 to 13 July 2018.

    12) India’s upper house of parliament Rajya Sabha and Senate of Rwanda has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue capacity building and cooperation. It was signed between Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu and visiting President of Senate of Rwanda, Bernard Makuza in New Delhi. Key Facts: The MoU has 6 articles of cooperation and seeks to promote inter-Parliamentary dialogue, capacity building of parliamentary staff, organisation of conferences, forums, seminars, staff attachment programmes. It also calls for conducting workshops and exchanges, collaboration in mutual interest in regional and international multilateral parliamentary bodies in furtherance of bilateral relations and friendship between the two countries. Significance: This is for the first time in 76 years since Rajya Sabha came into being, it has entered into MoU with foreign counterpart for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue. Besides, it makes Venkaiah Naidu first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign such agreement with foreign counterpart.

    13) The India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre was inaugurated at National Small Industries Corporation premises in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of State (I/C) MSME Giriraj Singh and Minister of SMEs and Start-ups of South Korea, Hong Jong- hak. India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre: The purpose of centre is to create platform for MSMEs of India and South Korea where they can be assisted to identify and exchange latest technologies, share management expertise, product development and technology applications for product development. The centre will work towards identifying Indian technologies which can be exported to Korea and find suitable Korean partners for the same. It will initiate various cooperative MSME projects complimenting each other’s strengths in MSME sector. It will also create Technology Data Bank from each side to encourage technology transfers, production of high quality products in India. It will also encourage Joint Ventures (JVs) and business matching between Indian and South Korean SMEs, besides others.

    14) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched national campaign ‘The Eat Right Movement’ to improve public health and combat lifestyle diseases. FSSAI also launched Eat Right tool kit and Safe and Nutritious Food at Workplace campaign. The Eat Right Movement: It is voluntary and collaborative movement built on two broad pillars – “Eat Healthy and “Eat Safe”. It is collective effort to encourage people towards making right food and dietary choices. It focuses on both sides- demand and supply side to come together. On demand side it focuses on empowering citizens to make right food choices. On supply side, it requests food businesses to reformulate their products, provide better nutritional information to consumers and make investments in healthy food as responsible food businesses. Under this campaign, FSSAI has asked industry to voluntarily reduce salt, sugar and saturated fat in packaged food products. Edible oil industry, bakeries, halwais and FMCG companies, including Nestle India, HUL and Patanjali have took pledge to reduce the level of salt, sugar and fat in food products. Eat Right tool kit: The kit aims serve as supplementary engagement resource to be mainstreamed in national nutrition and public health programmes at grassroots level. It includes components on eating safe such as maintaining hygiene and sanitation and food adulteration. It has simple message on eating healthy food and avoiding food with high fat, sugar and salt. Safe and Nutritious Food at Workplace (SNF@Workplace): It is nation-wide campaign to help people eat safe, eat healthy and eat right at their workplaces. It promotes safe and healthy diets through The Orange Book (its resource book) and through FSSAI-trained Food Safety Supervisors (FSS) and Health and Wellness Coordinators (HWC) at every workplace across the country. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): FSSAI is a nodal statutory agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health in India through regulation and supervision of food safety. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and operates under aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

    15) Gujarat Government’s Industries and Mines Department has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) to strengthen trade, industrial relations. KOTRA is national trade and investment promotion organisation operated by South Korea Government. Key Facts: The MoU was signed with aim to recognize mutual desire to further enhance and strengthen India (Gujarat) and South Korea trade and industrial investment relations and encourage ongoing dialogue and cooperation. Under this MoU, both Industries Department of Gujarat and KOTRA will assist each other to provide in-market support. The priority sectors in focus under this MoU are chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceuticals; new and renewable energy; start-up ecosystem; textiles and apparels; urban infrastructure; Food Processing and Agro related industries; Skill Training and Development; Automobile, etc. Background: Gujarat is a leading destination for foreign investment and bilateral trade. It is a key contributor to India-South Korea economic relationship. Gujarat’s export to South Korea was around $1 Billion in 2017-18, which is approximately 25% of India’s total export to South Korea. In recent past, South Korean companies in the field of manufacturing, textiles and chemicals have also expressed interest in investing in Gujarat.

    16) The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has granted Institution of Eminence (IoE) status to six educational institutions. It includes 3 Institutions from Public Sector and 3 from Private Sector. They were selected by Empowered Expert Committee headed by former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami. Selected institutions are: Public Sector: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka); Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay (Maharashtra) and IIT, Delhi. Private Sector: Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani (Rajashtan); Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal (Karnataka) and proposed Jio Institute of Reliance Foundation in Pune (Maharashtra) under Green Field Project. Institutions of Eminence (IoE): The scheme of IoE was rolled out by University Grants Commission (UGC). It aims to help 20 higher education (10 public and 10 private) institutions from country break into top 500 global rankings in 10 years, and then eventually break into top 100 over time. Benefits: These selected institutions will have greater autonomy compared to other higher education institutions. They will be free to decide their fee for domestic and foreign students and have flexible course duration and structure. They will be exempted from approvals of government or UGC for academic collaborations with foreign institutions, except institutions in MEA and MHA’s list of negative countries. 10 government institutions selected will also get Rs 1,000 crore each from HRD Ministry to achieve world-class status. There will be no financial assistance to the private institutions. Performance: Once identified, IoE are targeted must target break into top 100 bracket in one internationally reputed ranking framework in 10 years. Eligibility: Only higher education institutions, currently placed in the top 500 of global rankings or top 50 of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), are eligible to apply for eminence tag. The private IoE can also come up as greenfield ventures provided sponsoring organisation submits convincing perspective plan for 15 years.

    17) Gujarat Government has granted religious minority status to Jews living in the state. In this regard, State’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has issued GR to this effect. Gujarat is third state in India to grant religious minority status to Jews after West Bengal and Maharashtra. Key Facts: As religious minority members professing faith of Judaism, Jews in the states will get religious minority rights envisaged in Constitution of India and various acts and rules of the state government. They will also get benefits of welfare schemes formulated for religious minority communities within the jurisdiction of Gujarat. Background: Gujarat has small Jewish community with no more than 170 members and majority of them located in Ahmedabad. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, during his official visit to Israel in June 2018, had announced that his government was in the process of granting religious minority status to the community. Gujarat also had hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his six-day India visit in January 2018. Judaism: Judaism is one of the oldest religions of the world, evolved in Egypt about 3,700 years ago. It believes in the unity and oneness of universal Creator. Judaism is the religion, philosophy and way of life of the Jewish people. Jews have been living in India for over 2,000 years ever since they first landed on West coast of India. Indian Jews are known as a peace-loving community. They follow Hebrew calendar. They have special thanks giving ceremony known as Eliyahoo-ha-Nabior i.e. ‘gratitude to Elijah the Prophet’, on festive occasions. Indian Jews fall into five categories: Bene Israel – meaning Children of Israel. Marathi speaking. Arrived in Maharashtra 2,100 years ago. Cochin Jews – arrived in India 2,500 years ago and settled down in Kerala as traders. Baghdadi Jews – Jews who came to India as traders from West Asia, mainly from Baghdad. They are settled mainly in Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata. Bene Menashe – The Manipur Jews constitute a community which sees itself as descendants of the Manasseh (Menashe) Tribe (which is one of the 10 lost tribes of Jews). Bene Ephraim – also called “Telugu Jews”. They are a small group who speak Telugu. Their observance of Judaism dates to 1981.

    18) China successfully launched two remote sensing satellites PRSS-1 and PakTes-1A of Pakistan on board of Long March-2C rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. It was overall 279th mission for the Long March rocket series (mainly used to send satellites into low Earth or Sun-synchronous orbits) and first international commercial launch in nearly two decades after it carried Motorola’s Iridium satellites into orbit in 1999. Key Facts: PRSS-1: It is China’s first optical remote sensing satellite sold to Pakistan. It can carry out day and night monitoring. It also has viewing capacity even in clouded conditions. It will be used for land and resources surveying, agriculture research, urban construction, monitoring of natural disasters and to provide remote sensing information for (CPEC) under China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It is China’s first optical remote sensing satellite sold to Pakistan and overall 17th satellite developed by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) for an overseas buyer. PakTES-1A: It is Pakistan’s indigenously developed scientific experiment satellite developed by engineers from its space agency SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission). Comment: The launch of the two satellites marks yet another space cooperation between China and its all-weather ally Pakistan. The satellites will provide space remote sensing information services for strategic US$ 50 billon China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through. Pakistan already had five satellites in space but lacks heavy duty launchers and satellite fabrication facilities and is dependent on China. India is way ahead of Pakistan in space technology, with 43 operational satellites in space. India also has its indigenous radar imaging satellites with all-weather surveillance capability.

    19) The first India Tourism Mart (IMT) will be held in New Delhi from 16 September 2018 to create a global tourism mart for India on lines of major international travel marts. It will be organized by Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH). India Convention Promotion Board (ICPB) will coordinate the whole event. India Tourism Mart (IMT): The objective of first IMT will be to create annual Global Tourism Mart for India in line with major international travel marts being held in countries across the world. It will provide platform for all stakeholders in tourism and hospitality industries to interact and transact business opportunities. It will provide platform for States to showcase their products to international buyers, opinion makers and bloggers and attract more tourists to their respective states. Over 300 international buyers from markets like North America, West Europe, East Asia and Latin America, influencers and bloggers are expected to attend the event. It will also provide opportunity to buyers to see the world class tourism facilities available in India like airports

    20) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved Lining Project of Son canal in Shahabad-Bhojpur region of Bihar. The estimated cost of this project is US $503 million (Rs 3272.49 crore) out of which US $352 million is being provided by ADB. This project on completion will bring immense benefits to agriculture sector of Shahabad – Bhojpur region of Bihar. Ministry of Power has requested ADB and Ministry of Finance to expedite and tender for first phase of lining of the main canal and branches by October 2018. Asian Development Bank (ADB): ADB is a regional development bank which aims to promote social and economic development in Asia. It was established in December 1966. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. It has total 67 members, of which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside. The ADB’s main objective is to assist its members and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. The ADB has been modelled closely on the lines World Bank. It has similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions. As of 2014, Japan was largest shareholder (capital subscription) of ADB having 15.7% shares followed by US (15.6%), China (6.5%), India (6.4%), and Australia (5.8%).

    21) South Korean technology giant Samsung inaugurated the world’s largest mobile manufacturing unit in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Key Facts: Samsung Electronics facility at Sector 81 in Noida will help company to double its current manufacturing capacity for mobile phones in Noida from 6.8 crore units a year to 12 crore units a year (10 million phones in a month), in phase-wise expansion that will be completed by 2020. The facility will allow Samsung to make phones at a lower cost due to its scale when other phone making hubs such as China are getting more expensive. 70% phones manufactured in this facility will be earmarked for domestic market in Indian and remaining 30% will be exported to Middle-Eastern and African nations. The new factory has been built at investment of Rs. 4,915 crore on 35-acre land. It will generate 2,000 direct jobs. At present, Samsung provides 70,000 direct and indirect jobs in country, 5,000 of them are employed in Noida. Production in this new facility will range from low-end smartphones priced below $100 to company’s flagship models. Comment: India is world’s second-largest smartphone market after China (after it overtook US). According to a study by Cisco Systems, there will be 780 million connected smartphones in 2021, compared with 359 million in 2016. This new facility is expected to help Samsung to consolidate its leadership position in Indian mobile market, which currently is facing strong

    22) Fertiliser cooperative major IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) has entered into strategic partnership with two leading South Korean firms to explore business opportunities in agri-machinery and farm credit sectors. These two firms are LS Mtron Ltd, a South Korean agriculture equipment manufacturer and NH Capital co. Ltd., South Korea’s leading financial services provider. Key Facts: The farm machinery and agriculture credit sector are still evolving in India. Over the years, IFFCO has been expanding its footprint beyond chemical fertiliser and was scouting for partner to venture into farm machinery and agri-credit sectors for long time. The entry of established player like IFFCO in these emerging sectors will certainly infuse much-needed competition and freshness in the sector. Under this strategic partnership, IFFCO together South Korean firms will explore business opportunities involving supply, sales and distribution of agricultural machinery and finance to fulfil the market demand in India. Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO): IFFCO is large scale fertiliser cooperative federation in India which is registered as Multistate Cooperative Society. It is one of India’s biggest cooperative society which is wholly owned by Indian Cooperatives. It was founded in 1967 with just 57 cooperatives and at present it has amalgamation of over 36,000 Indian Cooperatives with diversified business interests ranging from General Insurance to Rural Telecom apart from its core business of manufacturing and selling fertilisers. It is headquartered in New Delhi.

    23) The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has launched Saathi, a mobile help centre to reach out to people undertaking annual pilgrimage to 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath. It will provide help and information to yatris staying in camps outside the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. This will be in addition to security provided by CRPF to the yatra routes. Key Facts: CRPF personnel of Saathi mobile help centre will be visiting various camps in Jammu and apprise pilgrims about security measures to be kept in mind. They will provide other relevant information to yatris. In addition, they will also provide first aid treatment to people in need and would also be distributing medicines. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): CRPF is the largest central armed police force or paramilitary force in India with total 246 Battalions. It functions under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was established in 1939, under Crown Representative’s Police but after independence, it was made statutory police force after enactment of CRPF Act, 1949. Its mission is to enable government to maintain rule of law, public order and internal security effectively and efficiently, preserve national integrity and promote social harmony and development by upholding supremacy of the Constitution. Its primary role is to assist States/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and contain the insurgency. Apart from anti-Naxal operations, CRPF personnel also carries out several operations in situations of crisis like terrorist attacks, counter-terrorism operations, rescuing citizens during terrorist attacks among others.

    24) China has announced that it has clinched deal with India on reduction of tariffs (import duties) on Indian medicines including anti-cancer drugs. However, it is not yet clear whether it has agreed to grant licences to Indian companies to sell cancer drugs in its huge market. Key Facts: Indian drugs, especially cancer-curing medicines are in big demand in China as they are far cheaper than their western counterparts. Earlier in May 2018, China had lifted tariffs on the import of cancer drugs. But it had failed to enthuses Indian pharmaceutical companies as they are not legally able to market their drugs in China as it requires licence from the country’s food and drug administration. In recent times, China has announced series of measures to expand its economy by opening up it to outside world and actively expand imports to uphold free trade global regime and as measure to fight against protectionism. It also earlier had announced to cut on import duties on over 8,500 Indian items as part of measures under to relax taxes on more goods from India and other countries to absorb impact of trade war with United States (US) which has heated up. Background: India has been demanding the opening of China’s IT and pharmaceutical sectors as part of measures to reduce a US $51 billion trade deficit in over US $84 billion bilateral trade. Both countries have stepped up negotiations for Chinese imports of Indian rice, sugar and pharmaceuticals after informal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 7 July 2018 to 13 July 2018.

    25) The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has announced that over 51 lakh houses have been approved under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in the three years of its implementation. Out of 51 lakh sanctioned houses, over 28 lakhs houses are already in various stages of construction. Over 8 lakh houses have already been completed. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): PMAY(U) aims provide affordable houses to all poor in urban areas by 2022. It is new version of Prime Minister’s Housing For All by 2022 vision. Its objective is to construct two crore houses across nation. It covers entire urban area consisting of 4041 statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I cities. Intended beneficiaries of scheme are Poor people (BPL) and People living under Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and LIG (Low income Group) categories in urban establishments of country. It also targets people living under MIG (middle income Group). Government provides subsidy ranging between Rs. 1 lakh to 2.30 lakh to people from above categories in order to make them secure.

    26) The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is going to launch Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge as part of technology sub-mission of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U). The challenge aims to accelerate PMAY-U’s target of providing ‘housing for all’ as the scheme is moving at pace far slower than its rural counterpart. Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge: Through this global challenge, MoHUA will invite ideas for innovative technologies for mass housing projects that can help build houses faster, cheaper and of better quality with sustainable green materials. The selected technologies will be tried and tested to be found suitable to geographical conditions of six different urban areas selected across the country with varying terrains such as hilly, plain, or earthquake-prone etc. Four parameters in challenge are time, cost, quality, and sustainability. The winning technologies will be used to build 1,000 houses, multi-storey or otherwise, depending on area type, in each of these places. The technology will chosen in such a way that it is scalable so that it can be used to construct cheaper and faster mass housing in similar areas. Significance: The global challenge will invite best innovative ideas from across globe for alternative technologies that go beyond brick-and-mortar building model used widely in Indian construction. The winning technologies, selected based on criteria laid down by a technical committee of MoHUA under this challenge, will be used to build mass houses in tie-up with states, for economically weaker sections and low-income groups under affordable housing project vertical of PMAY-U. Such houses will be constructed in varying geo-climatic zones across the country. The winning technologies will be used to construct houses within the next six to seven months, as against the one-year period required to finish such a project. Background: Under PMAY-U, around 8 lakh houses have been constructed since its launch in June 25, 2015. It does not even account for 10% of revised MoHUA target of providing 1.2 crore houses by 2022. As against this, under rural component of the scheme, PMAY-Gramin, 48.26 lakh houses have been built, with pace almost on course of meeting target of 2.95 crore houses by 2022.

    27) India’s leading gymnasts Dipa Karmakar created history by becoming first Indian gymnast to win gold medal in the vault event of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup at Mersin, Turkey. This is her first medal in World Challenge Cup. Dipa Karmakar scored 14.150 to clinch the gold medal. Indonesia’s won silver medal with 13.400 points followed by Turkey’s Goksu Uctas Sanli who clinched bronze medal with score of 13.200. Dipa also topped qualification with score of 13.400. Dipa Karmakar: She was born on 9 August 1993 in Agartala, Tripura. In August 2016, she scripted history by becoming first Indian female gymnast to qualify for final vault event at 2016 Rio Olympics, with score of 14.833. She missed out on the bronze medal in finals of the Women’s Vault event by finishing 4th with overall score of 15.066. She is first Indian female gymnast ever to compete in Olympics, and first Indian gymnast to do so in 52 years. She is only fifth woman in gymnastics history to land Produnova vault (handspring double front). She is also one of the five women who have successfully landed on very difficult Produnova vault in competition. At 2014 Commonwealth Games held at Glasgow she had created history becoming the first Indian female gymnast to win medal (bronze) in history of the games. She also had won bronze medal at Asian Gymnastics Championships and had finished fifth at the 2015 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Awards and Honours: Government of India has honoured her with Khel Ratna award in August 2016 for her commendable performance in Rio Olympics 2016. She was also awarded Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award in 2017.

    28) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be upgrading National Information Security Policy and Guidelines (NISPG) to secure government data and control access to it inorder to prevent sensitive information making its way to internet. The upgraded and updated policy will cover issues pertaining to the Official Secrets Act. Background: MHA has been designated as the lead agency for the protection of the “Information” in Cyberspace. In 2013, cybersecurity, which was sole preserve of MHA, was moved to National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) under Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Besides, critical infrastructure was moved to National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) and non-critical part to Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY). Recently in June 2018, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had presided over meeting to review evolving cyberthreats and had directed that NISPG to be upgraded and updated for government sector. National Information Security Policy and Guidelines (NISPG): NISPG has been prepared by MHA, based on experience of existing security standards and frameworks and global best practices and experience of implementation in the wake of expanding information security threat scenario. It aims at improving information security posture of organization possessing any information, including classified information and does not restrict organizations from adopting additional stringent practices over and above these guidelines. It elaborates baseline information security policy and highlights relevant security concepts and best practices, which government ministries, departments, and organizations must implement to protect their information.

    29) Six global aircraft manufacturers have responded Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Request for Information (RFI) to supply 110 fighter aircrafts to replace its ageing fleet of MiG-21s and MiG-27s, which are being phased out of service. Of the six bids received, Lockheed Martin F-16 and SAAB Gripen are single-engine fighters, while Dassault Rafale, Boeing F-18, Eurofighter Typhoon and United Aircraft Corporation MiG-35 are twin-engine fighters. Key Facts: The bids now will be evaluated after which IAF will issue Request For Proposal (RFP) with exact specifications of aircraft to be procured. The RFP is expected by early 2019. It has not specified exact requirement of fighter jets, opening up contest to both single-and twin-engine jets. Both configurations were equally competent and final choice will depend on price and extent of technology transfer. The processes including technical evaluation and selecting one aircraft will be completed in less than two years. After that, it depends on how fast the contract negotiations can be completed. It believed that technical evaluation and trials can be completed very quickly, as all aircrafts already have been tested extensively earlier. The entire cost of procurement of 110 fighter jets will be worth over $15 billion. Single-engine aircraft will cost lower than twin-engine jets, both in unit and operational costs. Background: The IAF had issued RFI on April 6, 2018 with deadline July6, 2018. It stated Government is planning to buy 110 fighters jets, of which 85% will have to be built in India under ‘Make in India’ programme in partnership with Strategic Partner or Indian Production Agency. The procurement will be processed through Strategic Partnership (SP) model under Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). Need for new aircrafts: The IAF needs minimum strength of 42 fighter squadrons to dominate and tackle two-front collusive threat simultaneously from China and Pakistan. Currently, IAF has 32 fighter squadrons. Further due to retirement of old aircrafts, the number of fighter squadrons will further go down by 2021. By then, 11 squadrons of Mig-21 and Mig-27, which are 35 to 45 years old, will be retiring from service. So to mitigate the shortfall, IAF is procuring new advance fighter aircrafts.

    30) The 67th plenary meeting of North Eastern Council (NEC) was recently held in Shillong, Meghalaya. It was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of Development of NER and Governors and Chief Ministers of the north-eastern States. Key Facts: The meeting discussed development projects of Northeast States. It also reviewed various presentations on matters related to all-round development of NER. The status of NEC-funded projects was also discussed. It also deliberated on livelihood programmes, management of water resources, afforestation and doubling farmer’s income, by 2022, road connectivity, Implementation of Poshan Abhiyan and Ayushman Bharat etc. It also evaluated security and connectivity matters in the region. For the first time since it was established in 1971, NEC discussed topics related to security in the region. It also discussed issues related to Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and proposed Naga accord. North Eastern Council (NEC): NEC is the nodal agency for economic and social development of North Eastern Region (NER) which consists of eight states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It was constituted in 1971 under North Eastern Council (NEC) Act, 1971 (Thus NEC is statutory body). In June 2018, the chairmanship of NEC was transferred by Union Cabinet to Home Minister from Minister of Development of NER. NEC servers as an apex level body for securing balanced and coordinated development and facilitating coordination with NER states. It has been mandated to function as regional planning body for NER. It gives priority to schemes and projects while formulating regional plan for this area benefiting two or more states.

    31) Satyarup Siddhanta has become second Indian mountaineer after Malli Mastan Babu to climb Mt Ojos del Salado (6893 m), the highest volcano in the world on Argentina-Chile border. He is certified mountaineer from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. He has skied last degree to South Pole by covering distance of 111 km. In December 2017 he summited Vinson Massif, becoming only fifth Indian civilian to complete the seven summits (Messner’s List). Mt Ojos del Salado: Mt Ojos del Salado is a stratovolcano (volcano built up of alternate layers of lava and ash) in Andes Mountain range on Argentina–Chile border. It is the highest active volcano in the world, situated at altitude of 6,893 m. It is also the second highest mountain in tWestern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere and highest in Chile. Its name means “Eyes of the Salty One” in Spanish and comes from enormous deposits of salt that in the form of lagoons or “eyes”, appear in its glaciers. Due to its location near tAtacama Desert, it has very dry conditions with snow usually only remaining on peak during winter. Despite the generally dry conditions, there is permanent crater lake about 100 m in diameter at elevation of 6,390 m on eastern side of mountain. It is highest lake of any kind in the world.

    32) Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has announced that two of India’s most popular competitive exams, Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) (Main) and National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET), will now be held twice a year and over multiple days. Both exams will be conducted by newly formed National Testing Agency (NTA). It will also conduct National Eligibility Test (NET). Key Facts: All these exams were earlier conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Henceforth, JEE (Main) for undergraduate admission into various engineering colleges will be held twice a year in January and April. NEET for admission into medical and dental courses will be held in February and May. NET to determine eligibility for post of assistant professor or award of junior research fellowship will be held in December. bNTA will conduct these exams will be held over many days and students will have option to choose date. Moreover, if student appearing for JEE (Main) and NEET both times in a year, best of his/ her two scores will be taken into account. All tests will be computer-based and practice modules will be made available on NTA website. For conducing these exams, NTA will create network of test centres and students will be able to use them free of charge. These exams will be conducted more securely, at par with international norms and there will be no issues of leakage and it will be more student-friendly, open, scientific. Significance: By holding these competitive professional career exams twice a year, students will not lose one year because there will be two examinations before admission. This will give students more choice and reduce stress due to single exam conducted on one single day in year. This will give more chances to students, thereby giving adequate opportunity to bring out his/her best. Background: The Union Cabinet approved in November 2017 approved setting up of the NTA as an autonomous body to conduct examinations for entrance to higher educational institutions. Apart from above three exams, NTA will also conduct Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) and Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT). JEE (Advanced) exam conducted for IITs entrance will be not conducted by NTA.

    33) The sixth edition of biennial World Cities Summit was held in Singapore from July 8 to 12, 2018. Its theme was “Liveable & Sustainable Cities: Embracing the Future through Innovation and Collaboration“. The summit was held together with Singapore International Water Week and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore. Key Facts: The summit was jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities and Urban Redevelopment Authority. This year theme went beyond themes of urban governance and liveable cities, to embrace future of cities through technology, innovation and collaboration. The summit explored ways for making cities more liveable and resilient through better governance and planning, technology and social innovations as well as collaborations with various stakeholders with other cities. It brought together over 20,000 attendees and record number of mayors from over 100 cities around the world to drive future-forward solutions. It provided unique integrated global platform to drive integrated urban solutions, connect global business experts, policy-makers, industry leaders and innovators through strategic collaborative efforts and cutting-edge technologies. World Cities Summit: It is biennial international conference series on public governance and sustainable development of cities. It provides platform for government leaders and industry experts to address liveable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships. It brings together practitioners and policy makers with leading experts in their field to identify innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing cities. The first summit, was held in Singapore in June 2008 and focused on the theme of “Liveable and Vibrant Cities”.

    34) The 17th World Sanskrit Conference was held at Vancouver, Canada from 9th July to 13th July, 2018. It was inaugurated by Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar. The purpose of this conference was to promote, preserve and practice Sanskrit language all over world by the people. Key Facts: The World Sanskrit Conference is being held in various countries across the globe once in every three years under the auspices of the International Association of Sanskrit Studies. So far it has been held thrice in India. This year, more than 500 scholars and delegates from over 40 countries participated in this conference and exchanged their knowledge by presenting papers on various subjects followed by discussions from amongst the members. Special panel discussion were held on over dozen topics like History & Education of Women in Vedic Literature, Mimamsa Beyond the Yagasala, Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts, The Yuktidipika Forging Place for Sankhya, Research on Gargiyajyotisa and Introducing Bhagavata Purana Commentaries. Over 500 papers on various themes were presented during the 5-day conference.

    35) The Supreme Court in latest ruling once again has upheld Chief Justice of India (CJI) as ‘Master of Roster’. According to ruling given by SC bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, CJI is an individual judge and not the powerful collective of five senior-most judges of Supreme Court called the ‘Collegium’. CJI has exclusive authority to allocate cases to fellow judges and is spokesperson of the court. Background: The judgment was based on petition filed by former Union Law Minister Shanti Bhushan for considering expression CJI should be read as meaning Collegium for the purpose of allocation of cases. The petition had mentioned that to have collegium of Supreme Court judges collectively to allocate cases rather than leave the entire power in the hands of CJI in his administrative capacity as the ‘Master of Roster’. This is the third time Supreme Court has declared its Chief Justice as the ‘Master of Roster’. Earlier the apex court in two separate judgments in November 2017 and April 2018 had upheld CJI ‘s complete administrative authority to allocate cases and constitute Benches. Recent SC Ruling (on petition of Shanti Bhushan): Court agreed with the submission of Attorney General K K Venugopal that if allocation of cases and constitution of benches is given in multiple hands, it will lead to differences and hurdles in smooth distribution of work. Role of Chief Justice: Though, Constitution is silent on role of Chief Justice and does not have there is no specific provision relating thereto either in Constitution or even in any other law, but judicial position in previous judgments of court on this topic was based on sound conventions and has developed healthy practice over time. As per these precedents and conventions, CJI is empowered to exercise leadership on the court, and in this role he is expected to be spokesperson and representative of judiciary in its dealings with executive, among others. CJI has authority and responsibility for administration of the apex court, which gives him ultimate authority for determining the distribution of judicial work load. CJI being the first among equals: The phrase is generally relatable to judicial function designed to emphasise fact that voices of members of particular bench, which may include ‘Chief Justice’, are given equal weight and that in deciding cases. In such bench opinion of Chief Justice carries same weight and is no different from those of other members of the bench. Thus, in given case, there is possibility that Chief Justice’s view may be minority view and in that eventuality, outcome of case may be what majority decides. The word first in this this case signifies only fact that Chief Justice is the seniormost judge of the court.

    36) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Justice AK Goel as new Chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT). He will have tenure of five years from date he assumes office or till he reaches age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. His appointment comes after he retired as Supreme Court Judge. Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel: Justice Goel had enrolled at Bar in 1974. He had practised before Punjab & Haryana High Court for 5 years and Supreme Court and Delhi High Court for about 22 years. He was elevated as judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2001 before being transferred to Guwahati High Court in September 2011, where he became Chief Justice in December 2011. He was then transferred as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court in October 2013. He was elevated to Supreme Court in July 2014. National Green Tribunal (NGT): The NGT was established in 2010 under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It draws inspiration from Article 21 of Constitution of India, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment. NGT is guided by principles of natural justice and not bound by procedure laid down under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. It is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing. New Delhi is Principal Place of Sitting NGT. Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are zonal sitting benches of tribunal. Functions: It specialises in adjudicating on matters relating to environment, forests and harm to people or property due to neglect of environmental obligations of infrastructure projects. It is equipped with necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. It also includes enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith. It adjudicates matters and environmental cases related to Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Composition: It consist of full time chairperson (retired judge of Supreme Court of India or Chief Justice of High Court), judicial members and expert members. The minimum number of judicial and expert member prescribed is 10 in each category and maximum number is 20 in each category. The chairperson may invite any person or more person having specialized knowledge and experience in particular case before the tribunal to assist the same in that case.

    37) State-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) is going to set up state-of-the-art Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO) at Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport. Foundation stone of the centre was laid by Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu. For this project, AAI has earmarked Rs 1,200 crore which will be spent over 12 years for research and development (R&D). Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO): CARO will be spread over 27 acres and cater needs of growing needs air navigation services and airport and engineering research. It is expected to be built in three years. It will houses latest infrastructure and be equipped with simulators. Its focus will be on pursuing inter-disciplinary solutions to improve the civil aviation sector. CARO will find indigenous solutions to meet the challenges posed by growing air traffic and for enhancing safety, capacity and efficiency of aircraft operations in the country. It will take up research work on four priority areas: increasing airport throughput with existing infrastructural limitations, airspace optimization, cost-effective infrastructure solutions for upcoming 56 airports under Region Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and integrating drones in civil airspace. Background: India’s civil aviation sector is growing at hectic pace of over 20% and this growth is expected to continue in same momentum in future. This will require significant improvement to existing infrastructure and creation of new infrastructure to keep pace with the progress. The new research centre is expected to play important role in developing solutions and addressing problems airports currently face.

    38) The International Day of Cooperatives (IDC) was observed on July 7 (first Saturday of July) across the world to promote co-operative model as it contains core aspects of sustainable development and is based on ethical values and principles. The 2018 theme of the Day was ‘Sustainable societies through cooperation’, aimed at creating sustainable societies through cooperation. Co-operatives around world celebrate this day in various fashions and each year the organising institutions agree on a theme for the celebrations. International Co-operative Day (IDC): IDC is an annual celebration of the co-operative movement. It has been observed on first Saturday in July since 1923 by International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). It was proclaimed as first Saturday of July by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution 47/90 on December 16, 1992 to mark the centenary of establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). Since 1995, United Nations’ International Day of Co-operatives has been observed jointly alongside International Co-operative Day. Co-operatives Movement: Co-operatives foster external equality as they are community-based and are committed to sustainable development of their communities – environmentally, socially and economically. It open membership model affords access to wealth creation and poverty elimination. In co-operatives, contribute equitably to, and democratically control, capital of their co-operative. Co-operatives Movement has been recognised as distinct and major stakeholder in both national and international affairs.

    39) Indian IT industry apex body NASSCOM (National Association of Software & Services Companies) has opened Centre of Excellence for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CoE-DSAI) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The centre was set up in collaboration with Karnataka Government with an aim to nurture innovation in emerging disruptive technologies such as AI and to leverage the power of data science. CoE-DSAI: The centre aims to support small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) by fast-tracking their product developing, providing market access and assist them by co-creating programs along with other industry partners and start-ups. It will work with governments and universities to provide emerging businesses with required mentorship, talent and skills. It will create platform for industry to academia to co-create digital solutions for Industry 4.0. It will work with Government & enterprises to make available large data-sets for training model, create a technology platform (cloud + on premise) with requisite library of solutions. NASSCOM-NITI Aayog Partnership: NASSCOM also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NITI Aayog to collaboratively foster applied research, accelerating adoption and ethics, privacy and security. Under it, NASSCOM will facilitate collaboration between NITI Aayog and CoEs. It will also include NITI Aayog as knowledge partner. Comment: Both these initiatives have been taken with aim to strengthen country’s AI ecosystem and will serve as platform for intelligence-sharing and technology collaboration between stakeholders to build collective capabilities for industry and country in the cutting-edge areas artificial intelligence. National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM): NASSCOM is global non-profit trade association (organisation) of Indian Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. It facilitates business and trade in software and services and encourages the advancement of research in software technology. It is registered under the Indian Societies Act, 1860. Its headquarters are in New Delhi. It has regional offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram. The global IT trade body has over 2000 members, of which over 250 are companies from the China, EU, Japan, US and UK. NASSCOM’s member companies are in the business of software development, software services, software products, IT-enabled/BPO services and e-commerce.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 7 July 2018 to 13 July 2018.

    40) The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has approved US $6.69 billion dollar budget for 13 peacekeeping operations for year 2018-19. This is second year in row in which committee has made significant cuts to overall peacekeeping budget. Key Facts: The budget approved for missions include MINUJUSTH (UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti), MINUSCA (Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic), MINURSO (Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara), MONUSCO (Stabilisation Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo) and UNIFIL (Interim Force in Lebanon). The United States is biggest contributor to UB, paying 22% of $5.4 billion core budget and 28.5% of the US $7.9 billion peacekeeping budget. China is other top contributor with 10.3% followed by Japan with 9.7 %. Reforms: The Committee also approved significant management reforms including creation of two new departments focused on political and peacebuilding affairs and four stand-alone divisions for Africa aimed at streamlining UN’s operations. These are first reform approved in more than 40 years. They will result in restructuring that cuts through silos and UN bureaucracy, removes redundancies, increases commonsense UN coordination and ultimately makes UN a more accountable, transparent, and efficient organization.

    41) According to recent study, if Indian farmers make big switch from growing rice and wheat to alternative cereals such as maize, sorghum and millet, it could reduce demand for irrigation water by 33%. This could also improve nutritional availability to consumers. Methodology of study: The study was conducted by researchers from US based Earth Institute, Columbia University and Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. For their analysis, they had considered water as well as cereal-production data from 1996-2009 (period when cereal production grew by 230%). They had used proxy — Crop Water Requirement (CWR), which is product of water required by crop and harvested area to calculate water consumption in every district in this period, as actual water consumption data was not available. Key Findings of Study: The combined production of alternative cereals was larger than that of wheat in the 1960s, but their relative contribution to cereal supply has steadily dwindled. These alternative cereals also disproportionately account for supply of protein, iron, and zinc among kharif crops. The rice is the least water-efficient cereal when it came to producing nutrients, and was the main driver in increasing irrigation stresses. Replacing rice with alternative cereal production with maize, finger millet, pearl millet, or sorghum could save irrigation and improve production of nutrients such as iron by 27% and zinc by 13%. It can help distribute nutrient production across the country and reduce impact of single local climate shock to national grain production.

     

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