W.B.C.S Current Affairs 18 August 2018 to 24 August 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 18 August 2018 to 24 August 2018.

1) According to recent report by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), maximum number of cyber-attacks on official Indian websites are from China, US and Russia. The report was forwarded to National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and other security agencies. It had analysed cyber-attacks from April-June 2018. Key Highlights of report: China continues to intrude Indian cyberspace in significant way as cyber-attacks originating from China account for largest 35% of total number of cyber-attacks on official Indian websites followed by US (17%), Russia (15%), Pakistan (9%), Canada (7%) and Germany (5%). Indian institutions attacked by these malicious activities on cyberspace include Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), National Informatics Centre (NIC), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Railways, Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and some banks like Punjab National Bank (PNB), Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC), State Bank of India (SBI) and state data centres, particularly in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. CERT-In has advised to take appropriate preventive action. Pakistan malicious actors from Pakistan are possibly using German and Canadian cyberspace for intruding into Indian cyberspace and carrying out malicious activities. They are targeting by sending spear phishing emails with malware attachments. Phishing attacks are usually in form of email from trusted source where they ask for personal details such as bank details personal details, passwords. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): CERT-In is nodal agency for information technology (cyber) security under aegis of Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Electronics and IT. It was established in 2004. Its mandate is to protect Indian cyberspace and software infrastructure against destructive and hacking activities. It also responds to computer security incidents, report on vulnerabilities and promote effective IT security practices throughout country. It also issue guidelines, vulnerability notes, advisories and whitepapers regarding to information security practices, prevention.

2) International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) launched Kerala Heritage Rescue Initiative to assess damage to rich cultural and built heritage sites in flood-devastated Kerala. ICOMOS is global monument conservation body. Kerala Heritage Rescue Initiative: The initiative aims at setting up platform for emergency response to cultural heritage damaged by the floods in Kerala. It also has set Facebook page to collect information on the damage to buildings, museum collections, cultural artefacts, libraries, archives, and even intangible heritage. Under this initiative, ICOMOS will assess damage and risks to rich tangible, intangible, movable and immovable heritage that has been adversely affected by floods, including monuments, historic buildings, museum collections and artefacts of important significance. It will also create heritage response team and train its members to undertake damage assessment and emergency measures. ICOMOS has also approached International Centre for Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) to partner in post-disaster work. ICCROM based in Rome (Italy) is inter-governmental organisation dedicated to preservation of cultural heritage worldwide through training, information, research, cooperation and advocacy programmes. Background: Kerala is endowed with natural beauty and is home to number of iconic forts, palaces and other heritage buildings, which attract huge number of tourists every year. It is facing its worst floods in nearly century due to heavy rainfall that has left 223 dead and forced over 10 lakh people out of their homes. The Central Government has declared this calamity of ‘severe nature’. Note: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction calls for cultural heritage and its protection to help in building resilience and enhance ability of the affected population to participate in its own recovery. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS): ICOMOS is global monument conservation body (non-government organisation) dedicated to promoting the application of theory, methodology and scientific techniques for conservation of architectural and archaeological heritage across the world. It is also advisory body to UNESCO for cultural heritage, in particular for implementation of World Heritage Convention. It was founded in 1965 in Warsaw (Poland) as a result of the Venice Charter of 1964. It is headquartered in Paris, France.

3) India’s ace Shuttler and Rio Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu (23) was ranked seventh on Forbes list of highest-earning women sportspersons in the world (earnings between June 2017 and June 2018). The list was topped by tennis legend Serena Williams with total earning of $18.062 million including $62,000 as prize money. Eight of the 10 top highest-earning women sportspersons were tennis players, remaining two were badminton player and professional racing driver.

4) The International Buddhist Conclave (IBC), 2018 was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind. It was sixth edition of International Buddhist Conclave. Its theme was ‘Buddha Path – The Living Heritage”. Key Facts: The Conclave was organized by Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with State Governments of Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Japan is ‘Partner Country for IBC-2018. It was held from 23rd to 26th August, 2018 at New Delhi and Ajanta (Maharashtra), followed by site visits to Rajgir, Nalanda and Bodhgaya (Bihar) and Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh). It saw participation delegates from following 29 countries including ministerial level delegation from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. This edition of conclave had religious and spiritual dimension, academic theme and diplomatic and business component. Background: Union Ministry of Tourism has been organizing International Buddhist Conclave biennially. The earlier Conclaves were organized in New Delhi and Bodhgaya (February 2004), Nalanda and Bodhgaya (February 2010), Varanasi and Bodhgaya (September 2012), Bodhgaya and Varanasi (September 2014) and in Sarnath/Varanasi and Bodhgaya (October 2016). ASEAN countries were guest of honour during IBC, 2016. Objectives of this conclave are: Showcase and project Buddhist Heritage in India. Boost tourism to Buddhist sites in the country. Cultivate friendly ties with countries and communities interested in Buddhism. Buddha Path: It refers to eight great places of Buddhist Heritage (referred in Pali as Aṭṭhamahāṭhānāni). These places are connected with important events of life of Buddha from the time of his birth, enlightenment, reaching dhamma to suffering humanity, till he passed away (Mahāparinirvāna) at the age of 80 years. These are living heritage that still continues to inspire millions of people to walk and find out peace, happiness, harmony and solace.

5) University Grants Commission (UGC) issued circular directing all varsities and higher education institutions to ban sale of junk food on their campuses. This ban will help will set new standards for healthy food, making students live better, learn better and reduce obesity levels. It will also help to prevent lifestyle diseases which have direct link with excessive weight. Key Facts: The circular was issued after a directive from the HRD ministry, asking the UGC to ban the sale of junk food on premises of higher education institutions. Similar move was made earlier by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) which had directed all affiliated schools to take junk food off their canteen menu. Moreover, schools were also asked to inspect lunch boxes of students, create awareness about nutritious food and regularly monitor students’ health. The directive was released following report by Ministry of Women and Child Development (MCB) on consumption of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) and promotion of healthy snacks in schools. University Grants Commission (UGC): UGC is statutory body set up by Union government in accordance to UGC Act 1956. It functions under Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is mandated to initiate important decisions and dialogues which have important bearing on the entire student population of the country. The three primary functions of UGC include overseeing distribution of grants to universities and colleges in India, providing scholarships and fellowships to beneficiaries and monitoring conformity to its regulations by universities and colleges.

6) India Banking Conclave (IBC) 2018 was held in New Delhi from 23-24, 2018. It was organised by Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) along with its knowledge partner and government Think Tank, NITI Aayog. The conclave was aimed at making India’s banking sector more adaptable to face multiple future challenges in the coming years. India Banking Conclave (IBC) 2018: IBC 2018 focused engaging corporates, law and policy makers of country, academicians and professionals on common platform to make all stakeholders share their views on all impending issues including bad debts and non-performing assets (NPAs) that have been accumulated in unbiased manner. IBC 2018 aimed to serve as effective platform for varied stakeholders connected to India’s banking and financial sectors. It also seek to act as bridge between government and key stakeholders and synergize to re-invigorate India’s banking and financial sectors as many believe that a healthy, effectively running banking system can only revive India’s investment cycle and support the country’s growth story. Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR): CEPR is network of over 1100 researchers who are based mainly in universities throughout Europe and collaborate in research and its dissemination. It was founded in 1983 and is based in London, United Kingdom. It aims to enhance quality of economic policy-making within Europe and beyond by fostering high quality, policy-relevant economic research and disseminating it to decision-makers in public and private sectors. It is funded by a registered, European charity founded in 1983 by Richard Portes, FBA, CBE.

7) India won four bronze medals in Wushu sporting event (all in Sanda style) at Jakarta-Palembang 2018 Asian Games held in Indonesia. It was India’s best performance so far in Wushu in Asian Games as in Incheon games in 2014, India had won just two bronze medals. Four bronze medals winners are- Roshibina Devi: 60kg category. Santosh Kumar: 56kg category. Surya Bhanu Partap Singh: 60kg category. Narender Grewal: 65kg category. He had earlier won bronze in Sanda 60kg in 2014 Asian Games. Wushu: Wushu is Chinese Kung-fu. It is martial art form that deals with exhibition and full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It is different from other combat sports as it is a mix of kick-boxing and wrestling. It is made up of two disciplines, namely Taoulu (forms) and Sanda (sparring). Sanda comprises combative aspect of art-form, while Taoulu involves demonstration of the moves, acrobatic routines and techniques that that are implemented in Sanda. Wushu is international sport governed through International Wushu Federation (IWUF).

8) Maharashtra Government has appointed Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon as the brand ambassador of Mumbai city-based Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). She was appointed to spread awareness among fellow citizens as she is environmentally-conscious citizen and respected member of the community. As brand ambassador, she will help state forest department to create awareness about its various initiatives, like 50 crore tree plantation drive, eco-tourism in SGNP and conservation of leopards in SGNP, among others. Sanjay Gandhi National Park: It protected area near Mumbai in Maharashtra. It was formerly known as Borivali National Park (renamed to present name in 1996, after Sanjay Gandhi, eldest son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.). It is notable as one of the major national parks existing within metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world. It is spread over are of 103 sq.km in heart of Mumbai city and surrounded by population of 20 million people. It is part of Western Ghats biodiversity and forms roughly 205 of Mumbai’s geographical area. It is home to more than 274 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, 78 species of reptiles and amphibians, 170 species of butterflies and over a staggering 1,300 species of plants. Kanheri Caves, 2000 year old complex of some 160 rock-cut caves (was important Buddhist learning centre) is situated within national park and is protected archeological site.

9) Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has notified food safety standards for honey and its products in bid to curb adulteration. These standards will be applicable to both domestic manufacturers and importers. It will help farmers to fetch better prices for their products. Key Features of new standards: It defines honey as natural sweet substance produced by honey bees from nectar of blossoms or from secretions of plants, which honey bees collect, transform and store in honeycombs for ripening. Honey products should comply with 18 parameters like that of sucrose content, glucose ratio, pollen count, foreign oligosaccharides etc, These products should contain fixed maximum 5% limit for sucrose, 10% for carviacallosa and honeydew honey. The moisture percentage should be maximum 20% and pollen count should be 25,000 per gram. If product is sold as honey then food ingredient, including food additives should not be added to it. Honey should not be heated or processed to such extent that its essential composition is changed and its quality is impaired. Honey can be labelled according to floral or plant source, if it comes from any particular source and has organoleptic, physicochemical and microscopic properties corresponding with torigin. In case of ‘Monofloral Honey’, minimum pollen content of plant species concerned should not be less than 45% of total pollen content. In case of ‘Multi Floral Honey’, pollen content of any of plant species should not exceed 45% of total pollen content. Background: About 90,000 tonnes of honey of all varieties is produced annually in the country. There are about 30 lakh honey bee colonies and five lakh people are engaged in the business. Government considers promoting farmers to venture into beekeeping business as key component to increase their income. Union Government is promoting honey production through mission for integrated development of horticulture (MIDH). It has established National Bee Board for implementing various activities for development of scientific beekeeping under MIDH.

10) Rahi Sarnobat became first Indian woman to win shooting gold medal at Jakarta-Palembang 2018 Asian Games in 25m pistol event. She shot score of 34 in final to tie with Thailand’s Naphaswan Yangpaiboon who won silver medal and Kim Minjung of South Korea won bronze with score of 29. It was Rahi’s biggest medal of her shooting career. Rahi Sarnobat: She hails from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. She was first Indian pistol shooter to win gold medal in Shooting World Cup (25m pistol event in the ISSF World cup in Changwon, China). She had won her first gold medal at 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India. She was first Indian shooter to qualify for 25 meters sports pistol event in the Olympics (London Olympics in 2012). Medals won – Gold: 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games (women’s 25-metre pistol). Bronze: 2014 Incheon Asian Games (25-metre pistol team event). She had teamed with Anisa Sayyed and Heena Sidhu.

11) Shooter Saurabh Chaudhary (16) won gold medal in Men’s 10m Air Pistol event with record score of 240.7 at 2018 Jakarta Palembang Asian Games in Indonesia. For first time he was competing senior event and won gold medal in Asian Games debut. It was India’s first shooting gold in ongoing event. Another Indian shooter, Abhishek Verma (29) also won bronze medal in the same event. In Men’s 50-metres Rifle 3 Positions event, India’s Sanjeev Rajput won silver medal. Saurabh Chaudhary: He hails from Kalina village in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He is son of farmer. Started shooting atage of 15 in Meerut. He was trained with senior shooters in the run-up to the 2018 Asian Games. He had won gold medal while setting new World record at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany in June 2018. He will participate in 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October 2018. He had won gold medal with junior world record at 10th Asia Youth Olympic Games qualification event in December 2017.

12) Iran has unveiled first domestically manufactured fighter jet nicknamed Kowsar. It was unveiled at defence show held in the capital city of Tehran. Kowsar: It is fourth-generation fighter with advanced avionics and multi-purpose radar. It was 100% indigenously made in Iran. Its name Kowsar means river in paradise in Islam and also title of chapter in Koran. It is dual-cockpit, single engine jet with single tail fin. It resembles US-made F-5F Tiger (first flew in 1974), which is variant of 1950s-era US Northrop F-5 fighter that is a long-time mainstay of Iranian Air Force. It can be used for short aerial support missions. It is equipped with systems that promote precision targeting. Background: Iran’s functional air force has been limited to perhaps as few as few dozen strike aircraft either Russian or ageing US models including F-5s that were acquired before 1979 Iranian revolution. Iran has unveiled several new fighter jets in last few years. In 2013, it had unveiled domestically built fighter jet Qahar-313, which was compared to US F-22 and F-35.

13) President Ram Nath Kovind appointed Governors of seven states including Bihar, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Tripura by exercising his authority under Article 156. The appointments will be effective from the dates the incumbents take charge of their respective offices. New Governors: Satya Pal Malik: He is former Governor of Bihar who was transferred to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). It makes hi, first careered politician to be appointed as Governor of J&K in 51 years. He succeeds N Vohra, who has been serving this post since 2008. Lal Ji Tandon: He was has been appointed as new Governor of Bihar. He was MLA in Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council for two terms (1978-84). He was elected MLA from Lucknow West for three terms from 1996 to 2009. He was close confidant of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Ganga Prasad: He was appointed as the new Governor of Sikkim. He is former Governor of Meghalaya. He was member of Bihar legislative council for 18 years. He is former leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly. He was businessman by profession, and had started his political career as Jan Sangh member in 1967. Tathagata Roy: He was transferred as new Governor of Meghalaya. He was earlier the Governor of Tripura. He was BJP’s West Bengal unit President from 2002 to 2006. He had started his political career in 1990. He was part of Calcutta Metro railway project and had designed Calcutta Metro. Kaptan Singh Solanki: He was appointed as new Governor of Tripura. Prior to this, he was Governor of Haryana. He is former Rajya Sabha member and was appointed as the Governor of Haryana in 2014. He was elected to Rajya Sabha in August 2009. Satyadev Narayan Arya: He was appointed as the new Governor of Haryana. He is prominent Dalit leader from Nalanda, Arya. He was eight-term MLA from Bihar. He was cabinet minister in 2010 BJP-JDU Government in state. Baby Rani Maurya: She has been made the new Governor of Uttarakhand. She is former Agra mayor and ex-member of National Commission for Women (NCW). She was BJP leader from Agra. Constitutional provisions of Governor: Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated appointment of the same person as governor for two or more states. Article 156: It says that Governor is appointed by President of India for a term of five years (But Governor usually holds office during pleasure of President.

14) State-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) became the first public sector enterprise (PSU) to make transaction on RXIL TReDS platform. It executed its first digitised invoice discounting transaction on RXIL TReDS platform by accepting digital invoice uploaded by Nasik-based MSME (micro category) vendor Narendra Udyog. This transaction was financed by Bank of Baroda. RXIL- TReDS platform: TReDS is online electronic institutional mechanism for facilitating the financing of trade receivables of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) through multiple financiers. RXIL is India’s first TReDS platform operating since January 2017. It promoted by National Stock Exchange (NSE), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank and Yes Bank. It enables MSMEs to gain control of their receivables with enhanced visibility and timeliness. In October 2017, Union Government had mandated all major PSUs to join TReDS platform to facilitate payments to MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) vendors.

15) Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has announced to set up Cyclone Warning Centre in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram. It also proposed to set up C-band Doppler weather radar at Mangalore, Karnataka. This comes in view of recent heavy rainfall and concerns over extreme weather activities in future. Cyclone Warning Centre: The centre will be equipped with state- of-the-art infrastructure including forecasting tools to provide daily weather alerts, issue weather warnings and coastal warnings or bulletins (for fishermenetc). It is expected to be functional within a month and will cater to the needs of Kerala and Karnataka states. It will further strengthen tpresent forecasting activity in India Meteorological Department’s existing office in Thiruvananthapuram. At present, IMD has six cyclone warning centres, four along east coast at Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Kolkata (West Bengal), and two along west coast at Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Mumbai (Maharashtra). C-band Doppler weather radar: It is proposed to be set up at Mangalore, Karnataka to provide nowcast alerts for severe weather, including thunderstorms triggered by heavy rain for the next 2-3 hours. This radar will cover northern Kerala and Karnataka. It is expected to be installed by the end of next year. Currently, there are two Doppler radars in Kerala at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, which cover central and southern districts, respectively. With addition of this new radar, entire state will be covered for monitoring rainfall and severe weather events.

16) The World Senior Citizens Day is celebrated every year on 21 August across the world raise awareness of the condition of elder people and support them through the process of senescence. This day is observed to raise awareness about factors and issues affecting older people, such as deterioration with age and examine issues that affect their lives such as abuse of elderly people. It is also recognizes and appreciates contributions that older people make to society. It calls for welfare of elder persons to enroll and appreciate their achievements and involvement in the society to get promoted from their ability and knowledge. Background: The day was officially established by former president of United States Ronald Reagan after he had signed Proclamation on August 19, 1988, declaring August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day in US. Other countries later adopted the day to pay respect to the elderly community. Later United Nations General Assembly on 14th of December 1990 proclaimed to observe 21 August as World Senior Citizens Day.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 18 August 2018 to 24 August 2018.

17) Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has designated National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) as nodal authority to curb online child pornography, sexual violence and rape videos. It was decided by high-level meeting to discuss recommendations on ways to curb “sexual violence” videos involving women and children. Key Facts: NCRB can act on such online child pornography, sexual violence and rape videos content either on the basis of complaints or by taking suo motu cognizance. It also has been mandated to launch online portal for receiving complaints and acting on them. The powers were delegated to NCRD under section 79 of Information Technology Act, 2000 to perform the functions under clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 79 of IT Act, 2000 and to notify the instance as per the order issued. Background: The meeting was convened ahead of upcoming hearing before Supreme Court on plea by NGO Prajwala highlighting availability of child porn and rape videos online while seeking measures to check this. The meeting was chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Electronics and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, NSA Ajit Doval, Director of Intelligence Bureau. In this meeting, ways to filter objectionable materials, including rape videos on laptops and smartphones were discussed. It was also decided to share list of 500 key words used in searching such child porn and rape videos with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including Google, Yahoo, Facebook, WhatsApp and Microsoft. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): NCRB is nodal agency under Home Ministry for authentic source of data on crime on various parameters including accidents, suicides from across all the states of the country and prisons for policy matters and research. It was established on 11 March 1986 as the central police organisation. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It is implementing and monitoring agency of Crime & Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS), a Mission Mode Project under National e-Governance Plan of Government. It also imparts training in Information Technology (IT) and Finger Print Science for Indian Police Officers as well Foreign Police officers. It publishes 4 annual publications on Crime, Prison Statistics, Accidental Deaths & Suicides and Finger Prints. These publications serve as principal reference points on crime statistics.

18) India won bronze medal in Men’s Sepak Takraw event at 2018 Jakarta Palembang Asian Games in Indonesia. It was India’s maiden medal in Sepak Takraw sporting event. In the semifinal match of event, Indian team lost to defending champion Thailand by 0-2 score. In its first match of the event, India had defeated Iran 21-16, 19-21, 21- 17.However it had lost to Indonesia (0-3 score) in the second Preliminary Group B match of day but still advanced to last-four stage and won bronze medal. Sepak takraw: Sepak takraw (kick volleyball) is traditional sport of countries Southeast Asia. It has similarities like Volleyball which is played with hand but sepak takraw is played with the feet, knee, head and chest. Sepak takraw has been part of Asian Games since 11th edition in Beijing 1990. There are four types of sepak takraw games for men and women – circle, double regu, regu and team. Thailand is traditionally the most dominating country in Asia. Sepak takraw match is played by two regus (teams) each made up of three players who must take across wicker or plastic balls onto the pitch field. Its field is sized 13.4 x 6.1 meters and are separated by net which has high of 152 cm (men) or 142 cm (women). The regus serving first, starts first set and side that wins first set has option of choosing service (first service decided by toss). As soon as the Tekong (player) kicks ball all players are allowed to move freely in their respective courts. The service is valid if ball passes over net and inside boundary lines of opponent, whether it touches the net or not. The point is awarded when either serving or receiving side commits fault serving next ball.

19) United States Government has awarded Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander) to General Dalbir Singh Suhag (Retired) of Indian Army. The award was given to Singh for his exceptionally meritorious service as Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) from August 2014 to December 2016. With this, he becomes second Indian to get this award, first being General Rajendrasinghji Jadeja in 1946. Key Facts: The award commended his leadership for Indian Army’s counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations and its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) during Nepal earthquake in 2015. He was also lauded for sustaining Indian Army contributions to United Nations global peacekeeping as one of world’s largest provider of forces to UN. Notably, India-US Army to Army bilateral engagements, improved interoperability and close functional cooperation expanded during Gen Dalbir Singh’s tenure as chief of Indian Army. Background: The Legion of Merit to General Dalbir Singh was announced by US Government in March 2016 when he was in chair as Chief of Army Staff, with intention of conferring award to him during his official visit to US in April 2016. However, due to procedural delays in obtaining necessary government sanction for award presentation had resulted in this not being presented during his official visit. General Dalbir Singh subsequently had retired from service in December 2016. Note: Article 18 (4) of Constitution (Abolition of titles): It says that no person holding any office of profit or trust under State shall, without consent of President, accept any present, emolument, or office of any kind from or under any foreign State. Legion of Merit: It is military award of United States Armed Forces given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services and achievements. It is awarded to members of the seven uniformed services of the United States as well as to military and political figures of foreign governments. It is awarded in four degrees; Degree of Chief Commander; Degree of Commander; Degree of Officer; and Degree of Legionnaire. Its degrees and design were influenced by the French Legion of Honour (Légion d’honneur). US Congress Act (Public Law 671—77th Congress, Chapter 508, 2d Session) allows US President award to Legion of Merit personnel armed forces of friendly foreign nations for their exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

20) Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified new sets of specified health warnings for all tobacco product packs. In this regard, it has made amendments in Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labeling) Rules, 2008. The amended rules will be applicable w.e.f. 1st September 2018. Background: Union Health Ministry maintains pictorial health warnings on packs of tobacco products are most cost-effective tool for educating people on the health risks of tobacco use. The warning on all packs of tobacco products have tobacco causes cancer and tobacco causes painful death written in white on red background accompanied with quitline number. Study conducted by National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) had found that about 46% of illiterate men smoke, whereas only 16% of college graduates are hooked to tobacco. Features of new rules: Under it, Government has released two separate set of images. The first set will be used on tobacco products from September 1, 2018 for period of 1 year, whereas second set of images will be used from September 1, 2019. Besides, images quit line number is also pertinent feature of new warning. It mandates packaging to display “Quit Today Call” number which is online on-call assistance facility launched for those people seeking support to quit use of tobacco products. The new rules also mandates all people engaged directly or indirectly in production, supply, import or distribution of cigarettes or any tobacco products to ensure that all tobacco product packages have the specified health warnings exactly as prescribed. Violation of above provision will be punishable offence with imprisonment or fine as prescribed in Section 20 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.

21) Five northern states Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Union territories of and Delhi and Chandigarh have decided to set up centralised secretariat at Panchkula (Haryana) to tackle the drug menace. It was decided at in inter-State regional conference of Chief Ministers organised in Chandigarh by Haryana government on issue of “Drug menace, challenges and strategies”. Key Facts: The conference was was attended by Chief Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar (Haryana), Amarinder Singh (Punjab) and Trivendra Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand). Himachal Pradesh counterpart Jairam Thakur attended it through videoconferencing. It decided to set centralised secretariat at Panchkula which will host nodal officers from each of these northern states and UTs. These officers will be deputed for sharing intelligence and information. It aims to have mechanism for quick and proactive information exchange on drug trends, cases registered and persons named, wanted or arrested. It will host monthly meeting of special task forces and quarterly meetings at level of Home Secretaries to build inter-agency trust to break and demolish the supply chains to tackle the drug menace.

22) Wrester Vinesh Phogat (23) became first Indian women athlete to win gold medal at the Asian Games 2018 held in Jakarta, Indonesia. She achieved this feat, by defeating Yuki Irie of Japan by 6-2 score final of the women’s wrestling in the 50kg category. With this, she also became first Indian woman wrestler to win gold medal at 2018 Asian Games. It also makes her only woman wrestler to win two medals in back-to-back Asian Games. She had earlier won Bronze medal in 2014 Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea (in 48 kg category). This was India’s second Gold medal after start of Asian Games in Jakarta. First was won by wrestler Bajrang Punia in the men’s freestyle 65 kg final event. Vinesh Phogat: She hails from Haryana. She comes from successful family background of wrestling. Her cousins Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari are both international wrestlers and Commonwealth Games medalists (Hindi biographical film Dangal was loosely based on them). She also had won back-to-back gold medals in 2014 Glasgow (in 48 kg category and 2018 Gold Coast (50 kg) Commonwealth Games.

23) Rishabh Pant became fourth Indian wicket-keeper to take five catches on Test debut during the second day of the third Test against England. Pant who became India’s 291st Test player, achieved this feat by taking catches of Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid in England’s first innings. Key Facts: With this feat, Rishabh Pant joins club of other Indian wicket-keepers who have taken five catches on Test debut. They are Naren Tamhane (vs Pakistan in 1955), Kiran More (vs England in 1986) and Naman Ojha (vs Sri Lanka in 2015). It also makes him Pant first Asian wicket-keeper and third in the world to take five catches in an innings on Test debut. Other two international wicket-keepers who achieved this feat are B Taber (vs South Africa, 1966) and J MacLean ( vs Brisbane, 1978).

24) Union Home Ministry has issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for cash refilling of automated teller machines (ATMs) after certain time period. It comes in view of rising incidents of attacks on cash vans, cash vaults, ATM frauds and other internal frauds leading to increased sense of insecurity. It will come into effect from 8 February 2019. There are over 8,000 privately owned cash vans operating across country, operated by non-bank private agencies, and they handle over Rs. 15,000 crore daily on behalf of banks. Features of new SoPs: It sets deadline of replenishing cash in ATMs before 9pm in cities and 6pm in rural areas. In case of Naxal-hit districts notified by central government, e deadline will be 4pm. It makes mandatory on private agencies handling these operations to collect money from banks in first half of the day and transport them in armoured vehicles. The agencies should provide private security for cash transportation with requisite number of trained staff. Every cash van must have one driver, two armed security guards, two ATM officers or custodians. One armed guard must sit in front along with driver and another in rear portion of van during transit. The cash van should not carry cash of more than Rs. 5 crore per trip. Each of cash boxes shall be secured to floor with separate chains and locks that can be opened only by using separate keys kept with different custodians. During loading or unloading of cash, nature’s call, tea or lunch break, at least one armed security guard should remain present with cash van at all times. The eligible ex-serviceman must be preferably appointed for providing security for cash transportation. No private security agency should appoint anyone for cash transportation with verification of person including police, Aadhaar and residence verifications, previous employer check, credit history check and fidelity insurance. Every cash transportation operation should be carried out only in secured cash vans fitted with GPS tracking device. The cash van shall be provided with small CCTV system with at least five days recording facility and three cameras installed in front, rear and inside of cabin. The cash van shall be equipped with hooter, fire extinguishers and emergency lights to ensure quick reaction in case of attack. It should also be equipped with security alarm with GSM based auto-dialer along with motorised siren. Private security agency should carry out cash handling, including counting, sorting, and bundling activities shall in secured premises in accordance with specific guidelines. These premises should be designed to include two physically independent areas, one for general office purpose and other for secured cash processing and handling activities. It should also accommodate space for cash deposit, collection, sorting, counting and delivery and dispatch on secured cash vans.

25) Wrestler Bajrang Punia (24) won India’s first gold medal at the 18th edition of the Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia. In the men’s freestyle 65 kg final event, he defeated Japan’s Takatani Daichi by 11-8 score. It was Bajrang’s maiden gold medal and overall second medal in Asian Games after he had earlier won silver medal in 2014 Asian Games (Incheon, South Korea) in the men’s freestyle 61 kg category. Bajrang Punia: Bajrang is a freestyle wrestler from India. He hails from Haryana. At present, he is India’s fastest, most powerful and focussed grappler. He works as Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) with Indian Railway. Ahead of 2018 Asian Games, he had won three consecutive international gold medals – Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast), Tbilisi Grand Prix (Georgia) and Yasar Dogu International (Istanbul). In 2013, he had won bronze medal (third place) in World Championships held Budapest (Hungary) in 60 kg freestyle category. Note: Apurvi Chandela and Ravi Kumar were first Indian athletes to win medals in 2018 Asian Games. Both had won bronze medal in mixed team rifle shooting event.

26) Rishabh Pant became fourth Indian wicket-keeper to take five catches on Test debut during the second day of the third Test against England. Pant who became India’s 291st Test player, achieved this feat by taking catches of Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid in England’s first innings. Key Facts: With this feat, Rishabh Pant joins club of other Indian wicket-keepers who have taken five catches on Test debut. They are Naren Tamhane (vs Pakistan in 1955), Kiran More (vs England in 1986) and Naman Ojha (vs Sri Lanka in 2015). It also makes him Pant first Asian wicket-keeper and third in the world to take five catches in an innings on Test debut. Other two international wicket-keepers who achieved this feat are B Taber (vs South Africa, 1966) and J MacLean ( vs Brisbane, 1978).

27) Union Home Ministry has issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for cash refilling of automated teller machines (ATMs) after certain time period. It comes in view of rising incidents of attacks on cash vans, cash vaults, ATM frauds and other internal frauds leading to increased sense of insecurity. It will come into effect from 8 February 2019. There are over 8,000 privately owned cash vans operating across country, operated by non-bank private agencies, and they handle over Rs. 15,000 crore daily on behalf of banks. Features of new SoPs: It sets deadline of replenishing cash in ATMs before 9pm in cities and 6pm in rural areas. In case of Naxal-hit districts notified by central government, e deadline will be 4pm. It makes mandatory on private agencies handling these operations to collect money from banks in first half of the day and transport them in armoured vehicles. The agencies should provide private security for cash transportation with requisite number of trained staff. Every cash van must have one driver, two armed security guards, two ATM officers or custodians. One armed guard must sit in front along with driver and another in rear portion of van during transit. The cash van should not carry cash of more than Rs. 5 crore per trip. Each of cash boxes shall be secured to floor with separate chains and locks that can be opened only by using separate keys kept with different custodians. During loading or unloading of cash, nature’s call, tea or lunch break, at least one armed security guard should remain present with cash van at all times. The eligible ex-serviceman must be preferably appointed for providing security for cash transportation. No private security agency should appoint anyone for cash transportation with verification of person including police, Aadhaar and residence verifications, previous employer check, credit history check and fidelity insurance. Every cash transportation operation should be carried out only in secured cash vans fitted with GPS tracking device. The cash van shall be provided with small CCTV system with at least five days recording facility and three cameras installed in front, rear and inside of cabin. The cash van shall be equipped with hooter, fire extinguishers and emergency lights to ensure quick reaction in case of attack. It should also be equipped with security alarm with GSM based auto-dialer along with motorised siren. Private security agency should carry out cash handling, including counting, sorting, and bundling activities shall in secured premises in accordance with specific guidelines. These premises should be designed to include two physically independent areas, one for general office purpose and other for secured cash processing and handling activities. It should also accommodate space for cash deposit, collection, sorting, counting and delivery and dispatch on secured cash vans.

28) The World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed every year on 19 August to recognize work of humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives. The observance of the day provides opportunity to celebrate spirit that inspires humanitarian work around globe. It pays tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service and also to rally support for people affected by crisis around the world. The campaign theme for this year is #NotATarget. It aims to draw attention towards the millions of innocent civilians affected by armed conflict every day, who are forced to flee or hide due to conflicts and wars around the world. This year’s campaign demands world leaders to do everything in their power to protect all civilians in conflict. Background: The World Humanitarian Day was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing a resolution A/63/L.49 in 2008.The resolution was sponsored by Sweden and was passed by UNGA on Strengthening of Coordination of Emergency Assistance of the UN. The day marks death of then Special Representative of Secretary-General to Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello and 21 of his colleagues who were killed in bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad on August 19, 2003. Since 2009, this day is observed annually by humanitarian community to ensure safety and security of humanitarian aid workers and for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crisis.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 18 August 2018 to 24 August 2018.

29) Joint platoon level military exercise Maitree 2018 between India and Thailand was conducted in Thailand from 6 to 19 August 2018. It was platoon level exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army that comprised of infantry component. Maitree 2018: The exercise had started with cross training period involving familiarization training between two armies to evolve drills and procedures involved in counter insurgency & counter terrorist operations in urban, rural and jungle terrain under United Nations (UN) mandate. It focused on familiarizing with each other’s modus operandi, basic maneuvers and evolving joint drills. It also included practicing of various drills ad tactical scenarios in counter insurgency environment, execution of tactical operations like search and destroy operation, house intervention and survival techniques. It culminated with 72 hour joint exercise on planning and execution of series of tactical operations like pursuit, raid, establishing military check post and cordon and search operations. Significance: The Maitree 2018 immensely benefitted both armies from each other’s expertise and experience in conduct of tactical level counter terrorist operations. It also helped in enhancing cooperation between two armies and bonhomie between troops. It also laid due emphasis on increasing interoperability between forces from both countries which is considered crucial for success of any joint operation.

30) Panini language laboratory was recently inaugurated at Mahatma Gandhi institute in Mauritius to promote reading and writing Hindi amongst young and its further development. It was launched by External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of 11th World Hindi Conference held in Mauritius. Panini language laboratory: Panini language lab aims to promote reading and writing Hindi amongst young generation and its further development. It will serve as medium to generate more interest in learning Hindi amongst youngsters thereby strengthening language. It has been established in Mauritius with support from Indian External Affairs Ministry. The lab has 35 computers and equipments along with advanced software of various Indian languages installed by Indian IT professionals to aid students of junior, middle and high schools to imbibe new techniques of language learning and getting them acquainted with four language mantras–hearing, prounciation, reading and writing through easy and scientific ways.

31) The World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed every year on 19 August to recognize work of humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives. The observance of the day provides opportunity to celebrate spirit that inspires humanitarian work around globe. It pays tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service and also to rally support for people affected by crisis around the world. The campaign theme for this year is #NotATarget. It aims to draw attention towards the millions of innocent civilians affected by armed conflict every day, who are forced to flee or hide due to conflicts and wars around the world. This year’s campaign demands world leaders to do everything in their power to protect all civilians in conflict. Background: The World Humanitarian Day was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing a resolution A/63/L.49 in 2008.The resolution was sponsored by Sweden and was passed by UNGA on Strengthening of Coordination of Emergency Assistance of the UN. The day marks death of then Special Representative of Secretary-General to Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello and 21 of his colleagues who were killed in bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad on August 19, 2003. Since 2009, this day is observed annually by humanitarian community to ensure safety and security of humanitarian aid workers and for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crisis.

32) Pitch Black – 18 (PB-18), biennia multinational air exercise hosted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) concluded recently Darwin, Australia. It was the largest Pitch Black ever conducted by Australia, which saw participation of 16 nations and more than 140 aircraft, the current edition. India’s Participation: In this edition of exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) for the first time participated with air assets and in earlier exercises it had participated as observer. IAF contingent consisted of 145 air-warriors including IAF Commandos team, Garuds, four Su-30 MKI, one C-130 and one C-17 for logistic support for induction and de-induction. Pitch Black – 18: The objectives of this exercise were to foster closer relationship between participating friendly forces and promote interoperability through exchange of knowledge and experience. Its aim was to expose participating nations to operational environment in international scenarios. It comprised of two phases. During first phase, forces flew basic missions with aim to get to same working platform. Subsequently in second phase, missions involved larger packages and undertook simulated air combat exercises in near realistic environment and exchanged best practices towards for enhancing operational capability. During the exercise, IAF for the first time conducted various day and night operations. It also provided it unique opportunity for exchange of knowledge and experience with participating nations in dynamic warfare environment. Pitch Black Exercise: It is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is normally held in Northern Australia, primarily at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal. The first Pitch Black exercises took place in 1981 between different RAAF units. Later in 1990, it began as training exercise between Australia and Singapore and then was expanded as multilateral exercises by inviting international air forces with which Australia has defence ties. The aim of exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) combat, in simulated war environment. It traditionally consists of red team and blue team based at separate locations, with one attacking other.

33) Indigenously developed Helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) ‘HELINA’ was successfully flight tested from Indian Army Helicopter at Pokhran range. The weapon system was tested for its full range. About Test: ATGM HELINA weapon system was released smoothly from Army Helicopter. After its launch it tracked target all through its course and hit it with high precision. HELINA: HELINA is helicopter launched version known of NAG ATGM, designed and developed indigenously for Indian Army under integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP). It is manufactured by India’s sole missile producer, state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited. HELINA is one of the most advanced Anti-Tank Weapons in the world. It works on “fire and forget” principle and operates in Lock on Before Launch mode. It has operational range of 7-10km (after air-launched). It is equipped with highly advanced Imaging Infrared Radar (IIR) seeker along with integrated avionics. This technology is possessed by very few nations. It also possesses advanced passive homing guidance system. It has been designed mainly to destroy modern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets.

34) Delhi government’s additional director of health, SK Arora was awarded prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) World No Tobacco Day 2017 Award for his extraordinary contribution towards tobacco control. He was presented the award by Henk Bekedam, WHO India country head in New Delhi. WHO World No Tobacco Day Award: It is awarded every year by WHO to individuals or organisations alike in each of six WHO regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. This awards includes WHO Director-General Special Recognition Awards, World No Tobacco Day Awards. World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on 31 May. It is intended to encourage 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe. Tobacco prevalence in Delhi: Delhi government’s health department for the past four years has been fighting against direct advertisement of brand promotion of tobacco and surrogate advertisement of tobaccos in name of pan masala and other eatables such as tea, ilaichi (cardamom). National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 of Central Government has set targets of relative reduction in tobacco prevalence by: 15% by 2020, 30 % by 2025. Delhi has already achieved these targets before 2017. Tobacco prevalence in Delhi has come down by 6.5% in the past six years which is more than rest of India average figures. According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2 (GATS 2) 2016-17, prevalence of tobacco use has reduced by 27% in Delhi as compared to 17% for the rest of India average. Similarly, current tobacco smokers in Delhi have reduced by 35% as compared to 23% for the rest of India average. The current gutkha users have also significantly reduced by 63% in Delhi as compared to rest of India average figures of just 17%. For cessation modalities also Delhi has performed much better than rest of India average figures.

35) Aadhaar-issuing body UIDAI (Unique Identity Authority of India) has announced phased roll-out of face recognition for carrying out Aadhaar authentication from September 15, 2018 as additional security layer. It also has announced new feature ‘live face photo,’ which is live feed of person facial features whose 12-digit unique number Aadhaar is submitted. Face recognition: The face authentication will be in addition to fingerprint or iris scans for Aadhaar authentication. In initial phase, telecom service providers (TSPs) will be first to use face recognition to authenticate subscribers while issuing new SIM cards. In later phases, it will be rolled out to all agencies using Aadhaar for authentication in phases. Significance: This move is aimed at curbing possibility of fingerprint cloning or spoofing and also seeks to tighten audit process and security around the issuance and activation of mobile SIMs. It will also help to solve authentication problem for those who have issues regarding fingerprint and iris scan. Fingerprints wear out either with person’s old age or due to jobs such as heavy manual labour. Directions to TSPs: UIDAI has directed TSPs to target at least 10% of their total monthly authentication transactions using face authentication. Any shortfall in transactions using face authentication will be charged at Rs 0.20 per transaction. It will be responsibility of TSPs to verify live photo captured using face authentication at their backend system with photo received in eKYC (electronic know your customer) before activation of SIM. TSP will store both photos in its database for audit purpose.

36) Team of international researchers including 18 Indian scientists for first time have decoded wheat genome. In this research, DNA sequence of bread wheat was successfully ordered and it represents highest quality genome sequence generated to date for such wheat variety. Key Facts: The research conducted by more than 200 scientists from 73 research institutions in 20 countries. The reference enome decoded covers 94% (14.5 Gb) of entire wheat genome. Team of 18 Indian scientists contributed in decoding of Chromosome 2A of wheat genome. This project was financially supported by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. Significance: The research shows that bread wheat has complex hexaploid genome which is 40 times larger than that of rice genome and 5 times larger than human genome. Information generated by decoded wheat genome will help to identify genes controlling complex agronomic traits such as yield, grain quality, resistance to diseases and pests as well as tolerance to drought, heat, water logging and salinity. The availability of high quality reference genome will accelerate breeding of climate-resilient wheat varieties to feed ever-increasing world population and help address global food security in decades to come.

37) Former United Nations General Secretary and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan passed away in Bern, Switzerland. He was 80. He had served as seventh Secretary-General of UN for two terms reigning from 1997 till 2006. He was first black African to become Secretary-General of UN and also the first to be elected from UN staff itself. About Kofi Annan: He was born on 8 April 1938 in Kumasi, Gold Coast (now Ghana). After completing his education, he had joined UN in 1962 as Budget officer for World Health Organization (WHO) in 1962. He went on to work in various capacities at UN, which included serving as Under-Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping from 1992 to 96. Later he had served as UN Secretary-General for two terms reigning from 1997 till 2006 (He was succeeded by South Korean diplomat Ban Ki-moon in 2007). As the Secretary-General, he had reformed the UN bureaucracy. He was passionate advocate of human rights and had played major role in the formation of two new intergovernmental bodies in 2005 within UN: Peacebuilding Commission and Human Rights Council. He also had played pivotal role in creation of Global Fund to fight AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis during his term at UN. In 1999, he had launched UN Global Compact initiative, which is now world’s largest effort to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR). He was also founder and chairman of Kofi Annan Foundation and chairman of ‘The Elders’, an international organisation founded by Nelson Mandela. He was co-recipient of 2001 Nobel peace prize along with the United Nations. In September 2016, he was appointed to lead UN commission to investigate Rohingya crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine province. Kofi Annan’s famous quotes: “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family.” “To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.” “More countries have understood that women’s equality is a prerequisite for development.”

38) Aadhaar-issuing body UIDAI (Unique Identity Authority of India) has announced phased roll-out of face recognition for carrying out Aadhaar authentication from September 15, 2018 as additional security layer. It also has announced new feature ‘live face photo,’ which is live feed of person facial features whose 12-digit unique number Aadhaar is submitted. Face recognition: The face authentication will be in addition to fingerprint or iris scans for Aadhaar authentication. In initial phase, telecom service providers (TSPs) will be first to use face recognition to authenticate subscribers while issuing new SIM cards. In later phases, it will be rolled out to all agencies using Aadhaar for authentication in phases. Significance: This move is aimed at curbing possibility of fingerprint cloning or spoofing and also seeks to tighten audit process and security around the issuance and activation of mobile SIMs. It will also help to solve authentication problem for those who have issues regarding fingerprint and iris scan. Fingerprints wear out either with person’s old age or due to jobs such as heavy manual labour. Directions to TSPs: UIDAI has directed TSPs to target at least 10% of their total monthly authentication transactions using face authentication. Any shortfall in transactions using face authentication will be charged at Rs 0.20 per transaction. It will be responsibility of TSPs to verify live photo captured using face authentication at their backend system with photo received in eKYC (electronic know your customer) before activation of SIM. TSP will store both photos in its database for audit purpose.

39) Team of international researchers including 18 Indian scientists for first time have decoded wheat genome. In this research, DNA sequence of bread wheat was successfully ordered and it represents highest quality genome sequence generated to date for such wheat variety. Key Facts: The research conducted by more than 200 scientists from 73 research institutions in 20 countries. The reference enome decoded covers 94% (14.5 Gb) of entire wheat genome. Team of 18 Indian scientists contributed in decoding of Chromosome 2A of wheat genome. This project was financially supported by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. Significance: The research shows that bread wheat has complex hexaploid genome which is 40 times larger than that of rice genome and 5 times larger than human genome. Information generated by decoded wheat genome will help to identify genes controlling complex agronomic traits such as yield, grain quality, resistance to diseases and pests as well as tolerance to drought, heat, water logging and salinity. The availability of high quality reference genome will accelerate breeding of climate-resilient wheat varieties to feed ever-increasing world population and help address global food security in decades to come.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 18 August 2018 to 24 August 2018.

40) Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has proposed to set up five-member committee to suggest changes to JEE (Advanced) in the wake of an inadequate number of candidates qualifying entrance test this year. The committee will be headed by IIT-Madras director Bhaskar Ramamurthy. Key Facts: The mandate of committee is to develop robust and scientifically designed entrance exam system to test potential of candidates as well as to reduce their dependence on coaching institutes. Other members of the committee will include Abhay Karandikar (Director of IIT-Kanpur), Vineet Joshi (Director General of National Testing Agency) and Professor Kannan Moudgalya of IIT-Bombay. Background: The first merit list for JEE (Advanced) 2018 had only 18,138 candidates, which was only 1.6 times total sanctioned seats. It was smallest pool of qualified candidates since 2012. It was also very less than mandated required of twice number of seats on offer. This had forced HRD Ministry to step in last-minute and order IIT Kanpur (which had organised JEE-Advanced this year) to release list of candidates, twice number of seats in each discipline and category (strictly as per merit) prior to starting the choice filling through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority). Subsequently, IIT Kanpur added another 13842 candidates (8,954 general, 3,824 OBC, 771 SCs and 293 from ST category) to merit list, taking total up to 31,980 candidates. To avoid such incident in future, HRD Ministry has proposed to set up five-member member Committee.

41) India won South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-15 Women’s Championship. In the final match held in Thimpu, Bhutan, India defeated Bangladesh by 1-0 score. Sunita Munda scored the goal that helped the Indian U-15 team clinch the title. Earlier in the semifinal, India defeated Nepal 2-1. SAFF U-15 Women’s Championship is association football tournament for women’s national teams under the age of 15 from seven south Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bhutan). This was second edition of SAFF Under-15 Women’s Championship. Bangladesh had won the inaugural edition in 2017 by beating India, 1-0 in the final played at Dhaka. South Asian Football Federation (SAFF): It is an association of the football playing nations in South Asia. This federation was founded in 1997 and is byproduct of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), a regional organization of seven nations of South Asia region which was established in 1985. It is part of the larger Asian Football Confederation. Its founding members are Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Bhutan joined the federation in 2000 and Afghanistan in 2005. In February 2015, Afghanistan had officially left SAFF. Now SAFF has total seven participating nations Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

42) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) has asked insurers to cover mental illness under medical insurance policy from immediate effect, treating it at par with physical illness. At present, insurers exclude mental illness from ambit of medical insurance policies. Key Facts: IRDAI’s directive follows Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 enacted by Parliament and came into force from May 2018. The section 21(4) of said Act mandates every insurer to make provision for medical insurance for treatment of mental illness on same basis as available for treatment of physical illness. According to provisions of the Act, mental healthcare includes analysis and diagnosis of person’s mental condition and treatment as well as care and rehabilitation of such person for his mental illness or suspected mental illness. Mental illness: As per Ministry of Law and Justice, mental illness is defined as substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs behaviour, judgment, capacity to recognise reality or ability to meet ordinary demands of life. It also includes mental conditions associated with abuse of alcohol and drugs, but does not include mental retardation which is condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind of person, specially characterised by subnormality of intelligence. Significance: Bringing mental illness under medical insurance policy, will ensure life of dignity to those who have mental health issues. It will help to create awareness, acceptance and inclusion of mental illness as any other ailment. Moreover, it will bring mental health disorders at par with physical illnesses, which will normalize diagnoses, reduce associated myths and stigma related mental health disorders. It will be in lines with global practice, as globally, companies cover mental illness after initial waiting period of two-three years.

43) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has constituted three-member committee to look into draft food labelling and display regulations-Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2018. The committee will be headed by B Sesikeran, former director of National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)and comprises of current NIN director Hemalatha and AIIMS’ endocrinologist Nikhil Tandon. Key Facts: FSSAI had released draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2018 in April 2018. It had proposed mandatory red-label marking on such packaged food products which are high in fat, sugar and salt contents. The front-of-the-pack red label mark was aimed to make consumers more aware about healthy and unhealthy food products. But, Union Health Ministry had put on hold on the draft regulations, after industry stakeholders had expressed concerns, citing that it may have an adverse impact on evolving packaged food industry. So address their concerns, FSSAI has decided to set up committee of experts with health and nutrition background to look into t draft regulations. Significance: India can learn from best practices from the other countries such as Denmark, Norway and Singapore on labelling and trans-fat regulations. Consultation process started by FSSAI is seen as an attempt to begin dialogue among stakeholders on proposed draft labelling regulations. Moreover, recently, several companies had pledged to FSSAI’s Eat Right Movement and have made voluntary commitments to reduce salt, sugar and fat in their products. FSSAI in future is likely to push more and more companies to make similar voluntary commitments.
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