W.B.C.S Current Affairs 08 December 2018 to 14 December 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.1) Minister of State for Parliamentary affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced Dam Safety Bill 2018 in Lok Sabha. The bill provides a uniform procedure for the safety of dams in country. The bill ensures surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of dams and prevention of dam failure from disaster. According to bill dam owner is responsible for dam safety and contain penal provisions for not adhering the certain acts of bill. Key Features of Bill- The bill provides legal and institutional safeguard to ensure the safe functioning of dams. The bill addresses all the issues related to dam safety, comprehensive dam safety review, Emergency Action plan, repair and maintenance of funds for dam. The bill provides institutional framework which includes – National Dam Safety Authority, State committee on Dam safety, State Dam safety organization. Owner of dam have to prepare Emergency action plan within 5 year and for new dams it has to prepare before filling. Owner of the dam is required to establish hydro-meteorological network and emergency Flood warning system. There is a provision for comprehensive safety evaluation by independent panel of expert. Every state will establish a State Dam Safety Organization for the safety of Dam. Background: India is holds third rank after USA and China in terms of larger number of dams. Over 5254 larger dams are operating in India and about 447 dams are under construction. These dams are not maintained properly which causes concern for human life, Flaura and Fauna and to environment. In past India faced 36 dam failures due to low maintenance and lack of legal mechanism.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 08 December 2018 to 14 December 2018.

2) Uttar Pradesh based startup HelpUsGreen has been honored by UN for its works to clean River Ganga by recycling tonnes of floral waste. UN presented the award to the 14 other countries along with India at the Nations Climate Action award ceremony during the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice. How It Works? The startup collects the floral waste daily from the temples. These flowers are then recycled to produce charcoal free incense, organic vermicompost and biodegradable packaging material through Flowercycling technology. According to UN the startup flower cycled 11060 metric tonnes of temple waste by the women working with the startup. According to data, more than 800 million metric tonnes of flowers are used in temple and these flowers are thrown into the Ganga river. The river filled with lots of waste, toxins and pesticides dumped into it, eventually lead to pollution and water borne diseases. HelpUsGreen: HelpUsGreen started as world’s first profitable solution to the waste problem created by flowers in monumental temple. Total of 8.4 tons of floral waste is collected by the startup everyday from the temples in Uttar Pradesh. The startup helped 1260 women who have been supporting the startup and 19 children whose mother works at manual scavengers started going to school.

3) Fourth edition of Partners’ Forum will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12th December in New Delhi. The two day international conference will be hosted by government of India in association with Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and child Health (PMNCH). Total 1500 participants from across 8 countries will participate to talk about the improvement in the health and well being of women, children and adolescents. Key Facts: The programme will be framed on the objective of Survive – Thrive – Transform. The forum is aimed to explore the findings of 12 success factors case studies which shows how the countries are working towards the improvement of women’s and children health. The forum will showcase learnings from six regions on six thematic areas: Early childhood Development – Germany and Chile. Adolescent Health and Wellbeing – USA and Indonesia. Quality, Equity and Dignity in services – India and Cambodia. Sexual and Reproductive Health – Malawi and Malaysia. Empowerment of women, Girls and communities – South Africa and Guatemala. Humanitarian and fragile settings – Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. Background: The global health partnership, Partners’ Forum was launched in September 2005 to reduce the child and maternal mortality, and improve adolescent, child, newborn and maternal health. Many countries around the globe joined forum to achieve the objective. Earlier editions of forum were held in – Tanzania (2007), India (2010), South Africa (2014). PMNCH’s mission: The mission supports the global health community to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 3 of SDG is to achieve good health and well-being for people.

4) Indian Navy inducted its first Submarine Rescue System with Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) along with associated equipment at western naval dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra (west coast of India). It is first of the two non-tethered DSRVs ordered by Indian Navy. With this, India joined select list of international navies (US, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore UK, Sweden and Australia). Its induction will enhance Indian Navy’s operational capabilities for search, locate and provide assistance to downed or disaster-struck or distressed submarines at high sea. Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV): The vehicles are developed by Scotland-based JFD, a part of James Fisher and Sons Plc In March, 2016. JFD had won the contract of 193 million pounds for supply of two sets of non-tethered DSRV and 25 years of maintenance. These DSRVs are third-generation system, considered to be most advanced system currently in operation globally. It is capable of undertaking rescue from a disabled submarine up to 650 metres depth. It is operated by a crew of three, can rescue 14 personnel from disabled submarine at time. DSRVs complete with associated kit in fly away configuration, can be crucial in quickly locating submarines through vast expanse of sea and can be mobilised by air and water for rapid rescue. It can be deployed at short notice for providing assistance to submarines in distress. Indian Navy two DSRVs will be based on West and East Coast of India respectively. The first DSRV will be operated and deployed by crew of Indian Navy’s newly formed Submarine Rescue Unit (West) from its base in Mumbai. The second DSRV is out for delivery and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam soon. It will be operational by April 2019. Background: Indian Navy currently operates 16 submarines of Sindhughosh, Shishumar and Kalvari classes as well as nuclear powered submarines. The operating medium and nature of operations undertaken by submarines expose them to high degree of inherent risk. In such eventuality, traditional methods of search and rescue at sea are ineffective for disabled submarine in deep waters. To overcome this capability gap Indian Navy has acquired third generation, advanced Submarine Rescue System considering of Non-tethered Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) and its associated equipment.

5) According to data released by Central Statistics Office (CSO), factory output measured in terms of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 8.1% in October 2018 as against 4.5% in September 2018. The growth was aided by favourable base effect and robust output in all key sectors—manufacturing, electricity and mining. IIP is the closest approximation for measuring economic activity in the country’s business landscape. Breakaway of October 2018 IIP: Sector wise Performance: Manufacturing sector output grew 7.9% in October 2018 from 4.6% in September 2018 and 2% a year ago. Electricity production growth grew to 10.8% in October from 8.6% in September 2018 and 3.2% a year ago. Mining activity grew to 7% in October 2018 from 0.2% in September 2018 from de-growth of (-) 0.2% last year. Use-based Performance: Primary goods grew by 6.0%, intermediate goods by 1.8% and infrastructure/construction goods by 8.7% as compared to growth in October 2017. Consumer durables output also grew 17.6%, from 5.2% in September 2018, indicating higher production during the festive season. Consumer non-durables grew 7.9% in October 2018 as compared to 6.1% in September 2018. Index of Industrial Production (IIP): IIP is composite indicator that measures short-term changes in volume of production of basket of industrial products during given period with respect to chosen base period. It is compiled and published monthly by Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Its base year is 2011-12. It comprises 407 individual items. Sector wise, the items included falls into 3 categories viz. Manufacturing (405 items), Mining (1 items) & Electricity (1 item). he weights of the three sectors are 77.63%, 14.37%, 7.9% respectively. The combined weightage of 8 core Industries in IIP is 40.27%. In use wise composition 407 individual items are divided into basic goods, capital goods, intermediate goods and consumer goods. Further, consumer goods is divided into consumer durables and consumer non-durables. In this case maximum weight is of basic goods, followed by Consumer Goods, followed by Intermediate and Capital Goods.

6) Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its Outlook Supplement has retained India’s growth forecast at 7.3% for current fiscal (2018-19) and 7.6% in following financial year (2019-20). It held that India is maintaining growth momentum on rebounding exports and higher industrial and agricultural output. Key Facts: India saw GDP growth moderate to 7.1% in Q2 of FY2018 (ending March 31, 2019) from 8.2%in Q1. The slowdown came mainly from food prices, rising oil prices delivering negative shock in terms of trade, lower rural consumption, and rising costs for raw materials. But growth forecasts of 7.3% for 2018-19 and 7.6% for 2019-20 are retained from update despite some downside risks. Asian Development Bank (ADB): ADB is a regional development bank based out of Asia. It aims to promote social and economic development in Asia by achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. It was established in December 1966. It is headquartered at Ortigas Centre in Manila, Philippines. It has total 67 members, of which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.

7) NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft has found water locked inside asteroid Bennu. Bennu is too small to have ever hosted liquid water, but this finding does indicate that liquid water was present at some time on Bennu’s parent body, a much larger asteroid. Key Facts: Data obtained from spacecraft’s two spectrometers OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) and OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (OVIRS) has revealed presence ofhydroxyl molecules that contain oxygen and hydrogen atoms bonded together. These hydroxyl groups exist globally across asteroid in water-bearing clay minerals, indicating that at some point Bennu’s rocky material interacted with water. OSIRIS-Rex: It launched in September 2016 is NASA’s first asteroid sampling mission i.e. it will survey surface, collect sample and deliver it safely back to Earth. It had reached its destination Bennu asteroid in December 2018 after travelling through space for more than two years and travelling over two billion kilometres. Samples returned by the mission to Earth in 2023 will enable scientists to find new information about the history and evolution of our solar system. Bennu: It is near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid about the size of a small mountain in the Apollo group. It was discovered in September 1999 by the LINEAR Project. It is one of oldest known asteroids which is considered as remnant from early in formation of solar system and orbits close to Earth’s path around Sun.. It is carbon-rich asteroid and believed to be the type of asteroids that may have chemical building blocks of life, along with lots of water. So, analysis of returned sample from it could help to reveal key insights about early solar system and the origin of life on Earth. It is potentially hazardous asteroid and there is very slight chance it could strike into Earth in the late 22nd century.

8) Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched Twitter account @CyberDost to spread awareness about cybercrimes and normal precautions to be taken. It is aimed at enhancing people’s basic knowledge about cybercrimes and precautions to be taken for prevention. @CyberDost: This twitter handle will educate people about various channels through which complaints about cyber-crimes can be filed and makes people aware of their duties regarding misuse of cyber space by some people in the country. It will also help to mitigate possibilities of disruption in normal business activities or losses due to cyber-crimes by creating ecosystem to prevent and control cyber-crimes. The information shared on this handle will enhance basic knowledge of followers about cyber-crimes and precautionary measures to be taken to prevent such crime. Background: The information and communication technology is being used in all walks of public life including banking, transport, airlines, railways, power and other sectors. With enhanced use of technology for day to day activities, possibility of cyber-crimes is also increasing. Capacity building and public awareness are critical components for obviating impact of cybercrimes and creating suitable climate for trust-based transactions. Government is committed to create ecosystem to prevent and control cybercrimes to mitigate the possibility of disruption in normal business activities or losses due to cybercrimes.

9) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi was elected as Vice-Chair of United Nations (UN) Panel of Auditors at its annual meeting held in New York. In this meeting CAG of UK was also appointed as Chair of Panel for another term (2019). The meeting discussed various issues concerning audit of United Nations and the agencies under the United Nations System. The next meeting will be held in in Bonn, Germany in November-December 2019. United Nations Panel of Auditors: It was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 1438 (XIV) in 1959. Its main objectives are to further co-ordination of audits for which its members are responsible and to exchange information on audit methods and findings. It is made up of members of United Nations Board of Auditors and external auditors of Specialized Agencies of UN and of International Atomic Energy Agency. Currently, it is chaired by CAG of UK and consists of 11 countries — India, Germany, Chile, Canada, France, Italy, Philippines, Ghana, Indonesia, Switzerland and United Kingdom. It may submit to executive heads of organisations audited any observations or recommendations in relation to accounts and financial procedures of organisation concerned. The executive heads of articipating organisations may also, through their auditors submit requests to it for its opinion or recommendation on any matter within its competence.

10) Eminent economist and columnist Surjit Bhalla has resigned as part-time member of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister(EAC-PM). His resignation comes day after Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel, quit abruptly after months-long tussle over policy with government. Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC): PMEAC is non-constitutional and non-statutory, non-permanent and independent body, constituted with the prime and sole aim to analyse all critical issues, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the prime minister and advising him thereon. It is mandate to give advice to prime minister on economic matters such as inflation, GDP changes, export-import changes, creating supporting environment for increased trade and commerce. Functions- Submit periodic reports to PM related to macroeconomic developments and issues which will have implications of the economic policy. Analyse any topics, issues assigned by the PM and provide advice to them. Analyse macroeconomic issues having high importance and present the views to PM and any other task which is assigned by Prime Minister.

11) European Union (EU) has established India’s first Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Department of European Studies (DES) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in New Delhi. It comes with grant of €1,00,000 to pursue India-EU interdisciplinary studies in culture, literature, education and society. Key Facts: This is for fifth time MAHE has been awarded grants under Erasmus+Jean Monnet initiative. Previous grants have been used for chair, modules and project. Under the present award, Jean Monnet CoE in India-EU Interdisciplinary Studies aims to strengthen and enhance the educational connect between India and EU. It will host open-to-public workshops on European literature, winter schools for students around the world and India-EU Higher Education Meet. Jean Monnet: He was French political economist and diplomat. He was influential supporter of European unity and is considered as one of founding fathers of European Union. He also has been called “The Father of Europe” by those who see his innovative and pioneering efforts in the 1950s as the key to establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, the predecessor of today’s European Union. He was never elected to public office.

12) Union Government has inked $31 million loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Tamil Nadu Government’s Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism (IDIPT). It is fourth loan tranche for this program aimed at building-up tourism industry and boost visitor arrivals in Tamil Nadu. Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism (IDIPT): It is $250 million project approved in September 2010. It aims to build opportunities for local communities and boost local economy by enhancing tourism in three other states – Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand- besides Tamil Nadu. This will be achieved through developing and preserving sites of natural and cultural heritage, and building connectivity, capacity, and infrastructure around State tourist sites. It will support conservation and restoration of eight heritage monuments, one museum, three temples and pond. It will build various facilities at the sites, including information centers, rest centers and toilet blocks with facilities served by solar-powered lighting and energy efficient lighting. The estimated completion date is June 2020. The project is expected to improve tourism infrastructure in Tamil Nadu and also help state in preserving natural and cultural heritage. The activities under the project will also boost economic opportunities for the local people. It will also generate extra jobs in Tamil Nadu, especially through skills training and community-based activities target poor and women.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 08 December 2018 to 14 December 2018.

13) India’s former economic affairs secretary and current member of the Finance Commission Shaktikanta Das is to be appointed as next RBI Governor. He will be the 25th Governor of the apex bank of the country. About Shaktikanta Das: Shaktikanta Das is a 1980 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu Cadre and a very prominent bureaucrat who served under both NDA and UPA governments. He served as economic affairs secretary from 2015 to 2017; and was key official in both big economic moves of the government viz. demonetisation and implementation of GST. Appointment committee of cabinet approved Shaktikanta Das appointment as RBI governor. He will serve as governor for the term of three years. Background: After the resignation of Urijit patel, Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as 25th governor of RBI. Urijit Patel resigned due to personal reasons. His tenure as RBI governor was about to complete in September 2019. Patel has become fourth RBI to step down before end of term. Before him, Sir Osborne Smith, Benegal Rama Rau and S Jagannathan had resigned before completion of their respective tenures.

14) Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was adopted by 164 nations including India at Intergovermental Conference to adopt this compact held under auspices of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at Marrakesh, Morocco. It is first intergovernmental agreement to cover wide-ranging dimensions of international migration in holistic and comprehensive manner and agreed upon by all the UN member states minus United States. Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration: It seeks to better manage migration at local, national, regional and global levels, in order to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities of migrants. It creates non-legally binding and co-operative framework that builds on commitments agreed upon by member states in New York Declaration for refugees and migrants of December 2016. It lists four objectives. They are to- Ease pressures on host countries. Enhance refugee self-reliance. Expand access to third country solutions. Support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity. It sets out framework on how international cooperation on migration issues should work but does not oblige states to take concrete action. It sets out 23 objectives to deal issues ranging from factors that compel people to move, legal channels for migration, combating trafficking and smuggling, harness economic benefits of migration and return of the migrants. Its intent to protect human rights of migrants, address root causes of migration, and combat negative myths surrounding migration. It acknowledges that migration is international issue that affects all member states and there is a need for more effective migration governance. Background: According to UN, there were 258 million international migrants in the world in 2017, increasing almost 50% since 2000. The number of migrants, representing 3.4% of world’s population, is increasing faster than global population, driven by economic prosperity, inequality, violence, conflict and climate change. Migrants worldwide account for 3% of the world’s entire population, but contribute 10% of the global gross domestic production (GDP). Migrants remittance is huge contributor to their home countries’ development. Around 80% of world’s migrants move between countries in safe and orderly fashion. But more than 60,000 people have died on the move since the year 2000. Besides in transit countries or the country of destination, racism, discrimination and human-rights violations are continuously reported. The process of developing compact was started in early 2017 as implementation of decision by UN member states as adopted New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in September 2016. UN member states’ another decision pledged in the declaration is to develop a Global Compact on Refugees.

15) Indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved important milestone of flying at 6 km altitude in Bengaluru, capital of Karnataka. The test was critical requirement towards certification of LUH. Its first flight was carried in September 2016 and second Prototype was flown in May 2017. The recent flight test was carried out under envelope expansion tests and helicopter exhibited satisfactory performance and handling qualities. With the completion of this milestone, LUH can now undertake high altitude cold weather trials planned in January 2019. Light Utility Helicopter (LUH): It is 3-ton class new generation helicopter designed and developed by indigenously Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC) of HAL. It will replace ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by Indian Armed Forces. It is capable of flying at 220 kmph, with service ceiling of 6.5 km and range of 350 km with 400 kg payload. It is fitted with Glass Cockpit and powered by TM/HAL Ardiden 1U/Shakti 1U single turbo shaft engine with sufficient power margins to cater to demanding high altitude missions. It will meet requirements of both military and civil operators. It can be deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance roles and as light transport helicopter. HAL has in principal order for 187 LUH that includes 126 for Indian Army and 61 for IAF. Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL): HAL is state-owned aerospace and defence company based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is governed under the management of the Union Defence Ministry. It pursues high-end research and development to create the country’s future aircraft and aeroengine technologies HAL has already developed four highly popular models of helicopters under its belt. Its product range includes, Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), multi-role seven seater Chetak Helicopter, Light combat helicopter (LCH) Cheetah and Lancer, anti-insurgency, close air support chopper.

16) Nuclear capable surface to surface Agni-5 ballistic missile was successfully test-fired from Dr Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. It was user associated trial of missile undertaken by strategic force command along with DRDO scientists. About Test: The missile was launched with help of mobile launcher from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Dr Abdul Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal. During this trial, the flight performance of the missile was tracked and monitored by radars, tracking instruments and observation stations. It was seventh trial of the indigenously-developed surface-to-surface missile. The first test was conducted in April 2012, second in September 2013, third in January 2015 and fourth in December 2016. The fifth test was held January 2018 and seventh was held in June 2018. All the trials were successful. Agni-5 ballistic missile: It is three-stage solid propellant nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is about 17 metres long, 2 metres wide and has a launch weight of around 50 tonnes. Agni-5 is latest and most advanced variant in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine in Agni series of missiles. It has strike range of over 5,000 kilometres and can carry nuclear warhead of 1.5 tonne. Thus, it can hit most northern parts of China and other parts of Asia, Europe and Africa. Unlike other missiles of Agni series, Agni-5 is most advanced missile having new technologies incorporated with it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine. It is also a fire and forget missile, which once fired cannot be stopped, except by interceptor missile which only US, Russia and Israel have. It carries Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV) payloads. A single MIRV equipped missile that can deliver multiple warheads at different targets. It is also incorporates advanced technologies involving ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer for navigation and guidance. It has not yet inducted into the Services.

17) The seventh edition Hand-in-Hand Military exercise between India, China began in Chengdu, China. It is being held to improve capabilities of the two armies in fighting terrorism and promote mutual understanding. The exercise was held after gap of one year as both the sides were locked in 73-day standoff in Doklam in Sikkim sector of the border in 2017. The strained relations between two sides later improved resulting in informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Chinese city of Wuhan in April 2018. Hand-in-Hand 2019: In this edition of exercise, 100 troops from each side are taking part. The main focus is on counter-terrorism operations. It will involve tactical level operations in an International Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorist environment under UN mandate. The drill will promote understanding between two militaries and improving their capabilities in fighting terrorism. The exercise will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training.

18) Union Cabinet has decided to raise contribution of Central Government to National Pension System (NPS) corpus of its employees from 10% to 14%. This will increase in eventual accumulated corpus of all central government employees covered by NPS. There are 18 lakh central government employees at present. The revenue impact from higher government contribution to employees’ corpus is expected to be around Rs.2,840 crore for 2019-20 and will be in nature of a recurring expenditure. Government also has decided to make NPS fully tax free, making it on par with the provident fund scheme. It has decided to exempt income tax that is applicable on part of NPS corpus that is withdrawn on retirement. At present, while exiting scheme, 60% of corpus could be withdrawn and 20% of withdrawn amount is taxable. This portion now has been made tax free. The remaining part that could be used to buy annuities is anyway tax free. With this decision, NPS has acquired parity with provident fund savings, which are not taxed at any of three stages of saving, profit accrual or exit. National Pension System (NPS): It is easily accessible, low cost, tax-efficient, flexible and portable retirement savings account. It was launched in 2004 and was initially introduced for new Government recruits (except armed forces). It aims to institute pension reforms in country and to inculcate habit of saving for retirement amongst the citizens. Its objective is to provide retirement income to all the citizens. Under it, individual contributes to his retirement account. Employer can also co-contribute for social security/welfare of individual. It was extended for all citizens of country from May 2009 including the unorganised sector workers on voluntary basis. NPS is governed and administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Currently, any Indian between age of 18 to 65 years may voluntarily join the NPS. NRI can open an NPS account, however contributions made by NRI are subject to regulatory requirements as prescribed by RBI and FEMA from time to time.
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19) The International Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10 to commemorate adaptation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this day in 1948, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)— then headquartered in Paris — ratified Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Of the 58 member states, 48 voted in favour of the resolution, while eight abstained and two failed to vote. Observance of the day seeks to encourage, support and amplify measures to be taken by everyone to defend human rights. The theme for this year is ‘Stand Up For Human Rights’. Background: On this day in 1948, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had adopted and proclaimed Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. It was adopted as shared standard yard stick to protect human rights across the globe. It recognizes inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of mankind as the foundation of justice, freedom and peace in the world. The Human Rights Day was formally established at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the UNGA on 4 December 1950.

20) India has the highest number of ‘stunted’ children in the world and nearly a third of all stunted children worldwide are to be found in India as per the recently released WHO’s Global Nutrition Report, 2018. About Global Nutrition Report: The Global Nutrition Report came into existence following the first Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit (N4G) in 2013. The Global Nutrition Report was devised as a mechanism for tracking the commitments made by 100 stakeholders spanning governments, aid donors, civil society, the UN and businesses. The Global Nutrition Report is the world’s leading report on the state of global nutrition. The report is delivered by an Independent Expert Group and guided at a strategic level by a Stakeholder Group, whose members also review the Report. 2018 Report: Global Profile: Stunting among children aged under five has fallen from 32.6 per cent in 2000 to 22.2 per cent in 2017. 20 million babies are born with low birth weight each year. 3 million Children in the world over are overweight, while 38.9 per cent of adults are overweight or obese. One third of all women of reproductive age have anaemia. Women also have a higher prevalence of obesity than men. 2018 Report: Indian Profile: India has the highest number of ‘stunted’ children in the world and nearly a third of all stunted children worldwide are to be found in India. About 46.6 million children in India suffer from stunting due to poor nutrition intake in the long term and repeated infections. India is also the country with the highest number of children who are ‘wasted’. This is an even more severe indicator of acute malnutrition. India has 25.5 million children who are wasted. Among the 50.5 million children who are wasted globally, India has half of the global wasting burden. Stunting in India varied greatly from district to district (12.4 per cent to 65.1 per cent). 239 of 604 districts had stunting levels above 40 per cent. As of 2015, the percentage of children Under 5 (both boys and girls) who were stunted was 37.9 per cent and the percentage of children Under 5 who were wasted was 20.8 per cent. The households with the lowest incomes had the highest number of wasting (23.8 per cent) and stunting (50.7 per cent) among children aged under five years. 7 per cent of children under five years of age were stunted in rural India while 30.6 per cent of children were stunted in urban India, while 21.1 per cent children aged under five were wasted in rural areas and 19.9 per cent were wasted in urban areas.The report also shows the nutrition status of children and adolescents aged between five and19 years. 58.1 per cent of boys were underweight while 50.1 per cent girls were underweight. This difference between the genders is attributed to India’s adverse sex ratio in the first place. More than half of all women of reproductive age (51.4 per cent), whether or not they were pregnant, suffered from anaemia. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) had used district-level aggregate data from the 2015-2016 National and Family Health Survey (NFHS) in India along with the data from UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Group: Joint child malnutrition estimates, NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, WHO Global Health Observatory.

21) To deal with the rising problem of Terrorism, United Nation chief along with 39 organizational entities, Interpol and World custom organization signed a framework to deal with terrorism and promote peace and sustainable growth. The agreement is non-binding in nature. The UN Global counter terrorism coordination compact is also termed as Global compact. The Global compact coordination committee will be chaired by Under-Secretary-General for counter terrorism. And the first meeting took place on 6th December 2018 in New York. United Nations office of counter terrorism will serve as Secretariat of Global Compact. What is the need of the Framework? The Global terrorism index released by Institute for Economic and Peace showed that there is a decrease in deaths due to terrorism, but the impacts of terrorism are still spreading all over the world. United Nation is actively working to bring peace and cooperation among member states. To combat counter terrorism UN created UN counter-terrorism implementation task force in 2005. The task force consists of 38 international entities. The goal of Counter terrorism Implementation task force was to organize working groups and the project related to counter terrorism. Finally, on 23rd February 2018, a new agreement was signed to create more integrated working approach between the agencies and coordinate them for counter terrorism and prevention of violent extremism. UN Global counter terrorism coordination compact replaced counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. Objectives of the agreement: To bring the UN agencies together to combat terrorism with common approach and find the ways to improve the strategies to support member states. To protect the people from violent extremist groups and hate speeches. To adopt the strategies that do not compromise the international human rights standards and rule of law. To monitor use of technology which is the main source of reaching people globally and manipulate them. To devise the policies that will protect communities and their religious belief. Despite the previous approaches and initiatives by UN there is still some loopholes in the strategies. There is still threat of terrorism persist. Many countries are high on risk. By these new framework, UN is now taking a step ahead to remove terrorism from the roots.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 08 December 2018 to 14 December 2018.

22) The second edition of service specific exercise AVIAINDRA between Indian Air Force and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFSAF) was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The inaugural IAF-RFSAF Ex AVIAINDRA was conducted in 2014 and since then it is conducted bi-annually (twice a year) in both countries. AVIAINDRA 2018: The aim of this exercise is focused towards anti-terrorist operations in bi-lateral scenario. It also seeks to further enhance co-operation and understanding between Air forces of both countries in each other’s Concept of Operations. This edition of exercise is planned in two phases. The exercise is unique wherein foreign participant does not bring its air assets. In Russia IAF pilots flew alongside their Russian counterparts in RFSAF aircraft at Lipetsk in September 2018. Similarly in India, RFSAF pilots will fly alongside their Indian counterparts in the IAF aircraft, which are common to both Air Forces.

23) The tenth edition of INDRA NAVY maritime exercise between India and Russia will be conducted off Visakhapatnam coast, Andhra Pradesh from December 9-16, 2018. The aim of this exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the two navies, develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. INDRA NAVY 2018: It will be held in two phases viz. Harbour Phase and Sea Phase. Harbour Phase will be held at Visakhapatnam and encompass planning conferences, professional interactions, cultural visits, sports fixtures and formal calls between Flag Officers and senior officers of the participating navies. Sea Phase will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal. Its thrust will be on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), air defence drills, surface firings, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and tactical procedures. For this edition of exercise, Indian Navy will be represented by guided missile destroyer INS Ranvir, indigenous frigate INS Satpura , indigenous anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette INS Kadmatt, indigenous missile corvettes IN Ships Kuthar and Khanjar and fleet tanker INS Jyoti In addition, one Sindhughosh-class submarine, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk fighter aircraft and other integral rotary wing helicopters will be also taking part in the exercise. Russian Navy will be represented by ships of from its submarine forces, pacific fleet based at Vladivostok. These ships are Varyag, Admiral Panteleyev and Boris Butoma. Background: Indian Navy interacts with Russian Federation Navy on many fronts, which include operational interactions, training, hydrographic cooperation and exchange of subject matter experts in various fields through medium of Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks. INDRA NAVY exercise was initiated in 2003 and since then it has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity and level of participation. Exercise INDRA NAVY-18 will help further strengthen mutual confidence and interoperability and also enable sharing of best practices between both the navies.

24) According to World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief, India will retain its position as world’s top recipient of remittances in 2018, receiving a total remittance of $80 billion from its diaspora. India is followed by China ($67 billion), Mexico and hilippines ($34 billion each) and Egypt ($26 billion). Remittance: It is transfer of money by foreign worker to individual or family in their home country. It competes with international aid as one of the largest financial inflows to developing countries. It has direct impact on alleviating poverty for many households especially in developing and low- and middle-income countries. Key Highlights Migration and Development Brief: Global remittances: Including flows to high-income countries, are projected to grow by 10.3% to $689 billion. However it is projected to moderate. They are expected to grow 3.7% to $715 billion in 2019. Developing countries: Remittances to developing countries will increase by 10.8% to reach $528 billion in 2018, against a 7.8% growth in 2017. Low- and middle-income countries: Future remittances to these countries are expected to grow moderately by 4% to $549 billion in 2019. India: Over the last three years, India registered asignificant flow of remittances, from $62.7 billion in 2016 to $65.3 billion 2017. In 2017, remittances constituted 2.7% of India’s GDP. South Asia: Remittances are projected to increase by 13.5% to $132 billion in 2018, a stronger pace than 5.7% growth seen in 2017. The upsurge is driven by stronger economic conditions in advanced economies, particularly US and increase in oil prices having positive impact on outflows from some Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as UAE, which reported a 13% growth in outflows for first half of 2018. Bangladesh and Pakistan have experienced strong upticks of 17.9% and 6.2% in 2018, respectively. For 2019, it is projected that remittances growth for region will slow to 4.3% due to moderation of growth in advanced economies, lower migration to GCC and the benefits from the oil price spurt dissipating. GCC is regional inter-governmental political and economic bloc of six oil rich middle-east countries viz. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

25) Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has notified four medical devices including blood pressure monitors, nebulisers, digital thermometers and glucometers as drugs under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The decision will enable the government to ensure their quality and performance. Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) will regulate import, manufacture and sale of these devices from January 2020. Key Facts: Companies which are engaged in manufacture and import of these equipment will have to seek necessary permission or license from DCGI from January 1, 2020 onward. All these devices will have to be registered under quality parameters prescribed under Medical Devices Rules, 2017 and other standards set by Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) certification. With addition of these four new devices, the number of medical devices falling under definition of drugs under this law goes up to 27. Prior to this, only 23 medical devices were monitored for quality by DCGI. The other medical equipments are sold without any quality checks or clinical trials. Drug Technical Advisory Body (DTAB), the country’s highest drug advisory body earlier had approved the proposal to include these four medical devices under purview of Drug law. Background: Union Health Ministry has proposed expanding list of medical devices in eight new categories under definition of ‘drugs’ to bring them under purview of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The eight categories include implantable medical devices, CT scan equipment, MRI equipment, defibrillators, implants, PET equipment, dialysis machines, X-ray machines and bone marrow cell separator. Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI): DCGI under gamut of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is responsible for approval of licenses of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, vaccines, IV fluids and sera in India. DCGI lays down standards and quality of manufacturing, selling, import and distribution of drugs in India. It acts as appellate authority in case of any dispute regarding quality of drugs. It prepares and maintains national reference standard. It brings about uniformity in enforcement of Drugs and Cosmetics Act. It trains Drug Analysts deputed by State Drug Control Laboratories and other Institutions.

26) Kerala has become first state in the country to have four international airports with the inauguration of Kannur airport. The first commercial flight from this airport Air India Express flight IX 715 with 180 passengers on board to Abu Dhabi was flagged off recently. The other three international airports are Trivandrum International Airport, Cochin International Airport and Calicut International Airport. Kannur international airport: It is built on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. It is spread across 2,000 acres of area It will help non-resident Keralites (NRKs), especially in the Gulf region, besides boosting tourism and exports, which will result in several job opportunities. Its commissioning is expected to pave way for state’s overall development and prosperity, especially northern region. It will boost tourism in the region like Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargode. It may also increase inter-trade in sectors such as spices and handloom.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 08 December 2018 to 14 December 2018.

27) Shi Yomi formally became 23rd district of Arunachal Pradesh after it was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in presence of Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju. It was created by bifurcating West Siang district with its headquarters at Tato. It will have four administrative units namely Mechuka, Tato, Pidi and Manigong. Two more districts Pakke-Kesang and Lepa Rada will be formally inaugurated in the state within taking the total to 25. Background: In August 2018, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative assembly has passed Arunachal Pradesh Re-Organisation of Districts (Amendment) Bill, 2018 for creation of three new districts, Pakke-Kesang, Lepa Rada and Shi Yomi in the state. These new districts were created keeping in view of large geographical area, inaccessible terrains, growing demands of people, bring administration to their door-steps and for all-round equal development in all parts of the state. With addition of these three new districts, state will have total 25 districts from earlier 22 districts. Pakke-Kessang district will be carved out of East Kameng district with five administrative units namely Pakke-Kessangn, Seijosa, Pijiriang, Passa Valley and Dissingn Passo with district headquarters at Lemmi. Lepa Rada district will be created by bifurcating Lower Siang district with headquarters at Basar. It will have four administrative units Tirbin, Basar, Daring and Sago.

28) International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is observed every year across world on December 9 to raise public awareness of corruption and what people can do to fight it. Observance of this day aims to promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption more efficiently and effectively. It also highlights role of United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it. Corruption: Corruption is serious societal crime that undermines social and economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune from corruption. According to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than 5% of global GDP. In developing countries, funds lost to corruption are estimated at 10 times amount of official development assistance. Background: International Anti-Corruption Day was instituted by UN General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution 58/4 of October 31, 2003. It was adopted to raise people’s awareness of corruption and role of United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in combating and preventing it. The UNCAC is the first legally binding, international anti-corruption instrument that provides a chance to mount a global response to corruption.

29) The second edition of Khelo India School Games rechristened as Khelo India Youth Games will be held from January 9-20, 2019 in Pune, Maharashtra. It will take place at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. The first edition of this games under Khelo India Programme was held in New Delhi in February 2018. Khelo India Youth Games: Union Ministry of Sports has expanded in its scope as compared to Khelo India School Games. It will allow participants to compete in two categories, (Under 17) and (Under 21). It also allows students from colleges and Universities to compete. It will see over 10,000 participants from 29 states and 7 Union Territories. Thus Khelo India Programme: It was introduced by Ministry of Sports and Youth affairs to revive sports culture in India at grass-root level. Its objective is to build strong framework for all sports played in our country and establish India as great sporting nation. It is expected to help scout young talent from schools in various disciplines and groom them as future sports champions. Talented players will be identified under it in priority sports disciplines at various levels by High-Powered Committed and each will be provided annual financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh for 8 years.

30) Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 with aim to double farmer’s income by 2022. Cabinet has also approved proposal for establishment of Monitoring Framework at Centre with Ministry of Commerce as nodal Department to oversee implementation of Agriculture Export Policy. It will also have representation from various ministries and departments and agencies and representatives of concerned State Governments. Agriculture Export Policy: It is aimed at doubling agricultural exports and integrating Indian farmers and agricultural products with the global value chains. Its vision is to harness export potential of Indian agriculture, through suitable policy instruments and to make India global power in agriculture and raise farmers’ income. Objectives- Double agricultural exports from present US$ 30+ Billion to US$ 60+ Billion by 2022 and reach US$ 100 Billion in next few years thereafter with stable trade policy regime. Diversify India’s export basket, destinations and also boost high value and value added agricultural exports including perishables. Provide institutional mechanism for pursuing market access, tackling barriers and deal with sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues. Strive to double India’s share in world agri-exports by integrating with global value chain at earliest. Promote indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional and non-traditional agri products exports. Enable farmers to benefit from export opportunities in overseas market. Elements of Agriculture Export Policy: Strategic- Policy measures. Holistic approach to boost exports. Infrastructure and logistics support. Focus on Clusters. Promoting value-added exports. Marketing and promotion of Brand India. Greater involvement of State Governments in agri exports. Operational- Attract private investments into production and processing. Research & Development. Establishment of strong quality regimen. Miscellaneous.

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